Former SC pastor, mayoral candidate charged with sex crimes against a minor, sheriff says

A former pastor and candidate for Columbia mayor faces multiple sex crime charges against a minor, according to law enforcement officials.

Richland County deputies have charged Irwin Wilson, 53, with criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first and third degree. His wife, Rita Wilson, 42, was also charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in late July. Rita has since posted bond.

Wilson, who remains in custody, is a former pastor, realtor and 2010 Columbia mayoral candidate, the sheriff’s office said. He was already a registered sex offender, the sheriff’s office said.

He filed to run for mayor in 2010 but was disqualified because he had been released from prison 13 years earlier, The State reported at the time. State law banned convicted felons from running for public office until 15 years after they finish serving a sentence. He had been convicted in 1994 of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, The State reported.

Deputies said additional charges are expected against Wilson, as they seek other victims encountered by the former pastor. The department said any victims can call investigators at 803-576-3032.