3 men arrested after human trafficking in minor investigation in Beaufort County.

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, have arrested three men as part of an ongoing human trafficking investigation Human being.

Alban Bryan, 63, of St. Helena, is charged with first-degree human trafficking, victim under 18, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Guy Frank Talley III, 27, of Okatie, is charged with first-degree human trafficking, victim under 18, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor third degree.

William James Youmans, 34, of Beaufort, is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and first-degree human trafficking, victim under 18 years of age.

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 13, Bryan recruited, solicited or transported a minor for the purpose of sex trafficking, according to court documents. At the same time, Bryan is also accused of harboring and providing drugs to a minor who he knew was missing from her home on the island of St. Helena.

Between February 13 and March 5, Talley recruited, solicited, or transported a minor for the purpose of sex trafficking. Talley also distributed, transported, received, sold, purchased or solicited sexual abuse material, and he had media of a minor engaging in sexual activity on his cell phone, the arrest warrant states.

Children's advocates say the term “child pornography” more accurately reflects the material involved in this type of crime, arguing that the term “child pornography” could imply to some that the child was a willing participant. The Attorney General's Office says “child pornography” is being used more often around the world for this reason.

Between February 9 and March 5, Youmans knowingly contributed to the delinquency of a juvenile reported missing by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. He is accused of providing transportation and narcotics to the girl during that time, according to court documents. Youmans is accused of recruiting, soliciting or transporting a minor for the purpose of sex trafficking.

Bryan, Talley and Youmans were arrested and booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center on Tuesday. The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the case.

The Beaufort Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Hardeeville Police Department and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations assisted in the investigation.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact SLED by calling 803-896-7400 or emailing [email protected].

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.