Edgefield County man sentenced to 22 years in prison for sex crimes

EDGEFIELD COUNTY, SC (WFXG) –
An Edgefield County man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for sexual assault, ending a lengthy investigation.

Eric Wayne Knowles, 57, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor in Lexington County.

Knowles pleaded guilty on May 9. Under South Carolina law, Edgefield County Sheriff Jody Rowland explained that the crimes are classified as “non-parole” misdemeanors.

The Edgefield County Sheriff's Office has partnered with Attorney Rick Hubbard, Deputy Attorney Suzanne Mayes, Lead Attorney Robby McNair and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office for technical assistance in digital evidence.

Sheriff Rowland said during the investigation, forensic examination proved that Knowles used his phone to produce sexually explicit images of a minor and record years of abuse of the minor. Rowland confirms that Knowles used other electronic devices throughout his home to secure his activity.

Knowles was being held at the Edgefield County Detention Center at the time of sentencing. He was transferred to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to immediately begin serving his 22-year sentence.

“I am grateful and proud of the quality investigation carried out by the men and women of the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office and our partners who worked tirelessly to obtain the evidence and bring this case to a successful conclusion.” Sheriff Rowland said.

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