West Columbia man charged in child sex abuse case
Lexington County deputies have arrested a man accused of sexually abusing a teen boy for more than two years.
Michael Paul Keech, 41, is charged with three second-degree counts and one third-degree count of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 16, according to arrest warrants.
“Our investigation started after a family member of the alleged victim reported signs of the abuse to us,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Our work on the case included gathering evidence from the alleged victim’s home and interviewing him.”
The alleged victim recounted sexual encounters with Keech dating back to July 2019 and as recent as February 2022, according to Koon.
“Keech has previously held positions of trust and authority,” Koon said. “We haven’t ruled out the possibility of more people stepping forward with similar stories of abuse.
“We encourage anyone with information about Keech that could be helpful to us as we move forward on this case to share it with us. We want to make sure we’re doing right by anyone who’s been involved in something against their will.”
Koon said tipsters can use the Midlands Crimestoppers mobile app to share anonymous tips.
Deputies arrested Keech Thursday. He is being held in the Lexington County Detention Center.