The Debate Over Child Sexual Abuse Prosecutions in South Carolina: A Political Feud

In South Carolina, the issue of prosecuting child sexual abuse has sparked a political feud between U. S. Rep. Nancy Mace and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Mace accuses Wilson of being too lenient on offenders, which has raised important questions about how child abuse cases are handled in the state.

1. Political Conflict: The rivalry between Mace and Wilson focuses on child sexual abuse prosecutions, a critical issue as Mace prepares to run for governor in 2026.

2. Allegations of Leniency: Mace claims that over 92% of child sex abuse cases in a Lowcountry county were dropped or dismissed, although this statistic lacks verification.

3. Case Example: Mace criticizes Wilson for a specific case in 2025 where Donald Gresh, charged with six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, received a minimal sentence of one day in jail due to dropped charges and a plea deal. Mace labels it a "sweetheart deal".

4. Wilson's Defense: Wilson's office insists that plea deals are sometimes necessary to protect victims from long trials and that sentencing is ultimately determined by judges, not prosecutors. They emphasize their efforts against child sexual abuse, citing successful prosecutions and legislative initiatives.

5. Legislative Efforts: Wilson has proposed measures to strengthen laws against child sexual exploitation, including addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material and speeding up case investigations.

6. Concerns Over Prosecution Rates: Since 2013, over half of child sexual abuse charges in South Carolina have either been dismissed or plea-bargained, a figure Mace uses to illustrate systemic failures in the judicial process, while Wilson defends plea bargains as necessary.

7. Calls for Transparency: Mace is demanding data on case dismissals and outcomes to ensure accountability in prosecutions, while Wilson maintains that their methods comply with legal norms.

8. Impact of the 2026 Election: As the gubernatorial election nears, both candidates are vying to position themselves as protectors of children, with Mace’s claims being viewed by Wilson’s camp as politically motivated attacks rather than genuine concerns for the victims.

The debate over child sexual abuse prosecutions in South Carolina illustrates a significant conflict between political aspirations and the imperative of child safety. While both Mace and Wilson acknowledge the need for aggressive prosecution of these crimes, they differ in their approaches and perspectives. Mace's accusations and demands for transparency highlight a perceived failure in the system, while Wilson defends existing practices and focuses on legislative advancements. Ultimately, the discourse surrounding this issue should prioritize the protection and justice for child victims rather than becoming ensnared in political rivalry. 

https://samueleburns.substack.com/p/the-debate-over-child-sexual-abuse