SLED Charges Three Men in 2018 Assault Case Highlighted by Rep. Mace

Key points

• SLED charged Brendan Patrick Bryant, John Douglas Osborne, and Eric Bernard Bowman with voyeurism, assault, and obstruction of justice.
• The charges stem from an alleged incident on Oct. 26, 2018, at a Sullivan’s Island home involving an incapacitated woman.
• The case follows a 53-minute speech by Rep. Nancy Mace in Feb. 2025, where she accused four men of sexual crimes.
• The defendants have posted bail and their attorneys deny the allegations, calling Mace’s speech 'full of falsehoods.'
• A fourth man named by Mace, Brian Musgrave, was not charged and has sued Mace, though the case was dismissed.

Background

In Feb. 2025, Rep. Nancy Mace delivered a 53-minute speech on the House floor, accusing four men, including her ex-fiancé, of sexual misconduct. She alleged she found over 10,000 hidden videos on her ex-fiancé’s phone. Mace had previously been involved in a separate case in Sept. 2026, where she demanded an investigation into the deaths of two toddlers in Ladson, SC.

How outlets are covering it

CNN and The State report on the charges and the 2018 incident, while WCIV focuses on the arrests. CNN and The State highlight the defendants’ denials and the victim’s impact statement. The State notes Mace’s criticism of the AG’s office in 2025 and her subsequent endorsement of AG Alan Wilson. All sources agree on the charges and the 2018 incident, but differ in emphasis on the political and legal aftermath.

Why it matters

The charges bring legal accountability to a high-profile case raised by a sitting congresswoman. The outcome may influence discussions on victims’ rights and the prosecution of sexual predators, as Mace has proposed legislation to strengthen victims’ rights.

What to watch

The case will be prosecuted by the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The defendants have posted bail and intend to contest the charges in court. Mace has proposed legislation to strengthen victims’ rights and hold sexual predators accountable.