Charleston SC, September 18, 2025
News Summary
James B. Gosnell Jr., a magistrate in Charleston, has been arrested on federal charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. The arrest followed a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, revealing alarming financial transactions linked to a UK distributor. Gosnell will remain in custody until at least the conclusion of a detention hearing set for September 22, which will determine his bond eligibility. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is reviewing previous cases he presided over, raising concerns about judicial integrity.
Charleston, South Carolina – James B. Gosnell Jr., a 68-year-old magistrate in Charleston, was arrested on September 16, 2025, by agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. He faces federal charges for possession of child sexual abuse material, a serious allegation that has raised concerns about his role in the judicial system.
The arrest stemmed from a tip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which flagged financial transactions linked to a distributor of such material based in the United Kingdom. Following the tip-off, Gosnell reportedly indicated to federal agents that a flash drive containing child sexual abuse materials could be located at his residence.
Gosnell made his first appearance in federal court on September 17, 2025, where a judge ordered him to remain in custody at least through the weekend. A detention hearing set for September 22, 2025, will decide if he can be released on bond. His attorney, Lionel Lofton, has expressed concerns over Gosnell’s safety while incarcerated, referencing that he had signed warrants for inmates currently detained at the facility.
In light of his arrest, Gosnell was suspended from his duties as a magistrate mere hours after law enforcement took him into custody. This decision was made based on credible information indicating a significant threat to public safety and the integrity of the judiciary system. Since his appointment in 1996, Gosnell has primarily presided over preliminary hearings in Charleston County.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has announced a review of cases that may have involved Gosnell regarding child sexual abuse materials. This development could have wider implications for the judicial process, as the Department of Justice stated that Gosnell’s case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
Gosnell’s legal troubles are not new; he has previously faced scrutiny and disciplinary actions for inappropriate conduct during his tenure as a judge. Notably, he received criticism for making sympathetic remarks about Dylann Roof’s family during a bond hearing, and he has been reprimanded for previous uses of racially insensitive language. He also presided over high-profile cases, including that of Dylann Roof, the suspect in a notorious church shooting.
The implications of Gosnell’s charges extend to questions surrounding the validity of decisions he made while on the bench, particularly in relation to child sexual abuse materials. Attorneys are expressing concern that there may be appeals linked to his alleged misconduct and the integrity of his prior rulings.
The unfolding situation raises urgent questions not just about Gosnell as an individual but about the broader issues of accountability and oversight in judicial positions. As the case moves forward, it will continue to attract attention and scrutiny.
FAQ
What charges is James B. Gosnell Jr. facing?
Gosnell is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.
When was Gosnell arrested?
Gosnell was arrested on September 16, 2025.
What led to Gosnell’s arrest?
The arrest followed a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding financial transactions linked to a UK distributor of child sexual abuse material.
What happens next in Gosnell’s case?
A detention hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2025, which may determine whether he can be released on bond.
Key Features of James B. Gosnell Jr.’s Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Magistrate in Charleston |
| Age | 68 |
| Arrest Date | September 16, 2025 |
| Charges | Possession of child sexual abuse material |
| Initial Court Appearance | September 17, 2025 |
| Detention Hearing | September 22, 2025 |
| Review of Previous Cases | By South Carolina Attorney General’s Office |
| Previous Scrutiny | Inappropriate conduct, including remarks made during a bond hearing |
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