Attorney General Alan Wilson announces that on July 10, 2024, a Lexington County Jury found Michael Scott Valdario guilty on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st degree and two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2nd degree. Judge Walton McLeod handed down a sentence of two years on each Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2nd degree charge to be run concurrently, and four years on each Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st degree charge, to be run consecutively for a total of 10 years of incarceration.

This case began in September of 2020 when the parents of a victim turned over their child’s phone to law enforcement. This phone contained screenshots from texts and snapchats where an adult, identified as Michael Valdario, was sexually exploiting the minor by requesting images and videos of the minor engaging in sexual activity or appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity. A pattern of these types of conversations and requests lasting for months was found on the phone.

This case was investigated by Special Investigator Adam Creech, now with the South Carolina Attorney General’s office, but then with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. He also handled the forensics in this case.

Attorney General Wilson thanks the work done on this case and every case by his Victim Advocacy Division. The victim met with several different advocates throughout the time the case was pending and says that she always felt supported and respected. Director of the Victim Advocacy Division Trisha Allen provided extensive assistance with preparing the victim before trial and Victim Advocacy Coordinator Glynna Fogle was in court every day to support the victim. The victim’s strength and poise on the witness stand was directly related to how comfortable and safe she felt because of the hard work of everyone on this case.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Bethany Miles and Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Pauley. The defendant was represented by Robert “Theo” Williams and Anna Williams Yonge.