Son of suspect in SC police ambush pleads guilty to raping 11-year-old girl

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — The son of a man accused of shooting seven officers in South Carolina last year has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child, according to our news partner WPDE.

Seth Hopkins was sentenced to 20 years in prison for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Prosecutors said raped an 11-year-old girl in his home multiple times between October 2017 and October 2018.

His lawyer said nine other counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor were dismissed as part of negotiations.

Hopkins’ lawyer said he wanted to plead guilty and avoid a trial because Hopkins felt it would be hard on his family and difficult for the child.

The lawyer added Hopkins’ home was “chaotic” and this led to some bad decisions.

7 Officers Shot, 1 Killed in Standoff in South Carolina 7 Officers Shot, 1 Killed in Standoff in South Carolina

Hopkins did get credit for the 437 days he has served in jail since Oct. 5, 2018.

When he is released from prison, Hopkins will register as a sex offender and will also wear an electronic monitoring device.

Hopkins’ father, Frederick Hopkins, is accused of shooting seven law enforcement officers in Oct. 3, 2018. Deputies were coming to Hopkins’ home in Florence, South Carolina to search the home and interview Hopkins about a possible sex crime against a child.

Police said when deputies arrived, Frederick Hopkins opened fire, shooting seven officers. Police Sergeant Terrence Carraway and Florence County Investigator Farrah Turner were killed.

Hopkins was inside the home as his father fired on officers, authorities said. He has not been charged in connection with the ambush.

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