District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
SCANA Agrees to Settle Fraud Charges Stemming from Failed Nuclear Power Plant ExpansionRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that SCANA Corp. and its subsidiary SCE&G have agreed to settle the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit charging them with defrauding investors by making false and misleading statements about the nuclear plant expansion that was ultimately abandoned. The proposed settlement, which remains subject to court approval, would require SCANA to pay a $25 million penalty and require SCANA and SCE&G to pay $112.5 million in disgorgement plus prejudgment interest.
“Shareholders were deceived by SCANA and robbed of millions upon millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I am hopeful that, along with the criminal charges brought forward by our office, this multimillion dollar civil fine and penalty shows that no person or organization is above the law.”
The SEC’s complaint filed in February 2020 alleged that SCANA, SCE&G, and two former senior executives misled investors by claiming that a project to build two nuclear units would qualify the company for more than $1 billion in tax credits when they knew the project was far behind schedule and therefore unlikely to qualify for the tax credits. The complaint alleged that the false statements and omissions boosted SCANA’s stock price and enabled it to raise rates on customers and sell more than $1 billion in bonds. In mid-2017, SCANA announced it was scrapping the project and, according to the complaint, investors lost hundreds of millions of dollars when the truth was revealed.
“The securities laws require public companies and their senior executives to speak truthfully in their statements to investors,” said Justin Jeffries, Associate Director of the SEC’s Atlanta Regional Office. “This settlement holds SCANA and SCE&G accountable for their alleged fraud and reinforces that companies must not deceive investors.”
The SEC’s complaint, filed in federal court in South Carolina, charged SCANA, SCE&G, SCANA’s former CEO Kevin Marsh and former executive vice president Stephen Byrne with violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. The complaint charged SCANA, SCE&G and Marsh with reporting violations. Without admitting or denying the allegations, SCANA and SCE&G agreed to a permanent injunction and to pay $112.5 million in disgorgement plus prejudgment interest, which will be deemed satisfied by SCANA and SCE&G’s settlement payments and related rate payer and shareholder litigation. SCANA also agreed to pay a $25 million penalty. The litigation against Marsh and Byrne is still ongoing.
The case was handled in the District of South Carolina by Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Warren and James Leventis, while Justin Jeffries, Graham Loomis, Natalie Brunson, H.B. Robson, and John O’Halloran of the Atlanta Regional Office handled the litigation for the SEC.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
26 Charged with Federal Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Charges in Myrtle Beach, Conway, FlorenceRead the Press Release
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a joint team of more than 85 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 18 individuals who have been charged in federal court for their roles in an interstate drug trafficking organization that operated out of Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Florence, South Carolina. Three other defendants were already in custody on related charges. Five additional defendants remain at large.
These arrests mark the first in Operation New Optix, the latest iteration in a series of joint federal/local investigations targeting drugs and violent crime in Myrtle Beach and the greater Pee Dee region. This multi-year operation specifically targeted members of this drug trafficking organization based on their interstate importation of large quantities of cocaine and cocaine base (commonly referred to as “crack cocaine”) into South Carolina, and their use of firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes.
“As this office has made clear time and again, violent criminals will find no safe harbor in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “More than 80 federal, state, and local agents stepped into harm’s way this morning. This type of selflessness and cooperation is why we have been successful in charging hundreds of individuals for major drug trafficking crimes or serious firearms offenses in the last several months alone. These types of operations specifically target entire criminal organizations, which in turn allow us to protect communities in the Pee Dee region and across South Carolina.”
“Citizens in Myrtle Beach, Conway and Florence are safer when violent cocaine traffickers can no longer peddle poison in their communities,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “While the charges in this case speak for themselves, dangerous drug trafficking organizations using firearms to protect their operations needlessly endanger the public. DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting communities from violent drug traffickers.”
“The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has a long and proud history of working with state, local and federal partners to keep illegal narcotics off of our streets and we will continue to support those efforts,” said Florence County Sheriff Billy Barnes. “We are pleased to have been a part of this most successful operation.”
“I want to thank our officers and our law enforcement partners for their hard work,” said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. “Here in Myrtle Beach, the local, state and federal partners are committed to keeping our community safe. This case demonstrates that commitment and the strength of the partnerships we have as a law enforcement community.”
The following defendants are in custody:
- Shackeel Coleman, 29, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
- Kimo Felton, 41, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
- Harry Bellamy, 41, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 28 grams of cocaine base, and a quantity of marijuana. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
- Steven Jeffcoat, 30, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 28 grams of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
- Lenard Hemingway, 53, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Yenitza Coleman, 27, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Jasamine Mitchell, 32, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Timothy McCray, 31, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment
- Henry Boyd, 39, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Timothy Lee, 27, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Jacqueline Strickland, 59, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Venson Strickland, 29, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- James Graham, 30, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Alonzo Lee Pierce, 37, of Galivants Ferry is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Gary Jackson, 30, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Alton Brown, 41, of Florence is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Joshua Darby, 32, of Murrells Inlet is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Travis Rogers, 40, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Kevin Linnen, 33, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Mario Williams, 41, of Florence is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Robert Hooker, 40, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
The following defendants are still at large:
- Bradley Adams, 26, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Brandon Prawl, 35, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
- Quentin Smith, 29, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. He is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime which carries a potential penalty of 5 years consecutive to any other penalty imposed.
- Curtis McArthur, 35, of Longs is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Ernest Smalls Jr, 38, of Little River is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
This operation builds on years of successful efforts to target violent crime in the area. In 2017, Operation Silver Sunset targeted 29 associates of the Billy Bloods street gang, a subset of the United Blood Nation. In 2018, Operation Rise and Shine targeted 33 associates of G-Shine/SMG, another subset of the Bloods. Earlier in 2020, Operation Broken Branch targeted 31 members of a drug trafficking organization in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County. Today’s arrests mark the latest, but not the last, investigation targeting violent crime in this area.
During the course of this investigation, agents interdicted multiple kilograms of cocaine before it was distributed. Agents also seized additional drugs and firearms in connection with today’s arrests.
Agents of the Florence Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led this investigation with significant participation from the following agencies: Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, North Myrtle Beach Police Department, Florence County Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations Group, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Conway Police Department, and Horry County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case in coordination with the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Operation New Optix is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Join Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Officers for a Press Conference Tomorrow, December 1, in Myrtle Beach at 2:30 p.m.Read the Press Release
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, December, 1, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., at the Myrtle Beach Emergency Operations Center / Myrtle Beach Fire Station 4 at 1170 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach SC 29577
Represented at the press conference will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina; Myrtle Beach Police Department; North Myrtle Beach Police Department; Horry County Police Department; and Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
WHEN: Tomorrow, December 1, in Myrtle Beach, 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Myrtle Beach Emergency Operations/Myrtle Beach Fire Station 4
1170 Howard Avenue
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
NOTE: Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Derek A. Shoemake, 843-813-0982. Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather outside the Myrtle Beach Police Department Annex at 2 p.m., 30 minutes in advance.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Marcus Dwayne Grissett, 37, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute and distributing heroin.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 28, 2019, officers from the Myrtle Beach Police Department Street Crimes Unit used a confidential informant to make a controlled drug purchase from Grissett. After being provided with police funds to make the purchase, the informant traveled to a parking lot and waited for Grissett’s arrival. After a short phone conversation with the informant, Grissett arrived and entered the informant’s vehicle. The informant then exchanged police funds for a tan powdery substance in a plastic bag and a tan powdery substance in 60 individually packaged wax slips, all of which were later confirmed by a chemist to contain heroin.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Grissett to 144 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department Street Crimes 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 of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Columbia Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Trent Jerrod Daniels, 33, of Columbia, was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 8, 2018, deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department were conducting surveillance on Abbott Road after receiving information about drug dealing in the area. Deputies observed what they believed to be drug deals between an individual in a vehicle and others in the roadway. Thereafter, deputies attempted a traffic stop on the driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Daniels. A high-speed chase ensued, and officers saw Daniels throwing a bag out of the car window. Ultimately, the vehicle was stopped on Shop Road and South Beltline Boulevard. Deputies recovered the bag and found inside a loaded Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun, marijuana, and digital scales. A small quantity of crack cocaine was found in the vehicle, and counterfeit money was found in Daniels’ pocket. Daniels admitted to distributing marijuana and crack cocaine earlier on Abbott Road and to throwing the bag containing the marijuana and loaded gun out of the car during the chase. Daniels also admitted to purchasing the firearm off the street as he knew he was prohibited from possessing one.
Daniels, who was on state parole at the time of the instant offense, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree (two separate counts), use of a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission, grand larceny (two separate counts), strong arm robbery, and distribution of crack cocaine.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Daniels to 130 months in federal prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
A ballistics analysis through National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) revealed that the Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun was linked to shell casings recovered at an unsolved December 2017 burglary in Richland County. NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin .
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the prosecution.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Columbia Man Sentenced to Nearly 22 Years in Federal Prison for his Role in Lexington Home InvasionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Brandon Thompson, 33, of Columbia, was sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on the early morning hours of December 30, 2017, deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call referencing a home invasion on Maple View Drive. Upon approaching the residence, deputies noticed the door open, entered the home, and found two armed men, Brandon Thompson and his co-defendant Quintrell Morris. After detaining both Thompson and Morris, deputies located a female, who had been tied up, and her children, one of whom had called 911. The female advised that they had forced her to open a safe and give them the money from it. Deputies seized a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun from Thompson and a loaded Bushmaster AR-15 .223 caliber assault rifle from Morris. A ballistic vest was also seized from Thompson’s vehicle, which was located nearby. The investigation revealed that Thompson and Morris went to this home in an effort to rob the homeowners of proceeds from various businesses they operated.
Thompson was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for armed robbery, assault with intent to kill, and carjacking. At the time of the federal offense, Thompson had just been released from state prison nine months earlier after serving a 14-year sentence.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Thompson to 262 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Co-defendant Morris previously plead guilty to his role and was sentenced to 272 months imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). 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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the prosecution.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Columbia Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Theft of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Joshua Aaron Spencer, 34, of Columbia, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee.
Evidence presented to the court showed that during the early morning hours of August 18, 2018, Spencer broke into Decker Jewelry and Pawn on Decker Boulevard in Columbia and stole 16 firearms. Evidence recovered at the scene, including DNA evidence, implicated Spencer in the crime. Three of the stolen firearms have since been recovered, one in Washington, D.C., and the other two in Richland County.
Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, Spencer faced a guidelines range of 46 to 57 months imprisonment. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Spencer to 48 months in federal prison to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, and $9,600 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the prosecution.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Jointly Prosecuted Case Across North and South Carolina Results in Man’s Conviction for Abusive Sexual Contact Aboard an AirplaneRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- A federal jury sitting in Asheville, North Carolina, has convicted Siva K. Durbesula, 28, of India, of abusive sexual contact aboard an airplane, in a jointly prosecuted case that began in the District of South Carolina and culminated in the Western District of North Carolina, announced Peter M. McCoy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, and R. Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Every person deserves to feel safe when they travel, and that someone would violate that safety through sexual assault is reprehensible. Those who engage in this type of behavior will be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I applaud the courage of the witnesses in the case to step forward. I also appreciate the great work by U.S. Attorney Murray and his team to ensure the defendant’s conviction.”
