District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Norris L. Bond, 42, of Columbia, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and possessing a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that in July, 2019, Richland County Sheriff’s Department made a traffic stop on an Audi driven by Bond. In a subsequent search of the Audi, law enforcement found bags of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine, and a loaded 9mm pistol. Law enforcement arrested Bond and transported him to the detention center. While Bond was enroute, law enforcement noticed him moving around in the backseat of the patrol car. When Bond was removed from the patrol car, law enforcement discovered a torn bag of suspected cocaine where Bond had been sitting. The suspected cocaine and crack cocaine lab tested as approximately 63 grams of cocaine and 30 grams of crack cocaine.
Further investigation revealed Bond had been engaged in a multi-year conspiracy to sell cocaine and crack cocaine in the Columbia area. Bond’s role in that conspiracy was as a source of supply to others. In a three-year period, Bond was accountable for more than 10 kilograms of cocaine and more than 750 grams of crack cocaine.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Bond to 144 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-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 Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.
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Four Plead Guilty to Obtaining Nearly $5 Million in Fraudulent PPP LoansRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- Lori Hammond, 53 of Summerville, Catherine (“Cassie”) Needham, 36, of Manning, Jontrell Wright, 35, of Holly Hill, and Christopher Conrad, 39, of Holly Hill, have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud, in connection with their roles in fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in PPP loans.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that from in or around June 2020 through around January 2021, Lori Hammond caused multiple materially fraudulent PPP loan applications to be submitted to federally insured financial institutions on behalf of herself and her co-conspirators. In these loan applications, Hammond used the identity of a deceased individual, misrepresented the number of employees and payroll expenses of the entities seeking the loans, attached fraudulent tax documents, and made numerous other false and misleading statements. As part of the conspiracy, Hammond assisted Needham, Conrad, and Wright by filling out the loan application documents with materially false and fraudulent information and then submitting them to an individual in California. The individual in California would in turn submit the fraudulent loan applications to financial institutions in exchange for a fee. Based on the false representations and submissions in the applications, the approved PPP lenders funded the PPP loans. After the funds were deposited into the respective accounts, Hammond, Wright, Needham, and Conrad used the funds for non-qualifying, non-business-related purposes, including homes, property, cars, and other personal purchases.
In total, the members of the conspiracy fraudulently obtained $4,721,638.50 in PPP loan funds.
The defendants all face a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison. They also face a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and 3 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence the defendants 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, 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 (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting the case.
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Columbia Man Indicted for Firearms/Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 3-count indictment against Darius Antonio Pugh, 35, of West Columbia, for felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment alleges that on April 9, 2022, after a traffic stop by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Pugh was found in possession of firearms and drugs.
Pugh faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment on the felon in possession of firearms charge, a maximum of 30 years on the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years with maximum of life on the possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge. Pugh is currently detained pending trial.
This case 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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Seven Defendants Charged in Animal Fighting Venture and Illegal Gambling OperationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 7 individuals on June 22, 2022, who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a gamecock fighting venture and illegal gambling operation that operated in and around Ridgeville.
These defendants have been charged by indictment with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture, and false statement to a federal law enforcement officer. The following defendants have been arrested:
- ROY MICHAEL LIMEHOUSE, 65, of Ridgeville, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.
- ROOSEVELT CURRY, 67, of North Augusta, South Carolina, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.
- JOEY LEVERANE BROWN, JR, a/k/a “Junior,” 41, of Warrenville, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.
- SHANNON HUBERT BAXLEY, 49, of Barnwell, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and false statement to a federal law enforcement officer.
- JAMES FRANKLIN ROUNDTREE, 51, of Barnwell, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.
- JEREMEY ALLEN BESSINGER, 40, of Fairfax, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.
- BRANDON ISAIAH MCLAUGHLIN, 24, of Gloverville, was charged with animal fighting venture and illegal gambling operation.
If they are convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison for each count in the indictment.
Following the indictment, federal law enforcement officers placed a legal hold on the property where the illegal activity occurred. Federal law enforcement officers also seized cash and three vehicles used in relation to the animal fighting venture and illegal gambling operation.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Inspector General, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
USDA Office of Inspector General Special Agent Dustin McPhillips led the federal investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Hartsville Man Indicted for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a single-count indictment against Frederick De’Angello Bennett, Jr., 21, of Hartsville, for possessing a firearm which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The indictment alleges that on or about May 10, 2021, Bennett possessed a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel length of less than 16 inches, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Bennett faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and is currently detained pending trial.
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 Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Four Defendants Sentenced to More Than 60 Years Collectively in Federal Prison for Crimes Related to Child Sex Trafficking and ExploitationRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Four Defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for conduct related to a multi-state child sex trafficking and exploitation scheme.
Specifically, the following Defendants have been sentenced:
- Hart William Grow, 26, of Surprise, Arizona, has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for child sex trafficking and the sexual exploitation of a separate minor.
- Theodore Woolings Bye, III, 37, of Myrtle Beach, has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Sanadin Mohamed Elrayes, 28, of Surfside Beach, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for transferring obscene material – video of him having sexual intercourse with a minor.
- Charles Joseph Spillane, 44, of Myrtle Beach, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for transferring obscene material – video of him having sexual intercourse with a minor.
“Using the internet, these Defendants engineered and executed crimes that involved sexual acts against a child. This was vile behavior, and the children of South Carolina are safer with these predators off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “I hope the victims can move forward with their lives, and this Office’s Victim Witness Coordinator remains available to aid in this healing. I commend the excellent work of our federal, state, and local partners. However, our work is one small part of what it takes to combat sexual exploitation of children. Parents and guardians need to be vigilant and monitor their children’s online activity. This case highlights that through technology, any child, anywhere, can become a victim.”
“This case underscores the importance of online safety; these predators used the internet to help them victimize innocent children. Thankfully, they are facing justice for their despicable actions,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees HSI operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Protecting our most vulnerable populations from exploitation is one of HSI’s most important missions and we are fortunate to have great working relationships with our law enforcement partners that provide us invaluable assistance in these cases.”
“The success of this case was the result of many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together,” said South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Capt. Connie Sonnefeld, “These law enforcement officers are dedicated to fighting human trafficking in South Carolina and throughout the country. SLED is proud to work with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to support survivors and ensure criminals who prey on our most vulnerable are brought to justice.”
"We as a community have no greater responsibility than to protect our children and law enforcement will always stand up for those that need help,” said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. “This case was a partnership built on that mission and we couldn't be more proud of the team that brought those charged and those sentenced to justice."
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Grow, from his home in Arizona and through the internet, misrepresented to various minors across the country that he was also a minor and was interested in a relationship. A search of Grow’s electronic devices revealed images of, or sexual conversations with, at least 23 individuals confirmed to be minors, and hundreds of other images, videos, and contacts with individuals who appeared to be minors. Further, at least one of the social media accounts from which Grow engineered his sexual exploitation of children was registered in 2016 from an address associated with Grow, and the account has been active since that time.
In this case, Grow allegedly claimed to the first minor victim that he was a 17-year-old female named “Hannah” living in Columbia, South Carolina. After gaining her trust and collecting sexually explicit videos, Grow forced the minor victim into sex trafficking. In sexually trafficking the minor victim and aware of her, Grow initially posted images on message boards offering the minor victim up to adult males for sex in exchange for the adult males actively engaging in the production of videos of the sexual acts, and ensuring those videos were sent to Grow.
Among the first customers was Bye, who became infatuated with the minor victim and began acting as the middleman for Grow. Although Bye knew the minor victim’s age, he would make sexually explicit videos of the minor victim. He would also arrange for men to have sex with her in exchange for the men agreeing to engage in the production of sexually explicit videos to be sent to Grow. The minor victim lived with her parents in Myrtle Beach, and Grow and Bye would traffic her while her parents were away or were asleep down the hall.
Both Elrayes and Spillane responded to Bye’s internet postings and, after communicating with Bye via social media and text messages, engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the minor victim, which was filmed and sent to Grow.
Additionally, in early 2021, after Grow had trafficked the first minor victim, he began communicating with a second minor victim in the Midlands area of South Carolina. Again, Grow used a false persona to build a relationship with the second minor victim, and ultimately forced her to produce sexually explicit videos for him until shortly before his arrest in Arizona. At Grow’s direction, the videos of the second minor victim were often unknowingly and covertly filmed near her parents or other family members.
