Myrtle Beach, January 3, 2026
A man from Myrtle Beach has been arrested following severe allegations made during a Christmas party. Identified as Leiker, he faces serious charges related to threatening to commit criminal sexual conduct. The incident highlights concerns over safety and trust within the community, particularly during festive gatherings. After his arrest, Leiker was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, emphasizing the judicial process surrounding serious criminal allegations.
Myrtle Beach
A Myrtle Beach man was arrested on Friday, January 2, 2026, following allegations of severe threats made at a recent Christmas party. The individual, identified as Leiker, faces a charge of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, first degree. This incident, occurring during a time typically associated with peace and goodwill, casts a somber shadow, prompting reflection on the unexpected vulnerabilities that can emerge even in festive settings. Leiker was subsequently booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Allegations and the Nature of the Charge
The serious allegations against Leiker stem from a Christmas gathering where he reportedly threatened to rape and kill a woman [cite: P0]. These alleged threats underpin the formal charge of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, first degree [cite: P0, P1]. In South Carolina, this specific charge signifies an act of assault coupled with the clear and demonstrable intent to carry out criminal sexual conduct. The law views such an intent with profound gravity, punishing it as if the underlying criminal sexual conduct had been completed.
Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree itself is defined as engaging in sexual battery under aggravating circumstances. These aggravating factors can include the use of aggravated force, where the victim is subjected to forcible confinement, kidnapping, or if the victim is rendered mentally incapacitated or physically helpless by substances without their consent. “Sexual battery” encompasses various forms of nonconsensual sexual acts, while “aggravated force” is understood as physical force of a high and aggravated nature or the threat of employing a deadly weapon. The potential penalty for a conviction of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in South Carolina can extend up to thirty years in prison. The specific nature of the alleged threats highlights the severe breach of personal security and peace of mind for those affected by such reported actions.
The Detention Center and Judicial Process
Leiker’s booking into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center marks a formal entry into the judicial process [cite: P0, P1]. This facility, located in Conway, South Carolina, serves as the primary detention center for Horry County. It operates under the management of the Horry County Sheriff’s Office and is tasked with securely housing individuals who have been charged with crimes, those awaiting trial, or those serving short sentences. The center is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against any form of sexual assault or victimization, in adherence to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). This institutional framework underscores the methodical approach of the justice system in addressing serious allegations, ensuring accountability while upholding the due process of law.
Reflection on Community and Trust
An event of this nature, arising from a setting designed for communal celebration, invites a quiet reflection on the fragility of trust and the fundamental human need for safety. When the boundaries of respect and security are allegedly violated, particularly in moments of shared festivity, it sends ripples of concern through the community. The law, in its careful and deliberate operation, endeavors to restore order and to provide a measure of justice for those impacted. It is a reminder that the fabric of a civil society is woven with threads of mutual regard and the collective commitment to uphold the dignity and safety of every individual. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the meticulous examination of facts, aiming to arrive at an outcome that aligns with the principles of justice, and reinforcing the bedrock importance of personal security within our shared lives. The steadfast pursuit of truth and fairness in such matters is not merely a legal exercise but a reaffirmation of the community’s deepest values concerning safety and human inviolability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Myrtle Beach man arrested?
- A Myrtle Beach man was arrested on Friday, January 2, 2026 [cite: P0].
- What was the man charged with?
- The man was charged with assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, first degree [cite: P0, P1].
- Where was the man booked?
- The man was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Sunday, January 4, 2026 [cite: P0, P1].
- What were the alleged threats made by the arrested man?
- The arrested man allegedly threatened to rape and kill a woman at a Christmas party [cite: P0].
- What is the name of the arrested man?
- The arrested man is identified as Leiker [cite: P1].
- What is the location of the J. Reuben Long Detention Center?
- The J. Reuben Long Detention Center is located in Conway, South Carolina, serving Horry County.
- What is the general punishment for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in South Carolina?
- The potential penalty for a conviction of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in South Carolina can extend up to thirty years in prison.
Key Details of the Arrest
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Arrest | Friday, January 2, 2026 [cite: P0] |
| Name of Arrested Individual | Leiker [cite: P1] |
| Charge | Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, first degree [cite: P0, P1] |
| Booking Location | J. Reuben Long Detention Center, Conway, South Carolina [cite: P0, P1, 2, 3, 7] |
| Date of Booking | Sunday, January 4, 2026 [cite: P0, P1] |
| Nature of Allegation | Allegedly threatening to rape and kill a woman at a Christmas party [cite: P0] |
| Legal Context of Charge | Punishable as if criminal sexual conduct was committed, involving sexual battery with aggravating circumstances |
| Maximum Potential Sentence for First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct | Up to thirty years imprisonment in South Carolina |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