According to filed court documents, witness testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Durbesula was a passenger aboard Spirit Airlines Flight NK843 from Chicago O’Hare to Myrtle Beach International Airport on June 23, 2019, when he sexually assaulted the 22-year-old woman seated next to him. Specifically, the victim testified that Durbesula repeatedly pulled her toward him and rubbed her breast. After the flight crew separated Durbesula from his victim, he asked to return to his former seat so he could speak to her again. Witnesses to the events aboard the airplane included the lead flight attendant and an unaccompanied minor sitting next to the victim.
The jury also heard from a previous victim of Durbesula. She testified that on March 21, 2019, aboard a subway train in New York City, Durbesula sat immediately next to her although there were empty seats throughout the train car. The previous victim, who was pregnant at the time, testified that shortly after he sat down, Durbesula began groping her breast. She was able to record cell phone video of Durbesula exiting the train after the assault, which was admitted at trial.
The case was a particularly challenging logistical feat, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally indicted in the District of South Carolina, the case was transferred to the Western District of North Carolina for trial after Durbesula agreed that the plane travelled over North Carolina and venue was appropriate in that state. Witnesses in the case came from North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, and Arkansas to testify.
Durbesula is currently in custody. At sentencing, the charge carries a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison, and Durbesula faces deportation.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorneys McCoy and Murray thanked the Horry County Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their work in investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina in Asheville, and Derek A. Shoemake, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina in Florence, are prosecuting the case. Victim-Witness Coordinators Lynne Crout, with the Western District of North Carolina, and Clarissa Whaley, with the District of South Carolina, provided assistance for the two victims and witnesses across six states.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal Inmate Charged with Plotting to Hire Hitman to Kill Informant and then Kill ProsecutorRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate Richard Gilbert in connection with a murder-for-hire plot. According to the indictment, Gilbert, who was serving time at a federal prison in Edgefield for trafficking methamphetamine in Bowling Green, Kentucky, sought to hire a hitman to kill the federal prosecutor and a key witness from his Kentucky case.
The charges stem from an undercover operation during which Gilbert, from a contraband cell phone in prison, communicated with an undercover task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who was posing as a hitman. According to the indictment, following multiple recorded phone calls, Gilbert sent the undercover officer a $2,000 check from his prison canteen account as a down payment for the retaliatory murder-for-hire. Masking the true purpose of this payment, Gilbert attempted to mislead BOP officials by misrepresenting the payment as being for an “investment firm.”
“Those who seek violent retribution on law enforcement and individuals who assist law enforcement will held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Violence is a plague on our society that can only be cured with the faithful commitment of dedicated law enforcement officers and prosecutors. We must remember that they put their lives on the line every day to ensure the laws of our society are applied.”
Gilbert is charged with murder-for-hire, retaliation against an informant, and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gilbert drew maps of where he believed the witness from Kentucky lived and provided direction to the undercover officer, posing as the hitman, on how to avoid detection by nearby surveillance cameras. The Indictment further alleged that Gilbert, who owns several pieces of real property in Kentucky, planned to use the income from two of his rental properties to facilitate the attempted murder-for-hire and retaliation plot—and additionally had plans to use the value of his ownership stake in other land to pay for the murder of the federal prosecutor from Kentucky.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the BOP Special Operations Response Team and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May, Justin Holloway, and Will Jordan.
The United States Attorney stated all charges in this case are merely accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with the Town of Irmo, South Carolina, to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination Against Homeowner with DisabilityRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department announced today that the Town of Irmo, South Carolina, has agreed to pay $25,000 to a homeowner with a disability as part of a settlement agreement resolving the government’s Fair Housing Act (FHA) lawsuit.
The department’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina in November 2018, alleged that the town violated the FHA by refusing to allow the Irmo homeowner to build a carport adjacent to her home to accommodate her physical disability. According to the complaint, the homeowner, after falling and suffering injuries on several occasions outside her home, applied for a zoning variance in 2016 to build a carport to protect her driveway and mobility ramp in inclement weather and prevent future falls; the town summarily denied the variance. The homeowner filed a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which conducted an investigation and referred the matter to the Justice Department.
“The homeowner in this case requested a simple, straightforward, and reasonable accommodation: to build a carport adjacent to her own single-family home so she would be protected from the elements and could safely enter and exit her home. She should not have been forced to wait three years for this accommodation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement is a reminder that the Justice Department is committed to working tirelessly to enforce the Fair Housing Act and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The department’s lawsuit should also serve as a warning that federal law protects the right of persons with disabilities to be secure in their homes and that the Justice Department will do whatever is necessary to protect that right.”
“This office will take action to protect those with disabilities,” said Peter M. McCoy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “This settlement not only compensates an individual who was initially prevented from making reasonable accommodations for her disability, but it helps ensure that those in similar situations are protected in the future.”
“Today’s settlement is a victory for persons with disabilities, who often need basic modifications to their living space in order to fully utilize and enjoy the place they call home,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD will continue to work with the Justice Department to take appropriate action when a municipality’s housing practices violate the law.”
After the department filed the lawsuit, the town adopted an ordinance allowing persons with disabilities to request reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services to afford them an equal opportunity to use or enjoy their home. More than a year later, the town finally granted the homeowner’s reasonable accommodation request and allowed her to build a carport so she could live safely in her home. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the town is prohibited from engaging in future disability discrimination or interfering with the homeowner’s use of her carport, and town officials must participate in fair-housing training and report to the department any denial of a request for a reasonable accommodation.
The federal FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Conway Woman Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison after Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Amy Marie Mishoe, 33, of Conway, was sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on April 11, 2018, the Horry County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) executed a state search warrant at Mishoe’s house in Conway. During the search, DEU found firearms, ammunition, and 132 tablets of Oxycodone.
On March 26, 2019, Loris Police Department responded to a store in Loris in reference to a possible overdose of an individual. The individual’s girlfriend told the officers she and her boyfriend went to a woman’s house, who the individual later identified as Mishoe, to get the individual’s prescribed medication that had been picked up. However, Mishoe would not give the individual his medication because he owed Mishoe money. Instead, Mishoe gave the individual three small blue pills for $30.00. The individual took one of the pills and thereafter had to be transported to the Loris Emergency Department for treatment. The Loris Police Department retrieved one of the three pills the individual had purchased from Mishoe, and an analysis by the Horry County Police Department Drug Laboratory confirmed the pill contained Fentanyl.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Mishoe to 138 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, DEU, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), Loris Police Department, and Horry County 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 of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Myrtle Beach Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing 39 Balloons of Heroin with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Mary Denham, 61, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute Heroin.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on January 15 to January 16, 2019, the Myrtle Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at Denham’s residence in Myrtle Beach. During the search, officers found 39 individual balloons of Heroin.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Denham to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Hummel and Justin Holloway prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces More than $4.5 million to Combat Violent Crime in the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today more than $4.5 million in Department of Justice grants to fight and prevent violent crime in the District of South Carolina. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), are part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”
“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”
“Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in communities throughout South Carolina and continue this office’s mission to keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Our efforts in combatting and reducing violent crime are only possible because of the great work of our state and local partners. These funds provide assistance to these team members so we can continue our critical work.”
Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.
OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
The following organizations in South Carolina received funding:
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division: $2,271,078
- City of Spartanburg: $1,000,000
- City of Myrtle Beach: $700,000
- Commission on Prosecution Coordination: $340,000
- Horry County Government: $265,258
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former Manning Police Chief Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Stealing Nearly $80,000 in Seized CashRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gary Blair Shaffer, former Chief of the City of Manning Police Department, was sentenced to a year in federal prison for stealing nearly $80,000 in seized cash in 2015.
“Those who are sworn to uphold the law must lead by example. The Defendant here dishonored his oath, violated the public’s trust, and deserved his federal prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “As this case shows, no one is above the law. This office will not allow those who are supposed to protect our community to take advantage of the people of South Carolina.”
Evidence presented to the court showed that, as Chief of Police, Shaffer had unfettered access to the Manning Police Department’s facilities and evidence rooms. On September 12, 2015, following a traffic stop in which drugs and nearly $80,000 in cash were seized, the drugs and money were placed in the Manning Police Department Evidence Room. Beginning a week later, Shaffer began making large cash deposits, ranging between $500 and $5,000, in a series of separate transactions. Between September 19, 2015, and November 10, 2015, Shaffer deposited $78,514 in cash into his personal banking account. All of this money was stolen from the evidence room.
After a tip was reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shaffer was contacted by law enforcement officers and falsely denied stealing the money. He deceived officials a second time, before ultimately being charged with, and pleading guilty to, theft of government funds and making a false statement to law enforcement.
United States District Judge Bruce Hendricks sentenced Shaffer to one year and a day in federal prison, to be followed by a one-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by Special Agent Aaron Hawkins of the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Brook Andrews prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Traffickers, One from South Carolina, Charged with Buying and Selling a 19-Year-Old "Sex Slave"Read the Press Release
The men who bought and sold a 19-year-old woman as a “sex slave” have been charged with human trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Following an intensive investigation, Alfonso Orozco Juarez, 35, and Robert Hubert, 66, were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Mr. Juarez was arrested at his home in Dallas and made his initial appearance in court in Dallas on Wednesday; Mr. Hubert was arrested at his home in Roebuck, SC, and made his initial appearance in court in Greenville, SC last week.
“This victim endured horrific abuse at the hands of these defendants. It’s unthinkable and frankly, difficult to learn that this type of thing is happening in our District,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “I am grateful that our North Texas Human Trafficking Task Force was able to act swiftly and aggressively. The Northern District of Texas and its partners in the District of New Mexico are committed to ending the scourge of human trafficking, one brutal case at a time.”
“Anyone that is involved in human trafficking activities – either as a member of a transnational criminal organization, a business owner exploiting his/her employees, or a street level pimp – should be viewed as a vicious predator. These despicable people who enrich themselves by exploiting the innocent have no place amongst law-abiding citizens and HSI will always combat it with every resource at our disposal. We will continue to collaborate with any law enforcement agency at any level of government in our shared efforts to bring human traffickers to justice,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Dallas.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed yesterday afternoon, Mr. Juarez contacted the Santa Fe-based victim via a dating app in 2019. In September 2019, they met in person inside a Dallas motel room, where Mr. Juarez pistol whipped the victim, bruising her hand and jaw. He later gave her a “slave name” and threatened to kill her and her family if she did not consent to being sold for sex. At one point, Mr. Juarez pointed an unloaded gun at her head and pulled the trigger.
After repeatedly selling the victim for commercial sex, Mr. Juarez advertised her as a “slave” on a fetishism website, where he offered to sell her to the highest bidder. Mr. Hubert, screen name “The Darkest Lord,” offered $5,000.
In text messages with Mr. Hubert, Mr. Juarez referred to the victim as “the property” and bragged that she “submitted fully” after he “pistol whip[ped]” her.
