Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office
Aaron D. McCullough, 47, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Aaron D. McCullough, 47, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree burglary, kidnapping and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
The attack occurred May 8, 2020 at the Main Street Motel, 700 W. Main Street. A woman told police McCullough broke a window to enter her room about 4 a.m. and threatened her with a knife that he stuck in the wall near the bed.
The victim described the sexual assault in detail during a police interview. The victim was beaten during the attack and she had numerous bruises on her. She identified McCullough in a photo lineup. Police used DNA evidence to further confirm McCullough’s identity.
McCullough fled the crime scene on a white moped after being asked to leave by the property manager. Police arrested McCullough later in the day riding the moped. After his arrest, McCullough admitted to breaking the window to force entry into the hotel room but he claimed the sex was consensual.
"I hope the sentence gives the victim some peace and closure from this terrible crime," Solicitor Barry Barnette said.
McCullough’s prior criminal record included convictions for armed robbery, first-degree assault, third-degree assault and battery and violation of parole. He will serve 85 percent of Circuit Judge Mark Hayes’ prison sentence before he is eligible for release.