South Carolina judge discusses explicit child abuse with Florida man: The two men were in a relationship, cops allege

Content warning: This article describes child sexual abuse. Please take care while reading.

A disturbing case has shaken the Charleston, South Carolina, community, where authorities arrested James B. Gosnell Jr., a 68-year-old former Charleston County magistrate judge, on charges that he possessed child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Federal authorities allege that Gosnell Jr. not only possessed such material but also communicated with a Florida man about their shared interest in child abuse. Investigators suggest that the two men were in a relationship and discussed their abusive interests together.

The Gosnell Jr. investigation

The investigation into Gosnell Jr. began following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations traced multiple financial transactions to a known distributor of CSAM in the United Kingdom.

Authorities allege Gosnell Jr. sent these payments, including personal information, his phone number, address, and email account. The transactions occurred in November 2024.

Subsequently, federal agents obtained a search warrant for Gosnell Jr.’s residence and electronic devices. During the search, they discovered a flash drive containing numerous videos and images depicting explicit child abuse, including prepubescent minors, infants, and toddlers.

Gosnell Jr.’s Florida connection

Further investigation revealed that Gosnell Jr. had communicated with a Florida man who shared his interest in child abuse. According to federal authorities, their communications included “unimaginably explicit conversations” suggesting that the two men were romantically involved and discussed abusing children together.

In response to these charges, the South Carolina Supreme Court suspended Gosnell Jr. from his judicial duties, citing credible information that his continued service posed a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and the administration of justice. The Charleston County Government also revoked Gosnell Jr.’s access to county facilities, devices, and accounts. A judge denied Gosnell Jr.’s bond.

Federal investigators are continuing their efforts to identify potential victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The public’s assistance is crucial in ensuring that justice is served and that any further victims are protected.