Former SC deputy sentenced for sexual relationships with students

A former police officer at a South Carolina high school, Jamel Bradley, has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to engaging in sexual relationships with two students. Bradley, who served as a deputy from 2007 to 2019 and was a school police officer at Spring Valley High, faced serious charges including third-degree criminal sexual conduct and sexual battery. The incidents involved inappropriate advances towards a teen student and a sexual encounter with another student in his patrol car. Despite facing a potential 15 years in prison, Bradley's lawyer and prosecutors reached an agreement for probation, which the judge granted, allowing him to avoid incarceration if he successfully completes three years of probation. However, he is required to register as a sex offender, which carries significant restrictions, including no contact with individuals under 18 outside of his immediate family. The judge's decision to place Bradley on the sex offender registry has been met with mixed reactions. While one victim's lawyer expressed satisfaction with the outcome, citing Bradley's acceptance of responsibility and his family situation, others, including the sheriff who hired him, believe he should have received prison time for betraying the community's trust. Bradley expressed remorse during the hearing, hoping for closure for all involved. His attorney plans to appeal the decision regarding the sex offender registry, arguing that it unduly punishes his children. The case has drawn public attention, highlighting the serious implications of authority figures engaging in inappropriate relationships with students.