“She’s totally dependent on me,” he wrote.
“SWEET,” Mr. Hubert responded. “I will take the slave.”
The men met up at a gas station in Dallas, where Mr. Hubert put the victim in his car to drive her to his home in South Carolina. After Mr. Hubert clamped a metal collar around her neck, threatened to brand her, and provided her with a list of “fetishes he likes,” the victim texted Mr. Juarez, pleading for help:
“I’m afraid if I don’t do something, he’s going to hurt me,” she said.
“Endure what you have to,” he responded. “He’ll punish you whip you . . . but not kill you.”
When they reached Mr. Hubert’s residence — where there was a room he described as a “dungeon”—Mr. Hubert required the victim to remove her clothes and “be naked all the time.” Terrified, the victim persuaded Mr. Hubert to let her call her parents.
The victim’s father begged Mr. Hubert to let his daughter go, but Mr. Hubert informed him that he had purchased the victim for $5,000 and demanded $5,000 back in exchange for her safe return. He even sent the victim’s father a “contract,” signed by both Mr. Juarez and Mr. Hubert, as proof of the “sale.” Eventually, Mr. Hubert relented, and the victim was able to escape by bus.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Juarez and Mr. Hubert are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, both face up to life in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations and the North Texas Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation with substantial support from the Crime Strategies Unit with the 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office in Albuquerque, NM. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Briggs and Rebekah Ricketts of the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia Simms of the District of New Mexico.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Drug Ring Leader Darnell “Bam Bam” Seagers Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Darnell Seagers, also known as “Bam Bam,” 30, of Charleston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of multiple counts of being a felon in possession of firearms, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
“With this lengthy sentence, a violent criminal is off the streets, a drug trafficking organization has been hobbled, and the local community is safer,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “The Defendant’s conduct here was especially egregious. He continued his violence well after his arrest by using bribery, threats, and violence to try and derail his case. He was thwarted in these efforts and ultimately convicted thanks to the steadfast work of our federal, state, and local partners.”
“The successful results of this investigation highlight not only the criminal acts violent offenders like Darnell Seagers are willing to commit in furtherance of their drug trafficking organizations, but the relentless commitment of law enforcement to ensure these bad actors are brought to justice,” said Vincent C. Pallozzi, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) Charlotte Field Division. “ATF values its partnership with the Charleston Police Department and will continue to work vigorously with all of our law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of South Carolina.”
“We will continue the all-important work of strategic partnering with our law enforcement partners to better serve the citizens of Charleston,” said Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds. “Cooperation must be the focal point of our effort and cooperative investigation resources must be pooled in more and more cases. Through combined efforts, such as this, career criminals that prey upon our citizens are removed from society making our city safer.”
Evidence presented at the trial showed that Seagers was the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating out of multiple apartments in the Gadsden Green public housing facility in downtown Charleston. Over the course of six months beginning in May of 2018, agents from ATF and officers from the Charleston Police Department used a confidential informant to make and record drug transactions with Seagers and other members of the drug trafficking organization.
During this time, Seagers was arrested on an outstanding warrant for armed robbery by the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force. When deputy marshals arrested Seagers at his wife’s home in Goose Creek, they discovered a loaded stolen handgun and thousands of dollars of cash. Evidence presented at trial showed that shortly after obtaining a bond from the state court on the armed robbery charge, Seagers went right back to selling drugs in Gadsden Green.
In October of 2018, ATF and the Charleston Police Department concluded their investigation and took down the drug trafficking organization. Agents and officers accompanied by a Charleston Police Department SWAT team arrested Seagers and executed a search warrant on the apartment where he was dealing drugs. Law enforcement officers discovered four firearms, a large quantity of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, and pills containing methamphetamine. Four other members of the drug trafficking organization were also arrested and have plead guilty to various federal drug charges.
In the months leading up to his trial, Seagers attempted to interfere with the Government’s case in several ways. Evidence presented to the Court showed that Seagers attempted to bribe one of the Government’s key witnesses not to appear at trial, and Seagers threatened a member of the witness’s family. Additional testimony also showed that Seagers offered to pay a fellow inmate who was scheduled to be released on bond to kill a witness and a codefendant in the case. Despite these efforts, Seagers was convicted on all counts.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Seagers to 240 months in federal prison each, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF, Charleston Police Department, and United States Marshals. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Schoen and Charlie Bourne of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Communities Asked to Participate in State’s 19th Annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence This WeekRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) is asking community members, parents, and educators of South Carolina students to participate in South Carolina’s 19th Annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence. The year’s Pledge runs from October 26 through October 30.
In light of the current COVID pandemic preventing the USAO from providing speakers to engage in dialogues with students about the need for them to stand up against violence in their schools, the USAO is asking parents, community members, and schools to have a dialogue with children to make sure they know the steps to keep themselves and others safe. Sample pledges are attached to provide talking points for this dialogue depending upon the age of the child. With a focus on keeping schools and communities safe, students in middle school and high school are asked to pledge that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes. Elementary school children are asked to pledge that if they see a gun they will not touch it, they will tell a teacher or a trusted adult, and they will assume that any gun they see might be loaded.
The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national program that recognizes the role young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. The program provides a means for beginning the conversation with young people about gun violence and encourages important conversation among students about gun safety and respectful ways to resolve disputes. For additional information concerning the pledge and other resources, visit the national Student Pledge website at www.pledge.org.
Additionally, parents are reminded that many local law enforcement agencies have access to free gunlocks available to community members. These are provided to law enforcement, upon their request, by Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program whose purpose is to promote safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearms owners through the distribution of key safety education messages and free gun locking devices. For additional resources and information concerning gun safety, please visit https://projectchildsafe.org
This effort is part of 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. More information about PSN is available at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Two Men Sentenced to 15 Years Combined in Federal Court for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Davion Marques Toney, 28, of Cheraw, and Antonio Terrell Anderson, 28, of Lamar, were sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Toney was sentenced to 10 years, and Anderson was sentenced to five years.
Evidence presented to the court established that for at least the past three years Toney and Anderson were involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties. On six separate occasions in 2018 and 2019, Toney sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working for law enforcement. These controlled purchases took place in Cheraw and Hartsville. On August 7, 2019, an investigator with the Hartsville Police Department was informed that Anderson, for whom there were active arrest warrants, was in a car in the parking lot of a Hartsville restaurant. After the investigator found Anderson in the front passenger seat and detained him, the female driver of the car informed the investigator that she had in her possession methamphetamine which Anderson had just given to her to hide. She then turned over the methamphetamine to the investigator, after which Anderson admitted that the methamphetamine belonged to him. There were also a significant number of cooperating witnesses who were prepared to testify that during the course of the conspiracy, both Toney and Anderson sold them methamphetamine.
United States Chief District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Toney to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. Chief Judge Harwell sentenced Anderson to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a four-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), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hartsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Marion Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Court for Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kevin Delane Davis, 46, of Marion, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
Evidence presented to the court established that from 2017 to 2019, Davis was involved in a conspiracy to distribute crack in Marion County. On three separate occasions in 2019, Davis sold crack to a confidential informant working for law enforcement. These controlled purchases took place in Marion. Also, on June 25, 2019, agents executed a search warrant at Davis’s residence in Marion during which they recovered more crack, cash, and digital scales used to weigh drugs.
United States Chief District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Davis to 72 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Marion County Combined Drug Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Columbia Man Convicted of Drug and Firearms Crimes in First Federal Criminal Jury Trial Since PandemicRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kenyada Jaqu, 45, of Columbia, was convicted following a jury trial in federal court for possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. This was the first criminal trial in the District of South Carolina since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This office has not rested in its efforts to protect the people of South Carolina, to uphold the rule of law, and to vigorously prosecute lifelong criminals like Mr. Jaqu. This work will not stop.” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I commend our team’s success, which would not have been possible without the diligent work of the DEA and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.”
“The successful results of this investigation should let career criminals like Mr. Jaqu know that those who flood our streets with dangerous drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, will ultimately be brought to justice,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “DEA remains committed to removing dangerous drug dealers who make a living poisoning our communities.”
“This guy has been a thorn in our side for years,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “He had just been released from state prison on drug charges, when he was arrested by us — again. So, I’m glad that this joint operation has led to charges that will keep him off our streets for a long time.”
Evidence presented by the Government during the three-day 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 arm robbery, distribution of heroin, and possession of heroin.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs presided over the trial and will sentence Jaqu after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office. Jaqu faces at least fifteen years in federal prison. During the trial, the court took additional safety measures in light of the pandemic. Large, plexiglass shields separated the jurors, the movement of attorneys about the courtroom was limited, and attorneys and witnesses wore masks unless they were speaking.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Peavy of the Columbia office and Katherine Flynn of the Florence office are prosecuting the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces More than $250,000 in Department of Justice Grants to Support Gun Prosecutors in the Myrtle Beach AreaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. today announced $265,258 in Department of Justice funding to hire special prosecutors to try federal firearms cases originating in the Myrtle Beach area. The award supports violence reduction efforts as part of Operation Legend and other Department-led initiatives in cities across the country.
“Keeping its citizens safe is the primary responsibility of government,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Cities plagued by violent crime need the resources to tackle it, and these grant awards will help do that. On the enforcement side, Real Time Crime Centers will make policing more efficient and targeted; and on the prosecution side, Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys will help bring more federal firearms cases to justice.”
Attorney General Barr announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is making up to $5.3 million available in grants to support Operation Legend sites nationwide. More than $1.3 million will fund special prosecutors who have been cross-designated to try federal firearms cases originating in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, these and other Legend cities will be eligible for grant funding to support Real Time Crime Centers. These centers are a considerable financial investment for any law enforcement agency. The funding being made available to each Legend city can assist police departments in purchasing critical equipment and paying for the overtime to keep these centers staffed around the clock.
“We are pleased to support the outstanding work being undertaken through Operation Legend to reduce violent crime by focusing on cases involving illegal firearms,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to make these resources available to support the brave crime-fighters who work so hard to deter violence and keep our communities safe.”
“These funds will be crucial to our efforts to target firearms-related crimes in Myrtle Beach and throughout Horry County, and will help us keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Specifically, this grant will support the hiring of full-time local prosecutors who will be empowered to try firearms cases in federal court here in South Carolina. This is vital for this office, as we are a leading district in cases where defendants charged with firearms-related offenses receive sentences of at least five years or more.”
