District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Camden Man Sentenced to over 18 Years in Federal Prison in Connection with Fentanyl Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, SOUTH CAROLINA — Sean Michael Taylor, 27, of Camden, was sentenced to 220 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing a quantity of fentanyl.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that, on July 1, 2020, deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and other first responders from the Kershaw County Emergency Medical Services and Coroner’s Office responded to an apparent overdose at a residence in Camden. Responders located a victim who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim’s death was later determined to be caused by a fentanyl overdose.
On July 21, 2020, during a separate investigation, federal agents and officers assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (ACHIDTA) Task Force in Columbia used a confidential source to buy fentanyl from Taylor. During that exchange, Taylor admitted that he distributed the fentanyl that caused his friend’s death a few weeks prior, and even identified the victim by name.
Later, Taylor confessed to law enforcement that he first injected himself with a syringe containing fentanyl and then handed the victim the syringe containing the remaining fentanyl. Upon injecting the fentanyl, the victim immediately collapsed to the floor, unresponsive. Taylor and others present at the residence dragged the victim to another room, but no one could rouse the victim. Taylor left the residence without calling 911.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Taylor to 220 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA ACHIDTA Task Force in Columbia, which was comprised of agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Department of Public Safety for the City of Orangeburg. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Bales is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA) investigation. HIDTA is a grant program purposed with improving public safety and well-being by disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organizations through intelligence-driven multi-jurisdictional operations; enhancing the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement operations through training; and improving communication and information sharing among criminal justice, drug prevention, and drug treatment professionals in support of the objectives as administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Additional information can be found at https://www.achidta.org/, https://www.dea.gov/operations/hidta, and https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/.
###
Two Federal Juries Convict Greenville Fraudster of Separate Schemes in JulyRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Robin Lee Johnson, 51, of Greenville, was found guilty by a jury of six counts of uttering counterfeit securities. Just two weeks ago, another jury found Johnson guilty of three counts of wire fraud. Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., presided over both trials and will sentence Johnson after the United States Probation Office prepares a presentence report. Johnson faces a statutory maximum of ten years on the securities case and 20 years on the wire fraud case.
Evidence presented to the jury during the first trial (July 11-12, 2023) showed that Johnson operated Global Staffing Solutions (“Global”), a business that purported to provide temporary employees to local companies. Johnson sold Global’s accounts receivable, representing money due from providing the temporary employees, to Capital Business Funding, a local factoring company. Factoring is a financial transaction and a type of debtor finance in which a business (Global) sells its accounts receivable to a third party (Capital) at a discount. The invoice factoring company (Capital) seeks to collect on the invoices it has purchased.
It was a part of the scheme that Global did not actually provide temporary employees to multiple businesses; however, Johnson represented to Capital that Global’s accounts receivable were valid and legitimate. Capital received multiple fraudulent emails and other documents from Johnson indicating that the workers had been provided and that Global was due money from Capital based on the factoring arrangement. Before her scheme was uncovered, Johnson obtained $406,289.04 from Capital based on fraudulent documents submitted.
Evidence presented during the second jury trial (July 26, 2023) showed that Johnson obtained and deposited six counterfeit checks totaling $185,533.16. The checks purported to be from National Funding, a lending company based in San Diego, California. Johnson knew of National Funding because she was on its mailing list and received marketing materials with the company’s name, address, and business purpose. The account number on the counterfeit checks belonged to a law firm in Ohio. Johnson deposited four of the counterfeit checks in her Bank of America account and quickly dissipated the stolen funds through large cash withdrawals and transfers to other accounts. Once the fraud was discovered, Bank of America stopped payment of the final two checks (totaling $75,000) and closed Johnson’s account because of fraud.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Winston Marosek and Bill Watkins prosecuted both cases.
###
South Carolina Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of Four Victims, including a MinorRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned an indictment charging a South Carolina man with three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, two counts of interstate travel in aid of racketeering and one count of obstructing a sex trafficking investigation.
According to the indictment, between August 2019 and August 2020, Aaron T. Simmons, 26, of Greenville, used force, threats of force and coercion to compel three adult women to engage in commercial sex. The indictment also charges Simmons with sex trafficking of a minor victim.
Simmons will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of South Carolina. It is initially scheduled for July 28. If convicted of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, Simmons faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and up to life in prison. If convicted of sex trafficking of a minor, Simmons faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina and Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office made the announcement.
The Greenville Police Department and the FBI Greenville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
The FBI is asking anyone with information about Aaron Simmons to contact the FBI Columbia Field Office at (803) 551-4200. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Pickens Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA —Matthew Leon Arotin, 63, of Pickens, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. He was also ordered to pay $68,000 in restitution to the victims whose images he possessed.
Evidence presented to the court showed that deputies with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber tip that child sexual abuse material was uploaded to a Google account. Investigation revealed that the account came back to an IP address associated with Arotin. Pickens County deputies obtained a search warrant for Arotin’s home and learned that he was a registered sex offender based on prior convictions. When confronted by deputies, Arotin admitted he had various electronic devices and deputies would find inappropriate pictures of children on them.
The devices were seized and forensically analyzed. Law enforcement discovered 1,334 still images and 135 videos of child pornography. Fourteen of the images and six of the videos featured sexual abuse of an infant or toddler.
This case was investigated by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
###
Rock Hill Man with Pending Attempted Murder Charge Sentenced to 188 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing GunRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — William Allen Austin, 50, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 1, 2022, Austin drove to Pineville, NC, to stab his ex-girlfriend while she was at a new job orientation. Surveillance footage captured Austin driving into and fleeing from the facility, and witnesses identified him. The victim of the attack had an emergency protective order against Austin because of repeated threatening and harassing conduct from Austin, including slashing her car tires, following her to a hotel, sending threatening messages, and throwing a brick through her house window.
Austin was subsequently arrested by the York County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service on March 3, 2022, for attempted murder related to the March 1 stabbing. At the time of his arrest, Austin possessed a 9mm Taurus pistol, which was loaded. Federal law prohibits Austin from possessing firearms or ammunition due to numerous prior felony drug convictions.
After Austin was released on bond out of Mecklenburg County, evidence showed that on April 4, 2022, Austin set fire to the victim’s residence in Rock Hill, SC. Surveillance footage showed Austin parking on a street behind the victim’s residence and walking towards her house, before running back to his vehicle. Within minutes of Austin leaving the scene, smoke was visible on surveillance video. York County Fire Department responded to the victim’s home, which was severely damaged and deemed uninhabitable.
United States District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Austin to 188 months in prison to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the York County Sheriff’s Office, the York County Fire Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.
Nine South Carolina Department of Corrections Inmates and Six Others Charged in Nearly $5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury has returned a 51-count indictment against nine current or former inmates in the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and six other individuals who were either friends or relatives of the inmates for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in March 2020 and continuing through December 2020, nine SCDC inmates engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain various COVID-19 unemployment benefits administered through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) and through Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, Missouri, Arizona, and California.
The indictment further alleges the defendants conspired and coordinated with other inmates and friends and relatives outside of SCDC to submit unemployment claims to SCDEW using the Personal Identification Information (PII) of both inmates in SCDC and individuals outside the prison system.
The incarcerated inmates harvested PII, like social security numbers and dates of birth, from other inmates and used the PII to apply for COVID unemployment benefits in the names of those inmates as well as themselves. Some inmates provided their PII willingly in exchange for a portion of the proceeds derived from the unemployment benefits. Other inmates had no knowledge that unemployment benefits were being applied for on their behalf.
The incarcerated defendants also obtained the PII of unwitting individuals outside of SCDC using various extortion schemes. One of the primary schemes utilized by the defendants was known as “Johning.” Using contraband cellphones within SCDC, inmates posed as younger males or females and lured individuals to send them nude or compromising photos. After obtaining the photos, the inmates contacted the victims posing as law enforcement. The inmates then extorted the victims into sending them money and/or photos of their social security cards and driver’s licenses.
The non-incarcerated defendants received the unemployment benefits in the names of the extortion victims and SCDC inmates in the form of government checks and prepaid Visa debit cards. They then used ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, and mobile banking applications to make the proceeds available to the incarcerated defendants.
In total, the indictment alleges the fraudulent scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $4,996,673.00 to the United States Government.
The specific charges in the indictment are as follows:
- Reginald Raynard White, Jr., an SCDC inmate, faces twenty counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Christopher Ford, an SCDC inmate, faces one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Marvin Lee Trotter, an SCDC inmate, faces two counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Dawn Hall, of Kansas City, MO, faces ten counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Benika Kershaw, Chester, SC, faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Albert J. Cave, Jr., an SCDC inmate, faces one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Jason Andrew Cash, an SCDC inmate, faces eight counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Stepheno Lemain Alston, an SCDC inmate, faces seven counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- James Griffin, an SCDC inmate, faces five counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- John Travis Mace, an SCDC inmate, faces four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Ronald Gene Harvey, an SCDC inmate, faces four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Bridgette Cash, of Landrum, SC, faces one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Latasha Alston, of St. Helena Island, SC, faces eight counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Lori Robinson, of Monroe Township, NJ, faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud;
- Jessica Howell, of Southport, NC, faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Each alleged count of wire fraud and each alleged count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.All charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This investigation remains ongoing.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service; the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Office of Inspector General; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, with assistance from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Scott Matthews are prosecuting the case.
###
Richland County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Raphiel Coleman, 35, of Columbia, was sentenced to over four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Richland County deputies were called to a store on Broad River Road concerning a man with a gun. When they arrived, the deputies saw Coleman wearing the same clothing as described by the 911 caller. The deputies ordered him to the ground, but he fled behind the store. One deputy gave chase on foot and the other followed in the police car. Eventually, they caught Coleman and during a search of him, they found one .357 caliber round of ammunition in his pocket. With the help of a police dog, they retraced their steps and found a .357 caliber pistol on the ground in a bush. Coleman subsequently admitted possessing the gun. The police also found approximately 2 grams of marijuana in Coleman’s pocket.
Federal law prohibits Coleman from possessing a firearm and ammunition based upon prior convictions for burglary, possession of stolen vehicle, failure to stop for a blue light, intimidation of a juror or witness, possession of less than 1 gram of methamphetamine, and pointing and presenting a weapon.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Coleman to 51 months (4 years and 3 months) in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.
Charleston Man Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Fraud Relating to Coronavirus FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Antonio Brown-Sanders, 26, of Charleston, was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraudulently applying for an Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the Coronavirus. Two primary sources of relief provided by the CARES Act were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. PPP loans consisted of more than $640 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. The EIDL program provided low-interest loans to business owners to pay for items like accounts payable and other bills that could not be paid as a result of COVID-19.
