Local Man Receives 35-Year Sentence for Sexual Abuse of Minors

Newberry, SC – Local Man Receives 35-Year Sentence for Sexual Abuse of Minors

Trevor Grant Oty, a 22-year-old resident of Newberry, SC, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison following his guilty plea to multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of minors. The sentencing was conducted in the Lexington County General Sessions Court, overseen by Circuit Court Judge Debra McCaslin. Oty pled guilty on July 10, 2024, to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of first-degree criminal solicitation of a minor.

The investigation into Oty began after law enforcement received a report of an assault on a minor on the same day he entered his plea. As authorities delved deeper, they uncovered evidence that identified additional victims. Oty preyed on these minors over several months, coercing them into participating in sexual activities. Under South Carolina law, second-degree criminal sexual conduct is classified as a violent and serious crime. In addition to his prison term, Oty will be mandated to register as a sex offender upon his release. He has been transported to the State Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.

In a separate case, River Allen Mathis, a 26-year-old man from Cayce, was arrested on July 31, 2025, on one charge of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. This arrest was prompted by tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which directed investigators to Mathis. According to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Mathis is accused of possessing and distributing images depicting child sexual abuse.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Attorney General’s Office and the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, executed the arrests in Mathis’s case. The charge against him carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the prosecution of Mathis will proceed through their office, with a reminder that all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

These cases contribute to a growing concern over the safety of minors in South Carolina and highlight the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to combat sexual exploitation. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office has made strides in addressing such crimes, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations to protect children from predatory behavior.

Recent statistics indicate an alarming trend in child exploitation cases nationwide, which underscores the imperative for agencies like the ICAC Task Force in maintaining vigilant oversight. As investigations progress, the hope remains that further future incidents may be prevented through community awareness, reporting mechanisms, and ongoing law enforcement efforts.

Both Oty’s and Mathis’s cases serve as a stark reminder to the community of the ongoing risks posed to minors and the legal repercussions that follow those who exploit them. As these situations develop, law enforcement agencies continue their work to ensure the safety and protection of all children within their jurisdictions, striving to create a safer environment free from abuse and exploitation.