South Carolina Man Convicted of Transporting a Minor Across State Lines for Sexual Activity

Jackson, TN - Michael Holland, 37, a former resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty in federal court to transporting a minor across state lines with intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a). United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the results of the court proceedings today.

According to information presented in court, in November 2024, Holland traveled from his home in South Carolina to Jackson, Tennessee to pick up a 12-year-old girl that he had been communicating with over Snapchat for several months. After picking her up, Holland drove the minor back to his home in South Carolina. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were ultimately able to locate the minor at Holland's residence.

The minor told investigators that Holland performed several sexual acts on her after they arrived at his home. A search of Holland's cell phone corroborated the minor's statements, as investigators located several photographs and videos on Holland's phone which showed him engaging in various sexual acts with the minor at his residence.

This case is pending before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson. Holland is scheduled to be sentenced in September of this year. Holland is facing a mandatory-minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This case demonstrates the horrifying danger posed by predators who lure, exploit, and abuse innocent children using social media and the internet. It also demonstrates our federal law enforcement partners' outstanding abilities to track offenders and rescue victims. We will vigorously seek significant punishment for this sick and despicable offender, and any others like him."

This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Columbia, South Carolina and Jackson, Tennessee. Anyone with additional information as to this case or concerning Holland is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or online at [email protected].

Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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