Prosecuting gun crimes is central to the Justice Department’s strategy under Operation Legend and other violence reduction initiatives led by the Department. These efforts follow a sustained, systematic and coordinated approach to gun violence in which federal law enforcement agencies work closely with state and local officials to fight violent crime. Funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
The Department of Justice launched Operation Legend in July, following the murder of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept in his Kansas City home. The initiative was subsequently expanded from Kansas City to Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Since the summer launch, officials in Operation Legend sites have made more than 5,500 arrests, including approximately 276 for homicide, and seized more than 2,000 firearms. Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses. More than 600 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
DEA Announces 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, at locations across South Carolina. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. Here in South Carolina, collection site locations include the following:
- Greenville Memorial Hospital, at 701 Grove Road in Greenville, sponsored by the Greenville Health System Police Department;
- Florence County Sheriff’s Office, at 6719 Friendfield Road in Effingham;
- Walgreens in Conway, at 1601 Church Street, sponsored by the Conway Police Department;
- Grand Strand Medical Center, at 809 82nd Parkway in Myrtle Beach, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Police Department;
- City of Columbia Police Department, at 1 Justice Square in Columbia;
- Richland County Sheriff’s Department, at 5623 Two Notch Road in Columbia;
- CVS in Lexington, at 5608 Sunset Boulevard, sponsored by the Lexington Police Department;
- Clyburn Center in Aiken, at 1000 Clyburn Place, sponsored by the Aiken Department of Public Safety;
- Tidewater Pharmacy in Mt. Pleasant, at 421 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department; and
- Charleston’s Lowcountry Senior Center, at 865 Riverland Drive in Charleston, sponsored by the Charleston Police Department.
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”
“Even in the midst of the pandemic, DEA’s nineteenth take-back event will allow Americans to safely and properly dispose of their unwanted/unused prescription medications,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. DEA will work hand-in-hand with a number of law enforcement, Tribal and community partners, all in effort to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse.”
South Carolinians participating in last year’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day turned in 11,124 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year.
DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
- Greenville Memorial Hospital, at 701 Grove Road in Greenville, sponsored by the Greenville Health System Police Department;
Two Charged in Federal Court for Personal Protective Equipment Theft from Federal Law Enforcement Training CenterRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Frank Smail, Jr., 49, of Round O, and Mike Pellegrini, 58, of North Charleston, were charged in a multi-count federal indictment alleging conspiracy to steal personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston. Smail was also charged with PPE theft, obstruction of justice, and lying to federal agents. According to the indictment, both Smail and Pellegrini worked for FLETC. The case was brought as part of the District of South Carolina’s Hoarding and Price Gouging (HPG) Task Force, and led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“It is tragic that, at a time when PPE is most needed and in short supply, someone would steal this vital equipment from those who train our front-line federal law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “This office will always stand up and protect our law enforcement partners. I appreciate the hard work of the FBI and our HPG Task Force, which worked tirelessly to investigate this case.”
"These charges reflect an alleged betrayal of colleagues and fellow citizens for selfish gain," said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Columbia. "The FBI and our partners within the HPG Task Force will not rest in our efforts to identify and hold accountable all those who seek to use this global pandemic to commit criminal acts."
“I thank U.S. Attorney McCoy for his diligence in bringing the charges forward. I am extremely disappointed in the allegations that individuals who are part of the FLETC community may have been involved in the theft of any item,” said FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters. “I am grateful that we discovered the items missing and that the FBI’s Task Force worked with FLETC’s Office of Professional Responsibility in the investigation.”
According to the indictment, FLETC – which provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals in more than 90 Federal agencies – had a student and instructor test positive for COVID-19 on March 20, 2020. Just three weeks later, the indictment alleges that Smail stole a large amount of FLETC’s PPE supply after he and Pellegrini developed a plan to do so. According to the indictment, the large number of boxes stolen would have required a vehicle to transport and numerous trips to load the boxes. The indictment further alleges that Smail lied to Federal investigators and obstructed the Federal investigation into the PPE theft.
Pellegrini and Smail face up to five years for the conspiracy charge, and Smail faces up to 10 years for the PPE theft charge, up to 20 years for the obstruction charge, and up to five years for the charge of lying to Federal investigators.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and FLETC’s Office of Professional Responsibility as part of the District of South Carolina’s HPG Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johanna Valenzuela and Derek A. Shoemake.
U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force to investigate and prosecute illegal activity involving protective personal equipment. The Secretary of Health and Human Services issued a notice designating categories of health and medical supplies that must not be hoarded or sold for exorbitant prices.
Anyone wishing to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding, or price-gouging can do so by contacting the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline via phone: (866) 720-5721, or e-mail: [email protected].
U.S. Attorney McCoy stated that all charges in this case are merely allegations at this stage and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Appoints Election Officers for the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) John Potterfield and Robert Sneed will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election.
AUSAs Potterfield and Sneed have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of South Carolina and in that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. stated that AUSAs/DEOs Potterfield and Sneed will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: for AUSA Potterfield, (803) 929-3092 or (803) 569-7238; and for AUSA Sneed, (864) 282-2100 or (803) 331-2678.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (803) 551-4200.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
"Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
California University to Pay $225,000 for Allegedly Violating Ban on Incentive CompensationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – San Diego Christian College (SDCC), based in Santee, California, will pay $225,000 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act for submitting false claims to the U.S. Department of Education in violation of the federal ban on incentive-based compensation, the Justice Department announced today.
Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) prohibits any institution of higher education that receives federal student aid from compensating student recruiters with a commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based on the recruiters’ success in securing student enrollment. The incentive compensation ban protects students against admissions and recruitment practices that serve the financial interests of the recruiter rather than the educational needs of the student.
“Higher education enrollment decisions should put students first,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Offering recruiters financial incentives to enroll students undermines students’ ability to make educational decisions in their own best interests.”
“Colleges should be places for students to learn and grow, not places to be taken advantage of by recruiters watching out for the own financial interests,” said U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. for the District of South Carolina. “This office will continue its efforts to protect students against illegal recruiting practices.”
“Today’s settlement is a result of the hard work and effort of the Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice to protect and maintain the integrity of the Federal student aid programs,” said Neil Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southern Regional Office. “We will continue to work together to ensure that Federal student aid funds are used as required by law. America’s taxpayers and students deserve nothing less.”
The settlement, which was based on SDCC’s ability to pay, resolves allegations that between 2014 and 2016, SDCC hired Joined, Inc., a California-based student recruiting company, to recruit students to SDCC. The United States contended that SDCC compensated Joined with a share of the tuition that SDCC received from the enrollment of recruited students, in violation of the prohibition on incentive compensation.
The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Maurice Shoe, the co-owner of Joined. The Act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive $33,750.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch. Investigative assistance was provided by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Shoe v. San Diego Christian College, No. 6:16-cv-01570 (D.S.C.).
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces More Than $2.5 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today awards of more than $2.5 million in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in the District of South Carolina. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and are part of more than $341 million going to communities nationwide.
“The addiction crisis has taken an enormous toll on America’s families and communities, eroding public health, threatening public safety and claiming tens of thousands of lives year after year,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Through comprehensive measures taken by this administration, we have been able to curtail the opioid epidemic, but new and powerful drugs are presenting exceptional challenges that we must be prepared to meet. The Justice Department’s substantial investments in enforcement, response, and treatment will help us overcome these challenges and work towards freeing Americans from abuse and addiction.”
Illegal drugs and illicit drug use have claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 Americans since the turn of the century. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl are exacting an enormous toll on families and communities, and an emergence in the use of methamphetamines and other psychostimulants is drawing drug traffickers and driving up overdose rates. Three years ago, President Trump declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this national tragedy. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.
“If we hope to defeat an enemy as powerful, persistent and adaptable as illicit drugs, we must be at least as determined and versatile, focusing our ingenuity and resources on curbing abuse and fighting addiction,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will enable criminal justice officials and substance abuse, mental health and other medical professionals to pool their assets and bring the full weight of our public safety and treatment systems down on this epidemic that has already caused so much harm.”
“As the perils of addiction ravage through the country, the citizens of South Carolina have been hit hard,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “While this office continues to vigorously prosecute those who traffic these addictive substances, it is critical to address other factors surrounding the addiction crisis in South Carolina. These funds do that by providing resources for drug courts, veteran treatment programs, site-based addiction programs, and residential substance abuse treatment.”
Funding is made available through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
The following organizations received funding:
- Oconee County: $585,693
- Lancaster County: $590,757
- Colleton County: $483,599
- Richland County: $500,000
- South Carolina Department of Public Safety: $430,032
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Two Lowcountry Men Each Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Selling Heroin and Fentanyl that Killed One and Hospitalized AnotherRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gordon William Brock, III, 49, of Mount Pleasant, and Carlos Ravenel, 37, of North Charleston, were sentenced to 20 years each after pleading guilty to distribution of heroin and fentanyl causing death and serious bodily injury.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on November 20, 2018, Brock distributed heroin and fentanyl to the victim in the Snee Farm area. The victim and a friend shared the drugs, which ultimately hospitalized the friend and killed the victim.
"Pushing drugs that seriously harm others is reprehensible, and this office will continue to deal swiftly and severely with these criminals,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I particularly appreciate the work of our federal, state, and local partners. Together, we are doing everything in our power to disrupt and dismantle the flow of deadly opioids into South Carolina.”
“In this case, the death of one victim and the hospitalization of another, strikes at the core of this country’s opioid epidemic,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “DEA’s commitment to combat the opioid epidemic is unwavering and the defendants in this case will spend well-deserved time in prison.”
“The North Charleston Police Department is committed to confronting the opioid crisis through prevention, education, intervention, and enforcement,” said Scott Deckard, Deputy Chief of the North Charleston Police Department. “The successful prosecution and sentence in this opioid death case is a result of the inter-agency cooperation necessary to hold the individuals, who are dealing in illegal drugs, responsible for their actions.”
Text messages showed that Brock had used the drugs himself prior to the sale, and the drugs made him extremely ill. Brock had been enraged that his dealer distributed him “garbage” drugs, and Brock attempted to get his money back from the dealer for the drugs. Brock explained that if he couldn’t get his money back, he would “unload” the bad drugs. Evidence also showed that Brock believed the substance could be fentanyl due to his own prior experience overdosing on fentanyl.
Further investigation, including data recovered from cell phones, revealed that Ravenel - a heroin dealer in North Charleston - had been the source of supply for the fentanyl and heroin mix. Evidence showed that Ravenel had been distributing heroin since at least 2015.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Ravenel and Brock to 240 months in federal prison each, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Gergel also required each defendant to pay restitution to the victim’s family for the victim’s funeral.
The case was investigated by the DEA Task Force, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the North Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
According to the CDC, 67,367 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2018, and opioids were involved in 69.5% of those deaths. Fentanyl can be 50 times more potent than heroin, significantly increasing the risk for overdose, and a person who obtains drugs illegally may not know that a substance contains fentanyl. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance misuse, you can find treatment options in your area at http://www.daodas.sc.gov/treatment/local-providers/.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces Nearly $500,000 in Carry-Over Grant Funds to Lancaster County School District to Address School ViolenceRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. today announced a $495,323 Department of Justice carry-over grant to the Lancaster County School District to address violence occurring at our nation’s schools. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $87 million to bolster school security, support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident, and conduct research on school safety.
STOP School Violence, a program of OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, improves school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to and help prevent acts of violence. In addition to STOP School Violence Act funding, OJP’s National Institute of Justice is investing in research on school violence.
“Only by removing the threat of violence from our schools can we expect our kids to reap the full benefits of their education, and only after making our places of learning safe can we ask our teachers to instruct and inspire as they are trained to do,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Department of Justice is committed to securing our schools from danger and giving our kids the support they need to learn, grow and thrive.”
