Multiple Arrests in Florence County for Child Exploitation

Florence County, SC, September 16, 2025

News Summary

In Florence County, law enforcement has made multiple arrests related to the sexual exploitation of minors. Three individuals face serious charges, including multiple counts against Jonathan Michael Cain, Landon Brent, and Malike Williams. These actions highlight the commitment of local authorities to protect children and combat these heinous crimes. The investigation was led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, demonstrating the increasing scrutiny on child exploitation in the community.

Florence, SC – Multiple arrests related to the sexual exploitation of minors have recently been made in Florence County, leading to serious charges against three individuals. Law enforcement officials from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force have taken significant steps to address these heinous offenses, aiming to protect the vulnerable population of children in the community.

On September 5, 2025, Jonathan Michael Cain, a 43-year-old man, was arrested and now faces six counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, as well as one count of dissemination of obscene material to a person under age twelve. His arrest was made by investigators from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office as part of an ongoing effort to combat child exploitation. Cain is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center, with a bond set at $21,000. The Attorney General’s Office will oversee the prosecution of his case.

In a separate incident involving the ICAC task force, Landon Brent, a 59-year-old real estate agent from Florence, has been arrested. Brent is reportedly charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. According to law enforcement, the investigation into Brent began following a cybertip that raised concerns about the possible possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Upon executing a search warrant, investigators confirmed the tip and discovered additional incriminating files. Brent is being held at the Florence County Detention Center, although his bond has not been posted yet. His case will also be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Another arrest was made involving Malike Williams, a 29-year-old resident of Florence. Williams has been charged with serious offenses, including one count of criminal sexual conduct with a minor (first degree), one count of sexual exploitation of a minor (first degree), and five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (third degree). This investigation was initiated following a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which ultimately led to Williams’s arrest. He is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center without bond.

In South Carolina, the penalties for convictions related to sexual exploitation of minors are severe. A conviction for second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is classified as a felony and carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years, without the possibility of suspension, and offenders are not eligible for parole until they have completed this minimum sentence. On the other hand, third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is also a felony and can lead to a maximum prison sentence of ten years.

The arrests in Florence reflect a broader commitment by local law enforcement agencies to protect children and combat sexual exploitation. Authorities across South Carolina continue to work diligently to prevent these crimes and bring those responsible to justice.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: Florence Man Faces 7 Charges Related to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
• WMBF News: Man in Florence Facing Charges for Alleged Child Sex Crimes
• ABC News 4: Florence Man Arrested for Multiple Counts of Sexual Exploitation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Exploitation
• Wikipedia: Sexual Exploitation

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.