District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man for Possessing a Firearm and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a two-count indictment against Nicholas Vanover, 25, of Columbia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and simple possession of marijuana.
The indictment alleges that Vanover possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony and possessed a quantity of marijuana on January 30, 2020.
Vanover faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and is currently detained and has a detention hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Columbia Police Department.
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 U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon 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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Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 3-count indictment against David Bryant, III, 24, of Columbia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a stolen firearm, and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The indictment alleges that Bryant, possessed 3 firearms after having previously been convicted of a prior felony, possessed a stolen firearm, and possessed a firearm with an obliterated serial number all on January 28, 2020.
Bryant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine, and is currently detained pending trial.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Columbia Police Department.
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.
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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Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 1-count indictment against Eric Grier, 54, of Columbia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that Grier possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony on October 10, 2020.
Grier faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine and is currently detained.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department.
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.
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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Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man for Possessing a Firearm and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 3-count indictment against Kendrick Mann, 36, of Columbia, for 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 Mann 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 all on July 5, 2020.
Mann faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine and is currently detained.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department.
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.
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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Columbia Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Tavius Cortez Wiggins, a/k/a “Black,” 30, of Columbia was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented in court showed that on July 30, 2019, an officer with the South Carolina Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for speeding on Interstate 95 in Florence County. Upon contact, the trooper noticed a strong odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle and determined the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. Wiggins was a passenger. The trooper separated the three occupants of the vehicle, and responses to the trooper’s questions led the officer to believe there was evidence of criminal conduct in the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle produced cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and three firearms, one of which was stolen, plus ammunition and extended ammunition magazines. The firearms included a loaded .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine, a loaded 9mm handgun, and a .22LR caliber firearm with a 125-round drum magazine attached.
FBI received information that Wiggins was facilitating the commercial sexual exploitation of a female passenger in the vehicle, that he supplied her with drugs, and that prior to the traffic stop he pointed a firearm at her head multiple times. The government presented other evidence at sentencing that Wiggins was involved in human trafficking: witnesses disclosed to the FBI that Wiggins prostituted women at hotels in the Columbia area, and that he did so by using physical violence, pointing firearms, and by withholding drugs causing “dope sickness.” At sentencing, Wiggins contested that evidence but conceded that the Government had enough evidence to support a sentencing enhancement based on that conduct.
Wiggins was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based on numerous prior felony convictions, including trafficking crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, two burglary convictions related to home invasions, escape from custody, identity fraud, and resisting arrest. Wiggins’s convictions began in 2008 and they also include multiple drug possession convictions.
United States District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Wiggins to 9 years in prison on a charge that carried a maximum of 10 years in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison on Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Jordan Davis Williams, 31, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 4 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on December 17, 2020, an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made a controlled purchase of 27.687 grams of fentanyl from Williams at a location in Columbia.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Williams to 48 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 ATF and the Richland County Sheriff’s 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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United States Attorney’s Office Announces 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods Logo Contest WinnersRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA --- United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today the winners of the United States Attorney’s Office’s 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest, which was open to all South Carolina grade school students.
The theme of this year’s contest was “Preventing Gun Violence in Our Schools.” Judges sought logos that demonstrated a successful collaboration between schools, communities, and law enforcement to reflect (1) warning signs that students should be looking for related to gun violence; (2) resources to help students who have concerns about gun violence; and (3) general messages to prevent gun violence in South Carolina schools.
“Project Safe Neighborhoods is the Department of Justice’s flagship effort in the fight against gun violence in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This contest empowers tomorrow’s leaders to express their ideas and concerns about a troublesome topic that impacts all of society. Thanks to this year’s participants – it was a great competition.”
The overall winning logo will be used in publications distributed statewide and displayed on the United States Attorney’s Office website. The winner from each grade division and overall winner are named below:
Winner K–2nd grade Division
Mason Cordona, Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science,
Winnsboro, SC
Winner 3rd–5th grade Division/ OVERALL WINNER
Layla McMillan, Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science,
Winnsboro, SC
Winner 6th–8th grade Division
Jasmine Lucas, William J. Clark Middle School, Orangeburg, SC
Winner 9th–12th grade Division
Laila Saddler, C. A. Johnson High School, Columbia, SC
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. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association and the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association will provide $50.00 awards to each division winner; and the overall winner, Layla McMillan, will receive an additional $50.00 award. All students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their submissions.
The annual logo contest is a long-running part of the district’s PSN program and an important prevention initiative 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.
Hartsville Man Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Federal Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- Shannon Alexis Woodham, 40, of Hartsville has been sentenced to nearly 8 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 August 5, 2020, an officer with the Hartsville Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a car driven by Woodham. Upon approaching the car, the officer noticed an open Coors Light container in the car’s cup holder. Another officer who arrived on scene to assist, removed the container and noticed several small clear bags containing suspected drugs as well as what appeared to be alcohol inside the container. Several officers on scene also noticed the odor of marijuana while standing beside the car. During a search of the car, officers located a firearm with an extended magazine loaded with rounds of 9mm ammunition. During a search of Woodham’s person, an officer located a single 9mm bullet. Woodham is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior convictions for Possession of Cocaine 3rd Offense, Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Woodham to 92 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 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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Florence Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- Dominic Rakim Ellison, 34, of Florence, has been sentenced to over 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 May 1, 2020, a deputy with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a car driven by Ellison. Upon approaching the car, the deputy noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the car and saw a plastic bag protruding from Ellison’s left pocket. The deputy searched the car and located a firearm loaded with 6 rounds of ammunition under the driver’s seat. Ellison is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior convictions for Burglary Second Degree and Armed Robbery.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Ellison to 63 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 Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
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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Darlington Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- Cory Dewayne McNeal, 39, of Darlington, has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute those substances.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on April 17, 2020, a deputy with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office approached a car in the parking lot of a hotel in Florence, South Carolina. Cory McNeal was sitting in the driver’s seat. Upon approaching the car, the deputy noticed an odor of marijuana and saw marijuana remnants on McNeal’s pants. The deputy also saw a clear plastic bag that appeared to contain marijuana near the center console. Deputies searched the car and located a firearm, a digital scale, 0.44 gram of cocaine, 3.36 grams of crack cocaine, 4.44 grams of marijuana, 10 grams of fentanyl, 21.61 grams of heroin, 97 tablets containing 23.25 grams of methamphetamine, and an additional 5.04 grams of methamphetamine.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced McNeal to 151 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 Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
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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Orangeburg and Columbia Men Who Shot Towards Police Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Two felons who shot towards, police – Phillip Michael King, 35, of Barnwell, and Anthony Lafayette Legette, a/k/a “Amp Legette,” 37, of Columbia – were collectively sentenced to nearly 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal firearms violations.
“As recent events in our state have shown us, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “We will not tolerate violence against the police in South Carolina, and I want to thank the law enforcement agencies that responded and prioritized these cases.”
“Violent individuals in possession of firearms illegally are a threat to our communities and a threat to the brave men and women working to keep our streets safe,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Mein. “ATF is proud to join our local, state, and federal partners in bringing these individuals to justice.”
"These cases are examples of how local law enforcement work in partnership with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney to arrest and prosecute prolific violent offenders,” said Columbia Chief of Police W. H. “Skip” Holbrook. “Cases like these remove the ‘trigger pullers’ from neighborhoods in our cities."
King pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition – his second such conviction in federal court. Evidence presented in court showed that on September 22, 2018, an officer with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety attempted a traffic stop near downtown Orangeburg because the vehicle was reported as stolen. The vehicle failed to stop for blue lights, sirens, or marked patrol cars, and took the police on a car chase through the city. King leaned out of the rear passenger window during the pursuit and discharged two rounds from a pistol in the direction of the police car behind him. The vehicles came to a stop and King fled on foot. A loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol was recovered in the path of King’s flight on foot. King later confessed to the shooting and to hoping that during it he would be shot and killed by the police. Shell casings collected from the area of the shooting were forensically matched by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to the firearm recovered, and ATF determined the firearm was stolen.
Legette also pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Evidence presented in court showed that on November 3, 2017, Legette was driving under the influence when he was in a car accident with an off-duty Columbia Police Department officer near downtown Columbia. When the vehicles came to a stop, the off-duty officer approached Legette, identified himself as an officer with the Columbia Police Department, and showed his law enforcement credentials. Legette then failed to follow commands and appeared to reach for a firearm. The off-duty officer brandished his service weapon, and Legette fled the scene in his vehicle to an apartment complex in Columbia. Legette walked inside, retrieved a pistol, told a resident that an officer was following him, came outside and announced, “there goes that [explicative] right there.” Legette pointed his firearm in the air in the direction of the officer and discharged one round. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the residence, recovered a loaded Cobra Industries, .38 caliber Derringer pistol with one spent casing inside the revolver. Legette later admitted to the shooting.
King was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based on numerous prior felony convictions, including assault with intent to kill in an incident related to a prior shooting, arson, and a federal felon in possession of a firearm conviction. King’s convictions began in 2003 and they also include unlawful carrying of a pistol, simple assault and battery, and failure to stop for blue lights.
Legette was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based on numerous prior felony convictions, including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature in a matter related to an assault that was a part of a gang ritual, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and assault and battery 2nd degree. Legette’s convictions began in 2002 and they also include driving under the influence, drunkenness, drug possession, simple assault and battery, and failure to comply with a police command.
Senior United States District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced King to a total of 114 months in federal prison. Senior United States District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Legette to 63 months in federal prison. Both sentences will be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, and there is no parole in the federal system.
King’s case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
Both cases were 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 cases were investigated by the ATF, SLED, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, and Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the cases.