Evidence presented to the court showed that that Brown-Sanders applied to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to receive an EIDL loan that fraudulently represented he owned a lawn care business. The application submitted by Brown-Sanders also falsely represented the number of employees and gross income. Brown-Sanders received $81,600 from the SBA.
“The defendant in this case stole from American taxpayers and prevented pandemic-relief funds from reaching those who needed them most,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “The District of South Carolina is committed to pursuing and investigating those who defraud government programs. We encourage any member of the public with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19 to report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline.”
“The Secret Service is diligent in our investigation and pursuit of those who engage in fraudulent criminal activity. We appreciate the commitment from our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of Inspector General - Small Business Administration to see that justice is served,” said Resident Agent in Charge Ben Stafford of the Secret Service’s Charleston Resident Office. “This sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the government handles fraudulent crimes and should act as a warning to those who aspire to exploit government relief programs that are put in place to help those in need.”
“Those that use fraudulent documents to gain access to SBA programs funds will be met with justice,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Brown-Sanders to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered him to pay the restitution still due in the amount of $65,246.48.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Office of Inspector General – Small Business Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Amy F. Bower prosecuted the case.
Charleston County Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Defrauding Small Business AdministrationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Carl Ulm, 67, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding the Small Business Association (SBA) to receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Evidence presented in court established that Ulm applied to the SBA, through a third-party lender, to receive a PPP loan that contained materially false representations. At the time he applied for the loan, Ulm had sold the assets of his business, Anchor Restoration Contractors, LLC, to another entity. He therefore did not have payroll obligations or business expenses. The total amount of the PPP loan that Ulm received was $204,132.50.
Ulm is subject to a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.00. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Ulm after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Amy F. Bower prosecuted the case.
South Carolina Participates in National Enforcement Action Resulting in 78 Individuals Charged for $2.5B in Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- The Department of Justice, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina together with federal and state law enforcement partners, announced a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 78 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that included over $2.5 billion in alleged fraud.
The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled, and, in some cases, used the proceeds of the schemes to purchase luxury items, including exotic automobiles, jewelry, and yachts. In connection with the enforcement action, the Department seized or restrained millions of dollars in cash, automobiles, and real estate.
“These enforcement actions, including against one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever prosecuted by the Justice Department, represent our intensified efforts to combat fraud and prosecute the individuals who profit from it,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will find and bring to justice criminals who seek to defraud Americans and steal from taxpayer-funded programs.”
“This nationwide enforcement action demonstrates that the Criminal Division is committed to fighting health care fraud and opioid abuse by prosecuting those who allegedly exploit patients and health care benefit programs for personal gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement includes some of the largest and most complex cases that the Department has prosecuted, and demonstrates the Department’s commitment to seeking justice for those at all levels of the healthcare industry who put profits above patient care, from professionals in doctors’ offices to executives in corporate boardrooms.”
“Health care fraud is a complex and ever-evolving threat that negatively impacts the American people,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s nationwide coordinated law enforcement action is a testament to the tenacity of the FBI and our partners, as well as our combined efforts to pursue anyone who conspires to exploit our health care system for financial gain.”
Telemedicine Fraud
The enforcement action included charges against 11 defendants in connection with the submission of over $2 billion in fraudulent claims resulting from telemedicine schemes. In a case involving the alleged organizers of one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever prosecuted, an indictment in the Southern District of Florida alleges that the chief executive officer (CEO), former CEO, and Vice President of Business Development of purported software and services companies conspired to generate and sell templated doctors’ orders for orthotic braces and pain creams in exchange for kickbacks and bribes. The conspiracy allegedly resulted in the submission of $1.9 billion in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and other government insurers for orthotic braces, prescription skin creams, and other items that were medically unnecessary and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement.
As part of the alleged conspiracy, individuals in a massive telemarketing operation, located in the United States and abroad, targeted the elderly and disabled with direct mail, television advertisements, and other forms of advertising to induce them to contact offshore boiler-rooms staffed by individuals who “up-sold” the elderly and disabled on unnecessary medical equipment and prescriptions. According to the indictment, the software platform that the defendants allegedly operated was actually a conduit for these telemarketers to coordinate the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes to telemedicine companies to obtain doctors’ orders for Medicare beneficiaries. The defendants allegedly programmed the software platform to generate false and fraudulent orders for telemedicine practitioners to sign and obstruct Medicare investigations by concealing that the interactions with beneficiaries had occurred remotely using telemedicine. The program-generated orders falsified certifications that the telemedicine doctors had examined the beneficiaries in person, and falsified diagnostic testing that Medicare required for brace orders. After the original CEO sold the company in a corporate acquisition, the new corporate leadership allegedly chose to continue the pre-existing fraud scheme.
In another telemedicine fraud case, in the Eastern District of Washington, a licensed physician was charged for signing more than 2800 fraudulent orders for orthotic braces, including for patients whose limbs had already been amputated. As alleged, the physician took less than 40 seconds to review and sign each order.
The cases announced build on earlier telemedicine enforcement actions involving over $10.1 billion in fraud. The April 2019 Operation Brace Yourself Telemedicine and Durable Medical Equipment Takedown—which originated in the District of South Carolina—alone resulted in an estimated cost avoidance of more than $1.9 billion in the amount Medicare paid for orthotic braces in the 20 months following that enforcement action, preserving the Medicare trust fund for necessary medical care.
“Patients trust federal health care programs to provide high quality care. When bad actors steal from these programs, they hurt patients,” said Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is dedicated to protecting federal health care programs and putting patients first. Thank you to our law enforcement partners, especially the Medicaid Fraud Control Units, that participated in this effort.”
Pharmaceutical Fraud
The enforcement action also included charges against 10 defendants in connection with the submission of over $370 million in fraudulent claims submitted in connection with prescription drugs. In one case announced, the owner and corporate officer of a pharmaceutical wholesale distribution company was charged for an alleged $150 million fraud scheme in which the company purchased illegally diverted prescription HIV medication, and then marketed and resold the medication by falsely representing that the company acquired it through legitimate channels. The defendant allegedly purchased the diverted medication at a substantial discount from individuals who obtained the drugs primarily through illegal “buyback” schemes in which they paid HIV patients cash for their expensive HIV medication and repackaged those pills for resale. To cover up their scheme, the defendant and others falsified labeling and product tracing documentation to make it appear legitimate. Pharmacies purchased the misbranded medications, dispensed them to patients, and billed them to health care benefit programs, all while the defendants reaped substantial illegal profits.
In a related case, on June 15, an individual in the Southern District of Florida was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in this nationwide scheme. According to court documents, the defendant illegally acquired large quantities of prescription drugs from patients for whom the drugs had been prescribed but not yet consumed. The defendant and others then repackaged the drugs and sold them to wholesale companies. In some instances, the medication that the defendant sold contained the wrong medication, broken pills, and even pebbles, leading to complaints by pharmacies. The defendant used his share of the proceeds to purchase luxury goods, including a $280,000 Lamborghini, a $220,000 Mercedes, and three boats.
Opioid Distribution and Other Types of Health Care Fraud
The charges also targeted over $150 million in false billings submitted in connection with other types of health care fraud, including the illegal distribution of opioids and clinical laboratory testing fraud. This enforcement action includes charges against 24 physicians and other licensed medical professionals who lined their own pockets, including doctors who allegedly put their patients at risk by illegally providing them with opioids they did not need. The charges also include cases where healthcare companies, physicians, and other providers paid cash kickbacks to patient recruiters and beneficiaries in return for patient information, so that the providers could submit fraudulent bills for Medicare reimbursement.
“At DEA, we are committed to protecting the safety and health of all Americans,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “When individuals divert addictive opioid medications for personal gain, they are knowingly putting Americans at risk, all too often causing harm and even death. DEA is committed to taking decisive action to hold accountable anyone who participates in these dangerous schemes.”
“CHAMPVA provides community health care to family members of our nation’s disabled or deceased veterans, and the defendants’ alleged criminal actions resulted in a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme that puts those benefits at risk and pilfers significant taxpayer funds,” said Inspector General Michael J. Missal of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG). “The VA-OIG’s continued oversight of VA’s multiple healthcare programs, including CHAMPVA, is one of the agency’s highest priorities. We thank our outstanding law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.”
The Center for Program Integrity of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CPI/CMS) separately announced that it took adverse administrative actions in the last six months against 90 medical providers for their alleged involvement in health care fraud.
Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Jacob Foster and Acting Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan of the National Rapid Response Strike Force of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section led and coordinated this enforcement action. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Strike Forces in Brooklyn, Dallas, Detroit, the Gulf Coast, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, and Tampa; the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response Strike Force; the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Ohio, District of South Carolina, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Washington, and Eastern District of Wisconsin; and the State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Indiana, New York, and Pennsylvania are prosecuting these cases, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of cases involved in this enforcement action are available on the Department’s website at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit/2023-national-hcf-court-documents.
In addition to the FBI, HHS-OIG, DEA, and CMS/CPI, State Medicaid Fraud Control Units, HSI, FDA, IRS-CI, VA-OIG, USPS-OIG, FDIC-OIG, OPM-OIG, Amtrak-OIG, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies participated in the operation.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
The Fraud Section uses the Victim Notification System to provide victims with case information and updates related to this case. Victims with questions may contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Assistance Unit by calling the Victim Assistance phone line at 1-888-549-3945 or by emailing [email protected]. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/victim-rights-derechos-de-las-v-ctimas, and for further information for victims about new federal charges in connection with the HIV scheme, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-steven-diamantstein.
A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Florida Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Sextortion SchemeRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Peterson Jean-Baptiste, 23, of Palm Bay, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and placed on lifetime supervision for his role in disseminating child pornography.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that, while on probation in Florida for a drug distribution conviction, Jean-Baptiste targeted teenage girls on Snapchat. After establishing a relationship with his victims, Jean-Baptiste requested nude photographs. Once in possession of nude images, Jean-Baptiste threatened to post the images on the internet if the victims did not provide more images. Jean-Baptiste would then direct the victims on how to pose and forced some victims to involve an animal in the pictures.
This matter came to the attention of law enforcement when one victim informed her parents of the sextortion, and the sextortion was reported to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office began an investigation and requested assistance from the Department of Homeland Security once it became apparent that the crime involved multiple states.
Law enforcement was able to locate the defendant in Florida, seize his mobile device, and search the device. A search of the phone showed that the defendant regularly used FaceTime video to chat with young girls, and he had them film their bodies while he watched, usually only showing his forehead or part of his face. On one occasion he mistakenly showed his entire face, and this further confirmed the defendant’s identity.
