Seneca is a city of approximately 9,000 residents, located in Oconee County in northwestern South Carolina. On at least three occasions, law enforcement in Seneca have initiated investigations targeting sex buyers.

In July 2008 and June 2010, officers with the Seneca Police Department conducted street-level reversals along city streets using a female undercover officer as a decoy. Following both investigations, the names and other identifying information of the sex buyers arrested were publicized in local media outlets.

In May 2012, the Seneca Daily Journal-Messenger reported the arrest of a 62-year-old Seneca resident and “former Guardian Ad Litem volunteer” following an undercover investigation by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. The man was charged with soliciting prostitution “following a month-long investigation, [during which he] allegedly paid informants to perform sexual acts.” His identity was similarly publicized in press. Although the logistical details of the operation were not reported, OCSO deputies stated that the sting was launched after law enforcement received a complaint.