Honk News (Columbia, SC) – A Midlands politician was taken into custody and faced charges this week following allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor.
Erik Kenneth Sickinger, 42, currently holding the position of mayor pro tem for the Town of Irmo, was taken into custody on Tuesday after an inquiry conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Documents from SLED detail multiple occurrences involving Sickinger and a 15-year-old male, as revealed by the juvenile in a forensic interview at the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center.
Documents reveal that Sickinger was identified through interactions on the teenager’s Snapchat account.
Documents reveal that Sickinger allegedly supplied marijuana and alcoholic drinks to a 15-year-old at his residence and financed the teen’s tattoo appointment. The individual faces allegations of enticing and luring a teenager with the intent of engaging in sexual intercourse, despite being 42 years old.
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The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office has requested an investigation by SLED. Sickinger faced charges on Tuesday, including three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and luring a child under the age of 16.
He has been taken into custody and is now at the Lexington County Detention Center.
Sickinger was elected to the town council in 2020 and took on the role of mayor pro tem in 2023, as stated on the Town of Irmo’s website. The website highlights his emphasis on gathering input from citizens, addressing local concerns, and fostering community involvement.
An inquiry by SLED continues to unfold.