HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) -- Residents in Hanahan are speaking out after a city councilman and mayor pro tem was charged in a federal child sexual abuse material case, with many expressing concern about both the allegations and the future of city leadership.
Federal prosecutors say Kevin Hedgpeth is charged with production and possession of child sexual abuse material. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the charges carry steep penalties if convicted, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison for production, along with up to 20 years for possession.
Investigators allege Hedgpeth produced and possessed the material and provided payment in connection with those offenses. The case stems from a federal investigation and is now moving through the court system. As with all criminal cases, Hedgpeth is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
For many in the community, the situation is deeply personal.
"It hurts. It affects everyone," said Christian Adams, a longtime Hanahan resident.
Adams said the case is difficult to process, especially in a close-knit community where many families are connected.
"I think one of the important things that we need to realize here is that there's a good chance that there are people in this community that were affected by this," he said. "Let's not forget about not only the victims, but also Kevin Hedgpeth's family. At this time, as a community, we need to come together in compassion and respect, and we need to support each other, because everyone gets affected."
He said the nature of the allegations has created fear and uncertainty among residents, particularly parents.
"People are scared. People are terrified," he said. "They're asking, 'Were my children affected? Were people that I know affected?'"
Adams said while the charges came as a shock, they are also bringing renewed attention to concerns some residents have had about city leadership.
He pointed to turnover within city departments, past lawsuits and ongoing scrutiny involving multiple officials as factors that have already impacted public confidence.
"When you've got multiple council members under some type of investigation, and now criminal charges that are very severe, you've got to start asking yourself where's the leadership," he said. "Who's going to take charge, and who's going to stand up for the citizens and their concerns?"
He said transparency and communication from city leaders will be critical moving forward, as residents look for answers and accountability.
"I hope that they are available to the community to answer those hard questions," he said. "Now's the time for strong leadership. Now is the time for our leadership that we elected to take care of their community."
Adams said he also hopes the community keeps its focus on those most impacted.
"We need to treat both Kevin Hedgpeth's family and the potential victims with compassion, with grace, and there needs to be integrity involved in this whole situation," he said.
As the case continues through federal court, Adams said many residents will be watching closely to see how both the legal process and city leaders respond in the days ahead.