WINTHROP, S.C. — A former law enforcement officer with the Winthrop University Police Department accused of sex crimes against minors earlier this month is now facing 49 new charges, involving “multiple victims,” authorities said Tuesday.
Charles Eugene Price, 48, was arrested by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division authorities on Oct. 16 and charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 years of age in the first degree and criminal sexual conduct in the first degree.
On Monday, authorities filed 49 new charges against Price, accusing him of sex with young children in the first, second and third degree. That brings the total number of charges against Price to 52.
Former Winthrop Police officer accused of sex crimes with children, faces 49 new charges. Sled agents say the case against Charles Price, 48, involves multiple victims. More info on my Facebook page at @GSuskinWSOC9 pic.twitter.com/f2QNK9ePLU
— Greg Suskin (@GSuskinWSOC9) October 27, 2020
Channel 9′s South Carolina bureau reporter Greg Suskin learned there are multiple victims and that the case expanded after authorities filed the initial three charges involving incidents between 2007 and 2008.
According to officials, the new charges are from more recent incidents. According to arrest warrants, Price had assaulted children from 2004 through October of 2019.
Price was charged with the following additional charges:
- 9 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor under 11 years of age first-degree
- 13 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor victim 11 to 14 years of age second-degree
- 8 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct third-degree
- 18 counts of Incest
- 1 count of Kidnapping
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Price was hired in November 2004 at the Winthrop University Police Department, officials with the college said in an email. He was promoted to sergeant in 2011 and resigned in February 2014. He was rehired in December 2018 and was employed as a sergeant until he was terminated on Oct. 16.
Human Resources said it’s not aware of any employment-related complaints or disciplinary actions associated with Price. The York County Sheriff’s Office requested that SLED investigate the case.
Price was booked at the York County Detention Center.
“It’s really hard to think about,” said Jessica Shealy, a Winthrop student. “I don’t understand how it went under the radar for so long.”
Another student, Jasmine Moyd, told Channel 9 she has a good relationship with campus police but the news of Price’s arrest makes her wonder.
“I mean, all police officers are different, but just to know that one that represents our campus would so something like that is scary,” she said.
The university stressed that there is no evidence that any of the incidents happened on campus.
Anyone who has been abused, or suspects abuse, should call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) for help.
Winthrop University Statement:
"In late September, the Winthrop University Police Department (WUPD) was made aware by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) of an open criminal investigation into one of its police officers, Mr. Charles Price.
"Upon being notified of the open criminal investigation and due to the seriousness of the allegations, the police officer was immediately relieved of his badge, credentials, and duty weapon.
"Subsequently, the police officer was placed on suspension without pay and escorted off Winthrop University property.
From the initial contact with SLED, WUPD has fully cooperated with SLED into the criminal investigation of the police officer. On 10/16/2020, SLED informed WUPD that they had obtained arrest warrants on the police officer and that he had been taken into custody. Upon being notified of the criminal charges and arrest, the police officer was immediately terminated from WUPD. Furthermore, WUPD will seek to have the former police officer’s law enforcement certification suspended and withdrawn by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council.
"During the course of SLED’s criminal investigation, a WUPD Internal Affairs investigation was also conducted. At this time, neither WUPD’s Internal Affairs investigation nor SLED’s criminal investigation, has uncovered any evidence that these criminal incidents occurred on Winthrop University property or as part of the former police officer’s official duty as a law enforcement officer.
"Since being placed on suspension, the former police officer has not been allowed on the campus or any property owned by Winthrop University. In conjunction with the former police officer’s termination, he was also issued a Trespass Warning Notice from WUPD, banning him indefinitely from the campus and all property owned by Winthrop University.
"WUPD and Winthrop University want to assure the public that upon being initially notified of the situation, swift action was undertaken to ensure the continual safety and protection of the campus and the community.
“WUPD would also like to express their appreciation to SLED for their thorough investigation into this matter and have pledged that they will continue to fully cooperate with SLED. Further information and questions regarding the criminal charges or the criminal investigation into the former police officer should be directed to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Public Information Officer.”
Cox Media Group
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