SLED Charges Three Men in 2018 Sexual Assault Case Named by Rep. Nancy Mace

Key points

• SLED filed charges against John Douglas Osborne, Brendan Patrick Bryant, and Eric Bernard Bowman on October 14, 2026.
• The alleged crime occurred on October 26, 2018, at a home on Sullivan's Island, involving a 23-year-old woman who was heavily intoxicated.
• Osborne faces charges for first-degree assault and battery and third-degree criminal sexual conduct, while Bryant and Bowman face voyeurism charges.
• Bowman also faces charges for obstruction of justice after his phone was factory-reset to destroy evidence and for publishing the victim's name.
• U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace accused these men and a fourth individual, Brian Musgrave, during a speech on the House floor in February 2025.
• The fourth man, Brian Musgrave, was not charged; he had previously sued Mace for defamation, a case that was dismissed.

Background

This case gained national attention after Rep. Nancy Mace used the House floor in February 2025 to accuse four men of sexual misconduct, including herself and other women. The speech occurred shortly before her gubernatorial campaign. Mace claimed to have discovered over 10,000 videos on her former fiancé's phone, including nonconsensual content. The fourth man she accused, Brian Musgrave, sued her for defamation, but the case was dismissed. SLED had been investigating at least one of the named men since December 2023, prior to the public speech. The arrests mark the first formal criminal charges in this long-standing dispute, which had previously involved legal battles over Mace's accusations and her legislative record on victims' rights.

How outlets are covering it

Live 5 News and The Post and Courier provide detailed accounts of the charges and the 2018 incident, emphasizing the victim's incapacitation and the role of a witness who preserved evidence. The Post and Courier notes that Bryant is Mace's former fiancé. The State focuses on the political context, noting Mace's speech was used to criticize the Attorney General's office and that she finished fifth in the gubernatorial primary. All sources agree on the charges against the three men but differ in emphasis: Live 5 News details the obstruction of justice regarding Bowman's phone, while The State highlights Mace's legislative priorities. FITSNews, the primary source, was inaccessible due to a paywall, so its specific details could not be verified, but the other sources corroborate the core facts.

Why it matters

The charges represent a significant development in a case that had been stalled for years, highlighting the role of public pressure and legislative advocacy in driving criminal investigations. It also underscores the complexities of digital evidence, as Bowman's attempt to destroy data led to additional charges. The case may influence future legislation on victims' rights and digital exploitation, as Mace has championed such measures. Additionally, it raises questions about the intersection of political speech and criminal proceedings, as Mace's public accusations preceded the formal charges.

What to watch

The three men are scheduled for bond hearings in Charleston County. The case will be prosecuted by the 9th Circuit Solicitor's Office. Mace has not commented on the arrests beyond her general statement on victims' rights. The fourth man, Brian Musgrave, remains uncharged, and it is unclear if further legal action will be taken against him. The victim's advocate read a statement in court, indicating the case is moving forward, but the timeline for trial is not yet determined.