News Summary
Corey Wayne Ellis, a 33-year-old Beaufort resident, faces allegations of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor. The charges stem from incidents involving inappropriate touching of a nine-year-old girl, occurring in October 2024. Following an investigation by SLED and a request from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued. Ellis was detained on March 7, 2025, and released on a $10,000 bond the same day. The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will oversee the prosecution of the case.
Beaufort – A local man has been charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor following disturbing allegations of inappropriate touching.
Key Details:
- Defendant: Corey Wayne Ellis, 33, of Beaufort
- Date of Charge: March 7, 2025
- Investigation: Conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) at the request of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
- Arrest Warrant: Signed by Judge Robert Ferguson Jr. on March 6, 2025
- Incident Date: Occurred in October 2024
- Victim: A nine-year-old girl who disclosed details during a forensic interview
- Nature of Allegations: Ellis allegedly made physical contact with the victim intending to arouse sexual desires on two separate occasions
- Detention: Booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center at 8:36 a.m. on March 7, 2025
- Release: Released on a $10,000 bond shortly after noon on the same day
- Prosecution: The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will oversee the case
Ellis is accused under specific legal definitions which state that any defendant over the age of 14 who engages in lewd acts with a minor under the age of 16 is subject to criminal charges.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Criminal Sexual Conduct
- WTOC
- Google Search: Criminal Sexual Conduct
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Sexual Assault of Minors
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- WSAV
- Google News: South Carolina Child Sexual Crimes

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