John Edward Prigmore, Child Sexual Abuse Material Possession, South Carolina 2023

Federal Judge Imposes 10-Year Sentence on Child Sex Offender

COLUMBIA, S.C. - In a disturbing case of child exploitation, a 40-year-old man from Fort Lawn has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in possessing child sexual abuse material.

John Edward Prigmore, a resident of Fort Lawn, was sentenced on October 2023 to 120 months' imprisonment by United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, with a lifetime of court-ordered supervision to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.

The investigation into Prigmore's activities began in May 2023 when the South Carolina Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant on his residence after receiving a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

During the search, several electronic devices belonging to Prigmore were found to contain child sexual abuse material. This evidence led to the charges against Prigmore, who was previously convicted on state charges of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

As part of the sentencing, Prigmore was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Homeland Security Investigations and the South Carolina Attorney General's Office led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews prosecuting the case.

This disturbing case highlights the ongoing struggle to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The community must remain vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/child-sex-offender-sentenced-10-years-federal-prison-child-sexual-abuse-material