News Summary
James Devan Martin, a 34-year-old resident of Lexington, has been charged with serious sex crimes involving a minor, including solicitation and dissemination of obscene material. Arrested as part of an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation, he is currently in custody without bond as legal proceedings unfold. The community is reacting with concern over the implications of the case, highlighting the importance of child safety online.
Lexington, South Carolina – A 34-year-old man, James Devan Martin, has been charged with multiple sex crimes against a minor involving the sexual exploitation of a young person. The charges against Martin include one count of criminal solicitation of a minor, one count of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and one count of dissemination of obscene material to a person under the age of eighteen. He was arrested on June 26, 2025, as part of an investigation led by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force alongside the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
Following his arrest, Martin was taken into custody and booked at the Lexington County Detention Center. He is currently fighting the charges without bond on the more severe criminal sexual conduct charge and remains in custody as of the date of this report. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has indicated that it will prosecute the case against him.
The nature of the allegations against Martin is severe, with authorities asserting that he both solicited and engaged in sexual conduct with a minor. Additionally, he is accused of sending sexually explicit images to the individual, which has led to the dissemination of obscene material charge.
Legal Implications of Charges
The charge of criminal solicitation of a minor is classified as a felony, carrying a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison. Similarly, the charge of criminal sexual conduct with a minor is also a felony with the same maximum sentence. The distribution of obscene material to a person under the age of eighteen is treated in the same category, with offenders facing similar punitive measures.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to note that under legal principles, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Attorney General Alan Wilson has stated this fundamental legal doctrine, reinforcing the importance of fair trials within the judicial system.
Background on the ICAC Task Force
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was established to combat child exploitation in the digital realm. It collaborates with local law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals who exploit children online. The arrest of Martin highlights ongoing efforts to address and eliminate such crimes, ensuring the safety of minors in the community.
Community Response
The community in Lexington has expressed concern over the allegations, emphasizing the need for vigilance and action to protect children from such exploitation. This case will likely raise awareness about the risks young people face online and the ongoing issue of child exploitation, prompting discussions about safety measures and preventive education in schools and neighborhoods.
This arrest is a significant development in the fight against sexual exploitation of minors and reinforces the commitment of local and state authorities to protect vulnerable populations. The case against James Devan Martin will continue to unfold as it moves through the legal system, drawing attention to crucial issues surrounding child safety in an increasingly digital world.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Midlands Man Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse
Juan Velasquez-Rocha Sentenced for Sexual Crimes Against Minors
Lexington County Representative Indicted on Child Exploitation Charges
20-Year-Old Arrested for Kidnapping and Sexual Conduct in SC
Man Arrested for Traveling to Pick Up Minor in Gaston, SC
Cayce Community Unites to Search for Missing Teen
Opportunities and Concerns in Lexington County
Additional Resources
- WIS News
- Wikipedia: Child exploitation
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: Criminal sexual conduct with a minor South Carolina
- WACH Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internet Crimes Against Children
- Cola Daily
- Google News: James Devan Martin arrest
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
