Charges Filed Against Ex-Fiancé of Rep. Nancy Mace and Associates

On Wednesday, authorities charged the former fiancé of U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, Patrick Bryant, and two of his business associates, John Douglas Osborne and Eric Bernard Bowman, with sex crimes and voyeurism. The charges stem from an incident that Mace previously described in detail during a House floor speech, in which she highlighted deficiencies in how crimes against women are investigated.

Details of the Incident and Charges

According to sworn statements from agents with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Osborne committed sex acts on a 23-year-old woman who was incapacitated and intoxicated, while Bryant and Bowman watched. The event, which occurred in October 2018 in Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, reportedly involved the men discussing beforehand who would assault the victim. Agents stated that photos and videos of the assault were taken, and the incident was captured on a home security system's live feed.

Discovery and Evidence

The victim was found passed out on a couch, using a pillow to cover herself after falling into a pool. Another woman, who was monitoring the security feed, witnessed the assault remotely, took images, and documented what she saw in a journal. Investigators later discovered these materials as part of their inquiry into the allegations.

Specific Charges Against the Accused

Osborne, age 46, faces first-degree assault and battery as well as two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Bryant, age 53, and Bowman, also 46, each face voyeurism charges. Bowman faces additional charges of obstruction of justice—after resetting a cellphone sought by investigators—and for publishing the victim’s name and a video on the social media platform X.

As of Wednesday, Bryant had not responded to requests for comment, and attorneys previously associated with Bowman and Osborne had not returned messages about the new charges.

Nancy Mace’s Public Statement and Legislative Response

Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, first described the assault during a nearly hourlong House speech in February 2025, where she named the men involved and discussed finding non-consensual photos and videos on Bryant's cellphone while they were still together. Mace’s speech drew national attention to the issue of sexual assault victims facing systemic challenges in securing justice.

Following the recent arrests, Mace highlighted her work on a package of 25 legislative proposals designed to protect victims of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination, including protections against retaliatory defamation and libel lawsuits. One measure, introduced this week, would require anyone who unsuccessfully brings such a lawsuit to pay the defendant's attorney fees.

Advocacy for Sexual Assault Victims

In her statement, Mace said, “Protecting women and holding predators accountable isn’t a slogan. It’s been one of my top priorities in Congress. For too long, survivors have faced broken systems while predators exploited loopholes and walked free.”

Background and Ongoing Investigation

The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division has not confirmed whether its investigation into Osborne, Bryant, or Bowman is ongoing. Upon the initial disclosure of the allegations, Bryant denied any wrongdoing and stated his willingness to cooperate fully with the legal process.

Nancy Mace’s Political Future

Mace, who is not seeking re-election to the House after losing her bid to become South Carolina’s governor, continues to advocate for legislative changes related to sexual assault. Her personal experience has informed her legislative agenda and public advocacy on issues affecting sexual assault victims.

Source: abcnews.com.