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

Key points

• John Osborne, 46, was charged with first-degree assault and battery and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
• Patrick Bryant, 53, Mace’s former fiancé, and Eric Bowman, 46, were charged with voyeurism; Bowman also faces obstruction of justice and publishing a victim’s name.
• The alleged crime occurred on October 26, 2018, at a Sullivan’s Island residence where the victim was intoxicated and unconscious.
• A witness captured still images from a home security feed and wrote a journal entry detailing the incident.
• All three men posted bail on October 14, 2026, with conditions including surrendering passports and no contact with the victim.

Background

In February 2025, Rep. Nancy Mace delivered a speech on the House floor accusing four men, including Bryant, of sexual misconduct and voyeurism. She claimed to have discovered over 10,000 videos on a hidden camera. SLED confirmed an active investigation in December 2023. A fourth man named by Mace, Brian Musgrave, was not charged; his defamation lawsuit against Mace was dismissed under the Westfall Act. Mace later ran for governor in 2025, finishing fifth in the Republican primary.

How outlets are covering it

The Post and Courier and The State reported on the charges and bond hearings, noting the victim’s statement comparing her experience to the 'Cornell Seven' case. WCIV emphasized the timeline of SLED’s investigation and Bowman’s factory reset of his phone, which led to obstruction charges. All outlets agreed on the charges and bail amounts, though The State noted Mace’s statement focused on legislative priorities rather than the specific arrests.

Why it matters

The case highlights the intersection of high-profile political accusations and criminal justice outcomes. It underscores the challenges victims face in seeking accountability when powerful individuals are involved, as noted by the victim’s statement. The charges also reflect SLED’s ongoing efforts to prosecute cases involving digital exploitation and voyeurism.

What to watch

The case will be prosecuted by the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The three men are free on bail but must comply with conditions including no contact with the victim and surrendering passports. Further legal proceedings are expected as the case moves through the court system.