LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities in South Carolina say they arrested a 50-year-old convenience store clerk who sold cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to boys after they let him spank them.

Lexington County deputies said Tuesday that they started investigating Terrence Bryant after the father of a 12-year-old boy found him with a pack of Newport cigarettes earlier this month.

Detectives say Bryant sold the boy cigarettes at least five times from his pickup truck, spanking the child in the parking lot over his clothes.

Deputies say Bryant also sold tobacco to two 15-year-old boys after spanking them.

Bryant is charged with three counts of lewd act upon a child under age 16. He is awaiting a bond hearing and deputies say he doesn't have an attorney yet.

Lexington County is in central South Carolina.

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