Sumter man pleads guilty to assaulting victim with special needs

A former Sumter County disabilities and special needs official will spend three years in prison after accepting a plea deal last week.

Sherill Holder, 58, pleaded guilty to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, 3rd Circuit Solicitor Ernest “Chip” Finney said.

Holder was indicted in 2008 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and third-degree sexual conduct, according to court records.

The case involves two victims, both of whom have special needs, said Columbia lawyer John Meadors, who was appointed to prosecute. Charges involving one victim were dropped after the person didn’t want to proceed, Meadors said.

Both victims were adults, Meadors added. Officials offered the assault charge because it carries the same amount of time in prison as third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

“I think it was the right thing to do,” Meadors said. “I’m glad we got closure.”

Circuit Judge R. Ferrell Cothran Jr. sentenced Holder to three years in prison, which he began serving this week, The Sumter Item reported.

Pleading to the assault charge means Holder will not have to register as a sex offender. But the conviction will ban him from a job where he comes into contact with people with special needs, Finney said.

“By sending him to prison, marking him with a criminal record, we believe we’re able to keep the community safe,” Finney said.