West Columbia man sentenced in connection with child sexual abuse material

Robert K. Bonesteel, 63, of West Columbia was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material, says officials. (Photo: Department of Justice)

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A West Columbia man was sentenced to federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material, says officials.

Robert K. Bonesteel, 63, of West Columbia was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison.

Evidence obtained during the investigation revealed that in November 2023, law enforcement agencies executed an undercover chat operation targeted at identifying child sex offenders.

During the chat operation, undercover officers posed as a 14-year-old boy and chatted with Bonesteel on a social media app.

Bonesteel discussed “ravaging” him and engaging in oral sex, before agreeing to meet the child at his home in Lexington where Bonesteel believed he was home alone, says the DOJ.

Bonesteel arrived at what he believed to be the minor’s home with condoms and was arrested.

Following his arrest, law enforcement searched Bonesteel’s phone and discovered that Bonesteel had produced and disseminated child sexual abuse material.

Social media messages revealed that Bonesteel coached other individuals on how to groom children and sexually abuse them, the Department of Justice says.

A United States District Judge sentenced Bonesteel to 260 months.