Spartanburg, South Carolina, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Daniel Kellan Mayfield, a former youth pastor and wedding photographer, has received a 20-year federal prison sentence after being found in possession of over 5,000 images of child pornography. The court mandated that he serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for release, and upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender. The disturbing materials found on Mayfield’s phone included recordings of children under the age of 12, leading to numerous charges against him, including voyeurism and sexual exploitation of minors.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Daniel Kellan Mayfield, a former youth pastor and wedding photographer, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. The court has mandated that he serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for release. Upon completion of his sentence, Mayfield will be required to register as a sex offender and will face lifelong supervision.
A significant number of disturbing materials were found on Mayfield’s phone, with a staggering total of 5,344 images of child pornography. These pornographic materials included images depicting the sexual abuse of children, many of whom were under the age of 12 and included recordings of them while they were using restrooms, changing, and showering.
Among the victims, Mayfield’s former sister-in-law, Carly Hall, played a crucial role in uncovering his illicit activities. She discovered Mayfield filming her while she was in the shower in May 2023. Further investigation revealed hundreds of images of women and children, including Hall’s 2-month-old baby, on Mayfield’s phone after she had been searching for her own video.
Reports indicate that Mayfield’s exploitative behavior has been ongoing since 2018. He had hidden cameras secretly installed in church bathrooms and showers to record unsuspecting victims. Al Phillips, a court attendee, expressed that the incident had a profound impact on his grandchildren, who were among those victimized.
Mayfield currently faces not only the federal charges but also has pending state charges consisting of 156 counts of voyeurism and sexual exploitation of minors across various counties, including Greenville, Greenwood, and Spartanburg. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will oversee the prosecution of these cases. Additionally, following his initial arrest in May 2023, Mayfield was hit with further legal issues, facing 38 counts of voyeurism for 24 new victims as of October 2024.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation, which showed that many of the voyeurism incidents took place at wedding venues where Mayfield was employed as a photographer. His actions encompassed a double life, engaging in these crimes at weddings, church events, and in homes linked to a Christian nonprofit that assists foster children.
In a subsequent bond hearing, Mayfield was denied bail with victims’ families present, highlighting the seriousness of his crimes. Those who suspect they may have been victims of Mayfield are urged to contact law enforcement to aid in further investigations.
Key Points:
– Former youth pastor Daniel Kellan Mayfield sentenced to 20 years for child pornography.
– Required to serve 85% of the sentence before eligibility for parole.
– Will face lifelong supervision and must register as a sex offender.
– 5,344 images of child pornography found on Mayfield’s phone.
– Victims include his former sister-in-law, who discovered his filming in May 2023.
– Plethora of charges filed against him, including voyeurism and sexual exploitation of minors.
– Investigation revealed abuse occurred at wedding venues and church settings.
Conclusion: The case highlights grave issues surrounding child pornography and voyeurism, prompting investigations into Mayfield’s actions and cautioning the public while encouraging other potential victims to come forward.
FAQ
What was Daniel Kellan Mayfield sentenced for?
Daniel Kellan Mayfield, a former youth pastor and wedding photographer, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.
How long must Mayfield serve before being eligible for release?
Mayfield has been ordered to serve 85% of his sentence before eligible for release.
What must Mayfield do upon release?
Mayfield must register as a sex offender upon release and will be supervised for the rest of his life.
What was found on Mayfield’s phone?
5,344 images of child pornography were discovered on Mayfield’s phone. The pornographic materials included sexual abuse images of children, some younger than 12 years old, recorded while they were using restrooms, changing, and showering.
Who discovered Mayfield’s illegal activities?
Victims included Mayfield’s former sister-in-law Carly Hall, who caught him filming her in the shower in May 2023.
Are there additional charges against Mayfield?
Mayfield has pending charges of 156 counts of voyeurism and sexual exploitation of minors in various counties, including Greenville, Greenwood, and Spartanburg.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Sentence Duration | 20 years in federal prison |
| Eligibility for Release | 85% of the sentence |
| Registration | Must register as a sex offender |
| Images Found | 5,344 images of child pornography |
| Notable Victims | Carly Hall and her 2-month-old baby |
| Pending Charges | 156 counts of voyeurism and sexual exploitation of minors |
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Fox Carolina
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: Child pornography
- Google Search: youth pastor criminal charges
Author: HERE Greenwood
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