Deputies investigating if missing teens at motel were trafficked

Richland deputies responded Tuesday to a call about a possible kidnapping, and ended up recovering three missing teenage girls on Broad River Road.

The intial call, received at about 10 p.m., was from a mother concerned about her 15-year-old daughter. The girl had run away about a week ago, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies checked the Regency Inn at 1335 Garner Lane, not far from Broad River Road, and found the girl there, sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Curtis Wilson said.

They also found two other girls who had been reported missing – a 16-year-old from Elgin and a 15-year-old from Horry County. The girls were taken to Palmetto Health Richland for examination. Both girls were reported missing on June 17, according to the Elgin Police Department and Horry County Police Department.

Deputies charged two men in connection with the investigation. Geordi Heyward, 23, was charged with 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Kristopher Davis, 25, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Both men are set for a bond hearing at 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to bond court officials.

When asked if the case involved human trafficking, Wilson said, “We’re investigating to determine exactly what this is.”

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be forthcoming, according to the sheriff’s department.

This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 8:16 AM with the headline "Deputies investigating if missing teens at motel were trafficked."