Pickens Man Convicted of Sex Crimes

A Pickens man is facing 32 years behind bars following his conviction on sex crimes. According to 13^th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins, 56 year old Gary Cliffton Hamilton was convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor-Victim Under 11 years of age-First degree, and Lewd Act on a Minor. According to 13^th Circuit Solicitor, evidence presented at the trial established that between August 1, 2011 and August 31, 2011, Hamilton sexually assaulted a 3 year old child at a church parking lot in PickensCounty. Investigators from Anderson County Sheriff’s Department and the Central Police Department were able to secure written confessions from Hamilton. Judge G. Edward Welmaker handed down the 32 year sentence during Wednesday’s trial. Hamilton will have to serve at least 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.