Ex-school worker charged in sex investigation

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Seneca man yesterday on multiple charges related to a Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor investigation.

 

74 year old Windell Sutton Powell, Jr. of Sam Brown Road was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center around 7:43pm Tuesday.  Powell, Jr. has been charged with one count each of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 2nd Degree and Criminal Solicitation of a Minor as well as two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 3rd Degree.

 

The Sheriff’s Office investigation began on May 3rd of this year after a family member of the victim spoke with a deputy from the Uniform Patrol Bureau in regards to text messages that were discovered between the victim and Powell, Jr. which indicated a sexual relationship.

 

The investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Bureau.  Based on evidence that was gathered during the investigation, it is alleged that Powell, Jr. had sexually assaulted the victim, who is a teenager, between November of 2021 and May of 2022.  The investigation involved only one victim.

 

During the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office determined that Powell, Jr. was a former employee of the School District of Oconee County.

 

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, and in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, and that of the victim, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing any information that could in any way potentially identify the victim in our investigation.