Upstate man gets maximum sentence for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Aug. 8, 2019 - An Upstate man accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl pleaded guilty Wednesday and was sentenced to the maximum possible sentence. Robert Keith Morgan, represented by Delane Rosemond, pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Second Degree; one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree; and one count of Obstruction of Justice, in Oconee County before the Honorable Scott Sprouse.

On September 26, 2017 the 14-year-old victim disclosed to Seneca High School staff that family member Robert Keith Morgan had been sexually abusing her. The victim was able to provide specific and graphic details of the abuse and advised that Morgan had used his phone to take pictures during some of the assaults. When confronted by law enforcement Morgan never denied the attacks. A forensic examination of a phone taken from Morgan showed numerous photos of the victim nude. Morgan is visible in one of the pictures with the victim.

A family member spoke on behalf of the victim at the sentencing. Judge Sprouse sentenced Morgan to the maximum on all counts: 20 years active incarceration on the charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Second Degree; 20 years active incarceration on the charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree; 10 years active incarceration on the charge of Obstruction of Justice.  All sentences are concurrent and Mr. Morgan will have to register as a Sex Offender upon his release.

Assistant Attorney General Stephen Ryan prosecuted the case for the Attorney General’s Office.