University police assist in Upstate child sexual abuse material investigation – WYFF News 4

Report on Arrest Related to Child Sexual Abuse Material in Anderson County, South Carolina

Incident Overview

On Thursday, a 19-year-old resident of Anderson, South Carolina, Jack Raley Catoe, was arrested by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrest was announced by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson on Friday. Catoe faces seven counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment per count.

Investigation Details

1. In October 2025, detectives received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating that child sexual abuse material was being shared via an application linked to Catoe.
2. Law enforcement officials connected the illicit material to devices owned by Catoe.
3. The investigation was supported by the Attorney General’s Office and the Anderson University Police Department.
4. Catoe was booked into the Anderson County Detention Center and subsequently released on a $2,100 surety bond.

Legal Proceedings and Community Response

• The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case.
• Catoe is originally from Columbia, South Carolina.
• Anderson University, where Catoe is a student, issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations, emphasizing the institution’s non-condonation of such conduct and its cooperation with law enforcement.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This case highlights critical issues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The arrest and prosecution demonstrate the enforcement of laws protecting children from exploitation and the commitment to justice and institutional accountability.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Protecting minors from sexual exploitation contributes to promoting safe environments free from abuse and discrimination.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Addressing child sexual abuse is essential for safeguarding the mental and physical health of vulnerable populations.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaboration among local law enforcement, the Attorney General’s Office, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and educational institutions exemplifies effective partnerships in combating child exploitation.

Conclusion

The arrest of Jack Raley Catoe for possession of child sexual abuse material underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community cooperation in protecting children’s rights and well-being. Continued efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals are vital to eradicate child exploitation and promote safe, just, and inclusive societies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses legal actions against child sexual exploitation, highlighting efforts to uphold justice and protect vulnerable populations.
   • Law enforcement cooperation and prosecution reflect strengthening institutions to combat crime.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, child sexual abuse disproportionately affects girls and women, linking to the goal of ending violence against women and girls.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Addressing child sexual abuse contributes to improving mental and physical health and well-being of children.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 16 – Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
2. SDG 16 – Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. SDG 5 – Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
4. SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicator 16.2.1: Proportion of children aged 1–17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month.
   • Implied through the focus on child sexual abuse material and exploitation cases.
2. Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population.
   • Relevant due to the arrest, detention, and prosecution process described.
3. Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
   • Related to the sexual exploitation offenses discussed.
4. Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.
   • Indirectly relevant as child sexual abuse impacts mental health and well-being.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wyff4.com