Newly-elected Georgetown councilman, high school instructional assistant charged with sexual crime involving minor

A newly elected Georgetown City Councilman and high school instructional assistant has been charged with a sexual crime involving a minor, authorities said.

Sheldon Amonda Butts, 43, of Georgetown is charged with third-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor, police said.

The charge also states the incident involved committing or attempting to commit a lewd act with a victim under 16 years old, records show.

The charge was authorized by the 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office at the conclusion of a four-week investigation, according to Georgetown Police.

Butts surrendered himself to law enforcement at the Georgetown County Detention Center on Nov. 7, and Judge Robert O’Donnell presided over his bond hearing.

Butts was released on the same day as his arrest, on a $20,000 personal recognizance bond, according to public index records.

On Nov. 3, Butts won a seat on the Georgetown City Council by securing 901 votes.

Butts will most likely still be sworn as a city councilman and begin his service despite the arrest. He could be suspended if an indictment were to follow; however, he will lose his seat if he is convicted, Georgetown Mayor Jack Scoville said.

“It’s a very sad event,” Scoville said. “Hopefully he’ll be exonerated.”

Butts is scheduled to go before a judge for his first court appearance on Jan. 15, according to public index records.

Butts has also been working as an instructional assistant at Georgetown High School since August and has been placed on administrative leave with pay following his arrest, according to Ray White, Georgetown County school spokesman.

This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 3:11 PM with the headline "Newly-elected Georgetown councilman, high school instructional assistant charged with sexual crime involving minor."