Investigators with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects following a child sexual assault investigation. Christian Thomas Welch has been charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor. According to Investigators, between the dates of March 3 and April 3, 2024, Welch is alleged to have committed a sexual battery on a 10-year-old victim. In addition, Investigators allege that between November 17 and November 20, 2024, Welch is alleged to have committed a sexual battery on a 13-year-old victim. Both incidents are alleged to have occurred at a residence on Chester Road in Coward, SC.
Investigators have also charged Lesile Marie Kirby with two counts of Accessory Before the Fact of a Felony. Investigators allege that Kirby, the mother of both victims, was aware of and encouraged Welch to commit the sexual assaults.
Both Welch and Kirby are being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.
SUBJECT: Christian Thomas Welch, age 32, of 300 Delos Road, Kingstree, SC was arrested by FCSO Investigators on June 19, 2025 and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor (victim 11-14 years of age)(S.C. Code Ann. 16-03-655(B)(1)) and Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor (victim under 11 years of age)(S.C. Code Ann. 16-03-655(A)(1)). See FCSO Booking Website for additional information.
SUBJECT: Leslie Marie Kirby, age 35, of 419 Chester Road, Coward, SC was arrested by FCSO Investigators on June 19, 2025, and charged with two counts of Accessory Before the Fact of a Felony (S.C. Code Ann. 16-01-040). See the FCSO Booking Website for additional information.
Children just have to be cherised!