“This office is committed to stopping school violence,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These funds go a long way to those ends, and I look forward to seeing these grant programs grow across South Carolina.”
The carry-over funds awarded to the Lancaster County School District specifically provides funds to develop and implement threat assessment and intervention teams, and to operate technology solutions such as anonymous reporting systems for threats of school violence, including mobile telephone applications, hotlines, and websites.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Loris Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Nakeem Supreme Jenerette, 20, of Loris, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on September 25, 2019, officers from the Horry County Police Department responded to a call for service in reference to shots fired in Loris. When officers arrived, they saw a car leaving at a high rate of speed. Officers attempted to initiate an investigative traffic stop of the car, but the car would not stop. Instead, the car led officers on a high-speed chase, disregarding several stop signs. The car chase ended in Longs, where both the driver and passenger exited the car while it was still moving and ran on foot. Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody a short time later.
An officer located the passenger, Nakeem Jenerette, in the woods laying on the ground next to an American tactical .223 caliber firearm with a loaded 30-round magazine clip. The firearm was wrapped in a T-shirt, which contained 10 expended .223 rounds. A search of Jenerette revealed a clear plastic Ziploc bag containing multiple bags of what was later confirmed by laboratory analysis to be cocaine and cocaine base (commonly known as “crack” cocaine).
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr. sentenced Jenerette to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-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 Horry County 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 of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Conway Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gabriel Santos-Canales, 37, of Conway, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute the substances.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on October 31, 2019, the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) located Santos-Canales at a hotel in Conway. Upon leaving the hotel, Santos-Canales was arrested on outstanding warrants. DEU agents secured a search warrant for a room in the hotel, which was registered to Santos-Canales. A search of the room revealed 24.55 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 24.97 grams of methamphetamine, and several thousand dollars in cash.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Santos-Canales to 46 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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fifteenth Circuit DEU.
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 of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces More Than $2 Million to Advance Forensic Science in the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., today announced more than $2 million in Department of Justice grants to the District of South Carolina to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“Our state and local partners are critical in advancing our mission to keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These grants allow those partners to further their great work in forensic science, which in turn protects communities across the state.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received funding:
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED);
- South Carolina Department of Public Safety;
- Clemson University;
- Richland County;
- York County;
- Beaufort County; and
- Greenville County.
A complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding is available here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Four Charged with Stealing from Housing Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that four defendants were charged in three separate indictments with fraud and misrepresenting occupancy in order to steal thousands of dollars in federal assistance. This assistance, taken from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) multi-billion dollar component Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), was provided to South Carolina’s housing finance agency to help unemployed or underemployed homeowners stay in their homes. The indictments allege that each defendant took the assistance but did not live in his or her home.
“When individuals wrongfully take from programs designed to provide assistance to others, they are stealing from those who need help the most,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Our office will not allow this type of conduct to go unpunished, especially in light of the pressing economic circumstances facing so many across South Carolina.”
“These defendants are charged with stealing from, and defrauding, a Federal government program that brings long term economic stability to help people stay in their homes, knowing that they did not qualify for the program,” said Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General (SIG) for TARP. “We commend the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina for standing with SIGTARP to combat rescue fraud.”
The following defendants have been indicted related to their alleged theft of TARP funds:
- Marvette Thompson Easterling, 53, of Gaffney, was indicted for bank fraud, pursuant, theft of government funds in excess of $1,000, and false statement on a loan application. The property at issue is in Gaffney, SC.
- Joshua David Armato, 36, of Blarisville, GA, was indicted for bank fraud, pursuant and theft of government funds in excess of $1,000. The property at issue is in Simpsonville, SC.
- Laura Beth Armato, 35, also of Blarisville, GA, was indicted for bank fraud, pursuant and theft of government funds in excess of $1,000. The property at issue is in Simpsonville, SC.
- Keylon Wright, 39, of Greenville, was indicted for bank fraud, pursuant, theft of government funds in excess of $1,000, and false statement on a loan application. The property at issue is in Mauldin, SC.
Each defendant faces a maximum fine of $1 million, and a maximum sentence of 30 years for bank fraud, their most serious charge.
SC HELP was a federally funded mortgage payment assistance program that provided eligible homeowners with temporary mortgage assistance so that they could avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. The SC HELP program was part of a broader effort by the federal government to stabilize the nation’s housing market where states with the most distressed markets received federal funds to develop locally tailored foreclosure prevention solutions.
According to the allegations, all defendants received thousands in SC HELP homeowner relief funds, including mortgage payment assistance. Defendants Easterling and Wright allegedly also received direct loan payment assistance funds.
This cases are being investigated by SIGTARP, and are being prosecuted Assistant United States Attorney Winston Marosek of the Greenville office. SIGTARP was created as an independent law enforcement agency to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse related to the TARP bailout. To date, SIGTARP investigations have resulted in the recovery of over $11.2 billion, 389 criminal convictions and 305 defendants sentenced to prison.
U.S. Attorney McCoy stated that all charges in this case are merely allegations at this stage and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
To report a suspected crime related to TARP, call SIGTARP’s Crime Tip Hotline: 1-877-SIG-2009 (1-877-744-2009). To receive alerts about reports, audits, media releases, and other SIGTARP news, sign up at www.SIGTARP.gov/pages/press.aspx.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
- Marvette Thompson Easterling, 53, of Gaffney, was indicted for bank fraud, pursuant, theft of government funds in excess of $1,000, and false statement on a loan application. The property at issue is in Gaffney, SC.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in Fiscal Year 2020Read the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced that 183 of those cases have been brought in the District of South Carolina, and have targeted the most violent offenders in the state. Of the nearly 100 judicial districts across the country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina is among the top ten offices for the number of defendants who received sentences of five years or more for firearms-related charges.
These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Working hand-in-hand with our state and local partners, this office identifies, investigates, and prosecutes those who use firearms to commit crime,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, this office has made extraordinary strides in bringing cases against the most violent offenders and those with lengthy rap sheets. This approach has allowed this office, and the ATF here in South Carolina, to lead the way in quality firearms-related prosecutions.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged across the country, 183 cases have been brought by the District of South Carolina in Fiscal Year 2020, announced U.S. Attorney McCoy. The charges led to the seizure of hundreds of firearms. Further, more than 50% of the defendants charged with firearms-related offenses in the District of South Carolina received sentences of at least five years or more, putting the office among the top U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country. These lengthy sentences highlight the office’s focus on the worst offenders with the most serious prior records. Such sentences also show the significant, long-term impact each case can have on the safety of affected communities.
Operation Soda City illustrates the efforts here in the District of South Carolina. The operation was a violent-crime proactive effort led by ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbia, in partnership with numerous state and local agencies. Agents with Operation Soda City cultivated data to prioritize violent crime targets associated with shots fired reports and shell casings collected in Columbia. For three months in 2020, undercover ATF agents purchased guns and drugs that led to charges against at least 24 defendants and the removal 49 firearms from the streets. Of the 49 recovered firearms, 18 were stolen and five were associated with prior crimes.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories, including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on standard ATF forms used to lawfully purchase a firearm is also a federal offense, as is unlicensed dealing in firearms and possession of certain types of illegal weapons. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces More Than $1.3 Million to Improve Public Safety, Serve Crime Victims in Tribal Communities in District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., today announced more than $1.3 million in Department of Justice grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime and support youth programs in tribal communities in the District of South Carolina.
“American Indian and Alaska Native communities experience rates of violent crime and domestic abuse that are among the highest in the nation,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The awards announced today underscore the Department of Justice’s deep commitment to improving public safety in tribal communities throughout the United States. This administration will continue to work closely with our tribal partners to guarantee that they have the resources they need to combat violence and bring criminals to justice.”
“All those within the District of South Carolina deserve to be safe in their communities,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These awards will go directly to the tribal communities within South Carolina to provide critical resources to this end. Further, this office remains at the ready to assist these communities as needed.”
A total of more than $103 million is being awarded to tribes across the country under the Justice Department’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation. CTAS supports activities that enhance law enforcement and tribal justice practices, expand victim services and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts. CTAS grants are administered by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs ($41.5 million), Office on Violence Against Women ($39.1 million) and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services ($22.5 million).
An additional $113 million is being awarded to 133 applicants nationwide under the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program. This program, managed by OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime, is designed to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims of crime and promote other public safety initiatives.
“Public safety officials and victim service providers in Indian country face exceptional challenges, but they bring to their work an extraordinary array of skills and resources that enable them to meet and overcome any obstacle,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to help fulfill Attorney General Barr's strong commitment – and the federal government's long-standing responsibility – to our tribal partners in the matter of their citizens' safety and wellbeing.”
In addition to the CTAS and Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside awards, the Office on Violence Against Women is making additional tribal awards of more than $31 million to support a wide range of efforts to address the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.
“OVW’s funding supports Native American and Alaska Native communities as they work across their communities to prevent and respond to gender based violence,” said OVW Principal Deputy Director Laura L. Rogers. “These awards represent the strong commitment that OVW has made to help protect the most vulnerable members of tribal communities.”
Additional awards to support tribal public safety efforts are being made by OJP and the COPS Office. These grants will provide community policing training and other training and technical assistance. Awards will also address the needs of tribal youth, fund tribal reentry efforts, help tribes combat substance abuse and manage sex offenders, and support tribal research. In addition, funds support efforts in 17 tribal communities to address the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
“Ensuring our nation’s tribal communities have the resources they need is paramount for the COPS Office and the Department of Justice,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “These awards are a critical component to the overall public safety strategy for tribal law enforcement and the COPS Office is honored to provide vital resources to hire more sworn officer positions, advance tribal training and procure equipment needed to keep communities safe.”
The following organizations in the District of South Carolina received funding:
- Catawba Indian Nation: $898,003.00
- Catawba Indian Nation Tribal Youth Program: $416,030
A full listing of all the announced CTAS awards is available here. A full listing of all Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program awards is available here.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McCoy Announces $33 Million to Assist Victims in the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today announced more than $33 million in Department of Justice grants to assist victims in the District of South Carolina. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of almost 1.8 billion distributed to state victim assistance and compensation programs to fund thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and to provide millions in compensation to victims of crime.
The Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, flagship formula grant program is supported by the Crime Victims Fund (the Fund), which was established under The Victims of Crime Act. The Fund supports a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. In FY 2019 alone, VOCA grants served over seven million victims and paid more than $399 million in compensation claims.
“Advocates, service providers, and law enforcement agencies from around the country stand ready to help crime victims exercise their legal rights and reclaim their lives,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “These new funding resources continue this administration’s unprecedented commitment to providing the support necessary for victims of crimes to be able to heal and recover.”
The awards made to organizations in the District of South Carolina will support local victim service programs, including children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, human trafficking and elder abuse programs, civil legal services, crime victims’ rights enforcement, as well as victim assistance positions in prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement departments.
“It is a top priority of this office to take care of victims,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These funds help ensure that those who provide direct support to crime victims are able to continue their critical work. Although we can never undo what has happened to victims of criminal activity, we can work with our partners to provide services and compensation for victims to rebuild, refocus, and recover.”