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DEA Columbia Holds 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to Prevent Addiction and Reduce Overdose DeathsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SC– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, which includes the state of South Carolina, will host its 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on NEXT Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This bi-annual event offers free, anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.
During DEA’s last Rx Drug Take Back Day, which was held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, South Carolinians turned in 9,663 pounds of unneeded, unwanted or expired prescription medications.
The event will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to April 30 collection sites.
Year-round receptacles are available at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and business. Additionally, with the passage of the DUMP Opioids Act in 2021, the public may now use drop boxes at Veterans Administration medical centers to dispose of controlled substance prescription medications. Check with your local VA health facility for more information. With more than 13,000 year-round drop-off locations in the United States, every day can be Take Back day.
“Prescription drug abuse driven by the use of synthetic opioids, continues to be a major threat to our public safety,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division. “Removing one pill out of circulation could potentially save a life. Join us on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10 am to 2 pm at DEA’s 22nd national prescription drug Take Back event. It’s free and anonymous, no questions asked.”
Drug overdose deaths are up 16 percent in the last year, claiming more than 290 lives every day. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 106,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021, marking the most drug-related deaths ever recorded, with opioid-related deaths accounting for 75 percent of all overdose deaths.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 15 million pounds of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the overdose epidemic in the United States.
The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov . Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv.
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Federal Indictment Returned Against Former State Correctional Officers for Drug-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence has returned an indictment in connection with drug-related charges against two former correctional officers with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC).
Specifically, Joseph Corey Bailey, Jr., 29, and Xavier Kaseem Capers, 28, both of Ridgeland, were charged with conspiring to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. Bailey and Capers were correctional officers at SCDC’s Ridgeland Correctional Institution when SCDC staff located approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine inside the prison located in a bag previously handled by the two men.
“We work routinely with our partners at SCDC and DEA to ensure that there is no safe harbor for those violating federal laws in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This office will investigate and prosecute federal crimes regardless of who commits those crimes.”
“Correctional officers who break the public trust need to be held accountable,” said Bryan Stirling, Director of SCDC. “We are grateful to our partners for their hard work in this case.”
“Correctional officers are held to a higher standard and are entrusted to ensure a safe environment by supervising inmate behavior and enforcing regulations such as keeping contraband - in this case “meth” - out of prisons,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “It is alleged that these officers chose to violate their oath by allowing illicit drugs to enter a prison. If so, they will be held accountable for their actions. DEA would like to thank its law enforcement partners who made this case a success.”
Bailey and Capers each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
The case was investigated by the DEA and SCDC. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Holloway is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Jury Finds Defendant Guilty in Multi-State Mother-Son Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA —Quinae Shamyra Stephens, 41, of Douglasville, Georgia, was convicted following a jury trial in federal court for multiple charges relating to a multi-state identity theft and fraud ring she was running with her son, who previously pled guilty to a wire and bank fraud conspiracy. Stephens’s trial marked the first federal criminal jury trial in the Pee Dee region since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Identity theft is a crime that impacts every American and can create lifelong victims. This office will vigorously prosecute criminals who steal from hardworking taxpayers to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Stephens enlisted her son in a sophisticated scheme that involved using the dark web, among other resources, to steal the identities and credit card information of numerous individuals across the country. Stephens, who had at least two felony convictions, committed part of her scheme from a stolen van and while carrying a loaded firearm. I appreciate the quick work of our local partners with the Latta Police Department, and the thorough investigative work of the U.S. Secret Service. This case would not have been possible without them.”
“The primary investigative mission of the U.S. Secret Service is to protect the financial infrastructure of the United States by investigating complex, often cyber-enabled, financial crimes,” said John Hirt, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia Field Office for the U.S. Secret Service. “The Secret Service is also home to expert forensic analysts who employ advanced investigative and technological capabilities in support of this integrated mission along with our law enforcement partners. This case is an excellent example of the success of teamwork amongst the Latta Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Secret Service, utilizing our combined expertise to bring criminals to justice for committing a variety of complex financial crimes which are the focus of the Secret Service’s investigative work.”
“On behalf of the Latta Police Department and the citizens of our town, we give the utmost appreciation to our federal partners in this conviction,” said Josh Holt, Chief of the Latta Police Department. “Financial crimes cover all demographics and identity fraud affects so many unknowing victims. Even in a small town like ours, crime doesn't pay.”
Evidence presented by the Government at trial established that Stephens and her son, Deandre Copes, 23, also of Douglasville, were travelling from New Jersey to Florida in a stolen rental van when they drew the attention of law enforcement officers in Latta because they were going back and forth from a bank to a local retail store. A search of the van ultimately revealed more than a dozen identification documents – including several with Stephens’s picture in various names, a device for re-encoding credit cards with different account information, and more than 25 debit and credit cards, most in the name of individuals other than Stephens or her son.
Further forensics investigation by the Secret Service revealed that Stephens would download instructional material from the dark web related to credit card fraud and identity theft, and used software form the dark web to procure personally identifiable information. The laptop also contained instructional material and files that could be used to create fake banking websites to steal account information.
Evidence also showed that Stephens possessed a loaded semi-automatic handgun. Stephens is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition based upon at least two prior felony convictions in Georgia.
More than 120 exhibits were entered into evidence during the trial, and more than a dozen witnesses and victims travelled from California, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to testify. The jury ultimately convicted Stephens on all six charges brought against her, including conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon presided over the trial and will sentence Stephens and her son after receiving and reviewing pre-sentence reports prepared by the United States Probation Office. Stephens and her son each face a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, and a fine of $1,000,000, for conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud. Stephens also faces a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Latta Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Everett McMillian prosecuted the case.
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Beaufort County Man Sentenced to 30 years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — David James Allison, 33, of Bluffton, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on January 4, 2020, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding the alleged sexual assault of a 22-month-old by David James Allison. Allison admitted to assaulting the victim approximately five times between September 2019 and December 2019, and live streaming these assaults over Skype.
Investigators determined that Skype communications were tied to an IP address in Littlehampton, West Sussex, United Kingdom. Subsequent investigation by the Sussex Police identified Andrew McPherson-Young, 52, of West Sussex, United Kingdom, as a subject in this matter. McPherson-Young admitted to Sussex Police that he directed Allison on how to sexually assault the victim while McPherson-Young watched the assaults over Skype. McPherson-Young is currently being prosecuted in the United Kingdom.
United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Allison to 360 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime 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 Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the 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.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced to Ten Years for Brutal Prison AssaultRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - George Junior Hall, 50, an inmate in the federal Bureau of Prisons, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after a federal jury found him guilty in November 2021 of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause injury and assault resulting in serious injuries.
At the time of the offense, Hall was an inmate finishing a sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Estill, South Carolina. Evidence presented to the jury, including graphic video footage, showed Hall attacking another inmate from behind with a prison weapon known as a “lock-in-a-sock,” a nylon belt attached to a metal combination lock slipped inside of a sock. Hall struck the victim in the back of the head and knocked him to the ground, then stood over him beating him repeatedly with the weapon until he fled. Prison officials found the victim bleeding in his cell after following a trail of blood from the scene of the attack. The victim survived but was hospitalized with numerous lacerations, a fractured skull, and a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and he suffered temporary hearing loss and permanent scarring.
Hall has a long history of violence, including a 1993 Florida conviction for aggravated battery arising from an incident where he shot his own brother. At the time of the prison assault, Hall was serving a twenty-year sentence on federal convictions for attempted murder and assault on a United States Postal carrier arising from a 1996 incident where he shot a mail carrier while attempting to steal welfare checks. Disciplinary records presented to the Court showed that Hall continued this pattern of violence while incarcerated, assaulting a cellmate with hot grits, striking a prison guard with a lock-in-a-sock, and trying to smother another inmate with a mattress, beating him, and biting off a part of his ear.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel granted the Government’s motion for an “upward departure,” increasing the sentencing guidelines to account for Hall’s history of violence while incarcerated. The Court observed that “[t]he record firmly establishes a persistent pattern of extreme violence over the entirety of [Hall’s] adult life.”
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the United States Bureau of Prisons. Former Acting United States Attorney Rhett DeHart and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen tried the case on behalf of the United States.
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North Charleston Man Who Fled from Police Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- Alouis Levorge Taylor, 37, of North Charleston, was sentenced to thirteen years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to possessing cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 1, 2018, officers with the Charleston Police Department were on patrol in the Bridgeview apartment complex and approached a parked car running without lights. Taylor was sitting alone in the car, and officers could smell marijuana and see a bag of white powder in plain view. Instead of stepping out as requested, Taylor reversed and almost struck an officer with his driver-side door. He then attempted to drive away, plowing into a parked car, and driving erratically through the parking lot before fleeing on foot. Officers discovered Taylor’s abandoned vehicle nearby with a broken axel. There was a bag of cocaine in the cupholder and a loaded gun hidden behind a panel near the door. Officers also found five pounds of marijuana abandoned nearby and discovered that Taylor’s vehicle had been modified to install a secret compartment in the passenger seat.
Taylor, who was already on federal supervision for a previous offense involving guns and drugs, was arrested soon thereafter. He was charged federally and pled guilty on November 19, 2021. Taylor has a long criminal history, which includes multiple prior convictions for gun and drug offenses and for assaulting police.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Taylor to 156 months in federal prison, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Charleston 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 Attorneys Chris Schoen and Whit Sowards prosecuted the case.
