Nationwide — Jason Roger Pope, a 46-year-old DJ from South Carolina known as “DJ Kidd,” received a reduced prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple sex crimes involving minors. The case, which involved allegations that he exploited hundreds of underage Black girls, remained tied up in court for nearly four years before ending with a sentence that was significantly lighter than prosecutors had sought.
Pope pleaded guilty in August 2023 to 13 felony charges. The convictions included five counts of sex trafficking a minor, five counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and three additional criminal sexual conduct charges.
Prosecutors said Pope prostituted and had sexual contact with 693 underage Black girls between 2017 and 2019. They also alleged that he knowingly infected at least one victim with HIV. Although prosecutors sought a harsher punishment, a judge suspended part of Pope’s 30-year sentence and ordered him to serve 19 years in prison.
In 2024, the court imposed several conditions for his eventual release. According to WBTW, he must register as a sex offender, remain under close supervision for at least five years, and have no contact with any of his victims. If he violates probation, he could be sent back to prison for an additional 10 years.
Authorities arrested Pope in September 2019 after investigators said he used social media to target teenage girls. Prosecutors alleged that he relied on his popularity as a local DJ to gain victims’ trust and recruit them into commercial sex activities.
According to court records, one underage girl was approached through social media and later confined inside a home in Darlington, South Carolina. Investigators said Pope threatened and manipulated the girl to keep her involved in the arrangement.
The case experienced repeated delays as Pope underwent mental health evaluations. After a psychiatric expert diagnosed him with autism, his attorneys argued that he was not competent to stand trial. Prosecutors challenged that claim and presented their own expert, who determined that Pope was competent.
Before the long-awaited trial could begin, Pope entered a guilty plea, bringing the case to a close. The proceedings had attracted significant public attention, with many people questioning why the case had taken years to resolve.
Investigators said Pope’s interactions with law enforcement involving young girls dated back to 2011. Several victims accused him of supplying drugs, alcohol, and money before engaging in sexual activity. Others alleged that he used threats, manipulation, and blackmail to maintain control over them.
Police said Pope’s work as a DJ gave him access to teenagers through dance parties and social media promotions. As investigators expanded the case, authorities asked the public for help, and hundreds of girls came forward with information that helped build the prosecution’s case.