A federal grand jury in Florence has indicted Stephen Todd Greene, a 55-year-old resident of West Columbia, on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse. The indictment includes allegations of conspiracy to produce child sexual abuse material, production and distribution of such material, and coercion and enticement of minors into illegal sexual conduct.
The indictment claims that between June 2023 and September 2024, Greene collaborated with a woman in Brazil, referred to as Co-Conspirator 1, to exploit her nieces aged three and nine. According to the indictment, Co-Conspirator 1 abused the children physically while Greene directed and participated in the abuse virtually via livestream from his home in West Columbia.
The pair allegedly used platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and FaceTime for their activities. Cameras installed at both Greene's residence and Co-Conspirator 1’s home facilitated live streaming. The indictment also mentions that Greene traveled twice to Brazil for direct access to the children and transferred money to Co-Conspirator 1 during this period.
Following his arrest by FBI agents from the Columbia field office, Greene was arraigned in federal court where he was ordered detained pending a bond hearing. If convicted, he faces severe penalties including life imprisonment. Specific charges carry mandatory minimum sentences ranging from five to fifteen years.
The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI's Columbia field office and the Brazilian Federal Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Elle E. Klein are leading the prosecution.
Authorities are seeking information about any additional potential victims connected to this case. Tips can be submitted via phone or online through designated FBI channels.
U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling emphasized that all charges are accusations at this stage, with defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty.
