Lexington, SC 05/27/2022 (Paul Kirby) – Two accused Lexington County sex offenders have now been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after both pled guilty to two separate sex crimes. This is according to Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard’s office.
On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Federico Reyes pled guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct – First Degree in Lexington County General Sessions Court. After his plea, the Honorable Walton J. McLeod, IV sentenced Federico Reyes, age 43, to 30 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. This is the maximum sentence allowed by South Carolina law for forcible rape. This is a sexually violent conviction, making Reyes subject to the Sexually Violent Predator Act, and he will also be required to register as a sex offender. He is not eligible for parole.
According to evidence provide by investigators with the Cayce Police Department, on December 8, 2019, the 19-year-old victim went to the emergency room, with bruises, for an exam. She reported that on the previous day, she was sexually assaulted by Reyes at a residence in Cayce. The victim said she was also choked during the sexual assault. When officers responded to the incident location, Reyes admitted to the sexual assault.
This case was investigated by Investigator Alexander Stewart with the Cayce Police Department and prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Ashley Wellman. Following the sentence, Assistant Solicitor Wellman stated, “The trauma the victim endured at the hands of this man is unimaginable. The Court recognized that by ordering Reyes to serve the maximum sentence. We wish her the best and hope she can start to heal from his heinous assault.” During the sentencing hearing, Judge McLeod stated to the victim, who was present in the courtroom, that he hoped “she would no longer feel like a victim, but a survivor.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Federico Reyes
In a separate and unrelated case from that of Reyes, Daniel Emerich, age 50, entered a plea to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – First Degree. The Honorable Walton J. McLeod, IV sentenced Emerich to 32 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. This is also a sexually violent conviction, making Emerich subject to the Sexually Violent Predator Act. He will also be required to register as a sex offender if he ever gets out of prison. He is not eligible for parole.
Emerich’s case arose in October of 2021, when an adult walked in on Emerich sexually abusing a ten-year old child. The investigation determined that Emerich had committed multiple assaults against the minor victim over a period of time. Emerich was arrested by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s Fugitive Task Force. Following his arrest, Emerich made a voluntary statement to law enforcement and confessed to sexually assaulting the minor victim.
The case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Ashley Wellman. Assistant Solicitor Wellman stated, “Because of Emerich’s age and the fact that he will be subject to potential commitment as a sexually violent predator, this is an effective life sentence. We are grateful this outcome was achieved without subjecting the victim to the further trauma of a criminal trial.”
Both Reyes and Emerich will be transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of their sentences.
PHOTO CAPTION: Daniel Emerich
Comments