http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8836502&nav=0RaMTO31Graniteville woman out on bond after sexual assault chargesAIKEN, SC (WIS) - Aiken County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a Graniteville woman in connection with a series of sexual assaults involving a 13-year-old girl.
Twenty-year-old Stephanie G. Kirkland is being charged with three counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct and four counts of lewd act upon a minor.
Ashley Pitts speaks highly of Kirkland, who is her neighbor and friend.
"Stephanie wouldn't do that. I know she wouldn't. She's a great girl. She's happy in her relationship. There's no way she would do that," Pitts said.
Investigators say between May and December 2007, Kirkland sexually assaulted the victim at three separate locations -- two were at homes and the third was at the former location of Aiken's Extreme Cheerleading on Whiskey Road.
"There was a relationship between Ms. Kirkland and the 13-year-old," says Lt. Michael Frank.
Pitts still doesn't believe it since she says Kirkland is "not that type of person." Pitts also says Kirkland is a hard-working and supportive friend.
Pitts talked to Kirkland about the accusations about a year ago.
"She said that there is a girl that's accusing her of things she didn't do," says Pitts.
Pitts says the charges against her friend are serious, and she hopes this isn't a case of retaliation.
"If a girl doesn't like another girl, then they can do outrageous things to hurt the other person. You can't automatically assume that what you hear is always true," Pitts said.
Officials say Kirkland surrendered to investigators on Tuesday. She is currently out of jail on a $21,000 bond.
Reported by Brandi Cummings
