FORT MILL, S.C. — Editor's Note: This story discusses sexual assault against minors, although no acts are described. Reader discretion is advised.
The Fort Mill Police Department says they've arrested a Lancaster County man accused of meeting with a teen for sex.
The department said 56-year-old Lafe Hunter Thompson was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 10 in Lancaster County. According to police, Thompson had met a 14-year-old boy in Fort Mill and performed a sex act. However, the boy and his mother talked to police and confirmed Thompson's identity after officers presented them with a photo.
Police said they made their way to Thompson's home along Carrington Drive in Lancaster and spoke with him, who reportedly confirmed he was in Fort Mill to meet a young man. He was then arrested and taken to the York County Detention Center. He's now charged with 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
WCNC Charlotte checked public records and found that Thompson is the owner of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Lancaster, located along the Highway 9 Bypass, which is also verified by the restaurant chain's website. WCNC Charlotte has requested comment from Chick-fil-A on Thompson's arrest.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
A mugshot was not available from the York County Detention Center's website.