HANAHAN, S.C. — A Hanahan city councilman and Mayor Pro Tem is facing serious federal charges after investigators say he was involved in the possession and production of child sexual abuse material, according to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant unsealed on Tuesday.
Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, 48, was arrested and charged following an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Authorities allege Hedgpeth participated in an online forum that facilitated the sale of child sexual abuse material and communicated directly with minors to obtain explicit content.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators identified Hedgpeth through online activity linked to the forum. The investigation further revealed that since December 2021, Hedgpeth reportedly used payment platforms including Cash App and PayPal to send money to dozens of accounts believed to be operated by minors or individuals selling illicit material. In total, 47 accounts were identified, including some linked to minors in the Charleston area.
Federal authorities say evidence of child sexual abuse material was found stored across multiple devices and accounts associated with Hedgpeth, including an iCloud account, a cellular phone, and at his residence. Investigators allege the account was frequently accessed from his home internet connection.
Court documents also accuse Hedgpeth of communicating directly with minors, directing them to create and send sexually explicit images and videos in exchange for payment. In one case, authorities say a victim was just 12 years old when the communication began. Investigators allege Hedgpeth pressured that child to produce additional content involving a sibling and, at times, posed as a minor himself to gain trust.
He is also accused of distributing explicit material to minors to encourage them to create and sell similar content.
If convicted, Hedgpeth faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, up to 30 years, lifetime supervision, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Hedgpeth was first elected to Hanahan City Council in 2018, according to information previously published by the city. He was born and raised in Charlotte and moved to Hanahan in 2009 after living in Wilmington, Augusta and Mount Pleasant. Prior to his time in elected office, he was active in the community, serving on several homeowners association boards and working with the Hanahan Citizens Committee to advocate for what is now Bowen’s Corner Elementary School.
City records also show Hedgpeth has been a member of the Hanahan Exchange Club for several years. He lives in the Tanner Plantation neighborhood with his wife and two sons and has been involved in local youth sports through the Hanahan Recreation Department.
In a statement released shortly after the arrest, the City of Hanahan said officials were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the allegations.
“There are no words adequate to express how horrifying these allegations are, and our hearts go out to the victims and families affected by these unconscionable crimes,” the statement read.
City officials said Hedgpeth’s access to City Hall, municipal resources, and technology systems has been revoked effective immediately. The city also confirmed it is cooperating fully with federal investigators and taking steps to ensure no city infrastructure was compromised.
Officials added that they are committed to transparency as the investigation continues and will provide updates when appropriate.
Investigators are urging anyone with information or who may have been affected to come forward. Tips can be submitted to HSI by email at [email protected], by phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE, or through the agency’s online tip form. The investigation remains ongoing.
