A Fort Mill man has been arrested following an investigation into alleged child sexual abuse material, according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
John Christopher Maselli, 49, was arrested Sept. 1 by investigators with the York County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation began after authorities received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Investigators allege Maselli possessed files containing child sexual abuse material, commonly called CSAM. Authorities also charged him with obstruction of justice.
Maselli faces one count of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The felony charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the case. Both agencies participate in the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case. Wilson emphasized that Maselli is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Authorities increasingly use the term child sexual abuse material (CSAM) instead of child pornography, as ‘CSAM’ more accurately describes the abuse involved and avoids implying a child could consent.