Two victims—one 14 years old and the other 15 years old—resided in South Carolina. Additional images of young girls were found on the phone, but law enforcement did not have enough information to identify them.
“Sextortion has been on the rise in recent years and presents an extreme danger to our children,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We are grateful to the young victim and parents that first reported this crime to law enforcement. We will continue to dedicate resources to identifying victims of this predatory conduct and ensuring that offenders face serious consequences for sextortion.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks presided over the case. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.
###
Two Men Sentenced in Large Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Gabriel L’Ambiance Ingram, 34, of Lancaster, and Carl Michael Mann, II, 41, of Rock Hill, were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a large-scale drug operation operating in Rock Hill and Charlotte, North Carolina. Ingram was sentenced to 260 months (21.66 years) and Mann was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) in federal prison after being convicted at trial.
Evidence presented during trial showed that the FBI and York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit began to investigate a group of defendants who were obtaining large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana from a distributor in Southern California. Based upon their investigation, the police were able to determine that members of the group were flying to California and having the drugs shipped back to the Rock Hill and Charlotte area. Based upon surveillance and other law enforcement techniques, the police learned that Darryl Hemphill was the leader of the group and helped introduce other members of the group to the California distributor. Later, the group began ordering fentanyl from California, which they used to make fentanyl-laced pills which were sold to users in Rock Hill, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, Ga. Based upon their investigation, law enforcement showed that this group shipped more than 255 packages from California and distributed more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, and more than 1000 grams of marijuana.
Evidence showed Mann was a member of the conspiracy and was involved in obtaining the pill press machines used by the conspirators, the dye, and stamps used to make the fentanyl-laced pills. Mann would also operate the pill press machines for members of the conspiracy at different locations in Rock Hill and Charlotte. He was paid by members of the conspiracy with some of the pills he made for them. He was convicted at trial of conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin. Mann was also convicted of possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine found during a search of his home.
Evidence also showed Ingram was a mid-level dealer who purchased illegal drugs from Hemphill and other members of the conspiracy and sold them to lower-level dealers and users of the illegal substances. Ingram was convicted of conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and a quantity of heroin. Ingram was also convicted of three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and four counts of possession with the intent to distribute illegal substances to include heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and crack cocaine.
Eighteen defendants were initially charged in this case. Fifteen defendants pleaded guilty to their involvement while Mann, Ingram, and Darrell Crockett were found guilty by a jury.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Mann to 300 months in prison and Ingram to 260 months in prison. Each will serve a term of court-ordered supervision following release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Rock Hill Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, Elliott B. Daniels, Elle E. Klein, and Lamar Fyall prosecuted the case.
###
Columbia Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Leon Johnny King, 38, of Columbia, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that in June 2019, Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) narcotics investigators began investigating King for drug trafficking activity in the Columbia area. Investigators made a series of controlled buys of heroin from King, which led to investigators executing a search warrant at King’s apartment in July 2019. Investigators found a loaded .380 pistol and a quantity of heroin in a bag in King’s bedroom. After his arrest, investigators found a quantity of crack cocaine and more heroin on his person. Federal law prohibits King from possessing firearms or ammunition based on convictions for trafficking cocaine and autobreaking.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced King to 90 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
###
Columbia Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Kendell Deion Pollock, 28, of Columbia, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on November 12, 2020, Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers were dispatched to investigate a robbery call in the Marlboro St. area of Columbia. Officers saw Pollock and another man riding in a car thought to be involved in the robbery, and they stopped the car. They searched the car due to a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car.
Officers found a 9mm pistol with a fully loaded 30-round ammunition magazine attached, nearly a quarter of a pound of marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia in the car. Pollock admitted to possessing the marijuana and pistol. Pollock had previous convictions for burglary and drug possession.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Pollock to 78 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
###
Myrtle Beach Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Fraud and Theft of Veterans Affairs BenefitsRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Janice A. Livingston, 30, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to nearly 2 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to making and presenting a false claim to the IRS and theft of government property.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that in 2020, Livingston submitted three false claims to the IRS for tax credit entitlements in the amount of $1,126,553.68 and submitted false documentation to receive individual unemployability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Livingston also made multiple false representations in applying for two Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which the Small Business Administration could provide to business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced Livingston to 20 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Livingston was ordered to pay $183,406.01 in restitution.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the IRS and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
###
Concord, NC Man, Who Was Fugitive for 8 Years, Pleads Guilty to His Role in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Corey Xavier Baldwin, a/k/a “Core,” a/k/a “James Cory,” a/k/a “Kenny Womack,” 53, of Concord, North Carolina, has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Baldwin was one of 10 defendants charged in April 2014, following a series of court-authorized, DEA-monitored wiretaps over several telephones in the Columbia area. Six of the 10 defendants were arrested in April 2014, while four remained fugitives, including Baldwin. Baldwin was arrested in September 2022 by the United States Marshals Service in Concord. Two other fugitives were arrested in 2017 in Texas, and one was arrested in May 2022 in Brooklyn, New York.
The 2013 investigation revealed that a group of individuals in the Columbia area were obtaining heroin from various sources outside of South Carolina and then distributing it in the Midlands. Evidence indicated that the suppliers were initially getting the heroin in packages from India. Several packages destined for Columbia and containing heroin were intercepted by law enforcement during the investigation. Evidence further showed that the co-defendants later traveled to New York to obtain heroin and transported it back to Columbia where it was distributed. Baldwin, who came to Columbia in 2013 after serving time in Ohio for a 1994 aggravated murder conviction, was good friends with one of the leaders of the drug organization and assisted him by transporting money to New York during trips to obtain heroin. Baldwin also assisted in the distribution of heroin in the Columbia area.
Nine of Baldwin’s co-defendants earlier pleaded guilty to their role in the drug conspiracy here in South Carolina and were sentenced as follows:
- Eric Shawn Bradley, of Columbia, was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release;
- Michael Glover, of Columbia, was sentenced to 324 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release;
- Jihad Salahadeen Pollard, of Columbia, was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release;
- Kenneth Crawford, Jr., of Washington, D.C., and formerly of Columbia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release;
- Charles Raheem Bradley, of Columbia, was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release;
- Anthony Troy Glover, of Columbia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release;
- Larry Grover Bookman, of Columbia, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release;
- Jessany Lyons, of Far Rockaway, New York, was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release; and
- Dockim Deeshawn McKnight, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
The New York heroin suppliers were charged and convicted by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York for their role in the drug conspiracy.
Baldwin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Baldwin after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) High Intensity Drug Task Force, which was comprised of agents and officers from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The United States Marshals Service and the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force-Charlotte Office assisted in locating the four fugitives. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes is prosecuting the case.
###
Andrews Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Robbery and Murder of Postal Carrier, Co-Defendant Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years for Role in RobberyRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA ---- Trevor Raekwon Seward, 25, of Andrews, SC, was sentenced to life imprisonment along with a twenty year consecutive sentence after being convicted at trial for the murder of a federal employee in the course of her duties; use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; robbery; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana. Jerome Terrell Davis, 31, also of Andrews, SC, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana.
Evidence presented by the government at Seward’s trial and at Davis’ change of plea hearing established that on September 23, 2019, Seward and Davis were anticipating the delivery of two pounds of marijuana that had been shipped from California through the United States Postal Service. Rather than deliver the package to Seward’s residence in Andrews, SC, mail carrier Irene Pressley placed a form in Seward’s mailbox stating that the authorized recipient would need to come to the post office to claim the package. After Seward confronted Pressley minutes later and failed to get the marijuana package, he returned home.
Shortly thereafter, Seward’s home surveillance showed him leaving his home armed with an AR-15. Davis then picked up Seward and the two went in search of Pressley. After determining where Pressley was on her mail route, Davis dropped Seward off on Senate Road in Andrews, SC. Davis then left the area and a short time later, approximately one hour after she had left the form in Seward’s mailbox, Pressley was driving down Senate Road in Andrews, SC, when Seward fired approximately twenty rounds of from his AR-15 into the back of Pressley’s vehicle, striking her multiple times. Seward then got into Pressley’s vehicle and drove approximately three miles away, where he left Pressley and her vehicle in a ditch on an access road to a hunt club. While on the access road, Seward removed mail from Pressley’s vehicle and searched through packages for the package intended for his residence or any other items of value. The package of marijuana that had been shipped to Seward’s residence was later found on Senate Road where Pressley had been shot by Seward.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Seward to life imprisonment for the murder of Irene Pressley. Seward was also sentenced to a 20-year consecutive sentence for using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, as well as concurrent sentences for the robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and marijuana conspiracy charges. Judge Coggins sentenced Davis to the maximum possible sentence of 20 years for the robbery and 5 years for the marijuana conspiracy, with those sentences to be served consecutively for a total of 25 years. Davis’ prison sentence will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Every member of our community deserves to live, work, and play without fearing for their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “These sentences will never replace the loss of Irene Pressley. But they represent the commitment of this office, and our law enforcement partners, to fighting violent crime, protecting federal workers, and keeping our communities safe.”
“No sentence can pay for the loss of a loved one, but we hope the justice served will bring some meaningful measure of closure to Irene Pressley’s family, friends, and colleagues,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The sentences issued show the strong determination of the US Postal Inspection Service to protect our employees and to work diligently to bring justice to criminals who assault or viciously attack them. We are grateful for the collaborative investigative work performed by our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The senseless murder of Irene Pressley has had a profound impact on our community,” said Williamsburg County Sheriff Stephen R. Gardner. “We are thankful that those responsible have now been held fully accountable for their actions and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the United States Postal Inspection Service and our other law enforcement partners to obtain justice for the Pressley family.”
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”) and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Nick Bianchi, Katherine Flynn and Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.
###
Two from Lexington County Plead Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Weapon ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Caleb York Rowell, 29, of Swansea, and Brandi Leann Clarke, a/k/a “Brandi Savage,” 26, of Gaston, have each pleaded guilty to their roles in a drug conspiracy in which they sold firearms and drugs to confidential informants and undercover agents in the summer of 2021. Specifically, Rowell and Clark each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Rowell also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began an investigation into Rowell’s drug distribution in May 2021. During a recorded call with a confidential informant on May 11, 2021, Rowell bragged about running away from a traffic stop the day before that resulted in a wreck and how officers found his drugs and gun. ATF confirmed that the day before, Gaston Police Department had been in a car chase after they attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. That chase culminated in the driver wrecking the vehicle and fleeing on foot. Along the route where the driver fled, officers were able to locate a fanny pack containing bags of heroin and fentanyl, and they found a stolen pistol nearby. Through the recorded call and witnesses at the scene, officers were then able to identify Rowell as the driver.