According to Court records, the Defendants used social media applications, including Snapchat, Wattpad, and Kik to communicate with the victims and with each other.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Grow to 327 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision; Bye to 293 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision; Elrayes to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision; and Spillane to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Grow and Bye will be required to register as sex offenders for life and were also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
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.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), SLED, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower prosecuted the case.
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Florence Man Indicted for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a single-count indictment against Victor Bernard Johnson, Jr., 31, of Florence, for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited felon.
The indictment alleges that on or about December 25, 2021, Johnson possessed a firearm and ammunition knowing that he had a prior conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and is currently detained pending trial.
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 Florence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Anderson Man Sentenced for Asbestos ViolationRead the Press Release
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Brian Thomas Rogers, 53, of Anderson, owner of Rogers Environmental, LLC, was sentenced to three years of probation, to include the first six months on an overnight curfew, ordered to pay a $25,500 fine, and will perform 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to Making a False Statement in a Clean Air Act Document.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 1, 2018, Rogers Environmental was contracted to perform an asbestos building inspection at Pratt Hall on the campus of Anderson University, Anderson County, South Carolina. Rogers' limited survey report stated that no asbestos containing material (ACM) was found in the materials sampled. Based on the negative ACM survey, contractors commenced with demolition and renovation.
On June 20, 2018, while removing flooring from a bathroom, the sub-contractor encountered 9x9 floor tile and black mastic under the top layer of flooring, which it suspected to contain asbestos.
On June 21, 2018, Rogers was called back to the site and collected two additional samples. Rogers later provided the contractor, by email, with a lab report that showed the two additional samples did not contain asbestos.
On June 22, 2018, after learning of Rogers’ negative asbestos report and doubting the result, the sub-contractor collected its own samples from the same room inspected by Rogers and sent the samples to the same lab for analysis. The lab report indicated that asbestos was present in the two samples.
Due to the discrepancies between Rogers Environmental and the subcontractor’s sampling reports, the sub-contractor notified the general contractor, who in turn brought in a new building inspection company to resample the entire building.
On June 25, 2018, the new company surveyed and collected samples from the entire site, which documented approximately 29 samples had positive asbestos results. The total amount of asbestos found was approximately 3,620 square feet.
Investigators for DHEC later interviewed Rogers, who admitted changing the original lab results on one sample from 20% chrysotile (asbestos) to none detected. Rogers also admitted that he emailed the manipulated false documents to the general contractor.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., ordered the sentence, recommending that Rogers perform his community service at Anderson University. Rogers will satisfy the fine in payments of $750 per month for roughly three years.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigative Division, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., is prosecuting the case.
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Nursing Director Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal Agents Regarding Production of Fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccine CardsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Tammy Hutson McDonald, 53, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about the production of fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on September 13, 2021, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control received a complaint that McDonald, who was then director of nursing at a PruittHealth skilled nursing facility, was providing false COVID-19 vaccine cards to others.
Further investigation revealed that on June 20, 2021, McDonald provided vaccination cards for various individuals. McDonald filled out the cards and was aware that the individuals to whom she provided vaccine cards did not, in fact, receive the vaccine as noted on the cards. One of the individuals who procured a card needed a replacement. On July 28, 2021, McDonald filled out another card for him although she was aware that he had not received the vaccine as noted on his card.
On October 22, 2021, federal agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spoke to McDonald at work. Even after being told she was talking to federal agents, and that lying to a federal agent was a crime, she insisted she had never given anyone a false or incorrect vaccine card. Evidence presented to the Court showed that this was a materially false statement, and McDonald knew the statement was false, as she provided fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine cards to others.
“The Defendant created a direct risk to the people of South Carolina by creating false vaccine documents for others to use, and she compounded this wrongdoing by lying to federal agents,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “As a registered nurse, she knew better and owed more to her community. This felony conviction showcases that this office will continue to prosecute fraud related to the Coronavirus in all its forms.”
"Vaccination record cards play an integral part in efforts to address the public health emergency," said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles, with HHS-OIG. "HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable any providers who undermine public health measures and put the health of others at risk by distributing these cards to unvaccinated individuals."
“COVID-19 related fraud has severe consequences, no matter the chosen scheme,” said Susan Ferensic, the FBI Columbia field office’s Special Agent in Charge. “Our investigators will continue to work diligently to turn over every stone in search of the truth, and we will hold individuals accountable for their crimes.”
McDonald faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow any term of imprisonment. Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence McDonald on September 20, 2022, 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, 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 Special Agent Ryan Schubert with HHS-OIG and the FBI, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek A. Shoemake, who also serves as the District’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, is prosecuting the case.
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Charleston Man Indicted for Firearm and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a three-count indictment against Perry JaQuan Jackson, 23, of Summerville, South Carolina for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment alleges that on March 3, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Perry Jackson for multiple outstanding arrest warrants. Officers searched Jackson’s vehicle and located a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun, $7,740 in cash, over 300 grams of marijuana, and three digital scales. Jackson is federally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
Jackson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted and is currently detained pending trial.
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 North Charleston Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Federal Prison for the Kidnapping and Murder of Travelers Rest WomanRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Daniel Glen Printz, 59, of Bostic, North Carolina, was sentenced to life without parole in federal prison after pleading guilty to killing a South Carolina woman after kidnapping her and crossing state lines.
“Printz is a monster who has a long history of targeting, kidnapping, and killing women - causing unimaginable loss to his victims and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis for the District of South Carolina. “He has earned every day of his life sentence, and our communities are safer with him in a prison cell. We are grateful that the Court delivered justice today and we hope it provides some measure of comfort for the victims’ families.”
“Printz’s day of reckoning arrived in a federal courtroom,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, whose office participated in the prosecution of this case. “This man is responsible for the deaths of multiple women and has caused inconceivable pain to their loved ones. A life behind bars is a just outcome.”
“Printz’s violence against women is reprehensible, and he earned the Court’s severe penalty for his crimes,” said Susan Ferensic, the FBI Columbia field office’s Special Agent in Charge. “The sentence will never bring back the victims, but it’s our hope that the victims’ friends and families find peace in the memories of their loved ones.”
“This case is the model for how local, state and federal agencies should continuously work together for the purpose of bringing forth justice,” said Greenville County South Carolina Sheriff Hobart Lewis. “I firmly believe that if it weren’t for the collaborative efforts that this narcissistic man would have continued targeting and preying on innocent woman before taking them from their loved ones. I am so thankful for the men and women who worked tirelessly to get Mr. Printz out of society and behind bars for the rest of his life.”
“We are glad to see justice served today for these horrible crimes,” said Rutherford County North Carolina Sheriff Chris Francis, whose office also investigated this matter. “We are honored to have worked jointly with the FBI, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office during this investigation. I am proud of the work my Investigators did in seeking justice for the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.”
Evidence presented in Court showed that on the morning of August 27, 2021, Printz traveled from his North Carolina home to Travelers Rest, South Carolina, where he met 80-year Travelers Rest resident Edna Suttles. Printz met Suttles at the Food Lion grocery store located off of US-25, where Printz purchased a four-pack of yogurt before the two traveled back to Suttles’s residence.
Later that afternoon, Printz and Suttles returned to the Food Lion parking lot, where Printz was captured on surveillance video moving a visibly sedated Suttles from her vehicle and into his. Printz then drove her vehicle a short distance to a nearby hotel parking lot, where he was seen on surveillance video wiping down the inside and outside of the vehicle. Printz then drove Suttles across state lines back to his residence in Bostic, North Carolina.
After Suttles did not show up to work the following day, concerned coworkers called the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and reported her missing.
During a search of Printz’s residence, investigators found several personal items belonging to Suttles, including her keys, bank card, jewelry, and pocketbook, most of which were concealed in a box used for raising bees on a remote part of Printz’s property. Investigators also found a yogurt cup—opened—and a forensic lab analysis determined the interior of the cup contained Lorazepam, Tramadol, and Cyclobenzaprine.
After being charged in federal court in the District of South Carolina, Printz cooperated with law enforcement. On May 16, 2022, he took authorities to Suttles’s body, which he had buried on a nearby property in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
During the investigation, agents also recovered evidence connecting Printz to the disappearance or death of three other women – Nancy Rego, Delores Sellers, and Leigh Goodman. Printz admitted in Court that he had some responsibility for, or role in, their deaths or disappearances.
