(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------A Westminster man remains in jail today, after his arrest yesterday morning, on two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 1st Degree.
34 year old Phillip Edward Gilliam, of Unity Church Road, was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center at around 10:52am Thursday. Gilliam remains in jail, at this time, after his bond was denied on both charges. Gilliam will appear before a Circuit Court Judge, at a later time, regarding his bond.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation began back on May 15th of this year after an employee of the South Carolina Department of Social Services spoke with a Deputy regarding allegations of a criminal sexual assault involving Gilliam. The investigation was turned over to a Violent Crimes Investigator from the Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, it was determined that Gilliam committed a sexual battery by inappropriately touching a child between May and August of 2023, according to arrest warrants. The incident involved only one victim.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. In order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, and that of the victim, who is a minor, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office will not release any information that could, in any way either directly or indirectly, identify the victim in this case.
Gilliam will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device, as a condition of bond, should he be released from jail.