Columbia TV journalist arrested for possession of child pornography, AG says

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A local journalist at Columbia news station WACH FOX 57 has been arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography, according to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

The Attorney General’s Office said Matt Vereen, 28, who has worked as a weekend anchor and sports reporter, was arrested on Wednesday and taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Vereen was charged with three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor: two counts in the second degree and another count in the third degree.

A press release stated Vereen was arrested by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The investigation was conducted by investigators with the Columbia Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the state’s ICAC Task Force.

According to Vereen’s LinkedIn page, he has worked as a sports anchor and reporter for the news station for nearly three years. Prior to this, he worked as a sports reporter and anchor at KOLR, a news station in Springfield, Missouri.

Alvin S. Glenn Bond Court confirmed Vereen was given a $40,000 cash surety bond. The conditions of his bond include no access to personal internet, no use of social media outside of work and no contact with a minor without adult supervision.

WIS News 10 reached out to WACH FOX 57 for comment but have not heard back.

This story is developing. Check back here for updates.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.