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Mount Pleasant Man Sentenced to 10 years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Chad Horst Kramolowski, 35, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 16, 2018, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) section received a CyberTipline Report from Facebook, Inc., who discovered evidence of alleged criminal activity on their servers. The CyberTipline Report showed that a Facebook user received an image of a minor appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity. ICAC officers tracked the Facebook user’s IP address to Kramolowski’s residence in Mount Pleasant. On March 6, 2019, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Kramolowski’s residence and found at least 20 images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors, on one of Kramolowski’s cell phones. The investigation also revealed that Kramolowski was previously convicted in federal court for possession of child pornography and was sentenced in 2008 to 30 months in federal prison.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Kramolowski to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime 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 Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the 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.
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Lexington Woman Gets 10 Years in Federal Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina – Angela Marie Gantt, age 37, of Lexington, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia imposed the sentence. After her release from prison, Gantt will remain under court-ordered supervision for an additional 3 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented in court established that on June 29, 2020, an officer with the South Congaree Police Department responded to an accident in South Congaree where it was reported that a driver, later identified as Gantt, had struck a tree on private property and was attempting to leave the scene. The officer made contact with Gantt and learned she was driving under suspension. A K-9 Officer responded to the scene, and the K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the car. A search of the car recovered approximately 118 grams of methamphetamine and a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol.
Federal law prohibits Gantt from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon multiple prior state convictions. Gantt’s prior state record includes possession of methamphetamine in 2006, manufacturing methamphetamine in 2007, possession of methamphetamine in 2010, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in 2012, and possession of methamphetamine in 2014 and 2015.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, South Congaree Police Department, and Pine Ridge Police Department. It 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. Special Assistant United States Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case.
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Prisma Health Midlands to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Alleged Controlled Substance Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Prisma Health Midlands (“Prisma”) has agreed to pay a record $1 million to resolve allegations that it committed recordkeeping and dispensing violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These requirements are designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances.
This civil settlement includes a memorandum of agreement and is the culmination of a joint Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation that began in November of 2018 when two Prisma patients were arrested for distributing drugs, some of which, the United States alleges, they were able to receive through Prisma’s pharmacy. This marks the largest settlement involving allegations of CSA violations in the state of South Carolina.
“Pharmacists must comply with their responsibilities to issue controlled substances only for legitimate medical purposes and in the usual course of their professional practice,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “When pharmacists ignore or disregard red flags, their actions allow controlled substance prescriptions to be diverted for illegitimate and dangerous purposes.”
“The mission of DEA’s Division of Diversion Control is to prevent, detect and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “In this case, DEA Diversion Investigators did an outstanding job of uncovering recordkeeping discrepancies for the controlled substances Prisma purchased, maintained and dispensed. The DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to making sure healthcare providers are abiding by these important mandates.”
The United States alleges that Prisma failed to notify the DEA within one business day regarding thefts or significant losses of controlled substances over a three-year time period. As a DEA registrant, Prisma has certain recordkeeping and reporting obligations and one of these is to promptly notify the DEA whenever a theft or significant loss occurs.
The United States further alleges that Prisma violated the CSA by filling prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose for two patients who have now pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution charges.
The conduct outlined in the settlement agreement is merely alleged; the agreement does not constitute an admission of liability by Prisma.
A main objective of the CSA is controlling illegitimate traffic of controlled substances. To prevent the diversion of controlled substances, the CSA regulates persons, companies and other entities that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances. With more than 100,000 Americans dying last year from drug overdose, the Justice Department and the DEA are committed to using every resource available to prevent overdose deaths and hold accountable those responsible for the opioid crisis. The government’s rigorous investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s ongoing dedication to stem the prescription opioid crisis by ensuring that opioids are not diverted and abused.
This matter was investigated by the DEA Group Supervisor Adam Roberson, DEA Investigator Kelli Capehart, and DEA Investigator Sai Rivera along with Civil Division Chief James Leventis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Johanna Valenzuela of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
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Former Bookkeeper Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Decades-Long Theft from Charleston Real Estate CompanyRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- Karen Rhett, 59, of Mt. Pleasant, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and false statements on tax documents. Rhett formerly served as the bookkeeper for Simmons Realty Company (“SRC”) and related business entities.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that over two and a half decades, Rhett stole more than a million dollars from the Simmons’ business entities. As the bookkeeper, Rhett was in a position of trust to maintain accounting and business records. Rhett devised a complex scheme to defraud the businesses through various means, including by embezzling funds through unrecorded general ledger deposits that she would transfer to herself. As part of the scheme, Rhett often transferred funds between the related business entities before transferring the funds to herself. Rhett also created false business expenses through fabricated invoices then wrote checks to herself for the same amount, recording the payments as legitimate business expenses.
United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Rhett to 36 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. This sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.
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Tax Evader Pleads Guilty to Defrauding United States of Nearly Quarter Million DollarsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Christopher Douglas Williams, 60, of Langley, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the United States of over $230,000 in taxes owed.
“I appreciate the work of the Internal Revenue Service in bringing this defendant to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This office will continue to prosecute those who fail to pay their fair share of taxes, who cheat their fellow citizens, and who undermine the funding and functioning of our institutions.”
“Tax evasion is not a victimless crime," said Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office. "Honest taxpayers need to be reassured that everyone is paying their fair share. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division, together with the Department of Justice, will investigate and prosecute those who violate our tax system.”
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Williams filed for bankruptcy in January 2016. Over the course of two bankruptcy hearings, the trustee discovered that Williams had concealed income and failed to report his interest in five parcels of property. By filing false returns in 2015 and 2016, Williams avoided paying $230,044 to the United States that was rightfully owed.
Williams faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and one year of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Williams after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the IRS and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday.
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Greenville Woman Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Keowsha Golden, 36, of Greenville, was sentenced to more than 1o years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Golden obtained prescription paper and then forged physician information to write prescriptions for 30 milligram oxycodone tablets. The prescriptions were passed at various pharmacies in the upstate of South Carolina and in western North Carolina. Golden used drug addicts and homeless persons to pass the prescriptions. She provided the prescription passers with the money to pick up the prescriptions as well as fraudulent identification documents. Golden sold the bottles of oxycodone tablets to others at the wholesale rate of $2,800 to $3,500 per bottle.
During the execution of a search warrant at Golden’s residence, law enforcement officers seized her personal telephone and laptop which revealed fraudulent prescription templates, physician information, and copies of driver’s licenses used by prescription passers at various pharmacies.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Golden to 130 months imprisonment, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Laurens Police Department, and Greenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.
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Arizona Developer Agrees to Resolve Long-Running Clean Water Act Enforcement Action for over One Million DollarsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — On Friday, March 18, 2022, U.S. District Court Judge David C. Norton of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina approved a consent decree that resolves alleged violations of the Clean Water Act by Defendant, Paul Edward Mashni, and several of his related entities that impacted wetlands on property near the Kiawah River, located on Johns Island, South Carolina. The complaint was brought in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, on referral from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District (Corps).
The Clean Water Act generally requires any person who plans to fill federally protected wetlands to receive a permit from the Corps. The complaint alleged that Mr. Mashni and his associated companies violated the Clean Water Act by filling wetlands without a permit. This case stems from development activities the defendants conducted on land they owned and land nearby that the defendants did not own. During the defendants’ ownership of the Johns Island property at issue, evidence shows that the defendants operated earthmoving equipment through at least 11 acres of the property. Mr. Mashni and the other defendants’ conduct in this case contributed to the destruction and/or significant degradation of wetlands at the site. The consent decree approved today secures a significant penalty and mitigation to resolve the alleged Clean Water Act violations, while ensuring fairness for developers who comply with the Clean Water Act by obtaining a permit from the Corps before undertaking regulated work in wetlands.
Under the consent decree, the defendants are required to pay $525,000 in civil penalties; purchase seventy freshwater wetland restoration or enhancement mitigation credits to offset the environmental impact of their activity; and be subject to a prohibition of certain new activities in waters or wetlands at the property at issue absent pre-clearance from the Corps. In total, the approximate cost of the defendants’ total obligations under the settlement is over $1,000,000.
“This is a substantial penalty,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Corey F. Ellis. “It serves two purposes: to restore the integrity of the waters of the United States and to deter others from polluting those waters.”
Compliance and enforcement are important components of the Corps’ Regulatory program. The Corps’ Charleston District has an active enforcement program throughout the State of South Carolina that is often aided by state and federal agencies, as well as by groups and individuals who report suspected violations. To address violations, the Corps is authorized to prescribe corrective action, impose administrative fines and prescribe removal of unauthorized fill, work or structures.
“The objective of the Clean Water Act is to ‘restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters,’” said Travis Hughes, the Regulatory Division Chief of the Corps’ Charleston District. “Because filling and destroying wetlands is not easily undone, the Corps is committed to holding all responsible parties accountable when regulated work in wetlands is undertaken without a permit from the Corps.”
For more information on Charleston District and the Corps’ Regulatory program, visit: https://www.sac.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/.
This case was handled by Corps counsel James Choate and Jonathan Jellema; Civil Division Chief James Leventis and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johanna Valenzuela and Sheria Clarke for the District of South Carolina; and Martha Mann and Andrew J. Doyle of the Environmental Defense Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Anderson Husband and Wife Sentenced to Prison for Sex Trafficking of MinorsRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Gary Garland, 54, and Shannon Garland, 49, both of Anderson, were sentenced to 35 years and 26 and a half years respectively for their roles in conspiracies to sex traffic minors and to produce child pornography.
Patrons of the Garland’s sex trafficking operation were also sentenced as follows: Johnny Wells, 58, was sentenced to 13 and a half years; Kianna Daily, 41, was sentenced to five years; Glenn Whitcomb, 69, was sentenced to a year and a half; Michael Skelton, 33, was sentenced to just over a year; and John Towery, 63, and Duwone Allen, 30, were sentenced to five years probation with house arrest.