State victim compensation programs will receive over $133 million to supplement the state funds that offset victims’ financial burdens resulting from crime. This compensation is often extremely vital to victims who face enormous financial setbacks from medical fees, lost income, dependent care, funeral expenses and other costs.
“The services made available by this funding represent a lifeline for tens of thousands of survivors each month, many of whom otherwise would have no place to turn in a moment of profound crisis,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “These awards will help service providers, as well as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices respond to the many emotional and material challenges that crime victims in our country face every day.”
The Fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders and does not include tax dollars. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. Additional information about FY 2020 grant awards made by OVC can be found online at the OVC Awards Listing webpage.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
More Than 40 Facing Federal Charges for Bilking Federal Health Care Programs Out of Millions Across South Carolina and Georgia in Operation Rubber StampRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Peter M. McCoy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, and Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced today that more than 40 people are facing federal charges for their roles in expansive health care fraud schemes across South Carolina and Georgia resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent billings. The charges mark the third in a nationwide series of telemedicine fraud prosecutions, which began through investigative efforts out of the District of South Carolina.
The District of South Carolina and the Southern District of Georgia have been on the vanguard of combating health care fraud across the country and globe. Playing instrumental roles in three nationwide operations, Operation Brace Yourself, Double Helix, and now Rubber Stamp, the Districts have obtained convictions of the owners of international telemarketing firms; owners of genetic testing centers; owners of pharmacies; owners of medical supply businesses; CEOs of marketing companies; compliance officers; doctors; and nurses. Working cooperatively with other federal districts and the Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force, cases have been brought in over 20 Districts across the country, resulting in over 175 individuals being charged and or convicted, with over a billion dollars in restitution. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services/Center for Program Integrity separately took the largest number of adverse administrative actions resulting from a single administrative health care fraud investigative initiative in history in revoking the Medicare billing privileges of over 250 additional medical professionals for their involvement in telemedicine schemes.
In the District of South Carolina, in the last week five individuals were charged in a telemedicine-based health care fraud and kickback conspiracy, involving more than $100 million dollars in fraudulent billings in South Carolina. The individuals were all medical providers - four doctors and one nurse - who signed prescriptions over a web-based platform, often times without meeting or speaking with the patients. Additionally, charges were filed against eight individuals and one corporation related to a health care fraud and kick back conspiracy that used offshore call centers and fraudulent telemedicine to bill hundreds of millions of dollars for durable medical equipment that was not medically necessary. These charges are in addition to the dozens of individuals previously charged.
In the Southern District of Georgia, four individuals were charged in the last week for telemedicine-based fraud and kickback schemes, adding to the 26 defendants charged previously. The four new defendants, three of whom were medical professionals, were alleged to have participated in this telemedicine-based scheme, which now collectively totals in excess of $1.4 billion in fraudulent claims for defendants charged in the Southern District of Georgia alone. Among the recent defendants charged, a former compliance officer was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud for her role as part of a company that connected various parties through an online-based platform where patients’ health information would be uploaded, prescriptions would be signed electronically by medical professionals, and the package of health information with a signed prescription could then be sold to durable medical equipment companies for eventual billing to Medicare and other programs.
“Those who steal from federal health care programs are taking money from the pockets of taxpayers. This is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Along with our federal law enforcement partners and our colleagues in the Southern District of Georgia, we have worked tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who seek to harm the citizens of South Carolina and Georgia. We have also ensured that millions of dollars have been returned, or will be returned, to these essential health care programs.”
“This coordinated, deliberate and methodical series of investigations and prosecutions in the Southern District represents an ongoing, exhaustive team effort with our law enforcement partners to protect the taxpayers’ safety net programs from fraud and theft,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “The warning should now be abundantly clear: Unscrupulous providers will find themselves in hot water if they attempt to illegally enrich themselves from these programs.”
“Thousands of Americans have had their health jeopardized and personal information bartered, while these illegal enterprises have reaped our tax dollars,” said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Columbia, South Carolina. “The FBI, working with our federal partners, have stopped these criminal networks and we will remain dedicated to seeking out and dismantling others.”
“Fraudulent billing schemes cost every taxpayer and our health care system, and when it targets programs like Medicare that assist the elderly and poor, it potentially threatens their health care needs,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Atlanta. “Our partnerships within law enforcement are so important in uncovering such abuse by individuals driven by thoughtless greed, and we remain determined to expose it.”
“Telemedicine has become a valuable tool for delivering health services in this time of pandemic. However, bad actors are abusing these tools to commit health care fraud,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta region for the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “When marketing and so-called telehealth services are misused, alleged violators can expect aggressive investigation and swift prosecution.”
“Cases of this magnitude can only be tackled using a strategy that recognizes that the most effective way to fight these large criminal networks is by combining the strengths, resources, and expertise of our federal agencies,” said Glen M. Kessler, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service in Savannah, Georgia. “Our nation’s health care system cannot tolerate kickbacks to physicians and pharmacies while criminals line their pockets with taxpayer funded health care dollars.”
At its core, the federal filings allege that this criminal network targeted by these investigations involves individuals and companies that collect patient data and sell it to one or more durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, pharmacies, or labs. Patients were often lured into the scheme by an international telemarketing network. According to the filings, the co-conspirators’ promise of often inappropriate durable medical equipment, test results, and medication misled patients and delayed their chance to seek appropriate treatment for medical complaints. As part of these schemes, telemedicine executives allegedly paid doctors and nurse practitioners to order unnecessary durable medical equipment, genetic and other diagnostic testing, and pain medications, either without any patient interaction or with only a brief telephonic conversation with patients they had never met or seen. The filings allege that durable medical equipment companies, genetic testing laboratories, and pharmacies then purchased those orders in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and other government insurers.
The cases were investigated by agents from the FBI, HHS OIG, and Secret Service; specifically, Special Agents Neil Power, Su Kim, Ryan Schubert, Randy Dye, T.J. Smith, Dave Graupner, Karen Corbett, and Matt Britsch. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim May, Derek A. Shoemake, and Will Lewis with the District of South Carolina; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Clarkson and Jonathan Porter with the Southern District of Georgia; and Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Trial Attorney Catherine Wagner with the Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force.
The charges in these cases are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Lexington Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Harold James Jones, Jr., 49, of Lexington, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on December 2, 2016, law enforcement was notified of a Ford Explorer that was failing to stop for the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. A Trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol observed the vehicle and performed a traffic stop. As the Trooper approached the vehicle, driven by Jones, he could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The Trooper located approximately 52 grams of marijuana, along with a scale, sandwich baggies, a box of .38 caliber ammunition, and a handgun. Jones further admitted to selling marijuana.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Jones to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a four-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), South Carolina Highway Patrol, and the Lexington 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. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office handled the sentencing.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Diamond “Dime-Bag” Floyd Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Multiple Counts of Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Diamond Floyd, also known as “Dime-Bag”, 24, of Charleston, was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of drug trafficking and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Floyd was involved in trafficking marijuana in the Lowcountry since at least 2018. On June 27, 2019, agents and officers with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force and the Charleston Police Department searched Floyd’s home pursuant to a warrant. In her home, they located 800 grams of marijuana, over $34,000 in cash, a 9mm handgun, a .357 handgun, and a Micro Draco AK. Furthermore, on August 22, 2019, the Charleston Police Department responded to a complaint of a housing resident stating drug dealers had taken over the home. When officers arrived, Floyd jumped out of a second-story window. Officers located marijuana and two additional handguns at the residence and more marijuana on Floyd.
Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour sentenced Floyd to 138 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Charleston City 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 U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Columbia Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Ammunition Charge Stemming from “ShotSpotter” AlertRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Corey Kimani Sanders, 31, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that early Sunday morning on September 15, 2019, officers with the Columbia Police Department responded to a “ShotSpotter” alert of numerous shots fired on the Oakland Avenue. The technology known as “ShotSpotter” relies upon acoustic sensors to pinpoint where gunfire occurs. Information from the sensors is sent to officers of the Columbia Police Department and 9-1-1 dispatchers through real-time digital alerts.
Upon canvassing the area, officers recovered numerous shell casings from the roadway and learned that individuals in a car had fired shots into a home and Sanders had fired shots back at the car from inside the home. The individuals in the car were not identified or located. However, the investigation revealed that Sanders, a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, was in possession of two firearms, including a pistol with a 50-round drum magazine, as well as ammunition. Sanders, a former gang member, was out on separate state bonds for murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to traffic marijuana at the time of the incident. Sanders has prior separate state convictions for unlawful carrying of a weapon, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (where he shot a female in the leg), and assault with intent to kill (where he shot into a moving vehicle).
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Sanders to 46 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was 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), 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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Married Greenville Business Owners Sentenced to More than Seventeen Total Years, Ordered to Pay More than $2.5 Million in Restitution for Defrauding Home Buyers and SellersRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Dana Q. Roush, 40, and her husband Michael “Bubba” Roush, 56, both of Greenville, were sentenced to a total of seventeen years in federal prison and ordered to pay back more than $2.5 million after a jury found them guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and equity skimming. Mrs. Roush was sentenced to more than eleven years, while her husband was sentenced to six and a half years.
“These defendants here stole more than money. They robbed their victims of the American dream,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “For so many South Carolinians, times are tough right now. That these two defendants exploited that difficulty to line their own pockets is reprehensible, and this office will not tolerate it. I appreciate the jury’s verdict and the sentence handed down by the judge. I am especially thankful for the hard work form our federal partners in this case.”
“The fraud perpetrated by the defendants allowed them to steal millions of dollars from people who could not afford to lose any money,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jody Norris. “The victims were robbed of their life savings, their homes, and the futures they had planned. The Special Agents from the FBI and the investigators from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) who brought these defendants to justice, should be commended for their dedication and demonstration of our resolve to fully investigate these fraudulent schemes in South Carolina.”
“The core of our mission is to protect the Department of Housing and Urban Development from those that would seek to defraud its programs for the sole purpose of enriching themselves at the government’s expense," said Wyatt Achord, Special Agent in Charge, HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG). "We remain committed toward working with the U.S. Department of Justice to pursue any individual who attempts to defraud the government."
Evidence presented at trial showed that Dana and Bubba Roush owned and operated Kingdom Connected Investments, LLC (“KCI”). They marketed their company as a Christian organization and promised to create “win-win” situations for home sellers and buyers. They sought homeowners who often owed more on their home than the property was worth, and buyers who lacked good credit and thus could not obtain a conventional mortgage.
KCI promised to relieve the homeowner from the burdens of mortgage payments by “buying” the home and placing a new buyer in the home who would rent-to-own. KCI promised to make all the sellers’ mortgage payments. KCI misled sellers to believe that they would be immediately removed from the property’s title and that they were no longer responsible for the original loan.
KCI promised the buyers an easy road to homeownership. In exchange for the down payment (typically ten percent of the purchase price), the buyers were told that they were renting-to-own and building up equity. KCI further concealed from the buyers that a third party - the seller - had an existing mortgage on the property that KCI was responsible for paying.
Rather than using the down payments and rents received from the buyers to pay the sellers’ mortgage payments, Bubba and Dana Roush used the money for personal expenses and to expand their real estate business.
