(Walhalla, SC)---------------------------------A Walhalla man remains in jail today, on a combined $50,000 surety bond, after his arrest over the weekend on multiple outstanding arrest warrants, including one for a charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct – Second Degree.
46 year old Michael Wayne Ridley, of Bulwinkle Drive, was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center at around 5:33pm Sunday. As a condition of bond, should he be released from jail, Ridley will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device.
Ridley was recently featured on a Wanted Wednesday video segment on Crimestoppers of Oconee County, Inc. Facebook page.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation began back on September 15th of last year after a Deputy from the Uniform Patrol Bureau spoke with a family member of the two victims in regards to allegations of a sexual assault against the victims, who are both teenagers and minors.
The investigation was turned over to a Violent Crimes Investigator with the Criminal Investigations Bureau. Based upon evidence that was obtained during the investigation, it was determined that Ridley has inappropriately touched the two victims during the late summer of 2024.
One of the victims was touched inappropriately above their clothing while the other victim was touched underneath their clothing, including one time when that victim was the victim of aggravated coercion, according to arrest warrants.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. In order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, and that of the victim, the Sheriff’s Office will not release any information that could, in any way, identify the victims in this investigation.