Rock Hill, South Carolina, October 18, 2025
News Summary
In Rock Hill, Jerray Marquail Bookert, 38, received a three-year probation sentence after filming an 11-year-old boy in a bathroom at a T.J. Maxx store. The incident occurred when the child discovered Bookert recording him, leading to a confrontation. Bookert turned himself in to police two weeks later and pleaded guilty to voyeurism, with the judge emphasizing the serious implications of violating probation. The case raises important concerns about child safety and offender accountability.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Jerray Marquail Bookert, a 38-year-old man, was sentenced to three years of probation and must register as a sex offender after recording an 11-year-old boy in a store bathroom. The incident occurred on March 26 at a T.J. Maxx store when Bookert allegedly placed his phone under a stall while the boy was using the restroom. The boy realized he was being recorded and confronted Bookert, chasing him through the store before alerting his mother.
Bookert turned himself in to Rock Hill police on April 9, almost two weeks after the incident was reported. He was charged with voyeurism and later pleaded guilty to that charge in York County criminal court. As part of a negotiated plea deal, a judge ruled that Bookert would serve probation instead of a potentially longer sentence.
Visiting Circuit Court Judge Keith Kelly emphasized the serious implications of violating probation, warning Bookert that he would face prison time should he fail to comply with the terms. The victim’s identity was kept confidential throughout the proceedings, and the boy’s parents chose not to address the judge during the hearing.
Prosecutor Alex Harper outlined the incident’s specifics, detailing how Bookert had put his phone under the stall while the child was in the restroom. Prior to his court appearance, Bookert had been free on bail after being charged with voyeurism. In the wake of the incident, the victim’s family sought a protection order against him to ensure their child’s safety.
In court, Bookert’s lawyer acknowledged that he made a “bad decision” and highlighted that he must face the consequences of his actions. The case is part of a growing concern regarding child safety and the legal repercussions for offenses against minors in South Carolina and beyond.
The mother of the child expressed her desire for justice as the legal proceedings unfolded, reflecting broader community sentiments regarding the protection of children in public spaces. Authorities continue to promote awareness about child safety in light of incidents like this, pushing for legislative measures to strengthen protections against such offenses.
As the judicial system works through the concerns surrounding this case, it reiterates the importance of ensuring safety for children and holding offenders accountable for their actions. The outcome stands as a reminder of the need for vigilant protection of minors from such offenses.
FAQ
What was Jerray Marquail Bookert charged with?
Bookert was charged with voyeurism after recording an 11-year-old boy in a bathroom at a T.J. Maxx store.
What was the outcome of the court case?
Bookert was sentenced to three years of probation and is required to register as a sex offender.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on March 26 when Bookert allegedly placed his phone under the stall while the boy was using the restroom.
How did the victim respond during the incident?
The boy confronted Bookert after realizing he was being recorded and chased him through the store before alerting his mother.
What was the judge’s warning to Bookert?
Visiting Circuit Court Judge Keith Kelly warned Bookert that he would face prison time if he violated the terms of his probation.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Jerray Marquail Bookert |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Charge | Voyeurism |
| Incident Date | March 26 |
| Plea | Guilty |
| Sentence | Three years of probation |
| Sex Offender Registration | Required |
| Protection Order | Granted against Bookert |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Police Officer Found Guilty of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Former Officer Faces Federal Charges for Child Exploitation
Former Police Officer Charged with Child Exploitation
Rock Hill Man Turns Himself In After Peeping Incident
Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Voyeurism
- WCNC
- Google Search: voyeurism laws South Carolina
- WSOC TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Probation
- WBTV
- Google News: Rock Hill crime news
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
