News Summary
In Aiken County, South Carolina, three men have been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault against minors. Kenneth Gray is facing five counts of criminal sexual conduct, while Hector Fredi Reyes-Villanueva has three counts against him for assaults dating back to 2014. Terry Alen Haggerty has been charged with offenses against a victim under 16. These incidents have raised concerns about child safety, prompting the Cumbee Center to announce a training conference aimed at preventing sexual abuse.
Aiken County, South Carolina – Three men have been charged with sexual assault against minors in Aiken County, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety and protection from abuse. These separate incidents span over several years, with each alleged perpetrator facing serious legal repercussions for their actions.
Kenneth Gray, a 50-year-old resident of Aiken County, is currently in jail facing five counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct of a Minor. Allegations against Gray state that he began inappropriately touching an 8-year-old girl in 2021, with the last reported incident occurring in January 2025. The details of the case have led to Gray’s detention at the Aiken County Jail as law enforcement continues to pursue this disturbing matter.
In another case, Hector Fredi Reyes-Villanueva, also 50 and from Graniteville, was arrested on April 29 for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl around six years old. The girl reported that Reyes-Villanueva sexually assaulted her three times, with the first incident dated back to 2014. The allegations came to light on November 20, 2024, when the girl disclosed the abuse, having cited threats against her life and the lives of others if she reported the incidents. Reyes-Villanueva has been charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a charge that could result in up to 15 years in prison. Each charge carries a $15,000 surety bond set by Aiken County Magistrate Lauren Maurice, and Reyes-Villanueva remains in the Aiken County detention center.
Additionally, Terry Alen Haggerty, a 34-year-old, has been charged with criminal sexual conduct in the second and third degrees. The alleged offenses are said to have occurred between July 2024 and January 2025, involving a victim under the age of 16 in Aiken. The victim courageously reported the crime to a mandated reporter during a school event and later provided further details during a SLED forensic interview. Haggerty reportedly engaged in sexual battery and attempted to commit a lewd act upon the minor. The investigation is being handled by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), following a request from the Aiken Department of Public Safety.
In light of these recent events, the Cumbee Center has announced a Sexual Assault Awareness Month professional training conference scheduled for April 17, 2025. Titled “Protecting Our Trust,” the conference will focus on preventing sexual abuse and providing support for survivors, particularly within faith-based communities. The event aims to educate attendees through expert-led discussions and is free to the public with required registration. Participants can earn Continuing Education Units (CEU), Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE), and Victim Service Provider (VSP) hours during the conference.
The increasing number of reported cases emphasizes the need for vigilant community awareness and education regarding the prevention of sexual abuse. Community organizations and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to address these critical issues and promote safety for children and vulnerable individuals across Aiken County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shocking Arrests and Legal Twists in North Augusta, S.C.
Additional Resources
- WJBF News
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Sexual Assault Statistics
- WRDW News
- Google Scholar: Sexual Assault Intervention
- WFXG News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- WRDW News 2
- Google News: Sexual Assault Awareness
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
