CONWAY, SC — A Horry County man already jailed on multiple child‑sex charges now faces an additional count after investigators discovered more than 250 images of child pornography on his phone, according to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Steve Lane Leonard, 52, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree, more than 250 images. Leonard was previously arrested in June on two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree, and one count of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Deputies served the new warrant after reviewing Leonard’s phone and citing a state law passed in May 2026 that increases penalties for child‑pornography offenses.
Under the updated statute, offenders who possess 26–250 images of child pornography face a minimum sentence of one year. Those found with more than 250 images must receive at least two years in prison. The law also strengthens penalties for facilitating, creating, distributing, or soliciting child pornography.
Additionally, anyone already on the sex offender registry who re‑offends must be sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison.
The Sheriff’s Office said it is grateful lawmakers strengthened the statute and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children in Horry County.
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