Samuel Tate, Jr. - Repeat Sex Offender - Grabs woman at the Park

Police in Cayce have arrested a registered sex offender they say assaulted a woman Monday night on the RiverWalk.

The woman was jogging along the Cayce Riverwalk at 8:30 a.m. when someone pushed her down from behind and began dragging her into the woods.

The man ran away after the woman kicked him in the groin a few times and passers-by heard the commotion.

Officers Tuesday night arrested 40-year-old Samuel Tate, Jr. and charged him with assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct first degree and transported him to the Orangeburg County jail.

Tate, also known as Samuel T. Porterfield, is a registered sex offender from St. Matthews in Orangeburg County.

Investigators say many concerned citizens provided information about Tate and his moped to authorities. Officers were able to communicate with Tate's parole officer, and they say they found that the man had violated his parole.

Parole officers and the victim were able to identify Tate as the attacker in the incident, according to investigators.

Tate faces 30 years in prison if he is convicted of his current charges.

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