Printz’s criminal history includes a 1997 conviction from Michigan for kidnapping another woman, and he was sentenced to 13 to 30 years in state prison for that crime. He was released in 2009 and his parole was terminated in 2011. He also has prior convictions for firearm possession and assault and battery.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins Jr. sentenced Printz to life imprisonment after accepting his guilty plea the same day. There is no parole in the federal system. Through his plea agreement, Printz waived any right to challenge his conviction or his sentence.
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 FBI, the Greenville County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office, the Rutherford County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of North Carolina and the District of South Carolina. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin W. Holloway and Elliott B Daniels of the District of South Carolina prosecuted the case, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Gast of the Western District of North Carolina.
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printz_-_complaint_and_complaint_affidavit.pdf printz_-_information.pdf printz_-_plea_agreement.pdfThree Defendants who Participated in Kickback and Bribery Schemes Involving Federal Housing Grant Programs Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Charles “Chuck” Willys Mincey, Jr., 65, of Flora, Mississippi, Karl Henry Zerbst, Jr., 62, of Mount Pleasant,, and Brian Daniel Herndon, 46, of Summerville, were sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty for their roles in various kickback and bribery schemes involving federal housing grant programs in the Charleston area.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that from December of 2014 until at least March of 2019, Mincey and Zerbst participated in a scheme to unlawfully profit from their work on certain Affordable Housing Program grants disbursed by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta to low income households of United States Military veterans and spouses of veterans for house rehabilitation.
In 2014, Mincey approached Zerbst to be an intermediary for grants for which Mincey and his company, Palmettos at Folly, was the designated contractor. As an intermediary, it was Zerbst’s role to locate prospective program participants, hire and manage the contractors conducting the rehabilitative work, and hire and manage third-party inspectors to inspect the work and assess it for cost reasonableness. As part of their arrangement, Mincey and Zerbst agreed to split the profits they made from the grants 50/50. This agreement was in violation of the express rules of the grant program, which prohibited an intermediary from receiving more than 12% of the grant funds, and also prohibited any conflict of interests or appearance of a conflict of interest with any other party to the grant application.
During the relevant time period, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta sent the grant funds to community member banks, who then disbursed the funds to Zerbst’s company KHZ. Zerbst retained his intermediary fees and then wrote checks for construction costs to Mincey’s company, Palmetto’s at Folly. Mincey then funneled grant money back to Zerbst, by writing checks from Palmetto’s at Folly to Charleston Strategic Consultants LLC, a company controlled by Zerbst. In total, Mincey funneled at least $246,689.99 in unlawful kickbacks to Zerbst.
Evidence showed that Mincey also participated in a bribery scheme with a City of Charleston employee Brian Herndon in order to win construction bids for housing projects funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. As a Project Manager for housing rehabilitation at the Charleston Department of Housing and Community Development, Herndon had access to non-public information regarding cost estimates generated for each project grant, which he shared with Mincey in exchange for cash payments between $200 and $500. In total, Herndon accepted at least $15,000 in bribe money.
Senior United States District Court Judge Margaret B. Seymour sentenced all three individuals. Mincey was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, and ordered to pay $91,990 in restitution. Zerbst was sentenced to five years of probation, and paid $246,689.99 in restitution prior to his sentencing. Herndon was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by a year of court-ordered supervision. Judge Seymour also granted a money judgment against Herndon in the amount of $15,000, equal to the amount of bribe money that Herndon received from Mincey from 2014 to 2020. There is no parole in the federal system.
The two cases were investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allessandra Stewart prosecuted the cases.
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Two Men Charged with Illegally Trafficking Almost 60 Guns into Philadelphia from South CarolinaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Terrance Darby, 41, of Philadelphia, PA, and Ontavious Plumer, 32, of Due West, South Carolina, were charged by Superseding Indictment with gun trafficking offenses in connection with their scheme to straw purchase and transport across state lines almost 60 firearms.
Specifically, the defendants were charged with unlicensed dealing and transport of firearms, and conspiracy to engage in unlicensed dealing of firearms and to make false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Darby was also charged with drug trafficking and gun possession stemming from his possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and unlawful possession of two firearms in his home in November 2021.
According to the Superseding Indictment, between November 2020 and February 2021, the defendants conspired with at least four other individuals to illegally straw-purchase almost 60 firearms from federally licensed gun shops in South Carolina, then transport these firearms via car into Philadelphia. Darby would allegedly place orders for firearms with Plumer, who would then direct co-conspirators to straw purchase firearms and transport them to Darby and his co-conspirator in Philadelphia.
This Superseding Indictment is the third set of charges brought by this Office in the last two months targeting the illegal trafficking of firearms from southern states into Philadelphia, a large northeastern city, a fact pattern which is known as the ‘iron pipeline.’ In April 2022, multiple defendants were Indicted in two federal cases involving the unlawful trafficking of approximately 400 firearms up the ‘iron pipeline’ into the city.
“Earlier this year, the Justice Department announced strategies to fight violent crime, including cracking down on firearms trafficking and the ‘iron pipeline,’ and our Office announced the indictment of fourteen people engaged in that that black-market business. With today’s charges, we have shut off yet another valve to stem the flow of guns into Philadelphia,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Our Office is working with urgency and determination to get guns off the streets of our city.”
“At a time when our communities have seen a spike in violent gun crime, it is more important now than ever that we hold those accountable for criminal actions,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “The diligence of our local, state, and federal partners prevented more guns from circulation into the community, as the indictment alleges.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Jeanette Kang.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Self-Professed Charleston Gang Member Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Travis Stefenon Dequan Lawrence, 29, of Charleston, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Lawrence was a felon and self-professed member of a dangerous street gang. When he was arrested, he was in possession of a stolen pistol with a magazine holding 17 rounds of hollow point ammunition. His record shows that he has been involved in criminal activity since he was 14 years old.
United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Lawrence to 84 months imprisonment, 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 Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell prosecuted the case in federal court in coordination with Assistant Solicitor Stephanie Linder of the Ninth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
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Four-Count Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man for Possessing Firearms and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a four-count indictment against Kenneth Archie, 41, of Columbia, for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute.
The indictment alleges that Archie possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony on November 6, 2020. The indictment further alleges that Archie possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony, possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessed a quantity of marijuana with the intent to distribute on June 14, 2021.
Archie faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine and is currently detained.
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), Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and City of Columbia Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Five-Count Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man for Possessing Firearms and DrugsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a five-count indictment against Erick Jonathan Stewart, 27, of Columbia, for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute various drugs, possessing of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that Stewart conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and tramadol. The indictment further alleges that Stewart possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony, possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessed a quantity of marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and tramadol with the intent to distribute on May 5, 2021. Lastly, the indictment alleges that Stewart possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony on June 20, 2021.
Stewart faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine and is currently detained.
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), Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and City of Columbia Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Former Orangeburg Public Schools Employee Sentenced to Almost Three Years for Defrauding School District of More Than $550,000Read the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Former Orangeburg School District Employee David Cortez Marshall was sentenced today to almost three years for defrauding the Orangeburg County School District of over $550,000.
“Fraud of any nature is illegal and wrong, but fraud against a public school – in the middle of a pandemic – is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Mr. Marshall’s prison sentence reflects the seriousness of his offense and our dedication to deterring public fraud. His restitution order ensures that he’ll be obligated to pay back every penny he stole from the public.”
"Today, justice was served, and a criminal was held accountable,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Columbia Special Agent in Charge, Susan Ferensic. “Our work is not finished. We will continue to hold perpetrators accountable and see that their crimes are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Marshall, a former media communications specialist employed by the Orangeburg County School District, created a scheme to defraud the district while purchasing remote learning cameras for school classrooms. Through the use of shell companies, fabricated documents, forged signatures, and a false identity, Marshall steered the district’s purchasing contracts to companies he created and controlled, purchased the cameras, then sold them to the school at a substantial markup. Marshall also received funds from the school district for the cameras that he never paid to the seller. Through his scheme to defraud, Marshall received more than $550,000 in illegal proceeds. His scheme was eventually discovered by other school district employees, who confronted Marshall and reported the matter to the FBI for further investigation.
