Myrtle Beach man convicted of raping CCU students seeks reduced sentence

A Myrtle Beach man convicted of raping two Coastal Carolina University students and trying to sexually assault a third claims he should be given a reduced prison sentence because his attorney was ineffective during his 2013 trial, according to court records.

Matthew Elkins, who is serving a 25-year sentence, filed an application for post-conviction relief on Jan. 21. He pleaded guilty to first-dergee criminal sexual conduct and first-degree assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct in December 2013. In his court filing, Elkins said he did not initially appeal the conviction or sentence because his attorney said it wouldn’t be a good idea.

“Attorney made me think all cases would be re-opened,” he wrote.