Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Seneca Man Wanted on Sex Crime Charge

A Seneca man wanted on a sex crime charge was taken into custody Friday evening by deputies from the Uniform Patrol Division.

A deputy received word that 30 year old Nathan Ashley Neal was seen walking down Lawrence Bridge Road in the area of Old Clemson Highway. After responding to the area, Neal was located and taken into custody around 8:16pm. He was transported to the Oconee County Detention Center by deputies, who arrived at the jail with Neal around 8:36pm.

Neal was charged with one count of Assault with Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Conduct – Third Degree after an investigation into an attempted sexual assault at the Days Inn location on N. Radio Station Road near Seneca earlier Friday morning.

A deputy from the Uniform Patrol Division was dispatched around 2:43am Friday to the hotel and spoke an adult female who told the deputy that Neal had assaulted her and
attempted to rape her. Paramedics were called to the scene to check on the victim. Based upon evidence that was gathered during the investigation, the deputy was able to obtain the arrest warrant against Neal.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, and in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, and that of the victim, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing any information that could in any way identify the victim in this case.

Neal remains in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center pending bond proceedings.