ICAC investigation on Hilton Head Island
Over the past several months, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office investigators followed up on leads received from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) initiative of child sexual abuse imagery being uploaded to the internet from computers/electronic devices by an unknown subject in Beaufort County.
The investigation revealed that the child sexual abuse imagery in question had been uploaded by 78-year-old John Neal Jr. of 34 South Forest Beach Drive (Xanadu) on Hilton Head Island.
Based on this information, investigators obtained warrants from a Beaufort County magistrate for Neal Jr.’s arrest for three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor 2nd Degree and to search his apartment for computers/electronic devices used to upload the child sexual abuse imagery.
Arrest of John Neal Jr.
This morning, Monday, September 13, 2021, Neal Jr. turned himself in to investigators on Hilton Head for the three active arrest warrants for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor 2nd Degree.
Neal Jr. was transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center and incarcerated.
A Beaufort County magistrate set Neal Jr.’s bond at $7,500 for the three offenses.
Service of the Search Warrant
Following Neal Jr.’s arrest this morning, investigators served the search warrant on his Xanadu apartment.
During the search, investigators located and seized a laptop, a mobile telephone and electronic storage devices.
In-depth forensic examinations of the seized devices will be conducted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and may lead to additional criminal charges for Neal Jr.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will prosecute Neal Jr. for all criminal charges stemming from this ICAC investigation.
Anyone who has information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Sergeant Seth Reynells at 843-255-3709 or Crimestoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111, if wishing to remain anonymous and for possible reward.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office appreciates your partnership in the safety of our community.
