Deputies: Man accused of following girl to restaurant bathroom, assaulting her

Richland Co., S.C. (WOLO)– Richland Co. deputies say a man is accused of following a girl into a restaurant bathroom and sexually assaulting her.

Investigators say on Monday night James Mckenzie followed the girl, between the ages of 9 and 11, into the restroom at a restaurant on Decker Blvd.

Deputies say the child was eating at the restaurant with her family.

According to authorities, surveillance footage shows McKenzie watching the girl and following her.

Deputies say they were able to find McKenzie a short time later hiding in the bushes nearby.

While being questioned, deputies  say they witnessed McKenzie engage in lewd behavior.

Officials say he has prior charges in Florida, Orangeburg Co., and the City of Columbia for similar offenses.