CHARLESON — The suspended county magistrate judge who is facing federal charges for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse materials will remain in custody.

James B. Gosnell Jr. shuffled into Magistrate Judge Molly Cherry’s federal courtroom wearing a bright orange jumpsuit just before 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 23. He told the judge he understands the charges he faces and entered a formal not guilty plea.

He’s facing six charges in a nine-count indictment that was partially unsealed on Oct. 21. Gosnell is accused of participating in the possession and distribution of young children being sexually abused, and communicating about that abuse, since at least December 2023.

The man who served as a magistrate judge in Charleston County for nearly three decades was arrested on Sept. 16 after inv

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