Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – A sex offender has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after a trial in Lexington County this week. William Derek Bennon, age 47, was found guilty in a trial that concluded Thursday afternoon. He was found guilty on two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 1st degree, which involved a child under the age of eleven. Bennon received a sentence of 21 years on each count that’s to run concurrently.
These crimes occurred between 1998 and 2004. During that time, the penalty range for this was 0 to 30 years. Under the law, Bennon was sentenced in accordance with the penalty range in effect at that time.
The Irmo Police Department began an investigation on August 5, 2018 when they received a report of sexual abuse which had occurred over the span of many years. The victim reported that she had been assaulted as a child, between the years of 1998 and 2004. The Irmo Police Department was assisted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department when it was learned that the crimes occurred at various locations across Lexington County.
During the investigation, Irmo P.D. Inv. Kelly Mountzouros taped Bennon admitting he had committed the crimes. In the recording, Bennon called himself a “monster” and said, “I know I went too far.”
Bennon had been working as a long-distance truck driver and was residing in Denton County, Texas at the time of his arrest in 2018. He was brought back to South Carolina to face a jury for what he’d done.
The victim, now age 25, said she initially reached out for counseling in 2014 while attending college. While addressing the court, she spoke of the “heavy impact” the crimes had on her life. “Some things I struggle with every day. Specifically,intrusive thoughts and memories. The harm that the defendant inflicted on me will last a lifetime.”
Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard stated, "We continue our commitment to protect children in our community. This requires dedication from prosecutors, law enforcement, and our staff.” Hubbard further commented, “The victim in this case displayed remarkable courage and the verdict resonates a powerful measure of justice.”
Bennon will be transferred to the SC Department of Corrections where he will immediately begin serving his sentence.
Bennon will be transferred to the SC Department of Corrections where he will immediately begin serving his sentence.