“This office and its law enforcement partners work daily to protect our country’s most valuable assets, its children. We will seek swift justice for those who exploit our young people,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This case marks an important turning point in the fight against those who seek to exploit children by putting all would be buyers of sex on notice: law enforcement will go after not just the traffickers who force the minor victims into sexual servitude, but also those who patronize and solicit such sexual encounters.”
“The lengthy sentences received by each of these defendants holds them accountable for their heinous crimes and ensures they will be unable to abuse and traffic another child,” said Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for North and South Carolina. “HSI is grateful for the collaborative effort between our office and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and we will continue to jointly and aggressively investigate anyone who seeks to exploit children.”
“I want to thank my detectives for their hard work and commitment to this investigation,” said Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride. “I also want to thank our federal law enforcement partners that helped us put these evildoers away for a long time.”
Evidence presented to the Court showed that the Garlands engaged in a conspiracy to force two minor victims to engage in no less than 300 sexual encounters with themselves and other patrons for the benefit of the Garlands. The Garlands rendered the minors totally dependent on them for survival and provided illicit drugs to the minors to force their participation in the sexual acts. The Garlands solicited and advertised for the sexual encounters on the internet. Wells, Daily, Whitcomb, Skelton, and Towery responded to these sexual solicitation postings and engaged in criminal sexual acts with one of the minors. The Garlands recruited Allen, a hotel employee, to participate in the sexual exploitation of one of the minors. Gary Garland directed all of the sexual acts and required that the patrons consent to video recordings of the sexual encounters with the minor and themselves. Gary Garland subsequently shared these recordings with his co-defendants.
United States District Donald C. Coggins, Jr. imposed the federal prison sentences, which will be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered restitution and forfeiture of the Garlands’ home, and the Defendants will have to register as sex offenders after release.
The case was investigated HSI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Fisher Sherard and Winston Marosek prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Thirty Horry County Gang Members and Drug Trafficking Associates with Ties to Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA — Less than twenty months after 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach-area drug traffickers were indicted based on a federal wiretap investigation into narcotics and violence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court.
Evidence presented in court filings reflects that the Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization was an interstate conspiracy that was involved in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms. The organization was based in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County, and had ties across the state line into North Carolina. Its members were supplied with controlled substances from multiple interstate sources of supply, including one with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) from Jalisco, Mexico. This organization was identified by local law enforcement as a priority target in connection with violent crime and overdoses in the area. The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy.
Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to one of two indictments that collectively contained 72 counts of violations of federal law ranging from drug conspiracy and firearms violations to using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. Each has now also been sentenced, with several of the organization’s leaders and suppliers receiving sentences of ten years or more in federal prison, as follows:
- Teontric Jackson, 30, of Loris – 180 months
- Darrell Jackson, 48, of Myrtle Beach – 120 months
- Lisa Garcia, 50, of Delano, CA – 120 months
- Byron Jackson, 29, of Loris – 120 months
- Angelo Jackson, 25, of Loris – 108 months
- Timothy Long, 40, of Tabor City, NC – 100 months
- Leon Green, 33, of Longs – 87 months
- Winferd Sherman, 24, of Loris – 72 months
- Antra Gore, 38, of Loris – 72 months
- Shaquan Hemingway, 23, of Loris – 70 months
- Carl Green, 45, of Loris – 63 months
- Phillip Johnson, 29, of Loris – 57 months
- Tyshon Clifton, 21, of Loris – 46 months
- Tremayne Green, 25, of Loris – 46 months
- Mark Jackson, 26, of Loris – 37 months
- Devante Squires, 27, of Loris – 36 months
- Teraine Green, 30, of Loris – 26 months
- Alfredo Gore, 43, of Tabor City, NC – 24 months
- Bradley Griffin, 36, of Longwood, NC – 22 months
- Monrail Miller, 35, of Loris – 21 months
- James Myers, 33, of Loris – 20 months
- Anthony Nealey, 48, of Longs – 18 months
- Tyruss Hemingway, 21, of Loris – 15 months
- James Riggins, 44, of Tabor City, NC – 12 months
- Lateice Griffin, 30, of Longwood, NC, Montel Hyppolite, 23, of Loris, Robert Attaway, 37, of Myrtle Beach, Mildred Mann, 44, of Little River, Billie Lee Green, 60, of Loris, and Kenneth Nobles, 31, of Loris, all received sentences under a year
“This operation dismantled a violent criminal enterprise, put its members behind bars, and made communities in South Carolina safer,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This case illustrates the results that are possible when federal, state, and local agencies work together toward a common goal.”
The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several agencies including the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation:
FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic
“This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who all played a vital role in bringing this case to a successful closure. Let this case serve as an example to those introducing drugs in Horry County that this criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
Loris Police Department Chief Gary Buley
“With our continued support we continue to battle the drugs and make a big difference in our community. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication by all to make this difference in our communities.”
Myrtle Beach Police Department Chief Amy Prock
“As we said before, Myrtle Beach is not a safe haven for criminals. The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe.”
15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Dean Bishop
“This demonstrates how the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, along with our partners, will serve our communities by focusing on violent drug traffickers.”
Coastal Carolina University Police Department Chief David Roper
“Due to the complex nature of large-scale drug operations, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies work together to combat such organizations. Each agency brings unique assets to the table that enhances their ability for success. These operations require technology, experience, and boots on the ground in order to gather enough information to arrest and successfully prosecute participants in the drug trade. These types of successful operations allow us to maintain a safe community. They also make the criminal aware that law enforcement will always pursue illegal operations that effect the safety of our citizens. Coastal Carolina University Department of Public Safety is pleased to have been involved with this important investigation.”
Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Phillip Thompson
“We are grateful for the partnerships we share with federal law enforcement, state and local agencies in the combined efforts to fight the surge of drugs in our communities. Operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales.”
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. The case was prosecuted by OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney Everett McMillian, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, who also serves as Deputy Solicitor for 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Additional information can be found on the docket of the United States District Court, Criminal Case Numbers 4:20-CR-189 and 4:20-CR-490. The initial press releases about this matter is available here.
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Two Horry County Men Receive Multi-Year Sentences for Distributing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Scorpio Teriell Tisdale, 28, of Gallivants Ferry, and Michael Keith McKenith, 32, of Aynor, were sentenced to 10 years and 7 years respectively after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that both men were involved in a multi-year conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Aynor area of South Carolina. Both Tisdale and McKenith served as middlemen in the drug trafficking, receiving heroin and fentanyl from sources of supply and distributing those drugs to others. During the course of the conspiracy, Tisdale was held accountable for nearly 15 kilograms of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl; McKenith was held accountable for 2.5 kilograms of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Tisdale to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Harwell sentenced McKenith to 84 months in federal prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Two additional co-conspirators have pled guilty in the case and will be sentenced at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Horry County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.
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MOX Services Agrees to Pay $10 Million to Resolve Allegations of Knowingly Presenting False Claims to Department of Energy for Non-Existent Construction MaterialsRead the Press Release
MOX Services LLC, formerly known as CB&I AREVA MOX Services LLC (MOX), located in South Carolina, has agreed to pay $10 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) false and fraudulent invoices for non-existent materials and receiving improper kickbacks.
MOX was the prime contractor for the construction of the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the DOE Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. The United States alleged that MOX was obligated to confirm receipt and acceptance from subcontractors of any materials before MOX approved and submitted claims to DOE for those materials. One of those subcontractors — Wise Services Inc. (Wise) — submitted to MOX hundreds of invoices charging millions of dollars for materials that did not exist. MOX presented those false invoices to DOE. The United States alleged that by knowingly failing to follow its own policies and procedures, MOX violated its obligation to uncover that the Wise invoices were for non-existent materials. The United States also alleged that MOX employees received kickbacks from Wise employees involved in the scheme.
“It is vital that contractors on federally funded projects provide sufficient oversight of the companies they hire to ensure that the government is billed only for legitimate goods and services,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will pursue those who knowingly fail to prevent the submission of false claims.”
“Federal contractors cannot charge for non-existent materials and accept kickbacks in connection with federal contracts,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis for the District of South Carolina. “To do so is to defraud the American taxpayer. The District of South Carolina will use all available remedies to hold those contractors accountable.”
“Contractors to the Department of Energy cannot turn a blind eye to the fraudulent behavior of their subcontractors,” said Inspector General Teri L. Donaldson Department of Energy. “These behaviors undermine the Department of Energy’s programs and operations. The Inspector General’s office will continue to work with our partners at the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices to hold those who defraud the government accountable.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims against MOX brought under the False Claims Act by the United States in the case captioned United States v. CB&I AREVA MOX Services LLC and Wise Services Inc., No. 19-cv-444 (D.S.C.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from the DOE Office of Inspector General and the National Nuclear Security Administration.
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Don Williamson and Rory Skaggs and Civil Division Chief James Leventis and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johanna Valenzuela and Sheria Clarke with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Five defendants charged in drug conspiracy operating in Pawley’s IslandRead the Press Release
GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA — A joint team of federal and local law enforcement officers recently arrested three individuals who have been charged in federal court in connection with a drug trafficking organization that operated in and around Pawley’s Island. Two others charged remain at large.
The recently unsealed indictment charges each of these defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Additionally, several defendants are charged with specific instances of drug distribution and one of the defendants has been charged with various firearms offenses. The following defendants have been arrested:
- ANDREW CLIFFORD WEST, JR., a/k/a “Drew,” 36, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. If convicted, West faces between 5 and 40 years in prison.
- MAKEON JALIK HOLMES, a/k/a “Keon,” 22, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl. If convicted, Holmes faces up to 20 years in prison.
