Former school security guard will not be sent to prison for sexually abusing a student

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS/Gray News) – A former school security guard received no prison time after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a student.

Jamel Bradley pleaded guilty to assault and sexual abuse of a female student; the charges stem from two separate incidents.

A judge suspended a five-year prison sentence and gave Bradley three years probation. Bradley must also register as a sex offender, but the Fifth Circuit District Attorney's Office recommended that Bradley not be placed on the sex offender registry and only undergo sex offender counseling.

Prosecutors said in 2015, a senior at Spring Valley High School confessed to having a consensual sexual relationship with Bradley after a captain with the Richland County Sheriff's Department discovered the two together late one night in the parking lot of Bradley's patrol car in a Target parking lot.

In 2018, a student claimed Bradley came to her home in his patrol car after school. The student said she got into his patrol car and they drove to a dead woman and Bradley “started kissing her and touching her breasts,” according to Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Cavanaugh.

At least five other complaints were filed against Bradley during his time at Spring Valley High School. The complaints are unrelated to his conviction on Tuesday.

In October 2018, a lawsuit was filed in federal court unrelated to Bradley's original arrest and detailed separate allegations of sexual assault against him.

That lawsuit also named Richland School District Two and the Richland County Sheriff's Department as defendants for gross negligence. The lawsuit was settled and resulted in Bradley being expelled from Spring Vallery High School.

Bradley was fired in October 2019 after working for the department since 2007. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Bradley was fired for obstructing an internal investigation unrelated to the sexual abuse case.

Cavanaugh said the victims knew about Bradley's agreement. Taylor Bell, an attorney for one of the victims, said his clients supported the prosecutor's recommendation that Bradley be given probation instead of prison.

“My client believed she was ready to resolve this matter. For over four years [she] was waiting for closure and finally someone took responsibility and that's very important. He has young children. My client took that into account. She's a very forgiving person,” Bell said.

According to the Richland County Sheriff's Department (RCSD), the allegation was discovered during testimony in federal court.

During his hearing on Tuesday, District Judge Daniel Coble called the case a sad one before handing down his verdict. Although none of the victims were present in the courtroom, Bradley's family, including his wife and parents, were present.

“He will face the consequences for the rest of his life, as will I and our innocent children,” Bradley's wife said.

Bradley's wife reacted emotionally in court, saying her whole family had been ridiculed. She told the court her husband had been unable to find work and had been ostracized by the local community.

Bradley then addressed the judge before the verdict was announced.

“I want to express my deepest apologies to all of the individuals and families affected. I am deeply sorry that you had to go through this, and I am also deeply sorry to all of the individuals I have disappointed and let down. I hope that this hearing brings a sense of closure and allows us all to move forward,” Bradley said.

Without the deal, Bradley would have faced a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

If Bradley violates any of the terms of his probation, he faces five years in prison.

Sheriff Lott sent the following statement regarding Bradley’s conviction:

“Bradley's conduct does not reflect the honor and professionalism with which RCSD officers perform their duties every day. His actions betrayed my trust and the trust of the entire Richland County community. I would have liked to see him in jail, but I understand the victims agreed to the plea offer,” said Sheriff Lott, “and no amount of prison time can make up for what Bradley destroyed. I am grateful that he has finally taken responsibility for his abhorrent actions. I apologize to the victims, their families, and our community, and will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.”

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