Michael Thomas Dyer, 48, received the maximum sentence for 2 counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor – 1st degree last week.

The Lexington County man was found guilty for the ongoing sexual abuse of a child under 11.

11th Circuit Chief Administrative Judge Walton J. McLeod IV imposed 2 life sentences for assaulting the child and an additional 50 years for the dissemination of harmful material to a minor and 8 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor – 1st degree. Under SC law, Dyer is not eligible for parole. The trial began on Monday, May 24 and concluded late Thursday afternoon , May 27 when the jury returned guilty verdicts on all 11 charges.

“Our work to protect children in our community requires a high level of commitment from our prosecutors, staff, and law enforcement,” 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard stated.

“The young victim in this case demonstrated tremendous bravery in the courtroom, and this sentence helps give her the justice and closure that she de serves,” Hubbard said.

The South Congaree Police Department began an investigation on June 17, 2020, when they received a report of sexual abuse by Dyer committed against a 9-year-old victim in Lexington County. During the course of the investigation, detectives recovered Dyer’s smart phone and a search warrant was obtained for forensic analysis of the device. Detective Mike Phipps, a digital crimes specialist with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, provided expert testimony regarding additional evidence obtained from the forensic extraction of Dyer’s cell phone.

The victim testified during the trial regarding the sexual assaults and Dyer’s manipulative actions to keep her silent.

“The evidence showed a series of coercive conduct, threatening at times, and taking advantage of a position of trust with a child,” Judge McLeod said.

Before sentencing Dyer, Judge McLeod stated, “it is difficult to fathom how a person could do this,” and then imposed the maximum sentence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Ashley Wellman and Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes of the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

During the State’s closing argument, Prosecutor Wellman emphasized the months of sexual abuse and psychological torture the victim endured at the hands of Dyer.

“He didn’t stop, he never would have stopped. It stopped… only when she was brave,” Wellman stated.

In addition to the South Congaree Police Department and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center provided services in this case to the young victim and an additional child witness.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, all agencies rose to the occasion to ensure the investigation was detailed and comprehensive,” Wellman stated.