Sex offender William H. Heath, age 50, has received a consecutive sentence of Life plus 40 years.

The jury convicted Heath for criminal sexual conduct with a minor – 1st degree, which involved a child under the age of eleven, criminal sexual conduct with a minor – 2nd degree and two counts of criminal sexual conduct – 3rd degree.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department began their investigation April 26, 2015 when they received a call for a welfare check at the residence of William Heath. Upon arrival, officers located the juvenile victim who reported Heath sexually assaulted her. The victim also disclosed previous assaults which occurred over the course of several years.

At trial, the victim testified regarding the sexual assaults and multiple threats Heath made against her.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge McMahon addressed the overall impact of Heath’s crimes, “You stole her childhood ... you put her in prison for a long time.” Judge McMahon then sentenced Heath to the maximum sentence on all charges.