Thereafter, between May and July 2021, law enforcement made a series of undercover purchases of firearms, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from Rowell and Clark. One of the firearms Rowell sold to the undercover agent was a short-barreled shotgun. Both Rowell and Clark are prohibited from possessing firearms based upon prior felony convictions in state court. Rowell has prior state convictions for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, failure to stop for blue light and siren, and driving under suspension 3rd offense, and two convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Clark has two prior state convictions for possession of methamphetamine.
Rowell faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison with a maximum of 40 years, a term of supervised release of 6 years, and a fine of $5,000,000 on the conspiracy charge and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release of 6 years, and a fine of $2,000,000 on the distribution charge. On the felon in possession of a firearm and the possession of the unregistered short-barreled shotgun charges, Rowell faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release of 3 years, and a $250,000 fine. Clark faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release of 6 years, and a fine of $2,000,000 on the conspiracy charge. United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence the duo after receiving and reviewing sentencing reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with assistance of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Gaston Police Department, Swansea Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes is prosecuting the case.
###
Rock Hill Man Sentenced in Large Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Darrell Lemonte Crockett, 51, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial in a large drug trafficking case.
Evidence presented at the trial showed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit began to investigate a group of defendants who were obtaining large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana from a distributor in Southern California. Based upon their investigation, the police were able to determine that members of the group were flying to California and having the drugs shipped back to the Rock Hill and Charlotte, N.C., area. Based upon surveillance and other law enforcement techniques, the police learned that Darryl Hemphill was the leader of the group and helped introduce other members of the group to the California distributor. Crockett was a member of the conspiracy and was involved in obtaining some of the packages when they were shipped from California back to the Rock Hill and Charlotte area. After the drugs were shipped back to South Carolina, Hemphill and others distributed the drugs to local dealers. Crockett was also responsible for distributing some of the drugs shipped.
Later, the group began ordering fentanyl from California, which they used to make fentanyl-laced pills that were sold to users in Rock Hill, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, G.A.. Based upon their investigation, law enforcement showed that this group shipped more than 255 packages from California and distributed more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, and more than 1000 grams of marijuana.
Crockett was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Crockett was also convicted of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine during a drug deal at Hemphill’s home.
Eighteen defendants were initially charged in this case. Fifteen defendants pleaded guilty to their involvement, and Crockett and two other defendants were found guilty by a jury. Two defendants remain to be sentenced.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Crockett to 240 months in prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Rock Hill Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, Elliott B. Daniels, Elle E. Klein, and Lamar Fyall prosecuted the case.
###
Spartanburg Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Lonnie Roosevelt Chamblee, III, of Spartanburg, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 13, 2021, a trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol discovered a distribution quantity of marijuana and two semi-automatic pistols in Chamblee’s vehicle after stopping him for running a redlight. One of the firearms was equipped with a large capacity magazine. Chamblee has at least 12 prior criminal convictions dating back to 2011, including convictions for Distribution of Cocaine Base and Discharging a Firearm into a Vehicle While Occupied.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Chamblee to 96 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schoen is prosecuting the case.
###
MEDIA ADVISORY - Two Andrews Men to be Sentenced in Federal Court for Murder and Robbery of Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Trevor Seward and Jerome Davis are scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Seward is being sentenced after being convicted at trial for the murder and robbery of mail carrier Irene Pressley, which occurred after Pressley refused to deliver two pounds of marijuana to Seward. Davis is being sentenced after pleading guilty to his role in the robbery of Pressley. A press conference will be held at 4:00pm following Davis’ sentencing.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr. presided over the trial and will impose the sentences.
WHEN: Thursday, June 22, 2023, Seward at 9:30am and Davis at 2:00pm
WHERE: McMillan Federal Building
Courtroom 1
401 West Evans Street
Florence, South Carolina
###
Lexington County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jerry Ward Galloway, 47, of Lexington, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force located Galloway at a local hotel. Galloway had an outstanding arrest warrant. When the agents arrested Galloway, they saw several plastic bags in plain view. The agents obtained a search warrant and during their search, they found a marijuana grinder, more plastic bags, a marijuana pipe, a scale, a glass jar containing marijuana and a firearm with three magazines.
Galloway was prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon convictions for burglary 2nd offense, financial transaction card theft, possession of crack cocaine, distribution of methamphetamine, 3 counts of manufacturing of methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Galloway to 96 months (8 years) imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.
###
Two Chester County Men Indicted for Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a single count indictment against Zyquon DeAngelo Hudson, 23, and Ja’Vaughn Lonzell Brown, 22, both of Chester, South Carolina, for possession of a machine gun.
The indictment alleges that on June 24, 2022, Hudson and Brown were in possession of a Glock 9mm pistol that was modified with a “Glock Switch” or “Glock Auto Sear” which allowed the pistol to be fired as a machinegun.
Brown and Hudson face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Chester County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
Three Lexington County Defendants Sentenced in Federal Court for Labor Trafficking and Fraud in Foreign Labor ContractingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Enrique Balcazar, 37, and Elizabeth Balcazar, 21,– both of Batesburg – and Balcazar Nature Harvesting, LLC (BNH) have been sentenced in federal court for labor trafficking, confiscating passports in connection with labor trafficking, and fraud in foreign labor contracting.
Evidence presented in Court indicated that Enrique Balcazar and his daughter Elizabeth Balcazar operated BNH, which provided seasonal agricultural labor to farms in the Lexington County area. In early 2021, the defendants incorporated the business and obtained permission from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to recruit foreign national agricultural workers by promising it would provide particular work conditions for its workers.
Elizabeth then travelled to Mexico and recruited 55 Mexican nationals to work for BNH in Lexington County in exchange for those same promises. Each worker obtained an H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa that authorized them to lawfully work in the United States. Elizabeth travelled by bus with the workers back to Lexington County, where she and her father brought the workers to a camp facility in Batesburg where they would live and work for BNH. Enrique and Elizabeth confiscated the workers’ passports and visas the same day they arrived.
From April 2021 to December 2021, BNH subjected the workers to forced and exploitative labor. Rather than the 40 hours of work per week promised, victims were made to work nearly twice that, and some weeks as many as 90 hours. Because BNH only paid victim workers for 40 hours, the workers received no pay at all for a portion of their work. BNH further failed to pay promised wages for the hours they did pay, and they engaged in illegal cost-shifting by requiring workers’ pay for transportation, visas, food, and work equipment.
Workers were also made to work outside of the location BNH promised, and some mornings workers were woken at 3:00 A.M. or 4:00 A.M. to travel to a work site. Workers were returned at 10:00 P.M. or 11:00 P.M., which is when they were provided dinner. The defendants promised to provide three meals a day, but instead they provided two meals a day, for which BNH improperly deducted from worker paychecks.
Enrique used force and coercion to keep workers with BNH, including by threatening deportation, confiscating passports and visas, brandishing and discharging firearms, failing to provide medical care, placing locks on the outside of the facility where workers slept, and by posting armed guards at the camp facility. Workers eventually began to escape and speak with victim service providers, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI).
In December 2021, a federal search warrant was executed at BNH, where agents seized 23 firearms, ammunition, body armor, at least 9 victim passports from BNH. Following that search, service providers provided victim assistance and DOL investigated workplace conditions.
Federal charges were brought, and Enrique Balcazar pled guilty to Labor Trafficking in violation 18 U.S.C. § 1589 and Passport Confiscation in Furtherance of Labor Trafficking in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1592. Elizabeth Balcazar and BNH pled guilty to Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1351.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced the defendants, and at sentencing the Court heard from nineteen victims through written victim impact statements.
Enrique Balcazar was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison, $11,332.90 in restitution, 3 years of Court-ordered supervision to follow his term of imprisonment, he will be placed in immigration removal proceedings following imprisonment, and 23 firearms, ammunition, body armor, and more than $32,000 in funds were ordered to be forfeited. There is no parole in the federal system.
Elizabeth Balcazar was sentenced to time served (two months), she was ordered to pay a total of $508,125.89 in restitution to 55 victim workers largely related to unpaid wages, plus 3 years of Court-ordered supervision, 1 year of a curfew, and 100 hours of community service at an organization that serves the immigrant community.
BNH was ordered to pay $508,125.89 in restitution to 55 victim workers, more than $32,000 in business funds were forfeited, and the business was sentenced to 3 years of probation.
“Our office will not tolerate forced labor or the exploitation of foreign national workers in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “Human trafficking violates people’s most basic human rights, and the Department will continue to bring every resource we have to combat it. We thank our law enforcement and service provider partners for their critical work in this case.”
“Identifying and stopping those who are involved in labor exploitation not only protects workers from unjust and inhumane treatment, but also prevents unfair competitive advantages that harm the labor market,” said Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte, which covers North and South Carolina. “Hopefully, the results of this case will encourage others being exploited to come forward and seek help.”
“Victims of labor trafficking deserve justice. Our communities are safe when we show that labor trafficking will not be tolerated in South Carolina,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “SLED will continue to work together with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as prosecutors and other community partners, so the people and businesses that look to harm and exploit these individuals will face consequences.”
“Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes against workers, especially when employers prey on our society’s most vulnerable members,” said U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division District Director Jamie Benefiel. “These victim workers traveled far from home to provide for their families and found themselves stripped of their dignity, freedom, and basic human rights. The U.S. Department of Labor and its Wage and Hour Division are engaged in a battle to identify human trafficking, to end the misery it brings, and to hold those who callously engage in it accountable.”
The case was investigated by HSI, SLED, and DOL. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Carrie Fisher Sherard prosecuted the case.
###
St. Francis to Pay the United States $36.5 Million to Settle Allegations Under the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- St. Francis Physician Services, Inc., St. Francis Hospital, and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Inc., (collectively, “St. Francis”), owner and operator of the St. Francis healthcare system, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization in Greenville, South Carolina, has agreed to pay $36.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, the Federal Stark Law, and the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”) by making payments to orthopedic surgeons that were tied to the volume or value of referrals.
The settlement resolves allegations that St. Francis caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and to TRICARE as a result of an unlawful contractual payment structure between St. Francis and Piedmont Orthopedic Associates (“POA”), whereby POA’s compensation was tied to the volume or value of the practice’s referrals to St. Francis. Specifically, it is alleged that St. Francis’s bonus payments to POA physicians violated both the Stark Law and the AKS.
“Medical providers should base health care decisions on what is best for the patient, and not on financial incentives and related schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful the relator brought these allegations forward. Relators are critical to identifying fraud and protecting the integrity of our Medicare system.”
The settlement resolves a lawsuit originally brought by a relator under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of this resolution, the relator will receive approximately $10.2 million of the settlement amount. The whistleblower in this case was represented by Bill Nettles and Fran Trapp of the Law Offices of Bill Nettles, and Bryan Vroon of the Law Offices of Bryan A. Vroon, LLC.
