Local Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Children

A Greenville man has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting several children spanning decades, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office said.

Investigators with the GCSO's Crimes Against Children unit arrested 58 year old Timothy Lee Anders on Friday in connection to several sexual assault cases that began as early as 1976, GCSO spokesman Michael Hildebrand said. 

On April 24, investigators met with a man that made allegations against Anders accusing him of sexually assaulting him for an eight year period, Hildebrand said. During the investigation it was learned that the victim met Anders while Anders was employed as a maintenance person at Wrenn Memorial Baptist Church, located on Sidney Street off Poinsett Highway in Greenville, 

The victim relayed that in 1981, when he was 10 years old, Anders began to touch him inappropriately and also sexually assaulted him. The victim stated that these crimes continued until 1986, arrest warrants said. 

While involved in this investigation, an additional victim was discovered. This victim provided information that alleged similar incidents began in 1976 when she was six years old involving Anders, Hildebrand said. 

This victim also met Anders through the church and began visiting with Anders in his home. This victim stated that beginning in 1976 and ending in 1982 she was touched inappropriately and sexually assaulted by Anders, Hildebrand said.

All of these incidents occurred at various places, including Anders’ home, his vehicle, and Wrenn Memorial Baptist Church. 

Anders has been charged with 27 total charges; nine counts of a Lewd Act on a Minor, four counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 1st degree, and 14 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 2nd degree. 

He is currently being held without bond in the county detention center. 

Based on information that has been obtained so far, investigators believe that there could be other victims that have yet to come forward, Hildebrand said. 

The GCSO encouraged anyone with information on this case, or who may have been victimized, to contact Crime Stoppers at 23-CRIME.