The sellers, many of whom believed they were off the title and note, received foreclosure notices. They learned that KCI, despite having a renter in the home, had stopped paying on the mortgage. Buyers often learned they had no real ownership interest when the home was purchased by a third-party at a foreclosure sale and the new owner started eviction proceedings.
Victims of the scheme suffered myriad injuries including loss of money, shattered dreams, and ruined credit. Special Agent Matt Jacobson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) testified that KCI received $2.6 million from buyers and only paid $1.4 million in mortgage payments. Approximately 130 properties were involved in the scam and Agent Jacobson testified that in only two instances did a buyer actually become a homeowner and a seller not face foreclosure and ruined credit.
United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Mrs. Roush to 136 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Cain sentenced Mr. Roush to 78 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Cain also ordered the defendants to pay $2,664,796.69 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the FBI and HUD OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Conits, both of the Greenville office, prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
Event: News conference to announce Operation Rubber Stamp and significant milestones in prosecution of telemedicine fraud in Georgia and South Carolina
Date/Time:Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, at 10:30 a.m.
Location: U.S. Attorney’s Office – Sixth Floor Conference Room
22 Barnard St., Cay Building
Savannah, GA 31401
Participants:
Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Georgia
Peter M. McCoy, U.S. Attorney, District of South Carolina
Will Clarke, Supervisory Special Agent, Savannah Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Glen M. Kessler, Resident Agent in Charge, Savannah Resident Office, U.S. Secret Service
J. Thomas Clarkson and Jonathan Porter, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Southern District of Georgia
Derek Shoemake and Jim May, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of South Carolina
Please note: All visitors must enter through the Third Floor security station for temperature check. Face masks are required for all visitors. Media should arrive at least 20 minutes early for escort and setup. Reply to [email protected] if you plan to attend, or call Public Affairs Officer Barry Paschal at 706-829-4253.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
10 Defendants Arrested on Federal Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Charges out of Chesterfield CountyRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that a joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 10 individuals who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine trafficking operations like this are a danger to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “In spite of the challenges faced during the pandemic, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners continue to diligently work together to make our communities safe by targeting drug trafficking operations. I commend the excellent work of all law enforcement who took part in this case. Our hard-working law enforcement partners make cases like this possible.”
“Investigations like these should remind criminals in Chesterfield County, and elsewhere, who flood the drug market with methamphetamine that DEA and its law enforcement partners will ultimately destroy their meth-trafficking activities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division.
“The sale of illicit drugs is a continuous problem in Chesterfield County,” said James Dixon, Chesterfield County Sheriff. “The arrest of these 10 defendants is a positive effort in diminishing drug dealing in Chesterfield County. I would like to thank all the listed agencies for their hours of work expended to arrest and prosecute these defendants.”
The following defendants have been arrested and arraigned on an indictment for charges related to their alleged roles in the drug conspiracy:
Michael Gary Pruitt, a/k/a “White Mike,” 30, of Kershaw, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment. He is also charged with two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, each of which carries a potential penalty of at least five years, consecutive to any other penalty imposed.
Brian Thomas Huey, 47, of Mount Croghan, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
Matthew Sidney McIntyre, 31, of Jefferson, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
Christopher Kent McClain, 49, of Jefferson, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
Christopher Jacob McClain, a/k/a “White Boy,” 29, of Pageland, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
Franklin Lee Laney, Jr., a/k/a “Pops,” 42, of Jefferson, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
Ridge Steven Oliver, a/k/a “Stevie,” 55, of Ruby, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
Jonathan Ray Gordon, a/k/a “Jon G,” 37, of Jefferson, is charged in the conspiracy with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment.
William Chester Miles, a/k/a “Bug,” 31, of Lancaster, is charged in the conspiracy with 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
Sheila Ann Hicks, 47, of Pageland, is charged in the conspiracy with 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Cheraw Police Department, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Hartsville Police Department, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Florence Police Department, and Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is 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 Lauren Hummel and Everett McMillian are prosecuting the case.
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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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former Federal Grand Juror Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Alicia Renee Coleman, 51, of Rock Hill, pleaded guilty in federal court to obstruction of justice.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in early June 2018, Coleman communicated secret federal grand jury information concerning an indictment and upcoming arrests in United States v. Hemphill, et al. Coleman learned the information in her capacity while serving as a federal grand juror and communicated the information to a family member in violation of a court order. Law enforcement quickly learned of the leak, which had made its way to targets of the investigation, and as a result changed the date of the upcoming takedown in the case. Coleman was relieved of her duties as a federal grand juror and after initially denying that she shared grand juror information outside the grand jury, admitted the same to federal agents.
The charge against Coleman was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
Coleman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years federal supervised release. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence her after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Seventeen Defendants Charged in Midlands-based Federal Drug Conspiracy after Multi-Year InvestigationRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that federal, state, and local law enforcement officers charged 17 individuals in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that operated out of the Midlands region of South Carolina.
The charges follow a more than two-year long investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement into a methamphetamine distribution ring in the Lexington area. The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 35 kilograms of methamphetamine, 116 firearms, and various quantities of heroin and fentanyl.
“The people of South Carolina deserve safe places to call home,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “When we work deliberatively with our federal, state, and local partners, we are able to dismantle entire drug-dealing organizations and make communities safer. These charges speak to those efforts.”
“Collaborative public safety efforts such as this investigation have an immediate and long-lasting impact on our communities,” said Vincent Pallozzi, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge. “The work we do in partnership with our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies has made significant and ongoing progress in creating safer neighborhoods.”
“This operation shows how local and federal agencies can work together to make communities safer,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. “In operations like these, deputies and agents teamed up to get sources of drugs and weapons off the street. We’re thankful for the relationships we have with our counterparts at the federal level. When we have a united front against crime that really makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
The following defendants have been charged in the criminal complaint for conduct related to their alleged roles in the drug trafficking organization:
Matthew Ward, 36, of Lexington;
Alecia Youngblood, 38, of Lexington;
Cynthia Rooks, 52, of Lexington;
Rebecca Martinez, 33, of Lexington;
Richard Ford, 62, of Lexington;
Amber Hoffman, 26, of Lexington;
Samuel Judy, 29, of Lexington;
Brian Bruce, 48, of West Columbia;
Montana Barefoot, 25, of Lexington;
John Johnson, 36, of Gaston;
Benjamin Singleton, 46, of Gaston;
Kayla Mattoni, 38, of Lexington;
Clifford Kyzer, 35, of Lexington;
Kelly Jordan, 34, of Williamston;
Kelly Still, 43, of Windsor;
Tiffanie Brooks, 36, of Columbia; and
Robert Figueroa, 43, of West Columbia.
The case began in July 2017 as an investigation by a number of agencies, including ATF, the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, into methamphetamine trafficking and the illegal sale of firearms. According to the criminal complaint, the investigation identified Youngblood, Ward, and others as key methamphetamine suppliers for major distributors in the Lexington area. Further, the investigation ultimately identified Ward as a leader of the drug trafficking organization, which would move drugs across state lines and which also participated in the unlicensed dealing of firearms. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers used controlled purchases, confidential informants, and other means to identify, arrest, and charge the other alleged members of the drug trafficking organization.
The case was investigated by the ATF, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and South Carolina Department of Corrections.
This case is 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit is prosecuting the case, alongside Trial Attorney Lisa Man with the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandi Hinton and Justin Holloway of the Greenville office.
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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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
dsc_press_release_drugconsp.pdfSeven Charged in Connection with a $2.1 Million Money Laundering Scheme that Involved Money from the Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
Seven individuals were charged in an indictment in the District of South Carolina with laundering over $750,000 of fraudulently obtained funds, including over $390,000 obtained from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The seven individuals used a variety of methods to launder the money, including laundering the money through a casino. The indictment also identifies over $2.1 million in funds from twelve different bank accounts allegedly associated with the fraud scheme as subject to forfeiture which agents seized.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy Jr. of the District of South Carolina; Special Agent in Charge Jody Norris of the FBI’s Columbia Field Office; Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kupperbusch of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG) Eastern Region made the announcement.
Lauren Marcel Duhart, 34 of Stonecrest, Georgia, Joshua Bernard Smith, 39 of McDonough, Georgia, Steve Ronald Lewis, 43 of Snellville, Georgia, Christopher J. Agard, 41 of Marietta, Georgia, Henry Duffield, 58 of Belton, South Carolina, Jeremy Brandon Latourneau, 43 of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Derick Keane, 43 of Spartanburg, South Carolina, were charged in an indictment filed in the District of South Carolina with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Duhart, Smith, and Agard were arrested this morning and appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McDonald of the District of South Carolina.
In May 2020, Agard submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for his business, Wild Stylz Entertainment, LLC, to a financial institution. In support of the application, Agard submitted fraudulent supporting documents that made numerous false and misleading statements about Wild Stylz’s number of employees and payroll expenses. The financial institution approved and funded a loan of over $395,000. Agard disseminated the fraudulently obtained funds to other members of the conspiracy to conceal the true nature of their fraudulently obtained funds. On May 27, 2020, Agard made $200,000 counter withdrawal at a bank branch. On May 28, 2020, Agard withdrew $50,000 in cash and made a $96,000 counter withdrawal. In June 2020, Duhart, Smith, and Lewis requested that Hunt provide Duhart, Smith, and Lewis with bank accounts in which to deposit fraudulently obtained PPP funds. Hunt had previously participated in drug trafficking and financial fraud with two South Carolina business owners. The two South Carolina business owners agreed to let Lewis use their business bank accounts in return for a percentage of the fraudulent funds deposited in their account. Hunt provided the two South Carolina business owner’s banking information and additional account access information to Lewis. During multiple recorded calls in early June 2020 Duhart, Lewis, Smith, and Hunt discussed the bank and wire fraud conspiracies. In one call, Lewis informed Hunt that the scheme involved fraudulent bank applications and that they needed to submit as many applications to the bank as possible by June 30th.
The indictment alleges that Agard also utilized his business, Wild Stylz, to launder the proceeds of other fraud schemes. In October of 2019, Lewis recruited Duffield to participate in a fraud scheme. As part of the scheme, Duffield allowed Agard to transfer $378,000 of fraud proceeds from the Wild Stylz business account to be deposited into Duffield’s business account in return for a portion of the proceeds. After the proceeds were deposited, Roosevelt Hunt (who has pled guilty to related charges), Latourneau, and Keane withdrew the funds from Duffield’s account by depositing checks totaling $200,000 at a casino. After gambling for less than two hours, Hunt, Keane, and Latourneau cashed out from the casino and left with approximately $198,750 in cash. Lewis met with Hunt to retrieve the cash which had been withdrawn from Duffield’s account. Lewis delivered a portion of the cash he picked up from Hunt to Duhart.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, and the SBA OIG. Trial Attorney Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sloan P. Ellis and Brandi B. Hinton of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.
