Eric Bowman, one of four men Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace publicly accused earlier this year of being a sexual predator, was arrested today on felony charges of first-degree domestic violence, according to multiple news outlets.
Bowman, 45, a Sullivan’s Island businessman, was arrested Wednesday morning at approximately 6:22 a.m. by Sullivan’s Island police and booked into Charleston County jail. He faces a single count of first-degree domestic violence, a serious felony under South Carolina law. A bond hearing was held shortly after his arrest, and Bowman was denied bond by the court.
The charge stems from a disturbing video recorded in 2016, in which a man, identified by authorities as Bowman, is heard slapping, kicking, choking, dragging, and assaulting a woman inside a dimly lit room. The video was made public recently and circulated widely online. Mace described the footage as “gut-wrenching.” The video was released with the consent of the victim.
In February, Mace delivered a dramatic “scorched earth” speech on the U.S. House floor, naming Bowman and three other men — including her ex-fiancé — and accusing them of crimes ranging from non-consensual recordings to sexual assault. All four men denied the allegations.
Bowman was previously arrested in April on unrelated stalking and harassment charges involving his estranged wife, though a stalking charge was dismissed earlier this month. Mace has also filed a defamation lawsuit against him.
Following today’s arrest, Mace publicly welcomed the development. “Violent criminals belong behind bars. Eric Bowman’s arrest today is an important step toward protecting victims, holding violent criminals accountable and making our community safer,” she said ahead of the bond hearing.
Bowman remains in custody as his case proceeds. The investigation stems from both the resurfaced 2016 video and the broader criminal inquiry involving allegations Mace raised earlier this year.