Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have arrested a 40-year-old man accused of physically abusing his 3-year-old daughter.
Nathan Ginter is charged with Unlawful Neglect of a Child. The suspect remains at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after a judge set Ginter’s bond at $1,000,000. Additional charges are likely.
CPD officers arrested Ginter early this morning. He is accused of maliciously and repeatedly abusing his daughter at his Cleveland Street home over an extended period. Investigators continue to determine the specific timeframe of the abuse.
On March 23, 2022, the child’s mother brought the victim to Lexington Medical Center (LMC) because of significant burns to the victim’s lower body. The injuries caused severe scarring and disfigurement, and are consistent with the use of an electrical control device (ECD), allegedly used by suspect Ginter.
Initially, Lexington City Police Department officers recently responded to LMC for the injuries. After speaking with the victim and an older sibling, officers contacted CPD since the alleged abuse to the primary victim occurred in CPD’s jurisdiction. The victim and her sibling are in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).
Chief Holbrook says, “This investigation has weighed heavy on the hearts and minds of investigators, many of whom are fathers themselves. Any type of child abuse is criminal; the form of abuse to this innocent 3-year-old is horrific and shocking. We implore citizens in our jurisdiction and across South Carolina to report child abuse to local law enforcement immediately.”
During the course of the CPD investigation, investigators also collected and viewed substantial evidence that captured physical abuse to include methods consistent with water torture.
The case continues to be investigated by the CPD Special Victims and Violent Crimes Against Persons Units. Additional arrests are also likely.
The Lexington City Police Department and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office are assisting with CPD’s ongoing investigation.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.