Augusta Man Sentenced for Enticing a 13-Year-Old Minor

An Augusta man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in Columbia to Enticement of a Minor for Sexual Activity.

According to court documents, 33-year-old Derek Jerome Nelson enticed a 13-year-old girl into sexual activity in 2019.  He met the victim through an online social media application, communicated with her by text message, then by an encrypted chat...also through a cell phone app.  Investigators say Nelson arranged to travel from Augusta to Columbia to exploit the girl.

A Richland County Sheriff's Department patrol deputy noticed a vehicle parked at a vacant business at 3 a.m. July 7, 2019 and saw two people inside.  Nelson ignored commands from police, fled from the scene and led police on a two-mile chase at speeds topping 90 miles per hour.

During the chase, authorities say the 13-year-old victim was thrown from the car.  Evidence presented in Court indicated Nelson forced the girl to jump out of the vehicle against her will.  As a result, she suffered severe injuries.

Nelson admitted he knew the victim was 13 before he engaged in sexual contact with her.  Authorities found sexually explicit images, videos and messages on both their cell phones.