Man convicted of abusing his niece
July 17, 2026
A Richland County jury convicted Javier Carbajal of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the second degree on Jul. 16. The Honorable William McGee sentenced the 36-year-old to 12 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
The evidence at trial established that between Mar. 5, 2016 and Mar. 12, 2016, the defendant sexually abused his 11-year-old niece while she was asleep following her cousin’s 12th birthday party.
The victim immediately reported the abuse to her aunt and mother in 2016; however, it was not reported to law enforcement until 2021. At trial, the victim and several family members testified regarding the disclosure and the circumstances surrounding the case.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case. Deputy Solicitor Anna Browder and Assistant Solicitor Luke Pincelli led the prosecution. This case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department.