Charles Randy "Cowboy" Horne Jr. - Repeat Sex Offender - Rapes 6 year old girl

A registered sex offender who raped a 6-year-old girl multiple times in the late 90s was in court Thursday to enter a plea.

Charles Randy "Cowboy" Horne Jr., 30, of Anderson, was already on the sex offender registry for lewd acts on a minor under the age of 16. He was convicted in 1996, but served only one year under the Youthful Offender Act because he was 17 at the time.

Investigators said that Horne assaulted the 6-year-old at a home on LaPaz Street in Pendleton between 1998 and 1999. Investigators said that the girl, who is now a teenager, reported the alleged assaults in 2008.

After Horne was charged, deputies arrested his parents, Debra and Charles Horne Sr. They are accused of leaving two children alone with their son, despite his being a registered sex offender. They are charged with child neglect.

Horne pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Judge J.C. Nicholson sentenced Horne to 23 years in prison.

Solicitor Chrissy Adams said, “Mr. Horne took advantage of a young innocent girl, forever changing her life. It took great courage for this young lady to confront her abuser. Hopefully she can now move on with her life.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"

.........Sarah Tofte