CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former Hanahan City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth appeared in federal court Wednesday, entering not‑guilty pleas to a sweeping set of charges that include sex trafficking of a minor, producing child sexual abuse material, and multiple counts of coercion and enticement.
Hedgpeth, 48, pleaded not guilty to all 23 federal counts during his arraignment in Charleston. Prosecutors say he faces a potential life sentence and more than $1 million in fines. He will remain in federal custody until his next hearing.
The Charges
During Wednesday’s hearing, Hedgpeth pleaded not guilty to:
- Sex trafficking a minor — 1 count
- Attempted production of child pornography — 4 counts
- Production of child pornography — 4 counts
- Receipt of child pornography — 1 count
- Attempted receipt of child pornography — 1 count
- Distribution of child pornography — 2 counts
- Possession of child pornography — 1 count
- Coercion/enticement of a minor and attempt — 9 counts
These charges mirror the 23‑count federal indictment returned earlier this month by a grand jury.
Allegations Spanning Years
According to the indictment, Hedgpeth allegedly used various social media platforms to pose as a minor and contact children online. Prosecutors say he pressured and, in some cases, paid minors to record sexual acts with other minors, including family members. Investigators say he stored the videos in password‑protected folders labeled with victims’ names and distributed the material to others, including minors.
Federal authorities allege Hedgpeth exploited at least 19 children, ages 12 to 17, most of whom lived in South Carolina. The reported crimes occurred between December 2021 and April 2026, during the time Hedgpeth served as a Hanahan City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem.
“A Depraved, Predatory Criminal Scheme”
U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling called the allegations “deeply disturbing,” saying the indictment outlines “a depraved, predatory criminal scheme through which he targeted the most vulnerable among us.”
Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in the Carolinas, said the case represents “a profound betrayal of trust” by a public official.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are urging anyone with information about potential victims to contact Homeland Security Investigations at [email protected], by phone at 866‑347‑2423, or through the online tip form at ice.gov/webform/ice‑tip‑form.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dean H. Secor and Elliott B. Daniels are prosecuting the case.
Hedgpeth remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
READ MORE:
- Former Hanahan Councilman Indicted on Federal Child Exploitation Charges
- Hanahan Appoints New Mayor Pro Tem Amid Leadership Transition
- Ex-Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem Waives Hearing in Child Exploitation Case
- Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem Resigns; Special Meeting Set to Fill Role
- Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem Arrested in Federal Child Sex Abuse Case
