Man faces new charge in child sexual assault case

A former Lee County sheriff’s deputy arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl is facing another criminal charge, according to a State Law Enforcement Division press release.

Fifty-six-year-old Wayne Atkinson, a convicted sex offender, is now charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in addition to first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Atkinson, of 84 Robin Lane, Mayesville is accused of holding a gun to the girl’s head and making her perform sex acts on him on or about July 24 to Aug. 18 in a bedroom at his home, SLED warrants show. He is also accused of threatening the child not to disclose information about the alleged crime.

Fifty-one-year-old Shirley Jackson, of 2661 Tindal Road, Sumter, is believed to be Atkinson’s girlfriend and the victim’s foster parent, according to the SLED release. It’s alleged she would drive the child to Atkinson’s home, placing her in his care. She is charged with unlawful conduct toward a child.

The child has been placed in the custody of the state Department of Social Services, according to the release.

The investigation was started at the request of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, according to SLED.