The lawsuit resolved by this settlement is captioned United States of America, et al., ex rel. Lee v. Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Inc., Case No. 6:18-cv-01932-DCC (D.S.C.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
###
Richland County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Shondel Antwan Crim, 48, of Columbia, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Richland County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the home of a shooting victim. The victim stated that she and Crim had stopped dating. She saw him at a gas station, and they talked, and he tried to rekindle the relationship. She declined and left the gas station. Crim followed her and fired into her car at least 2 times striking her car. An arrest warrant was issued for Crim.
A week later, the police see Crim at another gas station and arrest him. They found a 9mm Glock pistol in a holster inside his waistband. A search warrant was issued for his house where they found 9mm ammunition along with a small amount of crack cocaine.
Crim was taken to police headquarters where he admitted that the gun found on him was the one, he had during the shooting. Crim was prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon convictions for possession of crack, possession of a stolen car, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute in proximity of a school, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine 2nd offense, and burglary 2nd offense.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Crim to 96 months (8 years) imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.
###
Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession of Short-Barreled Rifle and Felon in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Rondrell Sumter, 39, of Columbia, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition and Possession of an Unregistered Short-Barreled Rifle.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on August 2, 2021, Richland County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Sumter’s residence. They recovered over 14 pounds of marijuana and three firearms, including 5.56mm American Tactical, model Omni-Hybrid, Multi-Caliber, short-barreled rifle.
The National Firearms Act (“NFA”) is a comprehensive scheme that regulates the manufacture, sale, and transfer of certain particularly dangerous and concealable weapons, and requires the registration of short-barreled rifles. Under the NFA, it is a violation of federal law to knowingly possess an unregistered short-barreled rifle. The rifle recovered at Sumter’s residence had not been registered. Further, federal law prohibits Sumter from possessing firearms due to his prior convictions, including four prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute or distribution of narcotics.
United States District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Sumter to 180 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.
###
Lexington County Man Sentenced to 23 Years on Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- Christopher Michael Alexander, 32, of Gilbert, South Carolina, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted enticement of a minor for sexual activity, to be followed by a lifetime of supervision and registration as a sex offender.
According to evidence presented in Court, on May 19, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Mount Pleasant Police Department participated in an online chat operation targeting child sex offenders, where an officer posed as a 13-year-old female. That day, Alexander engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the alleged 13-year-old female as well as sent and requested sexually explicit photographs through various social media applications and text messages. Alexander ultimately traveled to the residence where he believed the 13-year-old lived to engage in sexual activities with her. At that time, he was arrested.
Evidence presented in Court indicated Alexander made admissions to law enforcement that he previously engaged in numerous occasions of the sexual battery of minors. Alexander admitted that he had previously digitally penetrated at least 25 infants on hundreds of occasions as well as digitally penetrated another minor child approximately six times a day for weeks.
Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Alexander to 23 years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision, and Alexander will have to register as a sex offender after release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Mount Pleasant Police Department participated in the online chat operation. The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
###
Atlanta Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Defrauding Farmers in Hemp Business VentureRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Rahsaan Jackson Garth, age 49, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay over 2 million dollars in restitution for his role in defrauding farmers in a hemp business venture.
Evidence presented to the court showed that, after being released from federal prison in 2017 for his involvement in a health care fraud, Garth formed the company Verde Leaf and directed it. Verde Leaf was supposed to address the challenges farmers faced in the hemp arena including license acquisition, hemp cultivation and processing, and industry knowledge. He solicited multiple farmers (in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia) to grow hemp for his company.
On February 19, 2020, in the District of South Carolina, Verde Leaf held a workshop for potential farmers. During the workshop, Garth represented that Verde Leaf had distribution networks and deals with food companies, pet companies, and pharmaceutical companies. While Garth was in various stages of negotiations with many of these companies, he fraudulently represented that Verde Leaf had consummated these deals.
Based in part on these knowing misrepresentations, farmers entered into contracts with Verde Leaf to grow hemp. Verde Leaf assisted these farmers with their hemp crops. However, Verde Leaf was unable to consummate the deals referenced at the SCDA meeting to distribute or sell products. Therefore, Verde Leaf was unable to process the hemp or pay most of the farmers for their crops and had to declare bankruptcy. As a result of the false statements that lured the farmers into doing business with Garth, the farmers suffered great financial harm.
“The District of South Carolina is committed to prosecuting schemes that target South Carolina farmers and small business owners,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We appreciate the hard work of the FBI and their continued efforts to investigate these crimes.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.
###
SCDC Inmate Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Conspiracy and MurderRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Daniel Allen Shannon, 43, an inmate in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, was sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. The court also held Shannon responsible for his role in orchestrating the 2019 murder of a Kershaw man as a part of this conspiracy.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Shannon used contraband cellphones to coordinate the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Lancaster and Kershaw counties. After coming to believe that one of his drug couriers had been robbed, Shannon sent his associates to retaliate, and a Kershaw man was shot and killed in September of 2019. Shannon then ordered his co-conspirators to burn the residence where the murder occurred and dispose of the victim, whose body was discovered discarded alongside a highway in Westville, South Carolina.
Prosecutors presented evidence that, in addition to the drug trafficking and violence described above, showed Shannon also engaged in a “sextortion” scheme while incarcerated.
“This case illustrates the extreme danger posed by the presence of contraband cellphones in our prisons,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We will not sit by as inmates use these phones to perpetrate violence, drug trafficking, sex crimes, and fraud, and will work with our federal and state partners to vigorously prosecute these offenders and protect the public.”
“This life sentence should serve as a warning, to anyone involved in heinous crimes such as the exploitation of children and drug trafficking, that you will be brought to justice and the punishment will be severe,” said Ronnie Martinez, special agent in charge for HSI Charlotte, which covers North and South Carolina. “HSI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities by disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations involved in these destructive and deadly activities.”
“This is yet another example of prisoners using contraband cellphones from behind state prison fences to continue committing crimes,” said Bryan Stirling, Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections.
At the time of his offense, Shannon was already serving a life sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for the 2001 kidnapping, robbery, and murder of a Lexington restaurant manager.
Shannon was initially indicted on federal charges in February of 2022 and pleaded guilty in February of 2023.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Shannon to life in prison and recommended that he be incarcerated in one of two select high-security facilities within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Shannon will be transferred to federal prison only if and when he is ever released from custody in SCDC. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Schoen and Ben Garner prosecuted the case.
###
Columbia Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison for Theft of Firearms from Retail StoreRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Christopher Cunningham, 34, of Columbia, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on March 6, 2022, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Cunningham and a co-conspirator broke into a retail store on Garner’s Ferry Road and stole two shotguns and two rifles by forcefully opening a display case in the sporting goods section. The City of Columbia Police Department responded, viewed the surveillance video of the incident, and collected fingerprints from the display case. Cunningham was identified from the surveillance footage, and further investigation confirmed the fingerprints collected from the display case belonged to Cunningham. Cunningham had prior convictions for burglary, grand larceny, malicious injury to personal property, and multiple shopliftings.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Cunningham to 57 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.
###
Charleston Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for ArsonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Shabazz Akeem Isiah Watson, 27, of Saint Stephen, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to arson during the protests and riots that occurred in Downtown Charleston on May 30 and 31, 2020.
Evidence presented to the court showed that at 10:33 pm on May 30, 2020, during a protest that turned violent following the death of George Floyd, Watson entered a wine bar on King Street. Watson took several paper menus from the counter, set them on fire with a lighter, and placed them under a wooden barstool. Watson repeated this process multiple times until the fire grew. There were multiple individuals inside the business, but Watson was solely responsible for starting the fire.
Watson moved on, and at 11:09 pm, he entered a retail clothing store on King Street. Watson ran to the back of the store and lit merchandise and clothing on fire. Watson then quickly exited. Before the fires grew out of control, another individual entered the store and used a fire extinguisher to put the fires out.
At 11:55 pm, Watson entered a paint store on Meeting Street. He lit a cardboard display on fire and quickly exited the store.
Finally, on May 31, 2020, at 12:55 am, Watson entered a retail store on Meeting Street. Watson approached a row of merchandise and lit several items on fire. Watson then walked to the paper towel/toilet paper row and lit several more items on fire. The fires grew rapidly and eventually burned the entire building and everything inside, resulting in the business remaining closed for several months during repairs.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will defend the right of every South Carolinian to peacefully protest and to protest without threats to their physical safety,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “Those who use protests as cover for violent acts that endanger our community will be held accountable. We are grateful to ATF, the Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston Fire Department, whose thorough and professional investigations brought this arsonist to justice.”
“It was unfortunate to see individuals take advantage of the protests occurring at the time to cause harm and major damage to the community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Through a determined and collaborative effort, we are seeing those individuals face the consequences of their dangerous actions.”
“In pursuing such an extraordinarily complex case, this successful investigation truly came from collaboration among law enforcement partners. The exceptional work done by the dedicated detectives, analysts, and officers from the Charleston Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Attorney’s Office to garner this indictment against someone who terrorized our city is nothing short of remarkable,” said Charleston Police Department Deputy Chief Jack Weiss. “I want to thank everyone who was involved in this case and who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise every single day. They reviewed countless hours of video from citizens and business owners, shared information, and followed up on innumerable leads, ultimately culminating in a successful investigation and conviction. I’d also like to thank the community, the Mayor, and our city council for their continued and unwavering support. Finally, I’d like to thank the Charleston Fire Department whose members stood by law enforcement and ensured everyone’s safety.”
United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Watson to 5 years in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. All told, Watson caused $2,415,510.75 in damage to the four businesses. Watson was ordered to pay restitution in that full amount as part of his sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charleston Police Department, and Charleston Fire Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow prosecuted the case.
###
Newberry Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, Firearm Possession, and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Eric Rashun Jones, a/k/a “E Dolla,” a/k/a “E,” 31, of Newberry, has pleaded guilty to Human Trafficking Conspiracy, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, and Witness Tampering.
As to the Human Trafficking Conspiracy conviction, evidence presented in court showed that from August 2018 through November 2022, Jones worked together with at least one other person to prostitute women in the commercial sex trade by force, fraud, and coercion. He did so by physical violence: Jones broke one victim’s orbital socket and burst her ear drum; he hit another victim regularly with a closed fist. Videos recovered by FBI showed Jones directing the physical assault of women who worked for him. He also forced women to engage in sexual acts with him and others. Jones also exploited the drug addictions of victims, including by withholding the fentanyl one victim was dependent on as punishment and by paying others for commercial sex with the drugs they were dependent on. He also threatened to kill one victim and her family. Further, Jones exercised high levels of control: he managed online advertisements for the commercial sex, he controlled when and where women would work, and he determined whether and how proceeds would be divided.
