Fort Mill man charged with sexual exploitation of a minor faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted

A Fort Mill man faces charges after his Oct. 9 arrest for allegedly engaging in child sexual abuse material. Ian Kelly Sanders, 33, has been charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, a crime that could land him in prison for up to 10 years if convicted. According to WSOCTV, the arrest was the result of a CyberTipline report, which then led investigators to Sanders.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Youth initially forwarded a tip that triggered the arrest. An investigation by the South Carolina Attorney General’s office confirmed that Sanders allegedly distributed files consistent with child sexual abuse material. This development was subsequently reported by WBTV.

In a separate but disturbingly similar case, an 18-year-old Fort Mill resident was also arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. The young adult is currently facing three charges of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one charge of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. WCCB Charlotte reported that the charges came after investigators discovered devices in the suspect’s home containing obscene material depicting victims believed to be minors.

Sanders was arrested last Wednesday and is awaiting next steps in court. The attorney general’s office emphasized that the charges are serious and that those involved could face significant prison sentences if convicted.