Full Breakdown
Rep. Nancy Mace’s Accusations Lead to Charges Against Three South Carolina Men
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Charges Filed Over 2018 Assault Alleged by Congresswoman
South Carolina authorities arrested John Douglas Osborne, Brendan Patrick Bryant and Eric Bernard Bowman on charges stemming from an alleged sexual assault of a 23-year-old woman on October 26, 2018. Osborne faces first-degree assault and battery plus two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Bryant and Bowman are each charged with voyeurism; Bowman also faces obstruction of justice and a charge for publishing the victim’s name. The arrests followed Rep. Nancy Mace’s (R-SC) hour-long House floor speech in February 2025 naming the three men.
Background: 2025 House Speech and Subsequent Investigation
Mace said she “accidentally uncovered” photos and videos of non-consensual activity while reviewing a former fiancé’s cellphone. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) opened a formal investigation in December 2023 and executed a search warrant at Bowman’s Sullivan’s Island home on March 20, 2025.
Timeline of Key Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2018 | Alleged assault of an intoxicated woman at a Sullivan’s Island residence. |
| Feb 2025 | Mace delivers House floor speech naming Osborne, Bryant and Bowman. |
| Mar 20-26, 2025 | SLED searches Bowman’s home, obtains his factory-reset phone, and receives it from his attorney. |
| Oct 2026 | Arrest warrants issued; the three men are booked in Charleston County. |
Data & Statistics
- Charges:
- Osborne – 1 count first-degree assault & battery; 2 counts third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
- Bryant – voyeurism.
- Bowman – voyeurism, obstruction of justice, publishing victim’s name.
- Bond amounts (Oct 2026 hearing): Osborne $225,000; Bryant $50,000; Bowman $175,000.
- Prosecuting authority: 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mary Beth Mullaney, Mace’s attorney, called the arrests “a good first step.”
- Brendan Patrick Bryant “categorically denied these allegations” and pledged to cooperate with legal proceedings.
Verbatim Quote
- “Protecting women and holding predators accountable isn’t a slogan. It’s been one of my top priorities in Congress,” — Rep. Nancy Mace
Impact and Legislative Context
Mace’s disclosure prompted her to introduce 25 bills targeting sexual-assault retaliation, non-consensual pornography and victim-defamation protections. The current charges illustrate the conduct the proposed legislation aims to deter.
What’s Next
The 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will pursue prosecution. Bond hearings have set financial conditions, and additional court dates are pending. SLED says its investigation continues, though no further charges have been announced.