As to the Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition conviction, evidence presented in court showed that Lexington County 911 received a call on June 25, 2019, from a victim who told law enforcement that Jones had forced her into prostitution, that he had confiscated proceeds, and that he had stolen her phone, money, and pistol. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded and found Jones in a hotel room with two women, one of whom was partially undressed. Inside the hotel room was a Springfield 9mm handgun loaded with 6 rounds. Jones admitted to hiding the firearm under the mattress. At the time, federal law prohibited Jones from firearm possession as a result of prior felony convictions, including for Strong Arm Robbery, Common Law Robbery, and Assault & Battery 1st Degree.
As to the Witness Tampering conviction, evidence presented in court showed that between August and November 2022, while in federal custody, Jones called a woman involved with him in commercial sex and told her on a recorded jail call to “say nothing at all” to federal law enforcement, to “never say nothing,” to “tell those mother f***ers you know nothing,” and to “f*** the police, the police aint your family.” Separately, over a five-day span, Jones called that victim 40 times. Jones also told her he has “a third eye on the street,” and in a prior hearing it was alleged that Jones was a member of a street gang.
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Jones agreed to pay victims restitution and to register as a sex offender. He also agreed to forfeit jewelry, U.S. currency, a firearm, and electronics used or purchased with proceeds of criminal conduct. Jones faces a maximum penalty of Life in prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and Lifetime supervision to follow a term of imprisonment.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Jones after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Greenville Police Department, Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Simpsonville Police Department, and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case.
###
Three Men Plead Guilty to Armed Robbery of a Columbia Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Don Everett Peters, III, a/k/a “Pop,” 20, and Shylik Lamont Smalls, a/k/a “Mitch,” 21, both of Columbia, South Carolina, along with Elijah Rasue Dewayne Ellis, a/k/a “Smoke,” a/k/a “Black,” 20, of Valdosta, Georgia, have each pleaded guilty to their roles in the March 17, 2022, armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier in Columbia.
Peters, Smalls, and Ellis each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, assault/armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, and theft/possession of a United States Postal arrow key. Peters and Smalls also each pleaded guilty to theft/possession of United States mail.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Peters, Smalls, and Ellis conspired to rob a postal carrier of his arrow key, which would give them access to locked mail collection boxes. On the afternoon of March 17, 2022, after surveilling another postal carrier in the Hollywood-Rose Hill/Rosewood area of Columbia, the trio decided to rob a letter carrier making his rounds on Hollywood Drive. While Peters waited in the getaway car, Smalls and Ellis—while wearing masks—approached the carrier. Ellis pointed a gun at the carrier and demanded his keys. Peters then picked up the two co-conspirators and they fled the area.
After an extensive investigation, including review of numerous surveillance cameras and interviewing witnesses, law enforcement authorities linked the getaway vehicle to Peters. After a review of Peters’ prior encounters with law enforcement and cell phone records, postal inspectors were able to link Smalls to Peters. They determined that Smalls matched the description of one of the robbers, that both Smalls and Peters had access to firearms, and that Smalls was in possession of clothing matching the description of the clothing worn by one of the robbers.
Search warrants were obtained for Peters’ and Smalls’ apartments and vehicles and executed on May 4, 2022. Smalls was found with the stolen arrow key in his pants pocket. Investigators also recovered stolen mail, check making materials, several electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, and two privately made firearms, which are commonly known as “ghost guns.” One ghost gun was found in Peters’ bedroom and the other in Smalls’ bedroom. Inside Peters’ car, Inspectors found documentation belonging to Ellis.
After waiving their rights, both Peters and Smalls admitted to being involved in the robbery, along with Ellis. Peters and Smalls were placed under arrest and a warrant was issued for Ellis. On May 31, 2022, Ellis was arrested in Valdosta, Georgia, where he was found in possession of a “ghost gun” and a quantity of marijuana. After advice of rights, Ellis admitted to being involved in the robbery with Peters and Smalls. Peters, Smalls, and Ellis remain in custody as they were federally detained following their 2022 arrests.
“Robbing postal carriers for their keys is becoming a national trend, and it will not be tolerated in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We are committed to using federal investigative and prosecutorial resources to swiftly bringing to justice those who harm Postal Service employees.”
“Protecting the employees of the United States Postal Service is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We want to thank our law enforcement partners that worked tirelessly to apprehend these dangerous individuals.”
The three men face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the assault/armed robbery of the postal carrier charge, a maximum of 10 years in prison on the theft/possession of an arrow key charge, and a maximum of 5 years in prison on both the conspiracy and the theft/possession of mail charges. They each also face a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge, restitution, and up to 5 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence the trio after receiving and reviewing sentencing reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Columbia Police Department. Additionally, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Lowndes County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest of Ellis. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Lamar Fyall are prosecuting the case.
###
Jamaican Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Roles in Scam Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Two Jamaican nationals – Tyrell Harris, 32, and Errol Durrant, 60 – were each sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to their roles in a fraudulent lottery scam that targeted elderly victims around the country.
Evidence presented to the court showed that, as part of the scheme, the defendants or their co-conspirators would contact elderly victims and falsely inform the victims that they had won a sweepstakes. The supposed prizes in these sweepstakes usually consisted of millions of dollars, a new vehicle, or other valuable items. The defendants and their co-conspirators would tell the victims that they needed to pay bogus fees and/or taxes in order to collect their purported winnings.
The defendants and their co-conspirators would direct the elderly victims where to send the bogus fees and/or taxes. Evidence showed victims purchased prepaid cards, USPS money orders, and bank money orders, and mailed cash/personal checks to the defendants. The defendants in turn wired the fraudulent funds to co-conspirators in Jamaica and amongst various bank accounts opened and controlled by them.
The defendants received more than $1.7 million from the victims they targeted, and at least 70 victims were targeted across 15 states.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Tyrell Harris to 90 months in federal prison and Errol Durrant to 80 months in federal prison. Both defendants’ sentences are to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, in the event they are not deported upon release. There is no parole in the federal system. The defendants were also ordered to pay $1,700,512.90 in restitution.
“The District of South Carolina is committed to prosecuting scams that target vulnerable citizens,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “ We appreciate the hard work of our federal agency partners and the continued efforts to investigate these crimes.”
“These individuals preyed on some of the most vulnerable members in our community,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners will continue our commitment to protect our citizens and bring those responsible for these illegal schemes to justice.”
“This sentence is the result of great work by HSI and our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to bring these criminals to justice,” said Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Charlotte, which covers North and South Carolina. “These types of crimes can have devastating effects on the elderly and HSI will aggressively pursue criminal prosecution to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations, both domestically and internationally, to bring justice to the victims.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Bower prosecuted the case.
###
Five Columbia Men Sentenced to Federal Prison Following Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Following the armed robbery of a bank ATM on Fairfield Road in Columbia, five Columbia men have been sentenced collectively to more than 42 years in federal prison:
- Anthony Bernard Hopkins, a/k/a “Tony Cash,” 34, was sentenced to more than 12 years (154 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence.
- Kenneth Boyles, Jr., a/k/a “Kilo”, 22, was sentenced to more than 11 years (141 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence.
- Aquan Shanard Hopkins, 28, was sentenced to more than 8 years (97 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
- Denzel Malik Goodwin, a/k/a “Zell”, 26, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced to more than 6 years (73 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
- Antwan Kanard Hopkins, 35, was sentenced to more than 4 years (50 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that around 4:00 PM on May 31, 2020, six subjects (Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Boyles, Aquan Hopkins, Denzel Goodwin, and two minors) participated in the armed bank robbery an ATM on Fairfield Road in Columbia while it was being serviced by a technician and protected by an armed security guard. Evidence presented also indicated all of the defendants are relatives: Aquan Hopkins, Anthony Hopkins, Antwan Hopkins, and Kenneth Boyles are brothers, and Denzel Goodwin is their cousin.
Surveillance video showed a Dodge Charger parked behind the ATM and a Chevrolet Caprice parked in the drive-through lane of the ATM. Both vehicles belonged to Aquan Hopkins.
The private security guard noticed the Caprice pull in, and she approached the vehicle to advise that the ATM was closed. While she was walking toward the Caprice, Aquan Hopkins, wearing a ski mask, placed the muzzle of a long gun to her head; that gun had an extended drum magazine attached. Aquan Hopkins laid the security guard face-down on the ground at gunpoint. A minor who participated in the robbery then stole the security guard’s Glock 9mm service pistol.
The ATM service technician then fled on foot, and with the ATM open, Anthony Hopkins and Kenneth Boyles stole $108,940 from the ATM. The defendants returned to the two cars and fled to an apartment complex where a family member lived to split the proceeds. Denzel Goodwin and the second minor remained in the vehicles throughout the robbery.
Homes associated with the defendants were searched. Law enforcement recovered more than $32,000 in robbery proceeds, four firearms (including the long gun used), ammunition, and the drum magazine used, which was loaded with 46 rounds. At the time of the robbery, Aquan Hopkins served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force as a security forces Airman.
Antwan Hopkins was prosecuted in a related case. When a house was searched following the robbery, he was found in possession of more than 200 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution, two firearms (an Anderson AM 15 rifle loaded with 22 rounds and an FN Five-Seven 5.56mm pistol loaded with 21 rounds), a bill counter, a digital scale, and vacuum-seal bags. Antwan Hopkins had numerous prior drug and firearm-related felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms under federal law. Anthony Hopkins and Kenneth Boyes also had prior felony convictions at the time of the robbery.
Anthony Hopkins was arrested by the FBI and the United States Marshals in California, where he fled after his photograph in the robbery was broadcast on the news. Denzel Goodwin was arrested by the United States Marshals in Missouri. Kenneth Boyles was arrested in Florence, South Carolina, on a bus with fake identification.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Boyles, and Denzel Goodwin, and United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Antwan Hopkins and Aquan Hopkins. All five defendants are subject to between 3 and 5 years of court-ordered supervision following their terms of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Boyles, Aquan Hopkins, and Denzel Goodwin were ordered to pay $108,940 in restitution to the victim bank.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the City of Columbia Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.
###
North Charleston Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Through SnapchatRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Ty’Qwane Antonio Dix, 26, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor.
In October 2022, Dix pleaded guilty to use of an interstate commerce facility to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. According to court documents and hearings, from August 2020 through January 2021, Dix portrayed himself online as a 19-year-old male. In that capacity, he enticed and coerced a 12-year-old girl in Virginia into sending him sexually explicit videos and images of herself via Snapchat. Dix later threatened to send her videos/images to others if she did not comply with his requests.
