Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Darlington Co. man sentenced for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announces that Joseph James Williamson of Darlington County has pleaded guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2^nd degree, and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. He entered the plea on July 13 before Judge Michael Nettles in Darlington County.

In November 2019, the victim’s mother found sexually explicit messages on her daughter’s phone from Williamson. The two communicated via social media and text. Williamson was 47 years old at the time and the victim 14 years old.

Investigator Carol Tarte with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office obtained records from their social media and examined the victim’s phone, which revealed additional sexually explicit messages. Some were sent to the victim while Williamson was on a cruise with his family.

Williamson was arrested and, following a waiver of his rights, admitted he first sexually assaulted the victim in June 2019, then again in August and October 2019. The victim acknowledged the incidents during a forensic interview. Williamson had been grooming the victim for years. 

Judge Nettles sentenced Williamson to 13 years in prison and he must register as a sex offender.