SC- Parents Severely Beat Alleged Child Molester

8-22-2009 South Carolina:

Terry Gibbs, 54, Has Heart Attack After Beating

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. -- A Newberry County man was severely beaten by the parents of three children who the man is accused of sexually molesting, and he was then dropped off at a detention center where he suffered a heart attack.

Officers said they saw the man, later identified as Terry Hugh Gibbs, 54, of Newberry, being put out of a vehicle at the Newberry County Detention Center on Sunday night. Gibbs told officers he had been beaten because he had sexually assaulted three children, all under 10 years old, to whom he is related.

The officers called an ambulance to the detention center. A short time later, Gibbs had a heart attack and was transported to a Columbia-area hospital for medical treatment

Newberry County sheriff's investigators learned that after one of the children told a relative about the alleged assault, the other children came forward. Gibbs was beaten by the parents of all three children.

Police said they have since learned a fourth child, also a relative of Gibbs, was also molested. Investigators said that there is no indication that any other children who were not related to Gibbs were molested.

Gibbs remains hospitalized. The Newberry County Sheriff's Office said that Gibbs will be charged with at least four counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and lewd act on child when he is released.

Investigators said "while they certainly empathize with the parents, it is important to discourage anyone from taking the law into their own hands."

No charges have yet been filed against the parents who committed the assault. According to Major Todd Johnson, the case is under review by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and the results will be forwarded to Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace and staff for final determination. ..Source.. by WYFF4.com