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A prominent South Carolina photographer was arrested earlier this month after allegedly fondling his female assistant and attempting to force her to perform oral sex on him.
Eugene D. “Dubose” Blakeney IV, 64, of Johns Island, S.C., is one of the most sought-after child photographers in the southeast. According to his website, he is a self-trained photographer who has been “creating memorable images since 1977.”
Sources familiar with his work have described him as “world-renowned.”
“DuBose specializes in the classic black and white vignetted style created in the earlier days of photography,” his website noted. “His angelic portraits of children are displayed around the world and their timeless look will take you back to days gone by. A native Charlestonian, DuBose enjoys spending time with his family in the charm-filled Holy City.”
If the allegations against him are true, that’s apparently not all he enjoys …
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According to the city of Columbia, S.C. police department, investigators with its special victims unit (SVU) arrested and charged Blakeney on September 18, 2023 with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct in the third degree related to an incident that allegedly took place on September 6, 2023.
Blakeney “is accused of touching a female without consent and trying to force the victim to perform a sex act,” according to Columbia police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons.
According to sources familiar with the alleged assault, the famed photographer attempted to force his 22-year-old assistant’s face “into his genitals.”
Blakeney’s online calendar listed two photo sessions in Columbia, S.C. on September 7-8, 2023. He is scheduled to travel to Alabama and North Carolina for photo shoots next month.
Blakeney was released from the Alvin S. Glenn detention center after posting a $10,000 surety bond. There is no immediate word regarding his representation on this criminal charge – nor is it clear when he is scheduled to make his first appearance in court.
Count on this media outlet to keep our audience in the loop as soon as we have that information …
As with anyone accused of committing any crime, Blakeney is considered innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system – or until such time as he may wish to enter some form of allocution in connection with a plea agreement with prosecutors related to the charge filed against him.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven (soon to be eight) children.
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20 comments
He said she said
Would it be “he said she said” if it was your daughter/wife/sister/niece/etc. making this claim? What is wrong with you people??
Some Republicans want to be the ones doing it to their daughters.
Political opinion has nothing to do with this. The whole point is to give this young woman support instead of tearing her down and making her feel like she should be silent. No need for rude comments in any shape or form.
What if she is lying? It is not at all unheard of for women to lie about sexual assaults. Should we support her anyway if such is the case?
The next Republican superstar!
Surely doesn’t sound like my friend Dubose. I believe him to a gentleman, and have never– in the decades I’ve known him– seen him do anything remotely impolite.
Why would you discredit a victim? I get innocent until proven guilty, but that doesn’t mean this young woman’s claims are untrue. As a victim of sexual assault, I know personally how terrifying it is to speak out. People like you making comments like this are the reason so many victims stay silent and feel so small. You should think before you speak.
And people like you have destroyed the lives and reputations of men who were innocent of the allegations.
You were who I meant this comment to go to, Netta.
I can’t believe how quick people are going to defend him. He’s my 2nd uncle on my moms side and every interaction I had with him, he was mean and made me very uncomfortable. He’s made threats to me and my father before as well!
The fact that you of all people are vouching for him increases the likelihood that he is guilty of the charges.
And people like you have destroyed the lives and reputations of men who were innocent of the allegations.
This guy is my uncle and I can say that Every interaction I had with him made me uncomfortable and he’s threatened me twice and my father. So you don’t even know what you’re talking about. It’s people like you who probably do the same things he’s been accused of. Maybe you’ll end up being his cell buddy with the way your encourage his behavior and how you’re so quick to stick up for him.
So he’s totally guilty.
Drunkle does want a court sanctioned rapist and convicted epic, decades long financial fraudster to be President.
Let’s not forget the founder of this blog’s history with violence against women and making up stories of sexual relations with women.
Ahh, the brilliant Joe Paterno/Jim Jordan defense!
Well played, Drunkle!
This guy is my 2nd uncle and I’ve been around him many times. He was always pretty mean to me and my father. And was very aggressive with me and him making threats and whatnot so you really never k is what goes on behind closed doors!
Don’t know anything about the veracity of this case, but I do know this: if E Prioleau Alexander is one of the first to rush to your defense, it is not a good look for you.
Drunkle Prioleau is one of the vilest human beings you will ever meet.
You have to wonder what really goes on at Magnolia Recovery.
All charges have been dropped.
He paid her off…..