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Arrest Made in Columbia for Sexual Exploitation of Minor

Residents of Columbia SC engaging in discussions about community projects.

News Summary

Columbia, SC, is shaken by the arrest of Zachary Collins Woodward for the sexual exploitation of a minor. The Attorney General’s announcement revealed six charges relating to child sexual abuse material, as the community also anticipates the development of the new Congaree Sports Complex. This dual impact has residents reflecting on serious issues while looking forward to the benefits of a major sports facility.

Columbia, South Carolina – Recent Arrests and Exciting New Developments

The South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson, has recently announced an arrest that has caught the attention of many. Zachary Collins Woodward, a 30-year-old from Lexington, is facing serious charges related to the _sexual exploitation of a minor_. This announcement came just as the community is buzzing about an exciting new sports complex project that’s been in the works for several years.

Details on the Arrest

Woodward has been hit with _six charges_, all of which revolve around distributing and possessing files of what is now referred to as _child sexual abuse material (CSAM)_, replacing the older term, _child pornography_. This significant shift in terminology aims to better convey the disturbing nature of the crime. His arrest, made by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, follows a crucial lead from a CyberTipline report provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Woodward faces two counts of _sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree_, each carrying a potential punishment of up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, he has four counts of _sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree_, which equally could mean another 10 years for each charge. The case is set to be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office, stressing that defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a courtroom.

Exciting News for Columbia: A New Sports Complex

As the community processes this serious situation, there’s also a wave of enthusiasm surrounding the planning of the Congaree Sports Complex, a _$65 million_ project coming to the Midlands region of South Carolina. Spearheaded by local officials, including Senator Nikki Setzler, this sports complex has been under development for over four years, finally gaining some traction with _$3 million_ allocated from the newly finalized state budget. While this is a step in the right direction, it’s still _$1 million short_ of their initial request.

The total funding will come from a mix of local, state, and private contributions, aiming to mobilize around _$62 million_ to finish the project. While there’s no official timeline just yet, excitement is building as plans are laid out for the complex to be constructed in either West Columbia or Cayce.

What’s in Store for the Sports Complex?

Phase one of the project includes the creation of eight multi-purpose sports fields along with two concession towers, which is estimated to cost around _$25 million_. The second phase is even more ambitious, planning for a _mixed-use indoor sports center_ featuring _10 basketball courts and 20 volleyball courts_, among other facilities, with a total cost of _$40 million_.

But the benefits reach beyond the excitement of local athletes! The complex is designed to attract sports tourism, hosting tournaments and attracting teams and fans from far and wide to our lovely region. The location is strategically chosen for easy access, sitting conveniently close to multiple interstate highways. This complex has the potential to not only boost local sports but also serve as an economic catalyst, bringing foot traffic and commerce to Columbia.

Conclusion

As Columbia grapples with the troubling news regarding the arrest, the community can look ahead to the future with the promise of new facilities designed to uplift and energize the area. The Congaree Sports Complex could very well become a cornerstone of both entertainment and economic growth, uniting residents through sport and bringing visitors to our beautiful state.