He used a chair to block the door while he raped a woman in a Myrtle Beach motel laundry
A man admitted that he used a chair to block a door while he raped a woman in a Myrtle Beach motel room in 2017 and now will head to prison.
James Honeycutt pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct for the incident during a Thursday Horry County court hearing in Conway.
Judge Larry Hyman sentenced him to 7-and-a-half years in prison.
Assistant Solicitor Mary Ellen Walter said the assault happened on Aug. 4, 2017. The victim and her boyfriend were at a party at a Myrtle Beach motel with Honeycutt. The three, who were all homeless, then went to the laundry room to sleep.
The boyfriend left to go get a drink and Honeycutt put a chair under the door handle, Walter said. He then raped the victim.
When the boyfriend returned, Honeycutt opened the door, Walter said. The boyfriend then punched Honeycutt several times.
Honeycutt fled the scene and a week later approached the victim and her boyfriend. It was then, police officers arrested him.
Honeycutt only spoke during the hearing to answer the judge’s questions and said he understood he was giving up his right to a trial. He also said the incident described by the state was accurate.
The victim did not speak during the hearing. Defense Attorney Eric Fox noted that his client’s criminal history was minor compared to the sexual assault allegations.
Walter said the state recommended a five to 10 year sentence based on the plea. Honeycutt will also have to register as a sex offender.
This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 4:26 PM.
