After the jury was selected and just before the trial was to begin, Dillon County resident Maurice McKenzie, 61, pled guilty to two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree.  He was arrested last year for sexually assaulting two young females to whom he was related.  The abuse occurred over a period of several years.
After negotiations between the State and the defense, Judge Mike Baxley sentenced McKenzie to 13 years in prison.  McKenzie will have to serve at least 85% of the 13 years and will have to register as a sex offender upon his release.
Assistant Solicitor Shipp Daniel and Assistant Attorney General Kelly Hall prosecuted the case.
“We are thankful that justice was served for these two completely innocent victims,” said Assistant Solicitor Shipp Daniel.  Hall prosecutes sexual abuse cases throughout the state.
“I’m also grateful to Kelly Hall for lending her expertise in this case, and I look forward to having her in Dillon for future cases.”