- BRADFORD DALE ROGERSON, a/k/a “Furley,” 47, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine. Rogerson is also charged with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted, Rogerson faces between 5 years and Life Imprisonment.
Two defendants are currently fugitives: ERNEST ARTHUR BRYANT, III, 35, of Pawleys Island, and DAVID MIKLE SYNDAB, 62, of Pawleys Island.
“This case showcases this office’s continuing effort to protect the people of South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Along with our federal, state, and local partners, we ae committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting organizations that traffic in dangerous narcotics. It is especially dangerous when these drug trafficking organizations use firearms.”
“Heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine are dangerous drugs that pose a clear and present danger to the community,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the collective law enforcement efforts, these poly-drug traffickers were arrested. This case is a shining example of what can be achieved when DEA and its law enforcement partners present a united front to protect our communities from the scourge of drug abuse.”
During the investigation into this drug trafficking organization, agents seized thousands of dollars’ worth of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and several firearms.
The case was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office and the Horry County Police Department.
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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Twelve defendants charged related to drug distribution conspiracy after joint federal, state, and local operation in North CharlestonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 12 individuals today who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that operated in and around North Charleston.
These defendants have been charged by indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Additionally, some of the defendants have been charged with various firearms offenses. The following defendants have been arrested:
- FREDRICK WENDELL MCCRAY, a/k/a “Dub,” 41, of North Charleston was charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and a quantity of heroin, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
- TYRONE COX, a/k/a “T-Player,” 41, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of ammunition.
- TYRONE WILSON, a/k/a “Mooch,” 60, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of ammunition.
- LAJUSTIN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Smurf,” 39, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of marijuana.
- TERRELL KURT MYERS, a/k/a “Relly Boy,” a/k/a “Nut,” 40, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana.
- KEVIN WILLIAM DUKES, a/k/a “KD,” 36, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of heroin.
- DEMETRIC GANTT, a/k/a “Meech,” 42, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine.
- TRAVIS WRIGHT, a/k/a “Beno,” 41, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine.
- KENNETH ROGER BROWN, a/k/a “Kenny G,” a/k/a “Three,” 31, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine.
- CORNELIUS WALKER, a/k/a “Lil Black,” 19, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana, as well as possession of a machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a machine gun.
- KENDRICK SMALLS, a/k/a “Ken Lo,” 31, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.
CLAYTON THOMAS, a/k/a “CJ,” 22, of North Charleston, was charged by separate indictment with multiple counts of knowingly making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of the firearms.
Agents are still searching for a fugitive in the case who has also been charged in the conspiracy.
Several defendants also are charged with one or more counts of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. If they are convicted the defendants face various penalties, with some facing up to life in prison.
During the investigation into these drug trafficking organizations, agents have seized substantial amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and firearms, some of which were illegally modified to operate as fully automatic machine guns.
“Drug organizations, especially those using firearms, are a serious and direct threat to the communities they invade, and this office will always stand with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the South Carolinians that call these places home,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “In addition to our many partners who assisted in this operation, I want to especially thank the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way this morning to safely and professionally execute the takedown in this case.”
“Today’s arrests demonstrate our commitment to taking drug offenders off the street,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic. “The FBI’s reach is far and wide and we, along with our law enforcement partners, are dedicated to using the necessary measures to aggressively investigate and root out those who are at the core of these problems in our South Carolina communities.”
“Today’s operation should send a very clear message to criminal organizations: intimidation, violence, and their associated crimes will not be tolerated in our community,” said Special Agent In Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “HSI Charleston proudly collaborates with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the safety of the public and I am confident that the success achieved during this interagency partnership will only continue to grow in future efforts.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Lowcountry Violent Crime Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, North Charleston Police Department, Charleston Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Summerville Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the Charleston County Aviation Authority.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. Assistant United States Attorneys Allessandra Stewart, Chris Lietzow, and Everett McMillian are 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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U.S. Attorney's Office Sponsors 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods Logo ContestRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — The U.S. Attorney's Office is sponsoring the 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest. The statewide contest invites students to illustrate how we can help prevent gun violence in our schools by designing a logo for use on upcoming PSN publications.
The contest is open to all South Carolina grade school students and entries will be categorized into four grade divisions: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A winner will be selected from each of the four divisions, and each division winner will receive $50. An overall winning logo will be chosen from the four division winners and will receive an additional $50 prize for a total of $100.
The winning entries will be selected by “The Insiders,” a select group of students from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, who travel throughout the state encouraging children and promoting community awareness of the consequences of juvenile crime. In addition to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office is proud to partner with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association and the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association for this year’s contest.
Entries should be consistent with the theme “Preventing Gun Violence in Our Schools.” The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2022. If your student is interested in participating, contact your local school as contest information has been sent to all South Carolina schools. Applications and contest rules may also be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/programs/ceasefire/project-sentry/contest-winners/contest-rules.
PSN focuses on reducing violent crime in our communities through enforcement, reentry, and prevention initiatives. The annual logo contest is 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. For more information on the contest and to view winning logos from previous years, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc/programs/logowinners.html.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces New Court Guide for Mass Violence TrialsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced today the launch of a Planning and Implementation Guide designed to provide a framework to assist those who work with victims, and to help them effectively support survivors and victims’ families through the preparation, planning, and implementation phases of such high-profile cases.
The Guide is the result of a collaborative effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC), located within the National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Following the hate-motivated mass killings of nine parishioners at the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston on June 17, 2015, and the trauma caused to the entire Church and Charleston community, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina managed a trial involving 33 federal charges, including 12 charges specific to hate crimes. The office learned that the coordination of multiple entities – prosecutors, victim services staff and their allies in the community, including mental and behavioral health professionals, and multi-faith communities – was essential to ensuring that survivors and community members were treated with dignity and respect. The Guide is a culmination of learned experiences from that trial and many important evidence-based resources provided by the NMVVRC.
“Tragically, our state has experienced the horrific and lasting impact of mass violence incidents in the Mother Emanuel Massacre, and the resulting complexities in investigating and prosecuting such crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis “We are hopeful that this resource will be a useful tool for federal and state prosecutors and their victim services staff in supporting the multi-faceted needs of victims and survivors of those impacted by mass violence incidents.”
“Our focus with this important Guide is to make sure that victims’ needs are identified and addressed,” said NMVVRC Director Dr. Dean Kilpatrick. “The experiences of my team – who supported the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the Mother Emanuel AME trial in 2016 – and a foundation of a strong evidence-base of what helps and avoids hurting victims and survivors during criminal justice processes, is the essence of the Planning and Implementation Guide for Comprehensive, Coordinated Victim Assistance for Mass Violence Incident Trials.”
A copy of the Guide is available here.
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Rock Hill Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fentanyl Pill DistributionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Justin De Neko Cunningham, 27, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl.
Evidence presented to the court showed that, through an investigation into a major drug trafficking organization, the organization obtained fentanyl and other drugs from a source in California and had the drugs shipped to various addresses in Rock Hill and Charlotte, North Carolina. Members of the organization would then produce counterfeit Roxicodone pills containing fentanyl. Federal agents learned that Cunningham was responsible for purchasing and selling thousands of these counterfeit pills, fully aware the pills purchased and sold by him were made with fentanyl. The pills were later sold by Cunningham in Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, and Charlotte.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Cunningham to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service, Rock Hill Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
This sentencing is part of a major 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.
Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, T. DeWayne Pearson, and Elliott Daniels prosecuted the case.
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Former Orangeburg Public Schools Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding School District of over $550,000Read the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — David Cortez Marshall, Jr., 30, of Orangeburg, South Carolina pleaded guilty today to defrauding the Orangeburg County School District of over $550,000.
“Any time an employee uses a position of trust to steal from their employer, it is inexcusable and wrong. Here, Marshall’s crime was particularly reprehensible because he stole money, provided by South Carolina taxpayers, from a school district during a pandemic that has already created unprecedent challenges in public education,” said United States Attorney Corey Ellis. “I appreciate the work of the FBI in bringing this defendant to justice. This office will continue to prosecute those who try to use the pandemic, or any other circumstance, to enrich themselves at the expense of hard-working taxpayers and critical institutions.”
“Throughout the pandemic, individuals like Marshall have created schemes and exploited programs designed to aid the public,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Columbia Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic. “Unfortunately, Marshall misused his position to commit fraud against a school district and line his own pockets. I’m thankful for the extensive work that was put into investigating this case. Let this serve as a reminder that we will not tolerate this criminal activity, and we will hold those involved accountable.”
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed 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.
Marshall faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison for wire fraud, in addition to restitution, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Marshall after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brook Andrews.
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Federal Indictment Returned in Pee Dee Kidnapping and CarjackingRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that a federal grand jury in Florence returned an indictment in connection with a kidnapping and carjacking that began in Florence and ended with the successful recovery of the victim and arrest of the suspected kidnapper in Lumberton, North Carolina.
Specifically, Joseph Alan Wright, a/k/a “Wiz”, 39, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of carjacking.
As charged in the indictment and an associated criminal complaint filed with the court, on December 21, 2021, Wright abducted his victim, a pastor at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Florence, at knifepoint at approximately 10:20 a.m. According to the complaint, Wright forced the pastor into his vehicle located in the church parking lot and then left at a high rate of speed.
Almost immediately, employees at Immanuel Baptist Church realized that something was wrong and contacted the police. Attempts to contact the pastor on his cell phone were unsuccessful, so the Florence Police Department began attempts to locate him through various other electronic means, including obtaining information from OnStar, cell phone providers, and bank card use records. The complaint further states that officers also promptly reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for additional assistance upon discovering that a kidnapping had occurred.
