South Carolina

South Carolina teen to be tried as adult in 71-year-old's sexual assault

CONWAY, S.C. — Prosecutors in South Carolina have announced that a 16-year-old accused of sexually assaulting a 71-year-old woman will be tried as an adult.

The 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office announced Wednesday that Nicholas O. Rios will be prosecuted as an adult on attempted murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, burglary and kidnapping charges.

An assistant solicitor said “the seriousness of the crime” called for adult prosecution.

Horry County police said officers responded to a Surfside Beach home in July for a possible sexual assault. A police report obtained by news outlets says the victim told emergency personnel she was injured in a fall.

The report says responders found the circumstances suspicious and called police. On the way to the hospital, the woman revealed she’d been attacked by an intruder.