Update: Arrest of District 52 Employee On Sexual Exploitation Charges
On November 21, 2022 Investigators with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), who are assigned to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes AgainstChildren Task Force (ICAC), were notified of an incident that took place in Montgomery County, Texas. The Houston Metro ICAC Task Force were conducting investigations on a social media platform. During this investigation conversations began with an unknown individual who later indicated that he was a teacher in South Carolina. The suspect violated Texas law during the investigation. Houston Metro ICAC preformed legal process and identified the suspect to be Michael David Byrd Jr. of 111 Prosperity Drive in Greenwood, SC.
Investigators at the GCSO were in contact with Detectives in Texas and received specific information regarding this investigation. Based on this information a search warrant was granted for the residence of Byrd. The search warrant was executed and Byrd was arrested based on the outstanding warrants from Texas. After completing forensic analysis of Byrd’s devices and conducting interviews with Byrd it was determined that he did transmit child sexual assault material (CSAM) on social media platforms. In addition to these charges Byrd was also charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree when it was discovered that Byrd had engaged in sexual battery with a juvenile victim within Greenwood County. At this time all known victims have been identified and parents have been notified. The investigation is ongoing and if any new victims are discovered additional charges will be filed.
Sheriff Dennis Kelly said “We are thankful for our partnerships with the ICAC Task force and the work of Law Enforcement across the country that went into identifying Byrd, resulting in these charges. Our children will always be our priority and we will continue to use whatever resources necessary to find thosewho may be out harm them. We ask that you keep the victims in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. “
On November 23, 2022 a Greenwood County Magistrate denied Byrd’s bond for the charges within Greenwood County and referred the charges to General Sessions Court for a bond to be set.
Michael David Byrd Jr.
111 Prosperity Drive
Greenwood, SC 29646
DOB: 05/09/1973
Charges :
(4) Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a minor, 2nd Degree
(1) Count of Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree
(1) Fugitive from Justice, hold for Texas
