Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Greenville Co. man sentenced to prison for sex crimes against minors

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that James Batchelor pleaded guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2^nd degree, and Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 3^rd degree, on June 1, 2022.

In April 2021, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber-tip indicating a social media user was uploading child sexual abuse material. Investigators traced the activity to Batchelor’s home. A search of his devices revealed 2,800 images of child sexual abuse material. During the investigation, the investigator found a suspicious photo of a 10-year-old. The investigator was able to identify the girl and made contact with her father. In a forensic interview, the child disclosed an incident in which the defendant touched her sexually. 

The Honorable G.D. Morgan in Greenville County sentenced Batchelor to 10 years, suspended to five years in prison followed by three years of probation. He received credit for the 385 days that he has already served. The defendant will have to register as a sex offender.