Deputies seek mother of woman accused of child molestation

Florence County sheriff’s investigators have enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshals Service to find the mother of a Johnsonville woman accused of committing a lewd act on a child.

Ashley Denise Burgess, 20, of 373 S. Firestation Road, Lot 4, was arrested Monday and is charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor (victim 11 to 14 years of age inclusive) and committing or attempting a lewd act on a child under age 16, Florence County Detention Center booking reports show. She remains in custody at the jail in Effingham.

Florence County Sheriff’s Lt. Brett Camp said the suspect’s mother, Priscilla Burgess, is wanted in connection with the case. It’s believed she is somewhere in North Carolina. The charges she faces in connection with the case are unclear.

The case remains under investigation, Camp said.

The alleged incident occurred in April at a Firestation Road residence in Johnsonville, Camp said. The suspect’s relationship to the victim is being withheld to protect the victim’s identity.

Anyone with information about possible cases of criminal sexual assault or domestic violence is encouraged to contact the nearest law enforcement agency.

In addition, the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault provides assistance and resources designed to help victims of these crimes and can be reached at (843) 669-4600 or (800) 273-1820.

For more information on reporting child abuse, call the Childhelp Pee Dee 24-hour hotline at (866) 867-9857.