Teacher Arrested in Georgetown County for Child Exploitation Charges

Teacher Arrested for Child Exploitation in Georgetown County

Georgetown County, S.C. – A teacher from McDonald Elementary School has been arrested on multiple charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material. Nathan Chad Horsley, 47, a resident of Myrtle Beach, faces five charges of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, as announced by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Details of the Arrest

The arrest took place on Thursday, following a thorough investigation led by local law enforcement agencies, including the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Secret Service. Investigators discovered that Horsley had several files containing inappropriate materials involving children.

Status of the Teacher

Following his arrest, Horsley was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he remains without bond. McDonald Elementary School is part of the Georgetown County School District, which has been brought into the spotlight as a result of this incident.

Reaction from the School District

On Friday, the Georgetown County School District released a statement regarding the charges against Horsley. The District indicated that they first learned of the situation through public records, which disclosed the charges filed against him in Horry County. They noted that on December 18, 2024, local law enforcement had previously contacted them looking for the teacher as he was absent from work.

Upon confirmation of the charges, the school district placed Horsley on administrative leave as of December 19, 2024. “The District cannot comment on any investigations and has not been contacted by the prosecuting law enforcement agency at this time,” the statement read. The school district emphasized that any questions related to the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.

Community Concerns

The situation has raised significant concerns among parents and community members about the safety of children under the care of school staff. The Georgetown County School District is likely to face scrutiny as they navigate this serious matter. Parents are understandably anxious about the implications of these charges and how the District will handle similar situations in the future.

Timeline of Events

The timeline surrounding Horsley’s arrest reveals a systematic approach to addressing allegations of misconduct within the school environment. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance within educational institutions to protect students. The combination of local involvement from law enforcement alongside federal authorities shows the seriousness of the allegations made against the teacher.

Next Steps

As the investigation continues, the Georgetown County community remains on alert. Law enforcement agencies are expected to release further updates regarding the investigation and any additional repercussions for Horsley. The case highlights the ongoing challenges educational institutions face in ensuring the safety and well-being of their students.

Conclusion

In light of these troubling allegations, it is crucial for the Georgetown County community to remain informed and engaged. The response from both law enforcement and the school district will play a pivotal role in restoring trust among parents and guardians.