News Summary

Three men from Bluffton, SC have been arrested on multiple charges of child sexual exploitation, including serious felony charges against Adam Thomas Steele, Darran Vaughn, and Joseph Richard Miller. The arrests, made in early 2025, highlight ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat child exploitation. Steele faces 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation, while Vaughn is charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Miller has also been arrested on four counts of exploitation, significantly impacting the community’s safety and awareness.

Bluffton Men Arrested on Multiple Charges of Child Sexual Exploitation

Bluffton, SC — Three men from Bluffton face serious charges of child sexual exploitation, with arrests made in March 2025 and February 2025.

Adam Thomas Steele Arrested

On March 21, 2025, Adam Thomas Steele, 36, was arrested on 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. This felony charge carries significant penalties.

• Felony Charges: 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation
• Punishment: Up to 10 years in prison per count
• Investigators: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
• Cooperation: Involved the Attorney General’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations
• Allegations: Possession of child sexual abuse material
• Mugshot: Not available at the time of the announcement

Darran Vaughn’s Charges

Meanwhile, Darran Vaughn, 60, was arrested on March 18, 2025, for second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. This case dates back over two decades.

• Allegations Date: February 1, 2002 – February 1, 2003
• Employment: Former deputy director of Jasper County Fire-Rescue
• Victim Report: Reported to sheriff’s office on March 13, 2025
• Warrant Issued: March 14, 2025
• Admission: Relevant admissions made during pretext communications in March
• Punishment: Up to 20 years in prison

Vaughn has been released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond and is awaiting his first court appearance. His employment was terminated immediately following the arrest.

Joseph Richard Miller’s Case

On February 11, 2025, Joseph Richard Miller, 62, was arrested on four counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, based on a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

• Charges: Four counts of third-degree sexual exploitation
• Punishment: Each count carries up to 10 years in prison
• Investigation: Prompted by a CyberTipline report

Miller was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center following his arrest.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigations into these cases are part of a broader effort by local authorities to address and prevent child exploitation in the community.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4
• Wikipedia: Child exploitation
• Island Packet
• Google Search: Beaufort County child exploitation
• Live 5 News
• Google Scholar: Child exploitation laws
• WTOC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child abuse
• WSAV
• Google News: Beaufort County sex assault

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.