Newberry Man Accused of Molesting a Minor

NEWBERRY ‒ Newberry resident Michael Wayne Bryant, 48, was arrested Monday, Nov. 28, and charged with lewd and lascivious battery on a 15-year-old girl.

On Nov. 26, Bryant allegedly became intoxicated and wanted to drive somewhere. The victim offered to drive him so he would not drive while intoxicated. At some point, the girl ended up in the passenger seat, with Bryant driving, and Bryant allegedly began trying to persuade the girl to run away with him to Dixie County, where he has a hunting lease. He then allegedly touched her inappropriately, but she pushed his hand away.

The victim reportedly convinced Bryant to switch seats so she could drive and she drove to Bryant’s parents’ residence, where she got out of the car and hid. She contacted another person, who came to get her.

Bryant reportedly said he was alone with the girl in the car but denied being intoxicated. He denied ever touching the girl.

Bryant has three misdemeanor convictions for theft, battery and driving without a valid license. According to a spokesman at the State Attorney’s Office, Judge Thomas Jaworski set bail at $10,000.

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