United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Dix to 151 months in prison, to be followed by a life term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean H. Secor prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
###
Columbia Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Jae’Kwon Rumph, 23, of Columbia, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on March 2, 2022, the City of Columbia Police Department (CPD) received a ShotSpotter Alert on Colleton Street. CPD officers responded to the location and found four 9mm shell casings. CPD investigators recovered surveillance video of the incident, which displayed Rumph shooting at a moving vehicle. At the time of the shooting, Rumph was a known gang member, and he was identified by members of law enforcement.
After the shooting, Rumph was arrested wearing the same clothing that he had on in the surveillance video from the shooting incident.
On April 23, 2022, West Columbia Police Department recovered a firearm during a traffic stop. The recovered firearm had a NIBIN link to the shell casings from the shooting on March 2, 2022. A firearm and tool mark analyst with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed the link and determined the recovered firearm fired the shell casings found at the shooting scene.
Federal law prohibits Rumph from possessing a firearm due to his prior convictions for Domestic Violence First Degree and Strong Arm Robbery.
United States District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Rumph to 70 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department, the West Columbia Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.
###
Charleston County Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Deeana Burr, 54, of Charleston, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Burr, a licensed nurse practitioner who became a 15% co-owner of Atlantic Coast Integrated Medicine (ACIM) in September 2017, participated in scheme to defraud Medicare and TRICARE by submitting claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) and certain procedure codes.
The evidence revealed that ACIM generally had a standardized treatment plan for all patients that lasted 12 weeks, with the expectation that the patient receive care three times a week. Followed by an initial evaluation consisting of a head to feet musculoskeletal exam and more than a dozen x-rays ordered by an ACIM clinician, the treatment plan, authorized by an ACIM clinician, included the issuing of multiple DME. Much of the DME issued, and subsequently billed to Medicare and/or TRICARE, was determined to be medically unnecessary throughout the investigation.
Burr faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and 3 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge David Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Burr after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by Agent Ryan Schubert with the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
###
Summerville Man Sentenced to 8 years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Justin Michael Beauvais, 39, of Summerville, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that in October 2020, Beauvais was a subcontractor working at the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) at McMurdo Station in Antarctica but was on leave in South Carolina. While on leave, he accepted a new job and contacted his coworkers at McMurdo station to request that they mail his personal hard drive to his home in Summerville, South Carolina. On October 8, 2020, Beauvais emailed his coworkers and requested they reformat his hard drive and mail it to him. On October 13, 2020, a coworker located the hard drive and viewed it to download movies. At that time, the coworker located a video that depicted a nude prepubescent girl. The coworkers reported the incident, and superiors confirmed that there was child pornography on the hard drive.
On October 28, 2020, Beauvais waived his Miranda rights and was interviewed by Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents. Beauvais initially denied having child pornography on the hard drive. Thereafter, Beauvais consented to a polygraph examination and consented to all his electronics being seized from his residence. Beauvais admitted to possessing child pornography on the hard drive that was in Antarctica. Beauvais stated he copied child pornography from his personal device in South Carolina to the hard drive and then took the hard drive with him to Antarctica.
Agents obtained consent to search Beauvais’ residence and seized numerous electronic devices following the search, including hard drives, laptops, and cell phones. A review of the devices revealed thousands of images depicting child pornography, including images depicting pre-pubescent minors and toddlers.
United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Beauvais to 97 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Hendricks also ordered Beauvais to pay $51,500 in restitution to the victims.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dean H. Secor and Emily E. Limehouse prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
###
South Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A Columbia, South Carolina, return preparer and regional manager of multiple tax preparation business locations pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States by preparing and filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Georgina Gonzalez, formerly of Miami, Florida, worked as a tax return preparer since at least 2013. For the 2016 and 2017 tax filing seasons, Gonzalez temporarily relocated from Florida to South Carolina to prepare tax returns and manage multiple locations of a tax preparation business located in Columbia, South Carolina. At these offices, Gonzalez conspired with others to inflate client refunds by preparing returns that falsely claimed, among other things, business losses, household help income, and American Opportunity and education tax credits. Gonzalez and her co-conspirators charged clients up to $999 for preparing each return. In total, Gonzalez caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $420,000.
Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and other monetary penalties. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Ashley Stein, Francesca Bartolomey, and Jessica Kraft of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.
###
Murdaugh Co-Conspirator Cory Fleming to Plead Guilty to Federal Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Cory H. Fleming, 54, of Beaufort, is scheduled to plead guilty in federal court tomorrow, Thursday, May 25, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Fleming is scheduled to plead guilty to an information alleging that from in or around March 2018 until at least October 2020, Fleming conspired with former personal injury attorney Richard Alexander “Alex” Murdaugh to defraud the estate of Murdaugh’s former housekeeper and to obtain money and property from the estate by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses.
In February 2018, Murdaugh’s housekeeper passed away after a fall at Murdaugh’s home. Murdaugh recommended that the housekeeper’s estate hire Fleming—then a personal injury and criminal defense attorney in Beaufort—to represent them and file a claim against Murdaugh to collect from his homeowner’s insurance policies. Murdaugh’s insurance companies settled the estate’s claim for $505,000 and $3,800,000.
The information alleges that, as part of the scheme, Murdaugh and Fleming conspired to siphon settlement funds, disguised as “prosecution expenses,” for their own personal enrichment. The information further alleges that Fleming directed the drafting of checks from the settlement funds held in his trust account to his personal bank account, fraudulently claiming that the funds were to pay for “expenses” related to the estate’s claim against Murdaugh. The information alleges Fleming knew the funds belonged to the estate, and the payments were not for legitimate legal expenses.
The hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the J. Waties Waring Judicial Center, 83 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina, in Courtroom 1, before The Honorable Richard M. Gergel.
Fleming faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.
The case against Fleming is No. 9:22-cr-394 (D.S.C.). The case against Murdaugh is No. 9:23-cr-396 (D.S.C.).
###
Columbia Man Sentenced to 56 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Tavares Cromer, 29, of Columbia, was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 10, 2022, the City of Columbia Police Department (CPD) responded to a shooting on Bailey St. and found multiple fired shell casings.
CPD investigators recovered surveillance video from Bailey St. that showed Cromer and an accomplice discharging a firearm at unknown individuals before fleeing the scene. CPD officers compared Cromer’s position in the video to the location of the recovered shell casings and determined that Cromer left behind .40 caliber shell casings.
On May 13, 2022, officers with the CPD Crime Gun Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at Cromer’s residence. Cromer was present at the residence and was wearing the same shirt he had on in the surveillance video of the shooting. At the residence, officers recovered two firearms and multiple calibers of ammunition in his bedroom. The .40 caliber ammunition found in his bedroom was the same brand as the ammunition Cromer left at the shooting scene.
During this incident, Cromer was on court-ordered supervision for a prior federal conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Additionally, Cromer had prior state convictions for Strong Arm Robbery, Burglary 2nd Degree, and Assault and Battery 1st Degree. All of those federal and state convictions prohibited Cromer from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Cromer to 56 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.
###
Alex Murdaugh Indicted on Federal Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury has returned a 22-count indictment against Richard Alexander “Alex” Murdaugh, 54, of Hampton, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; bank fraud; wire fraud; and money laundering.
“Trust in our legal system begins with trust in its lawyers,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “South Carolinians turn to lawyers when they are at their most vulnerable, and in our state, those who abuse the public’s trust and enrich themselves by fraud, theft, and self-dealing will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are grateful to the FBI for their tireless work on this case and to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for their work to hold Alex Murdaugh, and those who enabled him, accountable in our state system. We remain committed to doing our part to further that effort in the federal system.”
Murdaugh was a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Hampton, South Carolina. The indictment alleges that Murdaugh engaged in three different schemes to obtain money and property from his personal injury clients.
In one scheme, the indictment alleges that from at least September 2005 until at least September 2021, Murdaugh devised a scheme to defraud and to obtain money by means of false pretenses. The indictment alleges that, as part of the scheme, Murdaugh routed and redirected clients’ settlement funds to personally enrich himself, including by:
- Drafting, or directing law firm employees to draft, disbursement sheets to send settlement funds to Murdaugh’s accounts without proper disclosure or client or law firm approval;
- Claiming funds held in the law firm’s trust account as attorney’s fees and directing the disbursement of those funds for his benefit;
- Claiming and collecting attorney’s fees on fake or nonexistent annuities;
- Creating fraudulent “expenses” that were never incurred on client matters and directing the disbursement of settlement funds to pay the cited costs, including claimed medical expenses, construction expenses, and airline expenses;
- Directing other attorneys with whom he was associated on client matters to disburse attorney’s fees directly to him, rather than appropriately routing the fees through the law firm; and
- Intercepting insurance proceeds intended for beneficiaries and depositing them directly into his personal account.
In a second scheme, the indictment alleges that from in or around July 2011 until at least October 2021, Murdaugh conspired with his banker, Russell Laffitte, to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The indictment alleges that Murdaugh and his law firm asked Laffitte to serve as personal representative or conservator for numerous personal injury clients. Laffitte collected over $350,000 in fees as personal representative or conservator for Murdaugh’s personal injury clients.
As part of the scheme, the indictment alleges Murdaugh directed law firm employees to make settlement checks payable to “Palmetto State Bank.” The checks were then delivered to Laffitte, whom Murdaugh directed to use the settlement funds for Murdaugh’s benefit. The funds were used to pay off Murdaugh’s personal loans and for personal expenses and cash withdrawals.
In November 2022, Laffitte was convicted on six federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, bank fraud, and wire fraud for his role in this scheme. He is currently awaiting sentencing.
In a third scheme, the indictment alleges that in September 2015, Murdaugh created a bank account in the name of “Forge,” presenting as a legitimate corporation for structuring insurance settlements. Murdaugh was the owner of and the only authorized signer on this “fake Forge” account. The indictment alleges that from in or around May 2017 through at least July 2021, Murdaugh funneled stolen personal injury settlements through the “fake Forge” account. Murdaugh is charged with 14 counts of money laundering for using the transactions in the “fake Forge” account to conceal the proceeds of his fraud.
The indictment further alleges that, from in or around February 2018 until at least October 2020, Murdaugh conspired with a personal injury attorney in Beaufort to defraud the estate of Murdaugh’s former housekeeper and Murdaugh’s homeowner’s insurance carriers. In February 2018, Murdaugh’s housekeeper passed away after a fall at Murdaugh’s home. Murdaugh recommended that the housekeeper’s estate hire the Beaufort attorney to represent them and file a claim against Murdaugh to collect from his homeowner’s insurance policies.
