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Greenville County Sentences Two Men for Crimes Against Minors

Symbol of justice and community safety in Greenville, SC

News Summary

Greenville County faces a troubling situation as two men received severe sentences for crimes involving the exploitation and assault of minors. Steven Earl Dickert is sentenced for sexual exploitation, while William David Watkins receives 27 years for a home invasion sexual assault. Additionally, Russel Stokes pleads guilty to third-degree sexual exploitation, highlighting the ongoing battle against child exploitation in the community. Law enforcement remains vigilant in preventing such heinous acts.

Greenville County’s Dark Underbelly: Two Men Handed Severe Sentences for Crimes Against Minors

In a shocking twist of events, Greenville County is grappling with the aftermath of two serious criminal cases involving the exploitation and assault of minors. The South Carolina Attorney General has been cracking down on such disturbing activities, leading to the arrest and sentencing of two men who committed heinous acts against vulnerable individuals.

The Arrest of Steven Earl Dickert

The first of the two cases brings us to 39-year-old Steven Earl Dickert, who was apprehended by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This dedicated team specializes in tackling crimes that take place in the realm of technology, particularly those involving children. Dickert was taken into custody on April 1, facing grave charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors. He is facing three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, which is a felony that could bring up to 10 years behind bars for each count.

Authorities have reported that Dickert was involved in distributing files that contained child sexual abuse material. The swift action by law enforcement serves as a clear indication that such offenses will not be tolerated in the community. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has been instrumental in ensuring safety for minors in today’s digital world.

William David Watkins’ Shocking Assault

Turning to a different but equally troubling case, 41-year-old William David Watkins has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a victim after a break-in at her home. This terrifying incident occurred on February 19, 2021, and it is particularly unsettling since the victim’s child was present in a nearby room during the assault. Watkins was charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

After facing the court, Watkins has been sentenced to a staggering 27 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. This lengthy prison term aims to keep the community safe and send a strong message that such predatory behavior is completely unacceptable. The Greenville Police Department played a crucial role in investigating the case and bringing Watkins to justice.

Russel Stokes Under Fire

In another alarming development, 56-year-old Russel Stokes is facing serious consequences for his actions after pleading guilty to charges of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. His case brings light to the issue of online child sexual abuse material. The investigation into Stokes started in March 2024 when authorities discovered he was uploading such material on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network.

Thanks to diligent investigative work, authorities were able to obtain subscriber information that ultimately led them to Stokes’ residence in Greenville County. During the search, investigators seized electronic devices that contained thousands of files depicting child sexual abuse material. At the time of his arrest, Stokes was reportedly out on bond for similar charges, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior.

Judge Jessica Savini didn’t hold back, sentencing Stokes to 10 years in prison, although she credited him with 171 days he has already served. Upon his release, Stokes will be required to register as a sex offender, which adds another layer of accountability to his conviction.

The Community Stands Strong

The events unfolding in Greenville County serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against crimes that exploit the most innocent among us. Both the community and law enforcement continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the safety of children remains a top priority. As these cases conclude with severe sentences, the message is clear: crimes against minors will be met with the utmost seriousness and rigorous action.