What we know about the man in custody in Woodruff kidnapping
WOODRUFF, SC (WSPA) – A man is in custody after a woman missing from Anderson was found “chained up like a dog” inside a container in Woodruff Thursday morning.
Todd Christopher Kohlhepp, 45, is in the Spartanburg Co. Detention Center.
Spartanburg Co. Sheriff Chuck Wright says it is likely that he was be charged with at least kidnapping.
KOHLHEPP IS A SEX OFFENDER
Kohlhepp is a registered sex offender in SC.
The registry says he is a Juvenile Tier III type offender for a 10/16/1987 conviction in AZ for Kidnapping.
He was 16-years-old at the time of the conviction.
The Adam Walsh act created 3 tiers for sex offenses.
TIER III SEX OFFENDER.—The term ‘‘tier III sex offender’’ means a sex offender whose offense is punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year and:
(A) is comparable to or more severe than the following offenses, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such an offense:
(i) aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse (as described in sections 2241 and 2242 of title 18, United States Code); or
(ii) abusive sexual contact (as described in section 2244 of title 18, United States Code) against a minor who has not attained the age of 13 years; H. R. 4472—6
(B) involves kidnapping of a minor (unless committed by a parent or guardian); or
(C) occurs after the offender becomes a tier II sex offender.
7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office says each state has their own rules for sex offender registration. A kidnapping conviction is a qualifier in South Carolina if the case can be connected to a sex crime. The sentencing judge makes the final decision on registry designation.
His address is listed as 213 Windsong Way in Moore, SC.