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Xanthus Murdaugh, Child Exploitation, Rock Hill SC, 2021
ROCK HILL, SC – Xanthus Nakia Murdaugh, 46, is headed to federal prison for more than eleven and a half years after pleading guilty to attempting to sexually exploit a child. The sentencing, handed down by United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, marks the latest chapter in a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior by the Rock Hill resident.
Court records reveal Murdaugh is no stranger to the justice system, boasting both a prior federal conviction for child pornography and a state conviction for Solicitation of a Crime Against Nature. Disturbingly, Murdaugh confessed to abusing numerous minors, including those within the foster care system – offenses he had previously evaded accountability for. This latest conviction adds significant time to a life already marred by heinous acts.
The investigation, which began on November 6, 2019, saw Murdaugh communicating with undercover law enforcement through an anonymous social media application. Posing as a concerned individual needing help with their children, an officer engaged Murdaugh in conversation. When informed that the “mother” had a 13-year-old daughter, Murdaugh immediately expressed interest in sexual contact with the minor. He even requested condoms and lubricant, indicating his intent.
Driven to a pre-arranged location under the guise of meeting the 13-year-old, Murdaugh was arrested that night and has remained in custody ever since. He ultimately pled guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor – a charge that carried a substantial penalty. Judge Childs imposed a 140-month sentence, nearing the maximum of the advisory guideline range, followed by a decade of court-ordered supervision. Unlike state systems, there is no parole in the federal prison system, meaning Murdaugh will serve the full term.
The successful prosecution was a collaborative effort, involving the Department of Homeland Security (HSI), York County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Secret Service, South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels led the charge in securing the conviction. This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative dedicated to combating online child exploitation and abuse.
Project Safe Childhood marshals resources at the federal, state, and local levels to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those who prey on children online, and to rescue victims. Information about the program can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing fight against child predators.
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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