Murdaugh’s insurance companies settled the estate’s claim for $505,000 and $3,800,000. The indictment alleges that Murdaugh and the personal injury attorney conspired to siphon settlement funds, disguised as “prosecution expenses,” for their own personal enrichment. The indictment further alleges that Murdaugh directed the Beaufort attorney to draft checks totaling $3,483,431.95 made payable to “Forge.” Murdaugh then deposited the checks into his “fake Forge” account and used the funds for his own personal enrichment. The estate did not receive any of the settlement funds.
Murdaugh faces the following charges:
- One count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000;
- One count of bank fraud, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000;
- Two counts of wire fraud, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000;
- Three counts of wire fraud, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000;
- One count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000; and
- Fourteen counts of money laundering, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.
The case against Murdaugh is No. 9:23-cr-396 (D.S.C.). The case against Laffitte is No. 9:22-cr-658 (D.S.C.).
###
South Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A Columbia, South Carolina, return preparer and regional manager of multiple tax preparation business locations pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States by preparing and filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Georgina Gonzalez, formerly of Miami, Florida, worked as a tax return preparer since at least 2013. For the 2016 and 2017 tax filing seasons, Gonzalez temporarily relocated from Florida to South Carolina to prepare tax returns and manage multiple locations of a tax preparation business located in Columbia, South Carolina. At these offices, Gonzalez conspired with others to inflate client refunds by preparing returns that falsely claimed, among other things, business losses, household help income, and American Opportunity and education tax credits. Gonzalez and her co-conspirators charged clients up to $999 for preparing each return. In total, Gonzalez caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $420,000.
Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and other monetary penalties. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Ashley Stein, Francesca Bartolomey, and Jessica Kraft of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney’s Office Announces 20th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods Logo Contest WinnersRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA --- United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs announced today the winners of the United States Attorney’s Office’s 20th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest.
The theme was “Preventing Gun Violence in Our Schools,” and the contest was open to all SC grade school students. Judges sought logos that demonstrated a successful collaboration between schools, communities, and law enforcement to reflect (1) warning signs that students should be looking for related to gun violence; (2) resources to help students who have concerns about gun violence; and (3) general messages to prevent gun violence in South Carolina schools. The overall winning logo will be displayed on our website and used in various presentations.
“Every year, we look forward to the entries submitted by SC students and gathering their input on how to curb gun violence in our schools. These students are important voices that we all need to listen to in addressing this national issue,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We hope that the winning artwork will capture the attention of other students and inspire them to use their voices in combatting gun violence.”
The winner from each grade division and the overall winner, along with their schools, are named below. Media should contact the respective schools to determine details of any award presentations to be held:
K–2ND GRADE DIVISION
Winner - Harlem Foster, 2nd grade
Fairfield Magnet School for Math & Science, Winnsboro, SC
Honorable Mention - Rocco Fuhr, 2nd grade
Memminger Elementary, Charleston, SC
3RD–5TH GRADE DIVISION/OVERALL WINNER
Winner/Overall Winner - Andrea Gaston, 5th grade
Wallace Elementary Middle School, Wallace, SC
Honorable Mention - Kaylee Summers, 5th grade
Fairfield Magnet School for Math & Science, Winnsboro, SC
6TH–8TH GRADE DIVISION
Winner - Ky’Mari Johnson, 8th grade
William J. Clark Middle School, Orangeburg, SC
Honorable Mention - Abryelle Bignal, 6th grade
Fairfield Magnet School for Math & Science, Winnsboro, SC
9TH–12TH GRADE DIVISION
Winner - Samantha Morales, 9th grade
C. A. Johnson High School, Columbia, SC
Honorable Mention - Paige Shea, 11th grade
Battery-Creek High School, Beaufort, SC
The winning entries were chosen by “The Insiders,” a select group of young leaders at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice who act as role models for the other youth. The South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is providing $50.00 awards to each division winner, as well as an additional $50 to the overall winner. Additionally, all students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their submissions.
The annual logo contest is a long-running part of the district’s PSN program and an important prevention initiative to engage our students in meaningful conversation about preventing gun crimes amongst our young people and ensuring a safe learning atmosphere for our children. PSN focuses on reducing violent crime in our communities through prevention, enforcement, and re-entry initiatives.
View this year’s winning submissions and learn more about the contest at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/programs/ceasefire/project-sentry/contest-winners.
###
Columbia Man Seen Shooting on Surveillance Video Found Guilty of Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Bernard Breeland, 36, of Columbia, was convicted following a jury trial in federal court of being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition.
Evidence presented by the Government at trial established that on February 4, 2020, the City of Columbia Police Department (CPD) responded to a shooting incident at a local apartment complex. CPD officers discovered a living male victim with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot, along with 9 fired .45 auto shell casings.
Further investigation by CPD led to the recovery of surveillance camera footage that captured the incident. The video showed Breeland shooting a man multiple times at close range in the parking lot and then running away from the crime scene. Surveillance footage showed the shooting took place in a portion of the parking lot where CPD later recovered the .45 auto shell casings.
The shell casings were all the same brand, and a Nexus expert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) testified that the shell casings affected interstate commerce because they were manufactured outside of South Carolina.
Federal law prohibits Breeland from possessing ammunition based on his prior felony convictions.
More than 50 exhibits were entered into evidence during the two-day trial, and the jury ultimately convicted Breeland on the sole count of being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., presided over the trial and will sentence Breeland after receiving and reviewing the pre-sentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office. Breeland faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Benjamin Garner are prosecuting the case.
###
Greenville County Woman Indicted in Federal Court for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 21-count indictment against Stamatina Bourret a/k/a Nina Bourret, 41, of Greenville, South Carolina, for health care fraud.
The indictment alleges that Bourret, through her company Agapi Behavior Consultants, billed Medicaid for services to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder that were either not rendered and/or a portion of the services billed to Medicaid were not provided.
Bourret faces a maximum penalty of ten years on each count.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
United States Attorney Announces 26 Charged in Series of Federal IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs announced today that 26 individuals, many of them associates of a significant narcotics trafficking organization, have been indicted on a wide variety of charges—including conspiracy, drug trafficking, illegal use and possession of firearms, wire fraud, and money laundering—after a series of investigations in South Carolina.
The investigation and arrests were announced in a joint press conference held at the North Charleston City Hall by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Secret Service (USSS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), and nine state and local law enforcement agency partners.
A portion of the investigation focused on a drug trafficking organization based primarily out of North Charleston. It was led by the FBI and is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The 13 defendants charged in that portion of the investigation are:
- Monta Peatro Harley, 34, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, Cocaine, and Marijuana; Possessing Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking;
- Xzayvier Vanyon Harley, 25, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, Cocaine and Marijuana;
- Trevion Swansea Wigfall, 25, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin; Possessing Fentanyl and Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking;
- Ariana Donnise Hamilton, 26, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl;
- Luther Antonio Smith, 22, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl;
- DeAndre Malik Horry, 25, of Mount Pleasant, charged with Fentanyl; Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking;
- Davonte Durrell Reid, 28, of Ladson, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl;
- Damon Christopher Heyward, 25, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl;
- Davion LaPrince Anderson, 23, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl;
- Eurie Gerard Richardson, 30, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl;
- Scotty Orlando Simmons, 25, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine Base;
- Zavie London Jefferson, 28, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; and
- Dexter Deandre Ferguson-Fuller, 24, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Cocaine Base; Possessing Cocaine and Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
Another portion of the investigation focused on individuals in the Charleston area conspiring to illegally obtain firearms through the use of straw purchasers. It was led by the ATF and is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was also made possible in part by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
The five individuals charged in this portion of the case are:
- Bernard Freeman Scott, Jr., 24, of Ladson, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms; Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms; and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon;
- Andre Moore, 24, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon;
- Nykobie Bryant Fleming, 26, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms;
- Jedarius Tyewon Haynes Dessausure, 26, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms; and
- Jasmine Lasha Smalls, 27, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.
The third portion of the investigation focused on individuals in Summerville and North Charleston conspiring to commit wire fraud. One individual was also charged with money laundering. This portion of the investigation was led by the FBI, Secret Service, IRS, and SBA.
The eight individuals charged in this portion of the case are:
- Staci Harley, 41, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud;
- Roberta Harley, 61, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; Wire Fraud; and Money Laundering;
- Anthony Harley, 40, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud;
- Zyaisha Blue, 22, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud;
- Benjamin Blue, 42, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud;
- Antanasia Harley, 20, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud;
- Anthony Pinckney, 40, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud;
- Sheniqua Mitchell, 37, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud.
In addition to the FBI, ATF, Secret Service, IRS, and SBA, these cases were investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Charleston Police Department, North Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Summerville Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, and Charleston Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Whit Sowards and Amy Bower are prosecuting the cases with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
U.S. Attorney Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictments are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
###
South Carolina Man and Florida Woman Sentenced in COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Mohammad Ribhi Farraj, 43, of Florence, South Carolina, and Marvet Masoud, 34, of Homestead, Florida, were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to unemployment insurance benefits.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Farraj and Masoud engaged in a scheme with others to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the scheme, members of the conspiracy submitted applications in four states – Arizona, New York, Florida, and South Carolina – using the personal identifying information of other individuals, sometimes without the person’s permission. In some instances, members of the conspiracy would apply for benefits in multiple states using the same individual’s information. Members of the conspiracy then received the funds associated with the fraudulent claims, primarily through either direct deposit or debit cards. The investigation revealed a total of 69 fraudulent claims associated with the scheme, resulting in a total loss of $454,074.00 in unemployment insurance funds. Through this scheme, defendants exploited the flexibility afforded to those unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As to Farraj, evidence presented to the court showed that Farraj obtained debit cards with unemployment insurance funds which were associated with the fraudulent claims and then withdrew the funds at ATMs. In addition, Farraj fraudulently obtained an Economic Injury Disaster Loan under the name of a fictitious business. After receiving a deposit of $149,900.00, Farraj transferred the funds to cryptocurrency accounts or used the funds to pay credit card bills.
As to Masoud, evidence presented to the court showed that Masoud completed withdrawals of funds associated with fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits claims and also received a deposit of $9,321.00 into an account in her name. The deposit was also associated with a fraudulent claim.
Farraj was sentenced to ten months, with five months to be served in the Bureau of Prisons and five months to be served on home detention with location monitoring, followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Farraj was ordered to pay $604,074.00 in restitution.
Masoud was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay $454,074.00 in restitution. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III imposed the sentences.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the New York State Department of Labor, the Arizona Department of Economic Security, and the Small Business Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
###