Former South Carolina Teacher Charged with Sex Crimes, Exposing Minor to HIV

Eric Favor Jr. faces additional charges after investigation uncovers evidence of criminal sexual conduct with minors and knowingly exposing others to HIV.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:06pm

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An extreme close-up of a used condom, its crumpled surface and stark lighting creating a stark, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the serious crimes committed by the former teacher.A grim reminder of the grave consequences when educators betray the trust placed in them.Marion Today

A former South Carolina teacher, Eric Favor Jr., has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct with minors as well as two counts of knowingly exposing others to HIV. Favor previously taught at Johnakin Middle School in Marion County and was most recently a social studies teacher at Lower Richland High School in Richland County School District One before resigning in February 2026.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of a teacher abusing their position of trust and authority to engage in criminal sexual acts with minors. The additional charges related to knowingly exposing others to HIV raise further concerns about public health and safety. It underscores the need for thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and swift action to protect vulnerable students.

The details

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, evidence obtained through an ongoing investigation resulted in Favor being charged with two counts of knowingly exposing others to HIV, in addition to the previous charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, criminal conspiracy, and promoting prostitution of a minor. The sexual conduct charges involve victims younger than 16 and stem from a 2024 investigation involving two teenage brothers.

  • On February 10, 2026, Favor resigned from his teaching position at Lower Richland High School.
  • On the same day, February 10, 2026, Favor was charged by the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
  • On March 9, 2026, the State Board of Education temporarily suspended Favor's teaching certificate until a hearing is held or the matter is otherwise resolved.

The players

Eric Favor Jr.

A former South Carolina teacher who has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct with minors and two counts of knowingly exposing others to HIV. Favor previously taught at Johnakin Middle School in Marion County and was most recently a social studies teacher at Lower Richland High School in Richland County School District One.

Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO)

The law enforcement agency that charged Favor with the additional crimes and is leading the ongoing investigation.

South Carolina Department of Education

The state agency that records show Favor held an educator certificate in for more than six years prior to his arrest.

Richland County School District One

The school district where Favor was employed as a social studies teacher at Lower Richland High School before resigning in February 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Evidence obtained through the ongoing investigation resulted in the new charges.”

— Marion County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Favor remains in the Marion County Detention Center, and the investigation by the Marion County Sheriff's Office is ongoing. A hearing will be held by the State Board of Education to determine the status of Favor's teaching certificate.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for rigorous background checks, ongoing monitoring, and swift action to protect students from educators who abuse their positions of trust. The additional charges related to HIV exposure further highlight the serious public health implications of such crimes and the importance of comprehensive policies to safeguard vulnerable populations.