Federal investigators say 48-year-old Kevin Hedgpeth often posed as a minor when he tried to entice teenagers to make child sex abuse materials.
The former mayor pro-tempore and councilman for the city of Hanahan pleaded not guilty in federal court in Charleston Wednesday to a 23-count indictment. The charges include sex trafficking a minor, as well as producing, distributing and receiving pornography involving children.
“This is something that just shouldn’t happen to children,” said U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Bryan Stirling, following Hedgpeth's arraignment.
Authorities say they’ve identified 19 survivors, ages 12 to 17. They say more than a dozen are from South Carolina, while four live in North Carolina. And, they say, more than half are girls.
Stirling thanked the survivors for coming forward and helping federal prosecutors build their case. He says Hedgpeth used social media to entice them, then Cash App and Venmo to pay them.
He also had a warning for parents — child predators are no longer just in parks and playgrounds.
“Nowadays social media is in your home,” said Stirling. “These predators are in your home. They’re in your kids’ hands when they’re look at these devices.”
Hedgpeth waived his right to a detention and will remain behind bars. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
