Free Republic

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Six years ago, convicted sex offender Kenneth Glenn Hinson was released from prison after a judge rejected prosecutors' pleas that he be committed indefinitely. That same judge was to preside Thursday over a preliminary hearing for Hinson, now charged with kidnapping and raping two teenage girls in an underground room behind his home. Circuit Judge Edward Cottingham's decision in 2001 allowed for the eventual release of Hinson, 48, who was arrested again after a four-day manhunt in March. The girls were sexually assaulted and left bound inside the room, concealed under a shed, but managed to free...

http://www.wltx.com/news/news19.aspx?storyid=36158 Judge's Decision Led to Release of Sex Offender COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A judge who could have recommended a convicted sex offender to a state rehabilitation program behind bars six years ago instead said prosecutors failed to show the man would likely re-offend. Circuit Judge Edward Cottingham's decision allowed for the eventual release of Kenneth Glenn Hinson. Authorities are still looking for Hinson in connection with the rape of two teenage girls in an underground room behind his Hartsville home. Previous coverage. Hinson was convicted in 1991 of raping a 12-year-old girl. Cottingham said he didn't see probable cause...