KCSO: Rape investigation leads to 3 arrested, deputies searching for 4th person

Source: Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office – Facebook

KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, to update the public on three recent arrests.

KCSO say on Jan. 14, 2026, deputies along with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed a search warrant in Elgin.

The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of criminal sexual conduct and related firearms and narcotics violations.

During the execution of the search warrant, two people were detained without incident, says KCSO.

Multiple firearms and narcotics were seized, including a stolen Glenfield Model 75 .22LR rifle and two handguns.

Also around 47 grams of cocaine was found.

Andres Oropeza Nicolas was charged with criminal sexual conduct (1st degree).

Jose Gadial Baltazar was charged with two counts of sale/delivery/transport of a firearm to an unlawful alien, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and first offense trafficking cocaine greater than 28g but less than 100g.

Adan Celso Evangelista was charged with sale/delivery/transport of a firearm to an unlawful alien.

The sheriff’s office also stated that deputies are searching for a fourth person in connection with the rape incident.

Investigators say the rape occurred in Sumter County, but the victim went to a hospital in another county.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional suspects are being sought.

Anyone with additional information on the case should contact the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 803-425-1512.