Suspended Charleston Magistrate Judge Charged With Child Sex Abuse Material, Faces Federal Trial

Feb 23, 2026

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A suspended Charleston County magistrate judge is facing federal criminal charges tied to child sexual abuse materials, a case that has shocked the local legal community and raised questions about oversight of those in positions of public trust. James B. Gosnell Jr., 68, was arrested on Sept. 16 and charged with six counts including possession, receipt, distribution and conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Federal prosecutors allege Gosnell engaged in transactions with an overseas distributor of illegal material and that agents found hundreds of explicit videos and images depicting prepubescent minors, infants and toddlers on a flash drive seized from his home. The case was sparked by a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, officials said.

During an October arraignment in federal court, Gosnell pleaded not guilty to all charges and was denied bond; he has remained in custody since. Court filings also name another defendant charged alongside Gosnell, though that person’s identity has been sealed.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says the indictment includes counts of attempted receipt and actual distribution of child sexual abuse material. Gosnell was suspended from the bench shortly after his arrest, and his resignation followed.

“This case represents our unwavering commitment to confront and dismantle child exploitation networks,” a DOJ spokesperson wrote in a press release on the charges.

Prosecutors say if convicted on all counts, Gosnell could face decades in prison under federal sentencing guidelines. The court has not yet set a trial date, and investigators continue seeking information on possible additional victims or related activity. Defense filings have argued for evidentiary review, and the next court date could shape how the case unfolds in the coming months. Court observers say the severity of the charges has already undermined public confidence in the local judiciary. The next scheduled hearing will address pre-trial motions and evidence disclosures.

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