U.S. Representative Nancy Mace made headlines earlier this year with a powerful speech naming four men she accused of sexual assault and misconduct. One of those men, Eric Bernard Bowman, has now been arrested—though the charges are not directly related to Mace’s accusations.
Eric Bowman Arrested for Harassment and Stalking
Eric Bernard Bowman, age 45, turned himself in to the Sullivan’s Island Police early Tuesday morning. He was arrested on charges of harassment and stalking, according to records from Charleston County Jail. Bowman was later released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on May 30.
According to the incident report, the complaint that led to this arrest began in July 2023, when a woman found an Apple AirTag device attached to her vehicle. She contacted police again in September and then followed up in February 2024, raising concerns about Bowman. She also spoke about the allegations that Mace had brought up earlier in her speech.
Charges Unrelated to Mace’s Allegations
Though Bowman is one of the men named in Nancy Mace’s February floor speech, police have confirmed that the recent charges are not related to those specific allegations. Sullivan’s Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows told The State newspaper that Bowman is the same person Mace called a “predator,” but this case is being handled separately.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is still investigating the broader case linked to Mace’s claims. As of now, only one of the other men named—Mace’s ex-fiancé Patrick Bryant—is confirmed to be under investigation by SLED. Bryant has denied all accusations.
Another man named by Mace, Brian Musgrave, has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against her.
Bowman Responds Before Arrest
Just before turning himself in, Bowman posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Weaponizing the judicial system update – The lies continue.” His post appeared to suggest that he believes the charges are unfair or politically motivated.
A History of Legal Trouble
This is not Bowman’s first time being arrested. In 2018, he was charged with third-degree assault and battery and a minor hit-and-run. He pleaded guilty to assault but was not prosecuted for the hit-and-run. In 2020, Bowman was charged again with aggravated assault and a more serious hit-and-run, but those charges were also dropped.
Nancy Mace Reacts to the Arrest
Representative Mace quickly responded to Bowman’s arrest on social media, calling it justice. She wrote, “If you harm women and kids, you should face the full force of the law… I hope you get everything you deserve, and more.”
Mace has hinted that she may run for governor, and this case has brought her national attention. While her original allegations are still under investigation, her team continues to highlight developments like Bowman’s arrest to support her position.
While Eric Bowman’s latest arrest is not connected to Nancy Mace’s serious accusations from February, it has again brought attention to the case. The investigation into the original allegations continues, with SLED still looking into other individuals named by Mace.
Meanwhile, Bowman will face court later this year for his current harassment and stalking charges. As this case develops, many are watching closely to see what justice will look like for all involved.
