Greenville Businessman Faces Rape Charges

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A Greenville business owner is facing rape charges after a weekend investigation. The Greenville police arrested and charged Jeffery Chad McGriff, 43, with first degree rape.

Courtesy: Butler County Jail

Greenville Police say they responded after the Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Office called with allegations that a rape occurred in a Greenville business late Friday. Chief Investigator Justin Lovvorn interviewed the victim and a witness, then examined the alleged crime scene back in Greenville.

After the initial investigation, Lovvorn says he determined there was enough evidence for a probable crime. Greenville Police say they then charged and arrested McGriff.

McGriff is the owner of Cahaba Interior Furniture in Greenville, which is where police say the crime took place.

Lovvorn says crimes like these are uncommon in Greenville. He says the city averages five to ten reported rapes per year. Lovvorn says that situations like these cannot always be avoided, but there are certain steps you can take to stay safe.

“The main thing is to use common sense. And if at all possible not be by yourself,” Lovvorn advises. “And just don’t put yourself in a situation where you would be vulnerable or susceptible to anything like this happening. Just use your best judgement, stay away from any situation that you deem dangerous and if you get a bad feeling about it, try to back out of it and do something else.”

​McGriff was held at the Butler County Jail until Saturday night when he was released on a $30,000 bond. Lovvorn says the Greenville Police Department offers self defense seminars for anyone who may be interested. For more information, call the Greenville Police Department at 334-382-7461.​