Through these efforts, officers swiftly located the stolen vehicle in Lumberton, North Carolina, at approximately 12:09 p.m. – less than two hours after the incident began. Florence Police officers communicated this information to the Lumberton Police Department, who sent officers to locate the vehicle, rescue the pastor, and arrest Wright, all without incident.
“At its core, the mission of this office is to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the people of South Carolina and elsewhere. The complaint and indictment here illustrate that when we do that, we can save lives,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “The swift, collaborative work of the Florence Police Department, the Lumberton Police Department, and the FBI likely prevented an even greater tragedy.”
“This incident, as traumatic as it was for the victim, could have turned out much worse,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic. “Thankfully, our local partners with the Florence Police Department and law enforcement in North Carolina were quick to respond and safely brought this situation to an end. The FBI along with other law enforcement partners will continue to root out violent offenders who place others in harm’s way.”
“We want to take this opportunity to thank our federal law enforcement partners for seeking this indictment,” said Chief Allen Heidler of the Florence Police Department. “It serves as another notice to violent offenders that this area’s law enforcement, from the federal level down to the local level, will continue our collaborative efforts to bring them to justice.”
Wright faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. Wright, who is currently in federal custody at the Florence County Detention Center as a result of the federal criminal complaint previously filed against him in this case, will be arraigned by a United States Magistrate Judge at the McMillan Federal Courthouse in Florence on February 3, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.
The case was investigated by a joint team consisting of the Florence Police Department, the Lumberton Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Everett E. McMillian and Lauren Hummel are prosecuting the federal case in close coordination with the 12th Circuit Solicitors’ Office.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Columbia Gang Member Sentenced to More than 12 Years for Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that Dashawn Terrell Swygert, 27, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in early 2020, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted an investigation into firearms within the Columbia area. During this investigation, undercover ATF agents were introduced to Swygert, a validated gang member. During four transactions in February 2020, he sold six handguns, many of which were loaded and one of which had an extended magazine, to undercover ATF agents. During the investigation, Swygert bragged to others that he was selling guns to individuals who were running them up north. Upon his arrest in March 2020, agents recovered another loaded firearm.
Of the seven handguns recovered from Swygert by ATF, four had previously been reported as stolen. Three were previously stolen from vehicles in Richland and Newberry Counties. One of the handguns, sold by Swygert to undercover agents in February 2020, was also preliminarily linked through ballistics analysis as having been involved in three shooting incidents: a shooting incident on December 12, 2019, in West Columbia and shooting incidents in Columbia on December 14, 2019, and January 16, 2020. It should be noted that there was no evidence linking Swygert himself to the actual shootings.
Swygert has prior state convictions for strong arm robbery from a 2011 incident and criminal conspiracy, strong arm robbery (4 counts), assault and battery 2nd degree (4 counts), from a 2013 incident.
United States District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Swygert to 151 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. In imposing the sentence, Judge Lewis noted, “This is the kind of activity that makes a community dangerous . . . gangs and guns.”
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.
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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Gaston Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that Sean Michael Bandelier, 44, of Gaston, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to the production of child pornography.
Evidence presented in court showed that Bandelier coerced a minor child under six years old to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing photographs and videos of the abuse, which Bandelier then distributed by text message and the internet. Evidence indicated Bandelier was communicating with a person he believed was the mother of a child in another state making her child available for sexual abuse. The pair discussed past and potential future abuse of multiple children. In truth, Bandelier was speaking with a man in New Mexico who was a target of authorities in that state for offenses related to the sexual abuse of children. During their conversations, Bandelier distributed photographs and videos of the sexual abuse of children to the New Mexico target.
On August 5, 2020, investigators with the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force at the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department received a lead indicating a victim may be in immediate danger of being abused. Search warrants and the arrest of Bandelier were executed that same day, with the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal and local agencies. Bandelier was charged by way of Criminal Complaint and has remained in custody since that time.
Bandelier ultimately pled guilty to the production of child pornography. Facts presented at sentencing also provided evidence that Bandelier formatted a phone as law enforcement approached, likely destroying evidence, for which the court enhanced Bandelier’s sentence for obstruction of justice.
United States District Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Bandelier to 324 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered Bandelier to pay restitution to one victim, and Bandelier will have to register as a sex offender after release.
The case was investigated by HSI, the South Carolina ICAC Task Force at the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, and the Albuquerque, New Mexico Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Multi-Count Federal Indictment Returned for Labor Trafficking ViolationsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that a federal grand jury in Columbia returned a multi-count indictment in connection with trafficking in seasonal agricultural workers.
Elizabeth Balcazar, 19, Enrique Balcazar, 35 – both of Batesburg – and Balcazar Nature Harvesting, LLC have been charged with conspiracy to commit labor trafficking and fraud in foreign labor contracting. Elizabeth Balcazar and Enrique Balcazar have also been charged with the confiscation of passports and immigration documents in connection with labor trafficking. Enrique Balcazar has also been charged with two counts of labor trafficking.
“Our nation’s visa system is an asset that provides much-needed resources to our communities and valuable opportunities to those foreign workers seeking a new life here in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “Although the indictment speaks for itself, those who exploit the system and abuse these vulnerable workers will find no refuge here in South Carolina. Our office will utilize all available resources to bring such offenders to justice while rescuing and restoring victims in the process. Sadly, we know that many labor trafficking victims, both foreign and domestic, suffer here in the United States and that such violations frequently go undetected.”
“By targeting employers who exploit their workers, HSI is protecting the American labor market, the conditions of workplaces, and the dignity of the individual employees,” said Special Agent In Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “We hope that cases like this will encourage other victims and witnesses to come forward to HSI to enable us to stop other employers from engaging in any similar conduct.”
“Labor trafficking and exploitation is real, and it is happening in South Carolina,” said South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) chief Mark Keel. “Agents have and will continue to work in collaboration with our local and federal partners to rescue those being victimized and bring justice to those who profit from the misery of others.”
The indictment alleges that Elizabeth Balcazar and Enrique Balcazar operated Balcazar Nature Harvesting, LLC, which provided seasonal harvesting labor to South Carolina area farms. The indictment further alleges that the defendants forced victims to work excessive hours, failed to pay the victims their due wages, and threatened deportation for those who did not work hard enough or produce enough. The indictment also alleges that the defendants attempted to restrain the victims by confiscating their passports and by carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm. The indictment also indicates there are multiple victims.
Elizabeth Balcazar and Enrique Balcazar face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, plus court ordered supervision to follow, and each of the defendants face a fine of up to $250,000. Elizabeth Balcazar and Enrique Balcazar are currently detained pending trial.
The case was investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, HSI, SLED, and U.S. Department of Labor. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Carrie Fisher Sherard are prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Five Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that five individuals were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty for their role in a drug conspiracy out of the Chesterfield County and Darlington County areas.
- Antwaun Tyree Stevenson, 30, of Hartsville, was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of crack cocaine.
- Jevetta Porschia Young was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Leon Davis, Jr., 50, of Hartsville, was sentenced to nearly 9 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of cocaine base.
- Clint Justin Self, 23, of Hartsville, was sentenced to over 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- McKenzie Michael Stevens, 23, of Hartsville, was sentenced to over 5 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Evidence presented to the court showed that as to Stevenson, twelve individuals gave statements that they bought or observed Stevenson in possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine during January 2010 to November 2020.
As to Young, 15 individuals gave statements that they bought from or observed Young in possession of methamphetamine during January 2010 to November 2020.
As to Davis, 18 individuals gave statements that they bought methamphetamine from Davis during January 2010 to November 2020, and at least one individual stated they bought cocaine and crack cocaine from Davis during that same time period. In addition, the Darlington County Drug Enforcement Unit used a confidential informant to make two controlled buys of methamphetamine from Davis in August of 2020.
Additional evidence presented to the court showed that on July 10, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers with the Hartsville Police Department used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Self. Following the buy, officers conducted a traffic stop on the car Self was driving. During the stop, the female passenger, who was the registered owner of the car, gave consent to search the car. During the search, officers located a firearm. Self later admitted that he possessed the firearm during the drug buy that occurred earlier that day. Self is prohibited from possessing firearms based on his prior conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.
As to Stevens, on September 18, 2019, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a storage unit company in Hartsville regarding finding a backpack with suspected narcotics in a storage unit. Stevens had contacted the company to pick up the bag, and was advised to pick up the bag from the main office. When Stevens arrived, he was arrested and admitted the bag and methamphetamine inside was his.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced all five individuals. Stevenson was sentenced to 142 months in federal prison, Young was sentenced to 142 months in federal prison, Davis was sentenced to 105 months in federal prison, Self was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, and Stevens was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison. United States District Judge Lydon sentenced all five individuals to a five-year term of court-ordered supervision following their release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF, the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Darlington County Drug Enforcement Unit, the Hartsville Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florence 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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Pee Dee Man, Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that co-defendants Michael Anthony Dudley, 43, of Hartsville, and Lindsey Munn Butler, 36, of Lamar, were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to drug-related charges. Dudley pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Butler pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on July 28, 2020, the Darlington County Drug Enforcement Unit used a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of heroin from Dudley at a location in Hartsville. On August 7, 2020, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant during which law enforcement located a firearm, a baggie containing 3.947 grams of heroin, and ten baggies, three of which were confirmed to contain heroin. The firearm and narcotics were found in Dudley’s bedroom.
Additional evidence presented to the court showed that on August 6, 2020, the Darlington County Drug Enforcement Unit used a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of heroin from Butler also at a location in Hartsville.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Dudley to 81 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision, and sentenced Butler to 10 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), the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Darlington County Drug Enforcement Unit.
