Nancy Mace’s Ex-Fiancé, 2 Others Charged in 2018 Sexual Assault Case
South Carolina charges Nancy Mace’s ex-fiancé and two men with 2018 sexual assault-related crimes.
Why it matters: Legal professionals must watch how this case reflects evolving challenges in prosecuting crimes involving incapacitated victims and the impact of legislative reforms on compliance and victim protections.
- Charges announced October 14, 2026, by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
- John Douglas Osborne faces first-degree assault and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which involves sexual acts with an incapacitated person.
- Patrick Bryant and Eric Bernard Bowman charged with voyeurism; Bowman also charged with obstruction of justice and unlawful victim identification under state law.
- The incident involved a 23-year-old intoxicated woman at Sullivan's Island in October 2018.
On October 14, 2026, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged three men in connection with a 2018 sexual assault case involving a 23-year-old woman who was intoxicated and unconscious at a residence on Sullivan's Island.
John Douglas Osborne, 46, was charged with first-degree assault and battery, plus two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. In South Carolina, third-degree criminal sexual conduct refers to sexual acts committed against a victim who is physically helpless or unconscious.
Patrick Bryant, 53, and Eric Bernard Bowman, 46, were charged with voyeurism—for watching and recording the assault. Bowman faces additional charges of obstruction of justice and unlawfully revealing the victim’s identity, violations meant to protect victims’ privacy under state law.
The assault came to light through a witness who saw the act on a home security video. Evidence includes photos and journal entries. Representative Nancy Mace revealed evidence from Bryant’s phone during a February 2025 congressional speech, confirming Bryant’s involvement. Mace was not engaged to Bryant at the time of the assault and advocates for legislative reforms.
Since then, Mace has introduced 25 bills targeting stronger protections for sexual assault and harassment survivors. These include requirements for defendants in civil cases to cover victim legal fees and tightened rules on confidentiality—measures directly affecting legal compliance and practice.
South Carolina authorities continue investigation and prosecution. This case underlines increasing legal focus on crimes involving incapacitated victims, a vital arena for legal professionals handling criminal justice, compliance, and victim advocacy.
More from SLED’s announcement and The Post and Courier’s reporting.
By the numbers:
- 25 — bills introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace aimed at strengthening sexual assault survivor protections
- 3 — men charged in the 2018 Sullivan's Island sexual assault case
- October 14, 2026 — date South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced charges