James C. Hester, Sr., 61, pled guilty Thursday to criminal sexual conduct with a minor for sexually abusing a child under the age of 11. 

The child reported the abuse occurred over the course of a year, beginning in the summer of 2017, when she was 9 years old. 

Hester had a previous conviction for Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature from 2011 that was originally charged as Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor - First Degree. 

Hester is required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to electronic monitoring upon his release from the Department of Corrections. 

The case was prosecuted by 11th Circuit Senior Assistant Solicitor Rhonda Patterson. 

Hester is being transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of his prison sentence.