A fifty-year-old Summerville man was arrested on child molestation and incest charges last week over an ongoing case of abuse that started in 2016.

Clifford Eugene Hubbard has been charged with child molestation, aggravated child molestation, incest, statutory rape and sexual battery.

Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jason Burrage told WZQZ News, “After approximately 8 years of constant sexual abuse from the suspect, the victim reached out to school officials for help. Immediate response and care was provided to the children. After numerous interviews and exams, warrants were issued for the suspect. The sexual exploitation of children is an abhorrent crime. We are committed to protecting children and relentlessly going after those who perpetrate this type of abuse.”

Burrage added, “Here is a fact: over 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the child and their family, advising children, “Don’t talk to strangers” could actually put them at greater risk. While most people are kind and caring, anyone can be an abuser, and most child molesters are someone the child knows, not a stranger.

Children should be on the lookout for behaviors that are concerning, inappropriate and unsafe – and report them to a trusted adult.