United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Marshall to 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Marshall was also ordered to pay approximately $600,000 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brook Andrews is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Recovers Fraudulent Transfer of Proceeds Arising from Medical Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
Alex Hart Raley Jr., who received millions from an individual subsequently found liable for violating the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks, has agreed to pay $2.3 million to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging that the transfer violated the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act. Raley was not involved in the kickback violations.
Floyd Calhoun Dent III, along with two other individuals, was found liable by a South Carolina jury in 2018 for submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. A judgment was subsequently entered against these defendants jointly for $114 million. Prior to the judgment, but after Dent had been served with a Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General subpoena, Dent transferred several million dollars to Raley. Dent acknowledged that he received nothing in return for this payment, but contended that it was intended to fulfill a childhood promise.
“Individuals who receive the proceeds of fraudulent activity must return them,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Recovering ill-gotten gains that have been transferred to third parties is an important component of the department’s commitment to combat fraudulent schemes involving taxpayer funds.”
“Justice requires that ill-gotten gains – regardless of whose hands ultimately hold them – are restored to their rightful owner, which in this case is the United States of America,” said U.S. Attorney Corey Ellis for the District of South Carolina.
The settlement announced today resolves the United States’ allegations that Dent’s transfer to Raley was a fraudulent transfer. The settlement requires him to surrender any retained funds, as well as gold and silver coins that Raley purchased with a portion of the transferred funds, to the Department of Justice and the Liquidating Trustee for now bankrupt Health Diagnostic Laboratories Inc., which will split these assets pursuant to a bankruptcy court agreement.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Fraud and Corporate/Financial Litigation Sections, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. The matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Alicia J. Bentley and Trial Attorney Andrew Warner of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Leventis, Johanna Valenzuela, and Joanna Stroud.
The case is United States v. AROC Enterprises, LLC, et al. (D.S.C. Case No. 9:19-cv-234 RMG).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Employee Charged with Federal Money Laundering CrimesRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Bhagavan Mahamayavi Antle a/k/a Doc Antle, 62, and Andrew Jon Sawyer a/k/a Omar Sawyer, 52, both of Myrtle Beach, have been charged in a federal complaint with money laundering crimes involving more than $500,000.
According to the complaint, which was unsealed today in a federal courtroom in Florence, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S), also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. Sawyer is Antle’s employee and business associate. The complaint alleges that over the last four months, Antle and Sawyer laundered $505,000 in cash they believed to be the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States.
Specifically, according to the complaint, Antle and Sawyer would launder the cash by providing checks from a business controlled by Antle and a business controlled by Sawyer. Those checks falsely claimed they were remitted for construction work being performed at the Myrtle Beach Safari, when in reality the checks were simply a means to allow the recipients to appear to have legitimate income. In exchange, Antle and Sawyer received a 15% fee of any amount laundered.
The complaint alleges that Antle discussed his plan to conceal the cash he received by inflating tourist numbers at the Myrtle Beach Safari, and that in the past he had used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks.
Antle and Sawyer each face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the charges in the complaint, and they are currently detained.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Belton Man Arrested for Threatening Upstate SchoolsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Confirms that Upstate School Threat Thwarted, Suspect in Custody
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jonathan Trent Patterson, 22, of Belton, has been charged in a federal complaint for electronically transmitting multiple shooting threats relating to several schools in Anderson County.
“I want to first let everyone in the Upstate know that we are not aware of any physical harm that occurred as a result of these threats, and the suspect is in custody and thus at this time does not pose a danger to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “While these charges speak for themselves, this office aggressively investigates and, where appropriate, prosecutes threats of violence and acts of violence. This is especially true when anyone threatens harm against our schools, and recent events confirm these threats must be taken seriously. Responding to these cases requires a team approach, and I especially want to thank our partners at the FBI and Sheriff Chad McBride and the rest of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.”
Patterson will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin at 2:30 p.m. today (June 3, 2022) at the Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Max Cauthen and Everett E. McMillian are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Ellis stated that all charges in the complaint are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Varnville Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $300,000 from Military VeteransRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Raymond Huffman, 61, of Varnville, has pleaded guilty to stealing funds from 10 military veterans.
According to information presented to the Court, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) provides and cares for United States military veterans. Among its many programs, the VA administers a fiduciary program designed to protect veterans. Huffman was appointed to be a fiduciary to receive payments on behalf of veterans who, as a result of wars, injury, disease, or infirmities of advanced age, could not manage their VA benefits. Instead, Huffman stole money from these veterans.
“Stealing funds meant for a veteran is a despicable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “We owe it to our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this country, to ensure they are not victimized when they most need assistance. I am grateful for the hard work from our federal and local partners.”
"Today's plea should send a clear message that the VA Office of Inspector General will vigorously investigate those who steal from our nation's veterans," said VA Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kim Lampkins. “The VA OIG will continue to ensure that veterans and other beneficiaries who rely on the critical financial services of VA-appointed fiduciaries are not exploited by greed for financial gain."
“This case is an example of what happens when we all work together - the Sheriff’s office, members of our community and other law enforcement agencies in our area,” said Dorchester County Sheriff L.C. Knight. “No veteran should ever have to worry about having benefits being stolen from them. When something like this happens, we want to make sure the crime is investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Huffman misused funds intended for at least 10 of his VA clients through his company, Huffman Fiduciary Services. The victims included the estate of a veteran who had passed away in 2018. Huffman admitted to misusing and stealing money from some of his VA clients. In all Huffman stole at least $304,413.75, and also received fees in excess of $10,000.
Williams faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and 30 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Huffman after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General, specifically Special Agent Robert Breunig, with assistance from Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, specifically, Sgt. Chaz Easterlin Easterlin, and the Office of the Solicitor for the First Judicial Circuit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the case in federal court and Assistant Solicitor Shannon N. Elliott of the First Circuit Solicitor's Office prosecuted the case in state court.
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Orangeburg Felon Who Tried to Flee Officers Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Quinnton Jamar Henderson, 32, of Orangeburg, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence revealed that on December 31, 2019, members of the United States Marshals Carolina Regional Task Force were looking for Henderson, who was wanted on an outstanding state court bench warrant, when they located him sleeping inside his vehicle in the driveway of his Orangeburg residence. When officers attempted to wake Henderson up to arrest him, he drove off and fled the scene. A short time later, officers located Henderson in his vehicle on an unpaved roadway off Highway 210 in Branchville. During a search of the area surrounding Henderson’s vehicle, officers located a .380 caliber handgun.
The firearm was preliminarily linked through ballistics analysis as having been involved in a shooting incident in Cayce on December 22, 2019. The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (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.
Henderson’s prior state convictions include the following: possession of stolen firearm (2009), failure to stop for blue light and siren (2009), possession of crack cocaine (2009), possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2009), assault and battery 3rd degree (2012), pointing and presenting a firearm (2012), two counts of failure to stop for a blue light and siren (2017), and two counts of grand larceny (2017).
Henderson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Henderson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Carolina Regional Task Force, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cayce Police Department 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Rankin Smith is prosecuting the case.
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Columbia Man with Aggravated Assault and Kidnapping Record Pleads Guilty to Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Alexander Lee Dickerson, 32, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on February 7, 2020, Columbia Police Department officers responded to a report that Dickerson had rammed the car he was driving into a car driven by Nikka Darby. Dickerson pointed a firearm at Darby and then drove away from the scene. An officer soon located Dickerson and attempted to stop him. Dickerson refused to stop, leading police on a high speed chase for approximately two miles before finally ending on Colonial Drive. After Dickerson was taken into custody, police searched his car and located a loaded 9mm pistol. Dickerson was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior convictions for aggravated assault, attempted armed robbery and kidnapping.
Dickerson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Dickerson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States 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) and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney to Present Award to the 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods Logo Contest WinnerRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis will be at Fairfield Magnet School for Science and Math this Friday, May 27, 2022, at 8:30am, for their Awards Day program in order to present awards to the 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest Overall Winner/3rd-5th grade category winner, along with the winner in the K-2nd grade division and several honorable mentions all from that school. He’ll be accompanied by John “JJ” Jones, Executive Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) and the South Carolina Chiefs Association.
