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

Key points

• SLED arrested three men on Oct. 14, 2026, for a 2018 assault on an intoxicated woman at a Sullivan’s Island home.
• John Osborne faces first-degree assault and battery charges; Bryant and Bowman face voyeurism charges.
• Bowman also faces obstruction of justice charges for factory-resetting his phone and publishing the victim’s name.
• All three defendants posted bond and deny the allegations; Mace’s attorney called the charges a 'good first step.'
• The fourth man named by Mace, Brian Musgrave, was not charged and his attorneys called the accusations 'false.'

Background

Rep. Nancy Mace delivered a 53-minute speech on the House floor in February 2025, accusing her ex-fiancé and three other men of sexual abuse. She alleged finding hidden camera videos on Bryant’s phone in 2023 and spent a year 'searching for victims.' The speech led to a SLED investigation beginning in December 2023. Mace has previously faced legal challenges, including a defamation suit from Bryant and a civil case involving the victim’s identity.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and CNN report the arrests and charges, noting the defendants' denials. CNN highlights Bowman’s attorney’s claim that Mace’s speech contained 'falsehoods.' Live 5 News and WCIV provide detailed court records, including bond amounts ($225,000 for Osborne, $50,000 for Bryant, $175,000 for Bowman) and the victim’s impact statement. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: CNN focuses on the legal defense, while Live 5 and WCIV detail the procedural history and the victim’s perspective.

Why it matters

The charges validate Mace’s public accusations and advance her legislative agenda on victims' rights. The case highlights the difficulty of holding powerful individuals accountable and the legal complexities surrounding the Speak Out Act. It also underscores the ongoing legal battles between Mace and her accusers, including defamation and breach of contract claims.

What to watch

The case will be prosecuted by the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. A civil case involving Bryant and Mace remains pending. Mace’s attorney indicated further legal steps may follow, while the defendants' attorneys have vowed to 'defend vigorously.'