COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Richland County sheriff is urging any possible victims to come forward after an investigation led to new charges against a local photographer accused of exploiting minors.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department announced on Saturday that 54-year-old Gregg Martin, who had already been arrested on April 8 for allegedly engaging a child under 18 for sexual performance and unlawful conduct toward a child, is facing additional charges.
The original investigation arose after deputies received a report of Martin allegedly taking inappropriate photographs of a young girl under his care. But the investigation continued in the weeks that followed. During this time, the sheriff's office said deputies learned new disturbing allegations regarding Martin's interactions with the same child and other victims.
He now faces 10 additional charges including three counts of exploitation of a minor in the first degree, two counts of exploitation of a minor in the second degree, and one count of exploitation of a minor in the third degree. He's also charged with kidnapping, promoting prostitution, criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, and criminal sexual conduct in the third degree.
Martin was arrested again on Friday and booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. In Saturday's announcement, Sheriff Leon Lott urged anyone with additional information to come forward. He also asked that other possible victims do the same.