Welcome to Arrest Stories. A sixty-eight-year-old Charleston County magistrate judge has been arrested and suspended from judicial duties after federal authorities discovered child sexual abuse material during a search of his home. Here's what may have happened.
The investigation into James B. Gosnell Junior began when the Department of Homeland Security received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding suspicious financial transactions. According to federal authorities, the transactions involved payments to a United Kingdom distributor of child sexual abuse material.
Investigators traced the payments to a peer-to-peer online money transfer account that was directly linked to Gosnell's phone number, home address, and email account. The financial trail allegedly showed purchases of illegal material from the UK distributor, prompting federal agents to take action.
On September sixteenth, federal authorities executed a search warrant at Gosnell's Charleston County residence. Following the completion of their search, investigators arrested the longtime magistrate judge. During the search, agents reportedly discovered a flash drive containing what they described as numerous videos and images depicting child sexual abuse.
The disturbing content allegedly included videos and images of minors, infants, and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct. These findings led to formal charges of possession of child sexual abuse material against the veteran judicial officer.
Following his arrest, Gosnell was immediately suspended from his judicial duties. Court officials stated that his "continued service as a magistrate in Charleston County poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and the administration of justice."
During bond proceedings, the court denied Gosnell's release due to safety concerns within the general jail population. Officials noted his extensive experience handling warrants and charges against current inmates, creating potential security risks. One official explained, "He's been the bond judge on some of the cases of inmates in there and the preliminary judge on some of the cases."
The case has sent shockwaves through the Charleston County judicial system and the local community.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.