Men Accused in House Speech Face Criminal Charges
Three men whom U.S. Representative nancy mace accused of sexual misconduct during an unprecedented House floor speech last year have now been formally charged with criminal offenses. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that the suspects were booked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County.
The legal actions follow a remarkable 53-minute address delivered by the South Carolina Republican in February 2025, where she displayed the names and photographs of several men under a placard reading "PREDATORS."
Details of the Charges and Affidavits
According to state law enforcement and court affidavits, the suspects face several distinct counts:
- Brendan Patrick Bryant, 53, who is Mace's ex-fiancé, was charged with voyeurism.
- John Douglas Osborne, 46, was charged with first-degree assault and battery along with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
- Eric Bernard Bowman, 46, was charged with voyeurism, obstruction of justice, and publishing the name of a victim of criminal sexual conduct.
Court affidavits allege that the offenses stem from an incident in October 2018, where Osborne unlawfully committed sexual battery against a 23-year-old woman who had passed out from alcohol, while Bowman and Bryant allegedly captured photographs or video of the event.
Legal Responses and Next Steps
Attorneys representing the accused individuals have responded to the developments by denying the allegations. Representatives for Bryant stated that he adamantly denies all claims and asserts that the House speech contained falsehoods and inconsistencies. Osborne's legal team maintained that he is innocent and intends to defend himself vigorously.
According to Osborne's attorney, all three men have posted bond and been released from the detention center. The 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is set to prosecute the case as it moves forward through the local court system.
Sources: CNN, The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post.
