DSS investigates claim at Lady's Island school

The S.C. Department of Social Services is investigating a claim of criminal sexual conduct involving two children under age 5 that occurred near the playground of E.C. Montessori & Grade School on Lady's Island.

The investigation by the department's Out-of-Home Abuse and Neglect Unit is ongoing, spokeswoman Marilyn Matthews said Friday.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office also investigated the claim. The case was closed in December with no criminal prosecution since there is no precedent for arresting a 4- or 5-year-old child for criminal sexual conduct, according to a report.