Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Westminster Man on Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Charges

Charles Lee Hightower

(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------A Westminster man remains in jail today, pending a bond hearing, after his arrest yesterday on Kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Conduct – First Degree charges.

45 year old Charles Lee Hightower was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon at his home on Manor Court and booked into the Oconee County Detention Center around 5:25pm yesterday.

A deputy from the Uniform Patrol Bureau responded to Oconee Memorial Hospital, on Monday afternoon of this week, in reference to reports of an alleged sexual assault that also occurred Monday afternoon of this week at Hightower’s residence. The deputy made contact with the victim, an adult female, who reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Hightower.

The investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Bureau and Investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit.

Based upon evidence that was gathered during the investigation, Investigators obtained arrest warrants against Hightower. One arrest warrant states that Hightower picked up the victim, forced the victim into his bedroom, restrained the victim and engaged in forcible sexual intercourse with the victim.

Hightower also restricted the freedom of movement of the victim by not allowing the victim to leave, according to evidence obtained during the investigation. The crime involved only one victim.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, and 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 potentially identify the victim in this case.