COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – A former school resource officer got no prison time after pleading guilty to sexual battery of a student.
Jamel Bradley pleaded guilty to assault and battery and sexual battery of a student, charges stemming from two separate incidents.
A judge suspended a five-year prison sentence and gave Bradley three years of probation. Bradley will also have to register as a sex offender however the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office recommended that Bradley be kept off the sex offender registry and only undergo sex offender counseling.
Prosecutors said in 2015, a senior at Spring Valley High School disclosed having a consensual sexual relationship with Bradley after a captain with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department spotted the two together in Bradley’s patrol car parking in a Target parking lot late at night.
In 2018, a student claimed Bradley came to her home after school hours in his patrol car. The student said she got into his patrol car and they drove to a dead and Bradley “began to kiss her, touch her breasts,” according to Assistant Solicitor Kathryn Cavanaugh.
At least five other complaints were filed against Bradley during his time at Spring Valley High School. The complaints are separate from his conviction on Tuesday.
A federal lawsuit not connected to Bradley’s initial arrest was filed in October 2018 detailing separate sexual assault allegations involving him.
That lawsuit also named Richland School District Two and Richland County Sheriff’s Department as defendants for gross negligence. The lawsuit was settled and resulted in Bradley being removed from Spring Vallery High School.
Bradley was fired in October 2019 after he worked for the department since 2007. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Bradley was fired after interfering with an internal investigation separate from the sexual abuse case.
Cavanaugh said the victims knew of Bradley’s plea deal. Taylor Bell, an attorney for one of the victims, said his clients supported prosecutors’ recommendation that Bradley receive probation, rather than prison time.
“My client believed she was ready for this matter to be resolved. For over four years [she] has been waiting for closure, and finally, someone has accepted responsibility and that goes a long way. He has young children. My client took that into account. She’s a very forgiving person,” Bell said.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD), the allegation was discovered during a federal lawsuit deposition.
During his hearing on Tuesday, Circuit Judge Daniel Coble called this a sad case before delivering his sentence. While none of the victims were present in court, Bradley’s family was there including his wife and his parents.
“He’ll continue to face consequences for the rest of his life as will myself and our innocent children,” said Bradley’s wife.
Bradley’s wife became emotional in court, saying her entire family has been subject to ridicule. She told the court her husband has been unable to find work and has been ostracized by the local community.
Bradley then addressed the judge ahead of his sentence.
“I want to express my sincerest apologies to all of the individuals and families involved. I am deeply sorry you had to endure this and I am also deeply sorry to all the individuals I disappointed and let down. My hope is that this hearing will bring a sense of closure and allow us all to move forward,” Bradley said.
Bradley would have faced up to 15 years in prison without the deal.
If Bradley violates any of the terms of his probation he could serve five years in prison.
Sheriff Lott sent the following statement regarding Bradley’s sentencing:
“Bradley’s conduct is not reflective of the honor and professionalism with which RCSD deputies perform their duties every day. His actions betrayed my trust, and the trust of the entire Richland County community. I would have liked to see him do some jail time but I understand that the victims’ were in agreement with the plea offer, said Sheriff Lott, and no amount of jail time would fix what Bradley destroyed. I am grateful that he finally accepted responsibility for his repulsive actions. I apologize to the victims, their families, and our community and I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.”
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