S.C. man Terrence Bryant sold boys tobacco, for chance to spank them, say cops

(CBS/WLTX/AP) LEXINGTON, S.C. - Authorities in South Carolina say they arrested 50-year-old convenience store clerk Terrence Bryant for selling cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to boys - in exchange for letting him spank them.

According to deputies, the father of a 12-year-old boy found out that his son got a pack of Newport cigarettes from Bryant. Detectives say they determined that the man gave the boy cigarettes on five occasions over a two month period, in exchange for the boy letting Bryant spank him with his clothes on, reports CBS affiliate WLTX.

Deputies say Bryant also gave two 15-year-old boys smokeless tobacco in exchange for spanking them.

Bryant kept the cigarettes and smokeless tobacco stored in the glove compartment of his 2002 pickup truck, according to investigators. Officers say Bryant purchased the tobacco products that he provided to the boys.

Bryant is charged with three counts of committing a lewd act upon a child under the age of 16.

Bryant faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison if he is convicted on all four counts, WLTX reports. He is detained on bail of $105,000.