Award winners from Fairfield Magnet School for Science and Math are:
Winner K–2nd grade Division
Mason Cordona
Winner 3rd–5th grade Division/ OVERALL WINNER
Layla McMillan
Honorable Mentions
K-2nd grade Division
Kyngston Turner
3rd – 5th grade Division
Zedrick Curabo
Brianna Lanier
6th – 8th grade Division
Christon Simons
The winning entries were chosen by a select group of young leaders at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice who act as role models for the other youth throughout the entire department. SCLEOA and the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association provided $50.00 awards to each division winner; and the overall winner received an additional $50.00 award. Awards have already been presented to the other age category winners. All students who participated received 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 that has proven to be an effective way 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 reentry initiatives.
View this year’s winning submissions and learn more about the contest at http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc/programs/logowinners.html.
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Twelve Defendants Sentenced for Tax Felonies and Immigration Crimes after Major Undercover OperationRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Twelve Defendants across seven construction-related companies have been sentenced for employment tax fraud felonies and crimes related to hiring unauthorized aliens in the largest criminal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operation in the history of the Pee Dee region.
The convictions are the first to come from an expansive multi-year undercover investigation in the Myrtle Beach area and throughout the South Carolina coast led by the IRS and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The operation targeted those in the construction industry who used unlicensed check cashers to facilitate under-the-table cash payments to employees, many of whom were unauthorized aliens. The check cashers would also provide certificates of insurance falsely stating that the employees were covered under workers’ compensation insurance. These off-the-book payments defrauded the United States out of applicable employment taxes on the employees. At least $15 million in checks were cashed by these Defendants, resulting in millions of dollars of total losses to the Government. Based on the investigation, at least tens of millions of dollars of tax losses have occurred throughout the South Carolina coast because of similar schemes.
“These Defendants stole money from South Carolina taxpayers, they stole opportunities from those in the construction industry who did the right thing, and they stole safety from the workers who labored on jobsites without insurance,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This successful prosecution was only possible because of the tireless and dedicated investigative efforts of IRS and HSI, as well as the work of our local partners. The Defendants in this case, none of whom had criminal records before this investigation, are all now convicted felons. Several face potential deportation, several have lost their homes and face financial ruin, and many will never be able to return to the work they spent their lives pursuing. This case should be a message to businesses and individuals who try to get ahead by breaking the law: it is not worth it because we are watching you and we will prosecute you.”
“Unscrupulous businesses who willfully skirt their tax and legal workforce obligations must be held to account,” said IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins. “Employers who deliberately deflect these obligations undermine what is owed to the U.S. Government in payroll taxes and other fees, in addition to creating an unfair economic advantage over law-abiding business owners who play by the rules.”
“Criminals that exploit U.S. labor and tax laws for profit take advantage of not only the workers, but they also steal revenue from the Government, while also creating an unfair business advantage over their competitors,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees HSI operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Thanks to the great work done by our agents along with our state, local and federal partners we were able to stop this criminal organization from defrauding the Government and hurting the local economy.”
Evidence presented to the court showed that beginning around late 2018, IRS and HSI began jointly investigating the practice of illegal check cashing within the construction industry in the Myrtle Beach area and in other regions along the South Carolina coast. In approximately 2019, various IRS undercover agents embedded themselves in the Myrtle Beach area and recorded multiple interactions with the various defendants’ companies.
Specifically, certain construction companies would use check cashers so that they could hire unauthorized aliens and avoid paying employment taxes on their workers. To facilitate the scheme, a member of the construction company would meet with an unlicensed check casher in places like parking lots for retail stores or coffee shops. The construction company would give the check casher a business check in a certain amount made out to a company the check casher had created, and the check casher would give the construction company representative a bag of cash that would be used to pay the employees. In exchange for their services, the check casher held back a fee of approximately three percent.
To make it appear like the employees had valid insurance on job sites, the check casher would also provide a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance that was not actually valid for any of the construction company’s employees. The parties agreed that the check casher would, on paper, claim to be a subcontractor who provided the employees and provided insurance. However, the parties knew that the check casher provided no other services or employees to the construction company. The check casher only provided a way to hide the true nature of the scheme, to allow the construction company to hire unauthorized aliens, and to pay workers with untaxed cash.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced each of the Defendants to five years’ probation, with all but one sentenced to home confinement. Further, the Court ordered each Defendant to pay restitution as a result of the tax losses they caused the Government. The Court imposed the probation sentences largely because the Defendants admitted guilt early, agreed to assist authorities, paid collectively nearly a million dollars toward the approximately $3 million dollars owed to the IRS in restitution, and agreed as a condition of probation to make monthly payments – in most cases substantial payments – until the IRS is made whole. The following Defendants from the respective companies were sentenced in the case:
Daniel Lavoie Construction Services (4:21-cr-00585)
- Daniel A. Lavoie, 49, of Conway: Five years’ probation, 18 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $293,402.50 in restitution
- Enrique R. Reyes, 48, of Conway: Five years’ probation, 18 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $293,402.50 in restitution
Duran Masonry (4:21-cr-00584)
- Walter A. Duran, 45, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 21 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $976,076.08 in restitution
- Lisa Caulley Sellers, 57, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, eight months home confinement with location monitoring, and $488,038.04 in restitution
Extreme Siding (4:21-cr-00595)
- Ming Xue Nan, 52, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 14 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $173,712.43 in restitution
- Katherine L. Welker, 39, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, eight months home confinement with location monitoring, and $173,712.43 in restitution
Master Homes Calabash (4:21-cr-00581)
- Josafa P. Neto, 43, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 18 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $209,847.07 in restitution
- Marylany Hardman Levino, 36, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation and $209,847.07 in restitution
Metro Concrete Finishers (4:21-cr-00594)
- Saul Prieto, 56, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, nine months home confinement with location monitoring, and $74,868.50 in restitution
- Martha E. Zarate, a/k/a Martha E. Prieto, 54, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, nine months home confinement with location monitoring, and $74,868.50 in restitution
Master Homes Design Center (4:21-cr-00582)
- Marcos Caetano De Almeida, 45, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 21 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $298,816.52 in restitution
Paint By Numbers (4:21-cr-00583)
- Johanna A. Carpio, 38, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 14 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $131,449.69 in restitution
Each of the twelve Defendants previously pleaded guilty to an Information charging them with one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one misdemeanor count of unlawful employment of aliens.
This case was investigated by IRS and HSI, with assistance from the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Carrie Fisher prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Ellis Announces Enhanced Federal Violent Crime StrategyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is enhancing its violent crime reduction efforts and strengthening its coordination with state and local partners to identify and disrupt the drivers of violent crime throughout South Carolina.
“Gun violence erupted across the state again last weekend, continuing an unwelcome upward trend of violent crime in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “Unfortunately, no place in our state is immune from this violence, whether it be a school, a shopping mall, or a kids’ baseball game. In response, we are adapting our already robust efforts to address violent crime in South Carolina. We will continue to work diligently with our state and local law enforcement agencies and with federal partners to identify and bring to justice those who commit violent acts.”
To that end, U.S. Attorney Ellis met yesterday with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials from 20 agencies throughout the Midlands. This was the first of what will be at least four meetings through June 14 in the Midlands, the Upstate, the Lowcountry, and the Pee Dee Regions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal partners are intensifying collaboration with state and local law enforcement, seeking to pinpoint and disrupt violent offenders in their respective communities.
As part of this effort, U.S. Attorney Ellis also announced that the Office is adapting its violent crime intake strategy to prioritize holding accountable those responsible for violence across the state. Specifically, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will focus its efforts on those offenders who
- have recent violent felony or domestic violence convictions;
- have recently been released from custody or were on state bond for a violent crime;
- have serious drug convictions;
- have ties to gang activity; or
- are engaged in trafficking firearms.
