Man from Dorchester Co. convicted of sexual abuse of 8-year-old girl

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) – A Dorchester County man has been sentenced to prison for repeatedly sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl.

Christian Vanderhoof, 26, of Summerville, was convicted of two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree.

Christian Vanderhoof, 26, of Summerville, was convicted of two counts of third-degree... — Christian Vanderhoof, 26, of Summerville, was convicted of two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree.(Dorchester County Detention Center)

This case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Amell LaPlante.

“We have to continue to believe our children,” LaPlante said. “The only reason we were able to prosecute this case is because of a brave little girl and her parents who completely believed her when she told them what happened. We are so grateful for this family’s support of their child, each other, and our office’s efforts to bring Mr. Vanderhoof to justice.”

First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe says Vanderhoof avoided a trial by pleading guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

He is currently being held at the Dorchester County Detention Center.