News Summary
Captain Sean Benjamin Cushman, a U.S. Army officer at Fort Gordon, has been re-arrested on severe charges related to sexual crimes against a 16-year-old. Originally arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor, new allegations surfaced during an investigation spurred by a CyberTip report from NCMEC. Cushman now faces serious charges, including criminal sexual conduct and assault. The incident has raised concerns regarding child exploitation and the military’s commitment to integrity in its personnel.
Aiken County, South Carolina – Captain Sean Benjamin Cushman, a 29-year-old active-duty U.S. Army officer stationed at Fort Gordon, has been re-arrested on serious charges related to sexual crimes against a 16-year-old victim. The re-arrest occurred on August 1, 2025, following findings from an ongoing investigation that linked Cushman to a disturbing incident involving sexual battery.
Cushman’s initial arrest took place on July 15, 2025, when he was charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree after authorities discovered child pornography materials on his devices. This included explicit images featuring underage boys and girls engaged in sexual acts. Following his arrest, he was released on a $15,000 bond.
However, the charges against Cushman escalated following the recent investigation prompted by a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The report raised alarms regarding child sexual abuse material related to Cushman, leading to further inquiries into his activities.
According to court documents, Cushman allegedly filmed himself engaging in sexual acts with the 16-year-old victim, specifically inserting his finger into the victim’s anus while they were unconscious or unable to object. Additional allegations include multiple incidents of touching and groping the victim’s buttocks while they were in a helpless state.
In total, Cushman now faces charges including criminal sexual conduct, assault and battery in the first degree, and two new counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the first degree. He is currently held at the Aiken County Detention Center without the possibility of bond.
The investigation leading to these serious accusations was executed by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case, emphasizing their dedication to tackling crimes against minors.
The U.S. Army has released a statement expressing its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct among its personnel, especially in light of the allegations against Cushman, indicating the seriousness with which they regard such cases.
Sean Cushman’s case has raised substantial concern due to the nature of the charges and the impact of such crimes on vulnerable victims, especially minors. His actions are not only a violation of legal statutes but also represent a broader issue of child exploitation that many advocates and authorities are striving to combat.
As developments unfold, the legal proceedings will continue to receive scrutiny, with many individuals and organizations advocating for the protection of minors and the prosecution of offenders.
The allegations against Cushman serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges associated with child exploitation and the importance of vigilant reporting and investigation in preventing such crimes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Graniteville Resident Arrested for Child Exploitation Charges
Additional Resources
- The Augusta Press
- Wikipedia: Child Exploitation
- WRDW
- Google Search: Sexual Exploitation of Minors
- WJBF
- Google Scholar: Child Sexual Abuse Material
- Augusta Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Exploitation
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Child Exploitation
- The Augusta Press – Former Army Officer
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.