U.S. Attorney Ellis noted this is not an exhaustive list, and the Office will continue its ongoing work with law enforcement partners to focus on those who commit gun violence. The Office’s flurry of recent violent crime and gun-related prosecutions includes having indicted more than two dozen cases in the Pee Dee Region yesterday. In addition to those two dozen cases, the following cases were indicted, pled, or sentenced in the last 30 days alone:
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms and Drugs to ATF
St. Matthews Man With History of Violence Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Methamphetamine Possession
Wagener Man Indicted on 15 Counts of Firearm Possession and Narcotics Distribution
Columbia Man with Robbery and Drug Trafficking Record Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge
North Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Florence Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics and Firearms Crimes
Horry County Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person
Conway Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person
North Carolina Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Forcing Minors into Prostitution
Charleston Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Rock Hill Man Pleads Guilty in Large Drug Trafficking Case
Charleston Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in the Death, Detained After Contested Bond Hearing
Bennettsville Man Sentenced to More than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Crime
Spartanburg County Man Sentenced to Prison for Gun Charge
Federal Indictment Returned for Felon in Possession of Firearm
Columbia Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearm
Georgetown Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison on Gun Charge
Orangeburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charges Detained After Contested Bond Hearing
Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm and Marijuana
Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm
Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm and Marijuana
Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm
Hartsville Man Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Federal Prison on Gun Charge
Florence Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Federal Prison on Gun Charge
Orangeburg and Columbia Men Who Shot Towards Police Sentenced to Federal Prison
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Members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies joined U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis to discuss how the U.S. Attorney’s Office can enhance its violent crime reduction efforts and identify and disrupt the drivers of violent crime throughout South Carolina.Wagener Man Indicted on 15 Counts of Firearm Possession and Narcotics DistributionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 15-count indictment charging Anthony Tyrone Whitfield, 44, of Wagener, for possessing firearms and ammunition as a prohibited felon, for distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, and for possessing and using firearms in connection with his drug distribution activities.
The indictment alleges that on nine occasions between December 2018 and September 2021 Whitfield distributed, attempted to distribute, or was in possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, including at least 50 grams of methamphetamine on two occasions. The indictment also alleges that he was in possession of six firearms and various rounds of ammunition on three different dates, and that he possessed or used firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activity also on three occasions.
The indictment also alleges that Whitfield is subject to an enhanced sentence by virtue of a conviction for a serious drug felony offense in South Carolina state court in 2017.
Whitfield faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on numerous charges, and a mandatory five years consecutive to any other term of imprisonment on charges related to the possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. Whitfield is currently detained on state charges and his arraignment in federal court is scheduled for May 31, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett.
This case 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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, and the Salley Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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St. Matthews Man with History of Violence Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jerry Jarell McKnight, Jr., 28, of St. Matthews, was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence presented in court showed that on January 6, 2019, around 11:00 P.M., an officer with the Santee Police Department observed a vehicle travelling on US-15 in Santee speeding and committing various traffic violations. The officer conducted a traffic stop, and upon approaching the vehicle noticed the smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The officer conducted a search and recovered from McKnight, a passenger in the vehicle, methamphetamine packaged in numerous types of packaging consistent with distribution, a digital scale, and a loaded Springfield Armory .40 caliber pistol. An analysis conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) determined that McKnight’s DNA was on the firearm and its magazine, and McKnight appeared to make admissions related to the firearm and drug distribution on recorded jail calls.
Evidence presented also indicated that McKnight had numerous prior felony convictions, including two related to homicides and one related to an additional shooting, to include a 10-year sentence for assault and battery 1st degree (in which a person was shot in Orangeburg County), accessory after the fact of a felony (in which a person was shot and killed in Orangeburg County), and accessory after the fact of a felony (in which a person was shot and killed in Orangeburg County), as well as convictions related to drug possession, burglary, and shoplifting.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McKnight to 77 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of court ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The Court revoked McKnight’s credit for acceptance of responsibility for conduct following his guilty plea, including numerous frivolous court filings and making claims inconsistent with acceptance of responsibility.
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), the Santee Police Department, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and SLED. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.
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Columbia Man with Robbery and Drug Trafficking Record Pleads Guilty to Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Taurus Jermaine Dotson, 38, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on December 7, 2020, Dotson was stopped for a traffic violation while driving in Richland County. During the stop, police obtained consent from Dotson to search the car he was driving. The search uncovered drugs and a 9mm pistol in the trunk. The pistol was loaded with an extended ammunition magazine which contained 17 rounds of ammunition. Dotson was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior robbery and drug trafficking convictions.
Dotson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Dotson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States 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) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms and Drugs to ATFRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Derrall Lanard Reed, a/k/a “Ric0,”35, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to five counts of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and four counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in early 2020, agents from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with local agencies, conducted an investigation into firearms within the Columbia area. During this investigation, undercover ATF agents were introduced to Reed, who during five transactions in February 2020 sold five handguns, many of which were loaded, and crack cocaine and cocaine to undercover ATF agents. During one of the transactions, the undercover agent tried to buy Reed’s personal firearm, but he refused, saying he didn’t want to be “naked” (without a gun). Reed was arrested on federal charges and detained without bond on March 12, 2020, when he showed up to sell another firearm to the undercover agents. A federal search warrant was executed on his home. Inside the home, agents found his personal firearm, which had a high capacity magazine, and various rounds of ammunition. Of the six handguns recovered by ATF during this investigation, three had previously been reported as having been stolen from residences or vehicles. Two were previously reported stolen in Richland County (August 2019 and October 2019) and one, which someone had attempted to obliterate the serial number, had previously been reported as having been stolen from a residence in Hoke County, North Carolina (November 2016). Additionally, two of the firearms, including the one recovered in Reed’s home, were preliminarily linked through ballistics analysis as having been involved in ShotSpotter incidents and other shooting incidents in Columbia on July 2019, November 2019, December 2019, and March 11, 2020.
Reed has prior state convictions for: possession of crack cocaine from 2004, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine from 2006, and assault and battery with intent to kill from 2006, where he shot another person in the thigh.
On the firearm charges, Reed faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. On the drug charges, Reed faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000, and six years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Reed after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This investigation by the ATF, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Midlands Gang Task Force was made possible by 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 technology known as “ShotSpotter” relies upon acoustic sensors to pinpoint where gunfire occurs. Information from the sensors is sent to officers of the Columbia Police Department and 9-1-1 dispatchers through real-time digital alerts.
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.
Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes prosecuted the case.
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South Carolina Man Arrested at Cyril E. King Airport on Outstanding WarrantRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Maurice Eugene Tucker, 35, of South Carolina, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller following his arrest on a warrant from Columbia, South Carolina. Tucker was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond and other conditions to allow him to return to South Carolina for further court proceedings.
According to court documents, on May 4, 2021, a South Carolina grand jury returned an indictment charging Tucker with being a felon in possession of a firearm. On May 15, 2022, Tucker was detained by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Cyril E. King Airport after he appeared for primary inspection before boarding a flight to the mainland. Thereafter, Tucker was arrested and taken into custody by officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department.
This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Sixteen Defendants Arrested on Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges out of Chesterfield and Darlington CountiesRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- A joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers have arrested 16 individuals who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The following defendants have been arrested and arraigned on their respective charges related to their alleged roles in the drug conspiracy, and are charged with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and face a potential penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment:
- Russell Maurice Moses, a/k/a “Hammer,” 33, of Lydia
- Jerry Glenn Brown, a/k/a “Glenn,” 51, of Hartsville
- Richard Bradley Caddell, a/k/a “Brad,” 31, of McBee
- Daniel Joseph Walters, a/k/a “Moonie,” 47, of Patrick
- Ricky Lee Johnson, Jr., a/k/a “Lee Champion,” 32, of Cheraw
- Ashley Lynn Griggs, 33, of Patrick
- Daniel Howard Dixon, a/k/a “DJ,” 27, of Bennettsville
- Russell Dwayne Gause, a/k/a “Rut,” 40, of Cheraw
- Walter Elliott Hodge, 39, of Chesterfield
- Don Edwards Jones, 41, of Hartsville
- Linda Dale Lett, a/k/a “Dale,” 40, of Patrick
- Bryan Drake Melton, a/k/a “Drake,” 38, of Cheraw
The following defendants are charged with 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and face a potential penalty of 5 years to 40 years imprisonment:
- Ryan Cody Roberts, a/k/a “Tune G,” 31, of McBee
- Crystal Renee Dixon, 36, of Darlington
- Jessica Ashley Melton, 36, of Hartsville
- Garrett Tyler Gainey, 29, of McBee
This case 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 (DEA), Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Chesterfield Police Department, Hartsville Police Department, and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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North Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Deontrae Clyde Smalls, 37, of North Charleston, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and no contest to possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Evidence presented to the Court revealed that Smalls was stopped by Charleston County Sheriff’s Office deputies after running a red light. Smalls was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and deputies immediately smelled marijuana when they approached the driver’s side window. After searching the vehicle, deputies found a loaded .40 caliber handgun and marijuana, packaged in 26 small bags, inside the dashboard of the vehicle. Smalls also had more than $1,000 in cash in his pocket at the time of arrest. Smalls is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior drug distribution conviction for which he served five years. During the stop, Smalls told deputies he knew he was not supposed to possess a gun.