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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Lexington Man Gets 15 Years in Federal Prison for Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that Stephen Johnson Craft, 43, of Lexington, was sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court established that on February 24, 2020, a deputy with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department observed a vehicle abruptly turn without signaling. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the vehicle abruptly turned into a private driveway. Craft was the passenger in the vehicle and stated the vehicle belonged to him.
In the backseat of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the deputy located a black backpack containing a .40 caliber Glock pistol. The Glock had one cartridge loaded in the chamber and a magazine containing an additional nine rounds. The deputy also found marijuana in the vehicle.
Craft’s prior record includes a 1996 criminal domestic violence, a 1997 armed robbery, a 2008 grand larceny, a 2010 criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, a 2010 attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, a 2014 carrying a concealed weapon, a 2016 possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony, a 2016 possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and a 2018 assault and battery first degree.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Craft to 180 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 investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s 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 United States Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case.
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Joint Efforts of Federal, State, and Local Authorities Result in Arrests of Twelve Defendants for Gun, Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that twelve individuals have been charged with gun and/or drug-related offenses and have been arrested by a joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This release follows the arraignments, multiple detention hearings, and superseding indictments.
The following defendants who have been arrested and arraigned on their respective charges face a potential penalty of life imprisonment:
- Craig Thomas Burris, 55, of Myrtle Beach, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, possession of heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Taurus Jermaine Dotson, 38, of Columbia, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Leon Johnny King, 37, of Columbia, is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and Etizolam; possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Jamel Lamont Lewis, 32, of Winnsboro, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Christopher Joel Roach, 28, of West Columbia, is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and tramadol; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Jacobi Kwejuan Scott, 33, of Columbia, is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Davian Kejuanis Mosley, 21, of Hopkins, is charged with multiple counts of robbery affecting commerce and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The following defendant who has been arrested and arraigned on his respective charges faces a potential penalty of 20 years imprisonment:
- Jeffrey Tavoun Allen, 35, of Columbia, is charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl.
The following defendants who have been arrested and arraigned on their respective charges face a potential penalty of 10 years imprisonment:
- Paul James, III, 33, of Columbia, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
- Demetreus Alexa Lewis, 32, of Elgin, is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.
- Latrell Ira Miles Maurice, 35, of Columbia, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
- Sylivon Jarqaous Moye, 28, of Columbia, is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.
These cases were investigated by ATF in conjunction with several state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, and Columbia Police Department.
These cases are being 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 Attorneys Chris Taylor and Lauren Hummel are prosecuting the cases.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges against these defendants are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Blythewood Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Fraud Relating to $1.2 in Coronavirus FundsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that Bridgett Dorsey, 39, of Blythewood, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to engaging in more than $1.2 million in fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, and to committing tax fraud. The sentence is the first handed down in the District of South Carolina for a case involving CARES Act fraud.
“The Defendant in this case not only stole from the federal government and engaged in tax fraud, but she prevented funds from reaching the hands of those who needed it the most. That this occurred during a pandemic makes her crimes particularly egregious,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “This case highlights the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who illegally take advantage of COVID-19 to line their own pockets. Fortunately, the quick and capable work of our federal partners permitted the recovery of a substantial amount of stolen funds.”
"It is always a shame to see the rampant abuse of programs designed to help ordinary people struggling through the pandemic," said Brian Thomas Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office. “The IRS will continue to thoroughly investigate and vigorously target those who exploit the pandemic to commit tax fraud, and this case speaks to those efforts.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who attempt to defraud the American public by fraudulently obtaining taxpayer-funded loans through the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Paycheck Protection Program which is designed to assist legitimate business owners during the pandemic,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal activity is held to account.”
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the Coronavirus. Two primary sources of relief provided by the CARES Act were the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan ("EIDL") program. PPP loans consisted of more than $640 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. The EIDL program provided low-interest loans to business owners to pay for items like accounts payable and other bills that could not be paid as a result of COVID-19.
Evidence presented to the court showed that from April 2020 through August 2020, Dorsey fraudulently applied for and received $1,253,460.35 by way of seven EIDL and two PPP loans, along with two EIDL cash advances, on behalf of seven businesses for which she was the alleged owner. Each of the applications Dorsey submitted contained materially false information, including overstating the businesses’ revenues, inflating the number of employees, or providing addresses where businesses did not exist. In some cases, Dorsey created and submitted false documentation or created businesses for the sole purpose of obtaining the loans.
During their investigation into Dorsey’s Coronavirus-related fraud, agents with the IRS and TIGTA discovered Dorsey had also been engaged in fraudulent tax return preparation through one of her businesses, Virtual Financial Services. Specifically, Dorsey prepared multiple tax returns on behalf of others and claimed deductions she knew were false.
The quick work of IRS and TIGTA enabled the agencies to seize more than $500,000 of stolen funds that were in bank accounts controlled by Dorsey, and another account with approximately $130,000 was frozen. These funds will be applied toward the restitution Dorsey owes in the case. Additionally, Dorsey paid approximately $184,000 in restitution before sentencing.
Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Dorsey to 24 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 court also ordered her to pay more than $1 million in restitution stemming from her CARES Act-related fraud, in addition to $13,865 in restitution to the IRS as a result of her tax fraud.
The case was investigated by the IRS and TIGTA. Assistant United States Attorney Derek Shoemake, who also serves as the Office’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, prosecuted the case.
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.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates 11th Annual Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina today commemorates National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, as part of the 11th annual National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and affirms its continued commitment to work with federal, state, and local partners in combatting human trafficking in all its forms.
“Human trafficking is nothing short of modern-day slavery. It strips away the most fundamental promises of our country – life, liberty, and the right to be free,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Traffickers prey upon the vulnerable and push them into forced labor or commercial sex. That is why the fight against human trafficking is one of this office’s top priorities, and we must do everything in our power to bring swift prosecution against traffickers and to seek justice for survivors. We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to relentlessly pursue, prosecute, and punish those who exploit the most vulnerable in our society.”
Along with the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina is committed to continuing its victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to detecting hidden human trafficking crimes, holding perpetrators accountable, and restoring the lives of survivors, all while strengthening strategic anti-trafficking partnerships.
Federal agencies in the District of South Carolina, in conjunction with state and local partners, have investigated hundreds of leads linked to sex and labor trafficking in the last year alone. These investigations have resulted in numerous federal and state human trafficking prosecutions. Some of the major human trafficking cases brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the last year include the following:
- United States v. Elizabeth Balcazar, Enrique Balcazar, and Balcazar Nature Harvesting, LLC. Criminal No. 3:21-cr-834-JMC. According to the indictment, on December 7, 2021, a federal grand jury sitting in Columbia indicted the defendants on five counts related to forced and exploitative labor, including labor trafficking, conspiracy to commit labor trafficking, the confiscation of passports in connection with labor trafficking, and fraud in foreign labor contracting. The indictment describes the manner and means by which the defendants are alleged to have exploited foreign national seasonal laborers in South Carolina farms, including by force and threats of force, serious harm and threats of serious harm, by forcing laborers to work excessive hours, by underpaying workers, by threatening deportation, and through the use of a firearm. The defendants remain detained pending the outcome of the case.
- United States v. Earl Dawson Caldwell IV, Cedrick Ventiego Riley, and Jessica Michelle Mills. Criminal No. 9:21-cr-317-DCN. According to the indictment, on October 2021, a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston charged the defendants in a multi-count superseding indictment alleging conspiracy to sex traffic minors, production of child pornography, multiple counts of sex trafficking of a minor, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The defendants remain detained pending the outcome of the case.
- United States v. Hart William Grow, Theodore Woolings Bye III, Sanadin Mohamed Elrayes, and Charles Joseph Spillane. Criminal No. 4:21-cr-173-SAL. According to the indictment, in July 2021, a federal grand jury sitting in Florence charged the defendants in a 13-count superseding indictment alleging conspiracy to sex traffic minors, sex trafficking of minors, conspiracy to coerce a minor and to produce child pornography, four counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, four counts of production of child pornography, and two counts of possession of child pornography. The defendants have all plead guilty to related charges, including human trafficking, coercion of a minor, and transfer of obscene materials.
- United States v. Brian Lydell Robinson, a/k/a “Mr. Marshal,” a/k/a “Trevor.” Criminal No. 2:21-cr-211-RMG. According to the indictment, in April 2021, a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston charged Robinson in a multi-count indictment alleging human trafficking, impersonating an officer of the United States, extortion, and Hobbs Act extortion. The defendant remains detained pending the outcome of the case.
- United States v. Gary Garland, Shannon Garland, Johnnie Wells, Michael Skelton, Duwone Allen, Glen Whitcomb, Kianna Dailey, and John Towery. Criminal No. 8:20-CR-452-DCC. According to the indictment, in April 2021, a federal grand jury sitting in Greenville charged the defendants in a multi-count superseding indictment alleging conspiracy to sex traffic minors, conspiracy to produce child pornography, sex trafficking of a minor, and production of child pornography. All defendants have plead guilty to related charges involving conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.
- United States v. Donnell Salethian Woodard a/k/a “Tank” and India Tykeyah-Najee Cuyler a/k/a “Lady Tank.” Criminal No. 3:18-cr-308-JMC. In February 2021, following a conviction of conspiracy to sex traffic minors and benefiting from sex trafficking of minors, Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Woodard to 25 years in federal prison. In March 2021, following a conviction of using a facility of interstate commerce to entice a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity, Judge Childs sentenced Cuyler to more than 15 years in federal prison. Both sentences will be followed by 15 years of court-ordered supervision and the defendants will be required to register as a sex offenders.
