RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Sheriff Leon Lott says a church staff member has been arrested in connection with the assault of a child. Zachary Turnage was arrested in reference to an ongoing investigation of unlawful conduct with children during his employment at Trinity Church in Lower Richlan d. On August 28, 2026, deputies responded to a Hopkins home in reference to a report to meet call. Upon arrival, deputies met with the complainant, the victim’s mother. The victim is a child between the ages of 7 and 12. The victim’s mother reported discovering several inappropriate text messages from Turnage to her child on her child’s phone, say deputies. The victim attended Trinity Church after school care, where Turnage worked. Further investigation also revealed an incident where Turnage assaulted the victim by inappropriately touching the victim for sexual gratification; the assault occurred at Trinity Church, according to RCSD. Richland County investigators obtained arrest warrants for Turnage. On October 10, 2026, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Turnage, and he was taken into custody. Turnage was taken to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and charged with assault and battery second degree and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Richland County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging parents with children who may have had contact with Turnage to speak to your children. Also, the sheriff’s department is urging any additional victims to come forward. Categories: Local News, Richland Tags: Richland County Sheriff’s Department ...read more read less