South Carolina Man Charged in Cape May, NJ, Child Assault Case

William H. Nichols of Florence County, SC, is facing serious charges, and potentially life in prison, in Cape May County

A man from South Carolina has been arrested and is facing charges in Cape May County following an investigation into a reported sexual assault of a minor.

Charges Filed

On February 27th, 32-year-old William H. Nichols of Florence County, SC, was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

This past Sunday, he was arrested by the Florence County Sheriff's Department and is currently being held at the Florence County Correctional Facility in South Carolina pending extradition.

Florence County, SC - Photo: Google Maps / Canva

The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office did not release any specific information about this case, other than that an investigation began after officers with the Cape May Police Department received a report of an alleged sexual assault of a minor.

Under New Jersey law, those convicted of a typical first-degree crime can face up to 20 years in prison; however, this case is subject to the provisions of the Jessica Lunsford Act. If he is found guilty, Nichols would face a 25-year-to-life sentence.

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Prosecutor's Statement

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland said in a press release, "This case highlights the ongoing dedication of our law enforcement agencies to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. We take all allegations of child abuse with the utmost seriousness, and we will continue to ensure that those responsible for such heinous acts are held fully accountable under the law."

Sutherland urges anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office's Special Victims Unit at (609) 465-1135.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Chris Coleman, a South Jersey native, is the brand manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM and afternoon on-air personality on WPUR Cat Country 107.3 in Atlantic City, NJ. He joined the station in February 1998 and covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey for Townsquare Media. Story tips can be sent to chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com .