Charleston SC, October 24, 2025
News Summary
James Benjamin Gosnell Jr., a former magistrate judge in Charleston County, has pleaded not guilty to six federal charges related to child sexual abuse materials. The charges he faces include possession and distribution of child pornography. Gosnell was previously suspended from his judicial position following his arrest, and he currently remains in custody without bond. His case raises significant concern regarding child safety and the accountability of public officials. He could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Charleston, SC – James Benjamin Gosnell Jr., 68, a former Charleston County magistrate judge, pleaded not guilty to six federal charges related to child sexual abuse materials during his arraignment. The charges against Gosnell include possession, receipt, distribution, attempted receipt of, and conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse materials, also known as child pornography.
During his court appearance, Gosnell wore an orange jumpsuit, indicating he is being held at the Williamsburg County Detention Center. He has reportedly lost weight and grown a beard since his arrest. Gosnell waived his right to have the charges read aloud, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf by the court. The judge denied Gosnell bond during the hearing, and his defense attorney, Lionel Lofton, did not request bond. Lofton indicated that they will file legal motions once they receive a schedule order from the court.
A co-conspirator, whose name has not been released, faces three charges related to the case. Court documents suggest that Gosnell met the co-conspirator through shared criminal desires and was accused of traveling to him to view child sexual abuse materials together. Additionally, it is implied that Gosnell was romantically involved with the co-conspirator, with allegations that “their romantic interests involved abusing children together.”
Gosnell is also facing accusations that he may have traveled to other countries to engage in child sexual abuse, which have not yet been formalized as charges. If convicted on all counts, Gosnell faces approximately 100 years in prison.
Prior to his arrest, Gosnell had drawn criticism for controversial statements during the bond hearing for Dylann Roof, the Charleston church shooter. Upon his arrest, he was suspended from his judicial position and officially resigned on September 17. His resignation letter expressed gratitude for his 29 years of service to the citizens of Charleston County.
No court date has been set for Gosnell or his co-conspirator to return. Items recovered from Gosnell’s home included an HP laptop, an iPhone, and two USB drives. Investigators linked Gosnell to financial transactions tied to a known distributor of child sexual abuse material in the United Kingdom, traced to his online money transfer account.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace has expressed deep concern for potential victims and emphasized the importance of safeguarding their rights. Gosnell’s actions reportedly included discussions about meeting with “other pedophiles” to commit further sexual abuses against minors. The indictment states that Gosnell sought out and possessed child sexual abuse materials involving minors under the age of 12.
Key Information About The Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | James Benjamin Gosnell Jr. |
| Age | 68 |
| Charges Faced | Six federal charges related to child sexual abuse materials |
| Potential Prison Time | Approximately 100 years if convicted on all counts |
| Items Recovered | HP laptop, iPhone, two USB drives |
| Co-conspirator Status | Faces three charges, name not released |
| Suspension | Suspended from judicial position upon arrest |
FAQ
What are the charges against James Gosnell?
Charges against Gosnell include possession, receipt, distribution, attempted receipt of, and conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse materials, also known as child pornography.
What is the maximum prison sentence Gosnell could face?
If convicted on all counts, Gosnell faces approximately 100 years in prison.
What items were recovered from Gosnell’s home?
Items recovered from Gosnell’s home included an HP laptop, an iPhone, and two USB drives.
How did Gosnell’s judicial career end?
Gosnell was suspended from his judicial position upon his arrest and officially resigned on September 17.
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Additional Resources
- Count on 2 News
- Live 5 News
- ABC News 4
- Post and Courier
- WRDW
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse Material
- Google Search: James Gosnell Charleston judge
- Google Scholar: Child Sexual Abuse Materials
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Google News: Charleston judge arrest news
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