From staff reports
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Corey Wayne Ellis, 33, of Beaufort with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – Third Degree on Friday, March 7, 2025.
The SLED investigation was requested by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
According to an arrest warrant signed March 6 by Judge Robert Ferguson Jr., in Octorber 2024 at a location in Beaufort, Ellis made physical contact with the victim with the “intent to arrouse, appeal or gratify the sexual desires of himself or the [underaged] victim.” The warrant also states the victim participated in a forensic interview where they disclosed the defendant touched them on two separate occasions in October 2024.
The charge in this case — Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – Third Degree — indicates a defendant older than 14 years of age committed or attempted to commit a lewd act with a victim younger than 16.
Ellis was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center at 8:36 a.m., Friday, March 7. He was released on bond just after noon on March 7.
The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.