(SC)
WACH [Columbia SC]
July 21, 2026
By Dejon Johnson
A religious leader and school administrator has been arrested after multiple women accused him of sexual assault spanning more than a decade, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Louai Elkhatib, 55, was arrested July 20 and charged with four counts of first-degree assault and battery and one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Authorities say the investigation started June 30 after a woman reported years of alleged sexual abuse to deputies.
The woman identified Elkhatib as an imam at a mosque affiliated with the Mission Hope Foundation, which also operates a school where he served as an administrator, according to authorities.
As the investigation continued, four additional women came forward with similar allegations, authorities said.
Authorities say Elkhatib is accused of using his position as a religious leader and school administrator to hold power over the victims during the assaults if they tried to refuse because the women were members of the mosque and employees of the school.
Elkhatib was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where he waits for a bond hearing.
Authorities say investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, and encourage anyone with information to contact law enforcement.