- United States v. Brian Leroy Watson and Ryan Darian Grover. Criminal No. 3:20-cr-492-JMC. According to the indictment, in January 2021, Grover was arrested as the second defendant in a 13-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Columbia that charged human trafficking conspiracy, human trafficking and attempted human trafficking of involving both a minor and adult victims, heroin and fentanyl distribution, and the operation of a drug-involved dwelling. The defendants remain detained pending the outcome of the case.
In cases where a defendant has not pled guilty or has not otherwise been convicted, the charges in the indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
During this, the 11th annual National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina reaffirms its commitment to combatting the heinous crime of human trafficking, holding perpetrators accountable, and seeking justice for survivors. To report a tip or ask for help, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Jan. 9Read the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — In honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Jan. 9, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina recognizes the hard-working men and women in law enforcement for the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis to protect the citizens of this State and Country.
“Every day, law enforcement officers put on their uniforms and leave the safety of their homes to protect and serve our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “These officers risk their lives to make South Carolina safer, and indeed many have made the ultimate sacrifice. We appreciate their sacrifices, owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude, and stand with them as they do their important work.”
Although COVID-19 currently hinders our ability to appropriately recognize our law enforcement partners in person, U.S. Attorney Ellis invites the public to follow the Office’s Twitter page at https://twitter.com/USAO_SC, where we will be sharing stories throughout January about the work our law enforcement partners do in their communities. U.S. Attorney Ellis also encourages the public to do what they can to recognize the efforts of their local law enforcement officers.
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CONTACT PERSON: Derek Shoemake, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, [email protected], (843) 327-0882
Associate of Violent Walterboro Gang Sentenced to More than 23 Years in Federal Prison on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that Quentin John Fishburne, a/k/a “Q”, 40, of Walterboro, was sentenced to more than 23 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him on numerous firearms charges, including two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the jury showed that in March of 2018, Officers with the Walterboro Police Department discovered a loaded .40 caliber pistol under Fishburne’s seat at a traffic safety checkpoint. At the time, Fishburne was on federal supervision following a 2017 conviction for aiding and abetting attempted murder in aid of racketeering. This conviction arose from a November 6, 2015, shooting in Colleton County, in which members and associates of a violent Walterboro gang disputed the outcome of an illegal car race and then attempted to rob a man holding money wagered on the race. Two men were shot, but authorities were not able to identify all of the shooters. Fishburne admitted to being an associate of the gang and driving another gang member from the scene of the shooting and received a time-served sentence.
Shortly after Fishburne was arrested with the .40 caliber pistol, his girlfriend, who had purchased the pistol from a Walterboro gun store, claimed that she had inadvertently left the gun in the vehicle Fishburne was driving. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) became suspicious, however, when they discovered that Fishburne had previously been arrested with another gun purchased by the same woman.
Additionally, ballistic analysis showed that the gun discovered under Fishburne’s seat matched three .40 caliber shell casings recovered from the scene of the November 6, 2015, shooting involving the gang, the same shooting that led to Fishburne’s 2017 conviction.
Fishburne was also convicted of possessing another firearm purchased by the same girlfriend, which was recovered by deputies of the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office following a high-speed chase involving Fishburne in 2014. In this incident, Fishburne fled from deputies and reached speeds of over 90 miles-an-hour on country roads while he and his passenger brandished handguns at the pursuing officer.
Fishburne previously spent ten years in a Georgia prison after killing his 18-year-old cousin over a dice game when he was 14 years old.
United States District Judge David Norton sentenced Fishburne to 285 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Fishburne’s trial was the last federal jury trial in Charleston before the COVID pandemic halted federal jury trials in the low country until the fall of 2021.
Judge Norton observed that Fishburne’s history of violence and recidivism was “consistent with statistics recently published by the U.S. Sentencing Commission” showing “that firearms offenders recidivated at a higher rate than all other offenders.” The Court concluded that a “substantial sentence” was “warranted to protect the public” from Fishburne and to “deter others” who “may follow his unfortunate path.”
The case was investigated by ATF, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Walterboro Police Department, and the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was also made possible by investigative leads generated from 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
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen and Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson prosecuted the case.
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Corey F. Ellis Appointed as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Corey F. Ellis as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina today, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546.
As U.S. Attorney, Ellis is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the District of South Carolina. He supervises an office of approximately 62 Assistant United States Attorneys, 75 support staff, and 18 contract support staff, all of whom are responsible for prosecuting federal crimes affecting the district, including narcotics and firearms cases, gang violence, human trafficking, white-collar crime, securities fraud, public corruption, terrorism, and civil rights violations. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Before being sworn in as U.S. Attorney, Ellis served as chief of staff for FBI Director Christopher A. Wray. Ellis also served as acting director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, where he was the primary liaison between the attorney general, the deputy attorney general, and all 94 U.S. attorney's offices.
Previously, Ellis served in several leadership roles in the Department of Justice, including as chief of staff to Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein. Ellis was also the first assistant in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina. While an assistant U.S. attorney, he handled a wide range of criminal investigations, including public corruption, white collar fraud, securities fraud, and cybercrime. Ellis began his career as a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office in Hendersonville, North Carolina and has tried more than 100 jury trials.
Ellis received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law.
Ellis replaces former Acting U.S. Attorney M. Rhett DeHart, who served in that role since March 1, 2021, following the resignation of U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc.
Georgetown Rapper Pleads Guilty to Possessing Nearly Two Kilograms of Black Tar Heroin located in Midlands ApartmentRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that Edmund Dechane Holmes, a/k/a “Buddha SME,” 30, of Georgetown, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin. Holmes’s case had been scheduled for trial in January 2022 until the change of plea this week.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that in the months leading up to August 2018, Holmes maintained an apartment in Columbia for the purpose of storing and distributing kilogram quantities of heroin. Authorities learned of his scheme after responding to a call about a disturbance at the address. Once there, officers from the Columbia Police Department obtained a search warrant based upon a small amount of drugs that were found in plain view.
During the search of a back bedroom, they located approximately 1.9 kilograms of black tar heroin along with other drug distribution paraphernalia such as a kilogram-size drug press, bulk money packaging supplies, and items used for mixing and cutting drugs. Holmes left behind several items proving his identity and acquired a renter’s insurance policy on the unit in his own name.
At the time of search, Holmes was serving a five-year term of federal supervised release after having recently been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for a 2013 federal conviction for distribution of heroin. Holmes now faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
“Those who continue to push poison in their communities after serving prison sentences for these crimes deserve swift and severe punishments. That will happen in this case, and this office will continue to aggressively prosecute repeat offenders,” said Acting U.S. Attorney DeHart. “I commend our federal and state partners who helped make sure Holmes will spend at least a decade in federal prison, and who seized lethal drugs that would otherwise have ended up on the streets of South Carolina.”
“The severe punishment Holmes faces correctly reflects the criminal activities he engaged in,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “He continuously poisoned the community with heroin despite having been arrested previously for heroin distribution. The guilty plea removes yet another dangerous criminal from our streets and sends a clear message to others who may be tempted to distribute this insidious drug: DEA and its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue and ultimately prosecute criminals like Holmes.”
In addition to a mandatory minimum of 10 years, Holmes faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. He also faces a fine of $10,000,000, at least five years of additional supervision to follow the term of imprisonment, and restitution. United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Holmes after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Columbia Police Department and Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Everett McMillian and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.
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North Carolina Man Indicted on Carjacking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that a Federal Grand Jury in Columbia returned an indictment against a North Carolina man accused of carjacking two people last December. Shia Lee, 33, of Burlington, North Carolina, was charged on December 7 with carjacking and brandishing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
The indictment alleges that on December 19, 2020, Lee brandished a firearm and stole a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee from two people at a rest area outside of Orangeburg, one of whom was an off-duty law enforcement officer.
According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, Lee later abandoned the vehicle in Branchville and stole a 2014 Dodge Caravan that was left running outside a convenience store. Lee led law enforcement officers on a vehicle pursuit and was subsequently taken into custody. The victims in these incidents were not injured.
“Lee’s alleged actions placed his victims, law enforcement officers, and the public in great danger,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Columbia Special Agent in Charge, Susan Ferensic. “The quick action taken by our law enforcement partners was vital in helping us put together this case for indictment.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bamberg Police Department, Branchville Police Department, City of Laurens Police Department, and Denmark 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Daniels.
If convicted, Lee faces a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison and up to life imprisonment, plus a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years of court ordered supervision to follow any term of imprisonment. Lee will be arraigned before a United States Magistrate Judge on December 21 at 10:45 a.m. in Courtroom 7 of the Matthew J. Perry Courthouse in Columbia.
All charges in the indictment are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to More Than 30 Years for Drug and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that Kenyada Jaqu, 45, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison after a three-day trial in October 2020 where a jury found him guilty of drug- and firearm-related crimes. Jaqu’s trial was the first criminal trial in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evidence presented by the Government during the trial established that on March 11, 2019, Jaqu was a passenger in a car stopped by a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the deputy located several suspected controlled substances. Later that day, law enforcement searched a hotel room and a residence associated with Jaqu, where they found two firearms, additional suspected controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia. Additional investigation revealed that Jaqu’s drug trafficking activities stretched back at least as far as March, 2015. Federal law prohibits Jaqu from possessing firearms due to prior state felony convictions for attempted strong armed robbery, distribution of heroin, and possession of heroin.
The jury ultimately found Jaqu guilty of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
United States District Judge Michelle Childs, who presided over the trial, sentenced Jaqu to 388 months in federal prison, to be followed by an eight-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, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.
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