2 charged in trafficking of minor in Orangeburg County – WRDW.com

BOWMAN, S.C. (WIS) – Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Monday that two people are being charged with human trafficking in Orangeburg County.

SLED's announcement came on the same day state officials released an annual report showing that human trafficking increased 400% last year in South Carolina.

According to SLED, both of the Orangeburg County suspects knowingly placed the victim in harm that could have impacted the child's life.

Alana Ann Westbury, 32, of Bowman, was charged with trafficking a victim under 18 years old, and three counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk.

John Richard Williams, 61, of Bowman, was charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 years old and trafficking a victim under 18 years old.

Court documents allege Westbury facilitated the solicitation of an underage victim for commercial sex acts and that she forced the victim to engage in such acts with another person.

Documents also allege she received money for sex acts from the other person either directly or indirectly.

Also, documents allege that money was received for the sex acts from Williams.

Westbury and Williams were both booked at the Orangeburg County Detention Center.

Williams was granted a surety bond in the amount of $5,000. Westbury was granted a PR bond in the amount of $5,000. One condition of both their bonds is the suspects are not allowed to have contact with minors.

The case will be prosecuted by the 1st Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Anyone with information about possible human trafficking related to these individuals is urged to call 803-896-5591.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.