Shocking Arrests in Lexington County: Two Men Charged with Child Exploitation

News Summary

In Lexington County, two men, John Anthony Kayton and Timothy Mark Mccullough, were arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrests were made by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Kayton, a former adjunct professor, faces serious charges, highlighting the critical issues of child exploitation in communities. As the legal proceedings begin, concerns about child safety have heightened among local residents.

Shocking Arrests in Lexington County: Two Men Charged with Child Exploitation

Lexington County, S.C. – In a deeply unsettling case that has rattled the community, two men have been arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrests took place on February 26, 2025, by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in collaboration with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

The Suspects

The suspects are identified as John Anthony Kayton, a 50-year-old resident of Lexington, and Timothy Mark Mccullough, a 68-year-old from West Columbia. The allegations against both men are quite serious and stem from a report initiated by the CyberTipline of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It’s a reminder of the critical role that such organizations play in protecting vulnerable children.

The Charges

John Anthony Kayton is facing one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree, while Timothy Mark Mccullough is up against a more significant five counts of the same charge. These charges point to a grave situation, highlighting the sad reality of child exploitation that can occur behind closed doors.

Kayton’s Role in Education

In addition to his arrest, it’s worth noting that John Kayton had been an adjunct professor at Midlands Technical College. He worked as an accounting instructor, teaching two online courses until his recent termination following the arrest. The college, guided by President Gregory D. Little, is taking steps to ensure that students do not face disruptions in their education, actively seeking to replace Kayton and maintain the integrity of their accounting program.

The Community Reacts

The arrests have understandably left many in the Lexington County community shocked. Reports of such serious allegations can shake the foundations of trust within neighborhoods. Parents, educators, and community members are expressing their concern over the safety of children and the implications of these allegations in their local area.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

As the case unfolds, both men will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Alan Wilson emphasized the importance of the legal process, reminding everyone that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This reminder stands as a critical component of the legal system, ensuring that justice is served with fairness for all parties involved.

Conclusion

In summary, the charges against John Anthony Kayton and Timothy Mark Mccullough bring to light an alarming issue of child exploitation that touches communities nationwide. As investigations continue and the legal process plays out, the focus should remain on the well-being of the children who are at the heart of these devastating issues. The incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder that vigilance and awareness are critical in protecting the most vulnerable among us. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and involved in local efforts aimed at safeguarding children from potential dangers.

Lexington County, it’s time to come together as a community, to support one another and ensure the safety of our children. With reports of child exploitation on the rise, let’s keep our eyes and ears open to make sure we’re not just a bystander but actively engaged in fighting against such horrors.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Lexington Men Arrested
• Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
• WIS TV: Warrants for Lexington One Employee
• Google Search: Child Exploitation Cases
• ABC News 4: Two Men Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
• WLTX: Lexington County Man Arrested
• Google News: Sexual Exploitation Cases