Aiken, S.C., August 24, 2025
News Summary
Aiken, South Carolina, has experienced several alarming arrests related to child exploitation and abuse. Notable cases include a band teacher accused of possessing child pornography and a daycare worker charged with child abuse. Community members are expressing their concerns as local authorities emphasize their commitment to fighting these heinous acts. This wave of arrests reflects ongoing issues surrounding child safety, underscoring the need for vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior in the community. The seriousness of these charges has sparked a renewed focus on protecting the well-being of children.
Aiken, S.C. Sees Multiple Arrests Involving Child Exploitation and Abuse Cases
Aiken, South Carolina, has recently witnessed a series of arrests related to child exploitation and abuse, including serious charges against multiple individuals. The incidents highlight ongoing concerns about child safety in the community.
James Brown Arrested for Child Sexual Exploitation
James Brown, a 47-year-old man, was apprehended on a busy roadway in Warrenville on Thursday. He faces significant allegations of sexually exploiting a minor, specifically a teenage girl whom he reportedly had a child with when she was only 13 years old. Brown is charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor and is currently held with a bond set at $50,000. The victim’s claims detail that Brown began abusing her when she was just 11 years old, ultimately leading to her giving birth to Brown’s child.
Day-Care Worker Faces Child Abuse Charges
In another disturbing case, Raven Tyler, a 25-year-old day-care worker at Sunshine House in Aiken, has been arrested for child abuse after an incident involving a child in her care. An incident report indicates that she forcefully jerked a child by the arm, causing pain and discomfort. Tyler is charged with two counts of cruelty to children. Video evidence captured during a routine food distribution revealed her abusive actions, and another parent reported that their child suffered a dislocated elbow while in her care.
Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material Leads to Arrest
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office also arrested 37-year-old Justin Dean Boone for possession of child sexual abuse material. Boone faces five counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and has a bond set at $5,000 personal recognizance. His arrest followed a tip from the South Carolina Attorney General’s office, prompting an investigation into his activities.
Band Teacher Arrested for Child Pornography
Michael George Poda, a 34-year-old band teacher, was also arrested on similar charges. He faces five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree for possessing child pornography, including images of minors. Following his arrest, Poda has been placed on administrative leave from his teaching position.
Plea Agreement for Kevin Kenyatta Johnson
In a separate case, Kevin Kenyatta Johnson recently accepted a plea agreement in which he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in Aiken County. In exchange for his guilty plea, Johnson has received an eight-year prison sentence.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
The string of arrests has provoked concern among residents of Aiken, a community that values the safety and well-being of its children. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to investigating and prosecuting individuals engaged in child exploitation and abuse, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior.
Background Context on Child Exploitation
Child exploitation remains a prevalent issue across the nation. Various agencies and organizations work tirelessly to combat these heinous acts, which often go unnoticed until severe consequences occur. The recent arrests in Aiken are a critical reminder of the need for community awareness and proactive measures to safeguard children.
Summary of Arrests in Aiken, S.C.
| Name | Age | Charges | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Brown | 47 | Criminal sexual conduct with a minor | $50,000 |
| Raven Tyler | 25 | Cruelty to children | N/A |
| Justin Dean Boone | 37 | Second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor | $5,000 personal recognizance |
| Michael George Poda | 34 | Sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree | N/A |
| Kevin Kenyatta Johnson | N/A | Two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor | 8-year sentence |
FAQ
What charges did James Brown face?
James Brown faced charges of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Who is Raven Tyler and what happened to her?
Raven Tyler is a day-care worker arrested for child abuse after being recorded abusing a child in her care.
What was Justin Dean Boone arrested for?
Justin Dean Boone was arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material, facing five counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
What is the status of Michael George Poda?
Michael George Poda was arrested for possessing child pornography and has been placed on administrative leave from his teaching position.
What was the outcome for Kevin Kenyatta Johnson?
Kevin Kenyatta Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and received an eight-year prison sentence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Underway After Woman Dies in Aiken County Jail
Band Teacher Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Minor
Band Teacher Arrested for Child Pornography Possession
Aiken Teacher Arrested on Sexual Exploitation Charges
Aiken County Band Teacher Arrested on Child Pornography Charges
Aiken Band Teacher Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Minor
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Aiken Child Care Worker Accused
- Wikipedia: Child Exploitation
- Post and Courier: Aiken County Crime
- Google Search: Aiken County Crime
- Augusta Press: Band Teacher Arrested
- Google Scholar: Child Sexual Abuse
- WJBF: Aiken County Coroner Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- WFXG: Aiken Man Pleads Guilty
- Google News: Aiken County Child Exploitation
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.