Smalls faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks accepted the plea and will sentence Smalls after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States 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) and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“This is a somber week for everyone in the South Carolina law enforcement community, as we honor all those who have worn the uniform and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “These officers held the line to protect every man, woman, and child in South Carolina and we are forever in their debt. This week, and every week, we honor and lift up our law enforcement community. This office will also do everything it can to make the streets safer for these officers and the communities they patrol.”
U.S. Attorney Ellis noted the surge in violent crime, which has acutely impacted the South Carolina law enforcement community, is an issue that affects both officers and their communities. Accordingly, U.S. Attorney Ellis announced today that over the next several weeks the U.S. Attorney’s Office will host four meetings with state and local partners - one in each region of the state - in an effort to better address violent crime in South Carolina.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. Nine officers have died in the line of duty in the District of South Carolina since 2021.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.
[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Forcing Minors into ProstitutionRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Johnny Ricardo Thomas, a/k/a Rico, a/k/a Lulu, 34, of Durham, N.C., has been sentenced to more than 2o years in federal prison after pleading guilty to coercing minors to engage in prostitution in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina and elsewhere.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that the case began when officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department interviewed a 15-year-old runaway who reported she was the victim of human trafficking. Subsequent investigation by the Myrtle Beach Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that sometime in March 2019, Thomas, the 15-year-old minor victim, a second 16-year-old minor victim, and others, travelled from North Carolina to the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina and other places for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
Although Thomas knew the two victims were minors, he would take pictures of them, create online advertisements making the minors available for sex, and coerce or force the victims to engage in sexual acts for money. According to one of the minor victims, Thomas told her he would sell her to someone worse – who would do things like slice off her toes – if she did not perform commercial sex acts. In a statement from that minor victim provided to the Court at Thomas’s sentencing, the victim said she still had night terrors, looks over her shoulder everywhere she goes, and felt “disgusting, used, worthless, [and] empty.”
“Crimes against children are vile, indefensible, and can create lifelong victims,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “We are fortunate that our federal, state, and local partners share our commitment to thoroughly investigate these cases, provide services to the affected victims, and prosecute those who engage in this reprehensible conduct. These efforts are clear in this case, and are the reason that the Defendant - who victimized two minor children - will spend decades in prison and the rest of his life being monitored by the Court.”
“Over the last several years, this office has worked hand-in-hand with our federal counterparts to identify and address criminal activity across Horry and Georgetown Counties, specifically including human trafficking,” said Scott Hixson, Chief Deputy Solicitor for the 15th Judicial Circuit, who also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney on this matter. “The efforts in this case showcase the power of combining state and federal resources to make a serious impact in our community, and our hope is this plan of attack will ring successful in future prosecutions.”
“We are all thankful that this case has been resolved and the victims can now begin the healing process knowing that this predator will no longer be able to hurt them,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees HSI operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “HSI and its law enforcement partners prioritize the protection of our most vulnerable population, and this case is a warning to other would-be traffickers that we will find you and hold you accountable for your unconscionable actions.”
"We have no greater responsibility than to protect our children, and law enforcement will always stand up for those that need help,” said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. “This case was a partnership built on that mission, and we couldn't be more proud of the team that brought Mr. Thomas to justice.”
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Thomas to 262 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Thomas was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims. According to information presented to the Court, the convicti0n was part of Thomas’s lengthy criminal history. Thomas’s record includes convictions for breaking and entering, felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, assault on a government official, and resisting arrest. A co-defendant in the case, Becca Mills, 25, of Whispering Pines, N.C., has pled guilty to a charge related to concealing Thomas’s crimes from law enforcement authorities. She will be sentenced at a later date.
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.
This case was investigated by HSI, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, and the Rockingham, N.C. Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Lauren Hummel, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, prosecuted the case. The case was originally prosecuted by the Solicitor’s Office for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, under the leadership of Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, and federally prosecuted as part of a collaborative effort by federal and state partners in the Myrtle Beach area to combat sex trafficking and child exploitation.
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Horry County Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a one-count indictment against Richard Terrell Smith, 32 of Conway, for felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that in June 2021, Smith possessed a 9mm pistol as well as a 20 gauge shotgun after having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment followed by up to 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He is currently detained pending trial.
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 Horry County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Waller is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Florence Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Daniel Harrison Wallace, 29, of Florence, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on January 10, 2020, deputies with Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a camper in Hartsville to arrest an individual they believed resided there. Upon approaching the camper, a deputy saw a firearm and suspected drugs through the camper’s open door. Deputies removed the occupants of the camper, including Wallace, and searched the camper. In the search, deputies discovered 112 grams of suspected marijuana, 165 grams of methamphetamine, $2,700 in cash, and four firearms. In a subsequent statement, Wallace admitted that on January 9, 2020, he committed a robbery and used the proceeds of the robbery to purchase marijuana and methamphetamine, which he intended to sell. He further stated that several of the firearms in the camper were his, and he had the firearms to prevent others from robbing him.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Wallace to 181 months imprisonment, to be followed by an eight-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 Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Hartsville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.
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Conway Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a one-count indictment against Demetrice Trayvon Campbell, 28, of Conway, South Carolina, for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The indictment alleges that in January 2021, Campbell knowingly possessed a Colt .45 caliber pistol after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment followed by up to 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He is currently detained pending trial.
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 Horry County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Waller is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Jamaican Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Roles in Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Four Jamaican nationals who resided in Myrtle Beach have been sentenced for their roles in a bogus lottery scam that targeted elderly victims around the country. Specifically, Fabian Gray, a/k/a “Mike Taylor,” 30, and Romaine Gordon, 30, were each sentenced to more than five years in federal prison; Avia Reid, 30, was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison; and Khalelah Powell, 20, was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) began this case with an investigation into individuals in the Myrtle Beach area who were operating a lottery telemarketing scam with domestic and international connections. According to evidence presented to the Court, as part of the scam, the Defendants would contact elderly victims via phone and mail, and falsely inform the victims 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 told the victims they had to pay taxes and fees in order to receive their winnings.
Victims throughout the case mailed the Defendants prepaid cards, Postal Service money orders, bank money orders, cash, and personal checks to pay the phony taxes and fees. Victims also made deposits into the Defendants’ bank accounts and sent wire transfers to the Defendants. The Defendants received more than $300,000 from their targets. The funds were ultimately withdrawn by, or transferred to, co-conspirators in Jamaica, and the Defendants retained a 25% cut of the scamming proceeds. At least 67 victims, who were mostly elderly, suffered a loss as part of the scheme. Twenty-five of those victims were more than 80 years old, and several victims were targeted multiple times.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Gray to 63 months, Gordon to 63 months, Reid to 51 months, and Powell to 33 months. The Defendants were each sentenced to three years of court-ordered supervision to follow their federal prison sentences in the event they are not deported upon release. There is no parole in the federal system. The Defendants were also ordered to pay $349,433.75 in restitution to their victims.
This case was investigated by HSI and USPIS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek A. Shoemake prosecuted the case.
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Spartanburg County Man Sentenced to Prison for Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---Rashad Jamal Mack, 27, of Spartanburg, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed officers responded to Oliver Street in Spartanburg in reference to a man with a gun. Officers observed a man, later identified as Mack, who met the description provided to officers. When officers approached Mack, he fled on foot and officers observed him toss a firearm as he fled which officers recovered shortly thereafter. Officers detained Mack and located a .40 caliber magazine and .40 caliber ammunition on his person. The firearm which officers recovered was loaded with .40 caliber ammunition. The firearm had previously been reported as stolen.
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III, sentenced Rashad Jamal Mack to 57 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Spartanburg Police Department 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Winston Marosek prosecuted the case.
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Rock Hill Man Pleads Guilty in Large Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Darryl Hemphill, 34, of Rock Hill, pled guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Rock Hill Police Department 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 Hemphill was the leader of the group and helped introduce other members of the group to the California distributor. After the drugs were shipped back to South Carolina, Hemphill and others distributed the drugs to local dealers. 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, 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, one kilogram or more of heroin, and more than a 1000 grams of marijuana. Eighteen defendants were charged in this case. Twelve defendants have pled guilty to their involvement with five defendants awaiting trial.
