Lexington man accused of sexual contact with children

Lexington County deputies have arrested a man as part of an investigation into encounters they said he had years ago with young girls.

James Robert Pratt, 42, is charged with 4 counts of 1st-degree criminal sexual contact with a minor under the age of 11, according to arrest warrants.

“Based on forensic interviews, detectives determined Pratt had sexual contact with 2 girls at a Gaston home during the summer of 2011,” Lexington County Jay Koon said. “Our case also includes forensic interviews with 2 other girls who disclosed they had sexual contact with Pratt at another Gaston home during the winter of 2014. We arrested Pratt Feb. 21 as part of this ongoing investigation.”

Detectives haven’t ruled out the possibility of more victims associated with Pratt, according to Koon.

“We encourage anyone with information about Pratt that could be helpful to us as we work these cases to make that call and share it with us,” Koon said. ‘We know it might not be easy or comfortable; howevei we want to make sure we’re doing right by anyone who’s been involved in something against their will.”

Koon said tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers at 888-2746372.

Tips can also be shared with Crimestoppers in the following ways:

• Log on to www.midlandscrimestoppers. com and click on the “Submit a tip” tab.

• Download the new P3 Tips app for Apple or Android devices.

Swansea man wanted in domestic violence shooting

Lexington County deputies are searching for a Swansea man wanted in connection to the shooting of his girlfriend.

Investigators have obtained warrants for the arrest of Stanley Damond Phillips, 37, on charges of domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a firearm during a violent crime and possession of a firearm by a felon.

“Detectives have pieced together a timeline of what happened between Phillips and his girlfriend Feb. 23,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Based on interviews and photographs, we believe Phillips shot his girlfriend with a handgun at the home they shared in the 1600 block of Sharon Church Road.”

The woman ended her relationship with Phillips right before the early morning shooting, according to Koon.

The woman was shot in the upper body. Her injury is not life-threatening, according to Koon.

Phillips left the scene of the shooting before deputies arrived, according to Koon. He’s since been seen numerous times in the southern end of Lexington County.

“Anyone who sees Phillips should call 911 right away,” Koon said. “We have multiple investigators out looking for him and having extra eyes and ears in our community will be a big help.”

Man wanted in Lexington kidnapping, assault

Lexington police are looking for a Greenwood man in connection to an attempted strong arm robbery that left the victim injured.

Joseph Antonio Drafts Sr., 46, is wanted for his involvement in the Monday, Mar. 2, crime. Police have issued warrants for attempted strong arm robbery, assault and battery 1st degree, and kidnapping.

The victim told officers Drafts Sr. had given him a ride and drove him to Kettle Court off West Main Street.

Drafts Sr. began assaulting the victim while also trying to take money from the victim’s pocket.

Drafts Sr. finally fled from the scene in a dark red Buick sedan.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Joseph Drafts, Sr. is asked to contact Detective Payton at 803-358-7271.