CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A former Charleston County magistrate judge pleaded not guilty Thursday to six federal charges related to child sexual abuse materials during his arraignment in downtown Charleston.
James Benjamin Gosnell Jr., 68, faces charges related to the possession, receipt, distribution, attempted receipt of and conspiracy to receive and distribute child sex abuse materials, federally referred to as child pornography.
Gosnell appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit with “WCDC” on the back, indicating he is being held at the Williamsburg County Detention Center. The former judge has lost weight and grown a beard since his arrest.
The hearing was a formal reading of charges and an opportunity for Gosnell to enter a plea. Gosnell waived his right to have the charges rea