Hemphill faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), City of Rock Hill Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, T. DeWayne Pearson, and Elliott Daniels are prosecuting the case.
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Horry County Man Receives Eleven-Year Sentence for Distributing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- Darryl Lamont McKenith, 33, of Aynor, was sentenced to eleven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that McKenith was involved in a multi-year conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Horry County. McKenith served as a source of supply for co-conspirators, who would then distribute the drugs to users. Over the course of the conspiracy, McKenith was accountable for more than 34 kilograms of heroin and 25 grams of fentanyl. McKenith also reportedly pressured his grandmother into aiding in his drug distribution activities while he was detained on charges in his federal case.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced McKenith to 132 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Harwell previously sentenced two of Mr. McKenith’s co-conspirators, both of whom served as distributors for Mr. McKenith. Michael Keith McKenith, 32, of Aynor, received a sentence of 84 months in federal prison, and Scorpio Teriell Tisdale, 28, of Gallivants Ferry, received a sentence of 120 months in federal prison. Two additional co-conspirators will be sentenced at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Horry County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.
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Federal Indictment Returned for Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a three-count indictment against Marcus Ray Goins, 29, of Ridgeville, for being a felon in possession of multiple stolen firearms.
Goins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years as to each count and was ordered detained pending trial.
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, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and Berkely County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra Henderson is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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DEA Recognizes First Ever National Fentanyl Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – In an effort to save lives, DEA is proud to join “Song for Charlie” and many of our valued public health, non-profit, and law enforcement partners in recognizing the first ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day. This day is an effort to educate individuals around the dangerous threat that fentanyl poses to the safety, health, and national security of the American people.
To mark National Fentanyl Awareness Day, DEA released a video announcement from DEA Administrator Anne Milgram stressing the dangers of fentanyl and the need for urgent action.
“Fentanyl is killing Americans at unprecedented rates,” said Milgram. “On this first-ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day, please help save lives by making sure you talk with your friends and family about the dangers of this deadly drug.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is inexpensive, widely available, and highly addictive. Drug traffickers are increasingly mixing fentanyl with other illicit drugs—in powder and pill form—to drive addiction and create repeat customers. Many people who are overdosing and dying don’t even know that they are taking fentanyl.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, nearly 107,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021. Sixty-six percent of overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
DEA has created a special exhibit for its museum, The Faces of Fentanyl, to commemorate the lives lost from fentanyl poisoning. If you would like to submit a photo of a loved one lost to fentanyl, please submit their name and photo to [email protected], or post a photo and their name to social media using the hashtag #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay.
For more information on the dangers of fentanyl, visit www.DEA.gov/fentanylawareness.
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Charleston Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury returned a single count indictment against Dontrell Lamar Watson, age 33, of Charleston, for possessing a firearm and ammunition with a prior felony conviction.
The indictment alleges that on December 9, 2021, Dontrell Watson knowingly possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol and 9mm ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Additional evidence suggests Dontrell Watson knew he was federally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Watson faces a maximum penalty of ten years for this charge. He is currently detained pending trial.
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). Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Charleston Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in the Death, Detained After Contested Bond HearingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury indicted Hasib Muqsit-Rivers, 21, of Charleston, for distributing fentanyl resulting in the death of another and four additional narcotics distributions on subsequent dates. Muqsit-Rivers has been detained following a contested bond hearing in federal court in Charleston.
The indictment follows an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Charleston Police Department. Charleston Police Department officers and DEA agents arrested Muqsit-Rivers, and he appeared in Court upon his request for a bond. After a contested hearing, United States Magistrate Judge Molly H. Cherry ordered Muqsit-Rivers detained without bond pending resolution of the federal charges against him.
During the hearing, a DEA special agent alleged that Muqsit-Rivers distributed a quantity of fentanyl on November 1, 2020 to a 24-year old woman in Charleston following a Halloween party. According to the special agent, the distribution was captured on home surveillance camera. The victim was later found deceased from an overdose with a blood toxicity analysis showing high levels of fentanyl. Subsequently, the special agent alleged that Muqsit-Rivers distributed crack cocaine and cocaine on four separate dates following the distribution that resulted in the death of the victim.
According to information presented to the court, at the time of the arrest, Muqsit-Rivers was out on bond for a pending armed robbery state court charge. As a result of the federal charge, Muqsit-Rivers faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of $1,000,000, and court-ordered minimum term of supervision for three years to follow any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by DEA and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Jane B. Taylor of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Bennettsville Man Sentenced to More than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms CrimeRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Matthew Joshua Tolson, 33, of Bennettsville, was sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
“One of the largest threats to our community is firearms-related crime, and this office is dedicated to doing everything it can to protect the citizens of South Carolina from those who use firearms to break the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “Our team, including our local and federal law enforcement partners, worked tirelessly to bring this defendant, an armed lifelong criminal, to justice.”
“Recovering a firearm from a prohibited individual and putting a drug trafficker out of business is a double win for the community,” said Brian Mein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division. “Through a collaborative effort, we’ve helped take a dangerous career criminal off the street.”
“Mr. Tolson has a violent history, and was involved in numerous firearms-related incidents,” said Chief David Lane of the City of Dillon Police Department. “Bringing Mr. Tolson to justice will make the Dillon community safer. My department is very thankful for the hard work of all the agencies involved.”
Evidence presented to the Court showed that, on the afternoon of July 20, 2021, officers with Dillon Police Department attempted to stop a purple Dodge Charger driven by Tolson. Tolson did not stop, and instead led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through downtown Dillon. The chase ended when Tolson drove his car onto the Dillon City and County Complex lawn, crashing into the Dillon Police Department sign. When officers approached the Charger, they located a loaded .40 caliber Glock pistol with a 50-round drum magazine in Tolson’s lap. In his pocket, Tolson had nearly 24 grams of crack cocaine, divided among several baggies, and approximately $300 in cash. At the time of this incident, Tolson had multiple prior felony convictions, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm or ammunition.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Tolson to 226 months in federal prison, 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 ATF and the Dillon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.
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Orangeburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charges Detained After Contested Bond HearingRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Marcus Duran Singleton, 38, of Orangeburg, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and has been detained following a contested bond hearing in federal court in Columbia.
A federal Grand Jury in Columbia indicted Singleton following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the Norway Police Department (NPD), and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Singleton was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. ATF, with the assistance of NPD and SLED, arrested Singleton, and he appeared in Court upon his request for a bond. After a contested hearing, United States Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett ordered Singleton detained without bond pending resolution of the federal charge against him.
During the hearing, an ATF special agent testified that Singleton was allegedly involved in unlawfully pointing and presenting of a firearm at the employees of the fast-food establishment, Cook-Out, located in Orangeburg, on September 4, 2021. As a result of the federal charge, Singleton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and court-ordered supervision to follow any term of imprisonment.
The offense listed in the indictment is merely an allegation, and Singleton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, 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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Elliott B. Daniels of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
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Hartsville Man who Attempted Drive-Thru Bank Robbery by Taxicab Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- Angel Luis Masdeu, 59, of Hartsville, has been sentenced to 6 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted bank robbery.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on February 25, 2021, Masdeu took a taxicab to a bank in Hartsville where he directed the taxi driver to enter the drive-thru line and place an envelope in the pneumatic tube. The bank teller received the envelope, which contained a torn, handwritten note demanding all money from all drawers and threatening to kill and/or blow up the bank. The teller activated the alarm, and officers with the Hartsville Police Department were dispatched to the bank. After arriving on scene, officers located the taxicab in the drive-thru line and detained Masdeu. Upon searching the taxicab, officers located several envelopes matching the envelope that was used to send the note and part of a torn paper matching the tear on the note. Officers determined the taxi driver was not involved in the attempted bank robbery.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Masdeu to 72 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Hartsville Police Department.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.
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Georgetown Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- Julius Antwan Hicks, Jr., 38, of Georgetown has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on June 11, 2020, the Myrtle Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at Hicks’s residence in Myrtle Beach. During the search, officers located a firearm with an extended magazine and rounds of ammunition in one of the bedrooms. Hicks is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior convictions for Distribution of Crack Cocaine 1st Offense and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana 1st Offense.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Hicks to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.
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