A jury on Thursday found James Lewis Alexander Jr., 49, guilty of a 2008 beating and rape on James Island.
In Charleston County General Sessions Court, Alexander was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Circuit Judge Deadra Jefferson sentenced him to six years in prison.
Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said the jury reached its verdict after deliberating about two hours. Jurors had the option of convicting Alexander of the lesser offense of aggravated assault, but chose to convict him of the more serious offense, she said.
On Oct. 12, 2008, a beating and rape took place behind the Island Bar and Grill at 815 Folly Road. The victim, her sister and another friend had gone to the bar for a night of karaoke.
During the assault, the victim was knocked unconscious and suffered severe bruising. She was treated for more than 20 bruises and lacerations all over her body, Wilson said.
“The victim regained consciousness to find herself behind a wall in a trash pile with Alexander on top of her, forcing sexual intercourse,” Wilson said. She said the victim fought Alexander and begged him to stop.
The victim testified at trial that she thought she was going to die during the ordeal, Wilson said.
DNA evidence recovered from the victim helped secure the case against Alexander, Wilson said. Assistant Solicitors Timmy Finch and Spencer Compton prosecuted the case.