(SC)
WLTX [Columbia, SC]
April 8, 2026
By Kiki Gushue
Authorities say at least two victims have been identified, but investigators believe there could be more.
New details are emerging in a child abuse investigation in Richland County that investigators say involves a husband and wife.
Authorities say 50-year-old Rodney Gibson is facing multiple charges, including criminal sexual conduct with a minor. His wife, Kawiana Young, a daycare operator, is charged with unlawful conduct toward a minor.
According to an incident report, the case centers on allegations from a teen who told a deputy she was sexually and physically abused while living in a foster home. The report states the alleged abuse began in 2023, when the victim was 15 years old, and continued until it was reported in March 2026.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said the investigation began after a school resource officer received information and reported it to authorities.
“Well, it initially started with an SRO finding out information and making a report, which shows how important they are in schools,” Lott said. “They see these kids and the kids confide in them.”
Lott said investigators worked to build the case by interviewing the victim and gathering evidence before seeking warrants.
“They’re innocent until proven guilty. But we also have a victim,” Lott said. “We talk a lot about the person that’s arrested, but we have to worry about the victim and what they’ve been through. Our job is to speak for them and gather as much evidence as we can before presenting it to a judge.”
Authorities say at least two victims have been identified, but investigators believe there could be more. Lott said both suspects had access to children, Gibson as a pastor and Young through her daycare.
“When you have cases like this and both suspects had access to lots of kids through the church and daycares, you’re always worried there could be other victims,” Lott said. “That’s why it’s important to put that information out and encourage anyone to come forward.”
News19 reached out to the South Carolina Department of Social Services for more information about Young’s background as a foster parent.
DSS said Young was a licensed foster parent from June 2021 through June 2025 and cared for six children during that time. The agency said there were no prior reports of abuse or neglect.
DSS also said children in foster care are visited at least once a month by a case manager. However, the agency said it was not aware Gibson was living in the home, despite the two being married.
In a statement, DSS said Gibson was never listed on the foster care license and was not reported during required visits, meaning the agency had no record of him being in the home.
Lott said the situation highlights a breakdown in responsibility.
“These are things that should be done, but sometimes you do not get the correct information and find out later.”
Meanwhile, DSS said the daycare owned by Young, Dream Catcher Child Development, is closed this week for spring break. The agency said a safety plan is in place and will be reviewed before the center can reopen but declined to provide further details because of the ongoing investigation.
Lott is urging anyone who may have information or believes they may be a victim to contact the sheriff’s department.
“I’m appealing to anyone who thinks they have been a victim or knows someone who has been a victim to contact us,” Lott said.
Both suspects are out on bond. Lott emphasized that while the case is serious, it does not reflect the majority of foster parents, who he said provide safe and supportive homes for children.
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