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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Seven Charged in Connection with over $750,000 Money Laundering Scheme Involving Funds from Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that seven individuals were charged in an indictment with laundering over $750,000 of fraudulently obtained funds, including over $390,000 from a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The defendants used a variety of methods to launder the money, including laundering the money through a casino. The indictment also identifies over $2.1 million in funds which agents seized from twelve different bank accounts allegedly associated with the overall fraud scheme. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the indictment marks the 50th PPP-fraud case to date across the country.
The case started as an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that targeted high-level heroin and methamphetamine traffickers located in Greenville. That initial investigation has also resulted in the indictment and arrest of eight other individuals on various drug trafficking and fraud-related charges.
“Criminals seek to take advantage of dire situations, and it is our job to stand in their way,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I want to commend the federal agencies involved for their excellent work. In these unprecedented times, the Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline for businesses across the United States, and by extension the millions of Americans whose very livelihoods depend on these businesses. This office, in concert with our partners in law enforcement, will remain vigilant in its mission to protect our citizens, and we will prosecute those who seek to manipulate this essential program.”
"Taxpayer funds from the Paycheck Protection Program were supposed to keep businesses open and provide money for workers during these difficult times," said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). "These subjects allegedly schemed and stole money meant for our fellow citizens in need. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek out and arrest others who commit these despicable COVID related crimes."
“Hitting drug traffickers in their pockets is a crucial part of dismantling high-level drug distribution networks,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Their money is their life-line and without it, their drug distribution activities could not survive. DEA and its law enforcement partners remain committed to making our communities safe.”
“During this unprecedented time in our nation, criminals are seeking opportunities to profit from programs meant to provide financial assistance to many Americans who have been impacted by this pandemic,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Postal Inspectors will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to aggressively identify and pursue those individuals that siphon funds illegally for their own personal gain. We are actively investigating to combat this fraud and hope this serves as an example to anyone plotting a similar scam.”
The indictment charges the following individuals with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering:
- Lauren Marcel Duhart, 34, of Stonecrest, Georgia;
- Joshua Bernard Smith, 39, of McDonough, Georgia;
- Steve Ronald Lewis, 43, of Snellville, Georgia;
- Christopher J. Agard, 41, of Marietta, Georgia;
- Henry Duffield, 58, of Belton, South Carolina;
- Jeremy Brandon Latourneau, 43, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and
- Derick Keane, 43, of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
During the course of the initial OCDETF investigation, agents learned that some of the drug trafficking targets were also engaged in wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment unsealed today, Agard utilized his business, Wild Stylz Entertainment, LLC, to launder the proceeds of fraud schemes. As part of the scheme, Duffield, who was recruited by Lewis, allowed Agard to transfer $378,000 of fraud proceeds unrelated to PPP loans from the Wild Stylz business account to be deposited into Duffield’s business account. In return, Duffield received a portion of the proceeds. After the proceeds were deposited, Roosevelt Hunt (who has pleaded guilty to related charges), Latourneau, and Keane withdrew the funds from Duffield’s account by converting $200,000 in business checks to chips at a casino. After gambling for less than two hours, Hunt, Keane, and Latourneau cashed out from the casino and left with approximately $198,750 in cash.
According to the documents filed with the court, in May 2020, Agard submitted a fraudulent Wild Stylz PPP loan application, along with fraudulent supporting documents that made numerous false and misleading statements about Wild Stylz’s number of employees and payroll expenses. Agard received a loan of more than $395,000 and disseminated the fraudulently obtained funds to other members of the conspiracy through various means. During multiple recorded calls in early June 2020, Duhart, Lewis, Smith, and Hunt discussed the bank and wire fraud conspiracies. In one call, Lewis informed Hunt that the scheme involved fraudulent bank applications and that they needed to submit as many applications to the bank as possible by June 30th.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
This case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Small Business Association Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sloan P. Ellis and Brandi B. Hinton of the District of South Carolina, along with Trial Attorney Siji Moore of the DOJ Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are prosecuting the case.
The charges in these cases are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone with information about potential attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud 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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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Six Facing Federal Charges for Crimes Committed During Protests Throughout South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that six people are facing federal charges for participating in actions including arson, inciting riots, and other civil disorder in Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, on May 30 and 31, 2020.
Following George Floyd’s death in Minnesota on May 25, 2020, protestors in Columbia and Charleston joined to peacefully demonstrate against racism and the use of excessive force by law enforcement. While the large majority of participants exercised their First Amendment rights in a lawful manner, others engaged in violent criminal acts and threatened public safety, including assaulting citizens and law enforcement officers and vandalizing and destroying public and private property.
“On May 30, 2020, violent agitators disrupted and distracted from peaceful protests in Columbia and Charleston and committed violent acts against citizens and law enforcement officers, vandalizing businesses and destroying public property,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “This is unacceptable and crosses a line, and this office will always stand up for law and order. We worked diligently with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute the individuals whose violence, vandalism, and destruction violated federal law. By escalating and inciting violence, these individuals interfered with the legitimate forms of expression and Constitutionally protected activity.”
“The FBI remains committed to safeguarding the Constitutional rights of our citizens, including the right to peacefully protest,” said Jody Norris, FBI Special Agent in Charge. “We are equally committed to investigating individuals who are inciting violence and engaged in other criminal activity. We support our state, local and federal partners in maintaining the safety of the communities we serve.”
“Over the last several months, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), has maintained a strong and productive relationship with our law enforcement partners, and shared the goal of quickly identifying and apprehending those that promoted violence and criminal acts during periods of peaceful protests,” said Vincent Pallozzi, ATF Special Agent in Charge. “We’ve successfully worked hand-in-hand to share resources, build cases, and bring to justice a number of violent individuals who posed a serious threat to our communities and businesses.”
In the last week, federal law enforcement authorities in the District of South Carolina have charged six individuals for crimes committed during demonstrations throughout South Carolina, including arson, inciting a riot, and civil disorders. Some of those defendants have agreed to plead guilty to the charged crimes. According to public documents filed with the federal district court, the following defendants have recently been charged with, or agreed to plead guilty to, the following federal crimes:
- Abraham Jenkins, 26, of Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to civil disorders related to the violence and destruction on May 30, 2020.
- Kelsey Jackson, 28, of Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to arson of a Charleston Police Department patrol car on May 30, 2020.
- Tearra Guthrie, 23, of Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to civil disorders related to the violence and destruction on May 30, 2020.
- Orlando King, 31, of North Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to a violation of the Anti-Riot Act related to the violence and destruction on May 30, 2020, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm stemming from an unrelated incident on April 25, 2020.
- Karlos Gibson-Brown, 24, of Columbia, has agreed to plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition for a riot-related incident on May 31, 2020.
- Marcello Woods, 28, of Columbia, has been charged with destroying a Columbia Police Department vehicle by means of fire for riot-related conduct on May 30, 2020.
Woods was arraigned in federal court Thursday, while court dates for the remaining defendants have not been scheduled. Several of the charges carry significant maximum prison sentences. For example, arson is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Civil disorder and inciting a riot both carry a maximum possible penalty of five years imprisonment.
These cases are being investigated by the FBI, ATF, Charleston Police Department, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Numerous other local police departments and Solicitors’ Offices across the state have assisted in these investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina continues to evaluate other cases for potential federal prosecution.
The charges in these cases are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
kelsey_jackson_cpd_footage.pdf- Abraham Jenkins, 26, of Charleston, has agreed to plead guilty to civil disorders related to the violence and destruction on May 30, 2020.
Columbia Man Sentenced to More than Three Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Person Adjudicated Mental DefectiveRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Javares Montel Watkins, 19, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.
Evidence presented in court established that on May 2, 2019, law enforcement officers became aware that Watkins was live streaming on Instagram what appeared to the possession of a firearm and narcotics. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Columbia Police Department responded to conduct surveillance. When ATF observed Watkins travelling on foot, they identified themselves and directed Watkins to stop. He responded, “No, last time you put me in jail,” and fled on foot. K-9 units tracked Watkins to a nearby residence, where he barricaded himself for approximately 50 minutes. After Watkins ended the barricade, a search of Watkins’ residence revealed a Tippmann Arms M4-22 .22LR caliber rifle, and a forensic extraction of Watkins’ phone revealed he was in possession of that rifle on numerous occasions in April 2019.
Watkins had previously been found guilty of Assault and Battery of a High an Aggravated Nature in an incident in which he shot a juvenile in the leg. He had also been involved in other violent criminal conduct and firearm-related criminal conduct, including unlawful firearm possessions, pointing and presenting a firearm while threatening a victim, and armed robberies. Evidence presented in court also indicated that he had nine outstanding state charges and that he was a validated gang member. The Court also found that from 2017 through 2019, Watkins had been in possession of seven different firearms, two of which were stolen, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Watkins had also attempted to influence a witness.
Federal law prohibits Watkins from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon a prior order that Watkins be involuntarily committed to an institution. In 2019, however, Watson was found competent in the state and federal systems, including in the instant case.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Watkins to 41 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the 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), 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 Elliot B. Daniels of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Two Defendants Charged with Murder in Federal Court for Alleged Roles in Death of Postal Employee, Face Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges with Third DefendantRead the Press Release
Kingstree, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Trevor Raekwon Seward, 22, and Jerome Terrell Davis, 28, both of Andrews, have been charged in a six-count federal indictment for their alleged roles in the September 23, 2019, murder of postal employee Irene Pressley, 64, along her mail route in rural Williamsburg County. A third defendant, Ricky Jesus Barajas, 28, of Santa Rosa, California, was charged alongside Seward and Davis for a drug conspiracy, and Barajas and Davis were charged for use of a communication facility to commit a drug offense on the date of the murder.
“First and foremost, my heart goes out to Ms. Pressley’s family for their profound loss. She was an exceptional woman who spent a lifetime in service of her community,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “This indictment alleges one of the most serious crimes in the criminal justice system: murder. It marks the result of exhaustive efforts by our federal, state, and local partners to investigate every facet of this case, and to do right by Ms. Pressley and her family. This office will continue to rely on these partnerships and use every tool at our disposal to aggressively prosecute violent crimes against the citizens of South Carolina.”
“One of the top priorities of the United States Postal Inspection Service is to protect postal employees, and when one of our postal family members is attacked, we do not rest until the perpetrator is caught,” said Tommy D. Coke, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “This investigation demonstrated the strength of multiple communities; through Inspection Service personnel from across the country who joined together with our local law enforcement partners to deliver justice, from the local community which showed resiliency amidst tragedy, and from the postal family who continued to proudly serve the community despite the terrible loss of one of their own.”
Pressley, who was found dead in her vehicle near her mail route in Andrews the afternoon of September 23, had worked with the Postal Service for more than two decades. The federal charges come after an extensive joint federal, state, and local investigation involving more than 70 law enforcement officers.
Seward and Davis were initially arrested in the weeks following September 23 on state charges related to Pressley’s murder. According to documents filed with the state court upon their arrest, just after 3 p.m., Seward and Davis allegedly shot Pressley multiple times with a semi-automatic weapon in an attempt to steal a package containing marijuana. Additionally, numerous shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting and forensic laboratory results from the United States Postal Inspection Service indicated at least one fingerprint on a mail parcel that connected Seward to the murder.
Yesterday’s federal indictment charges Seward and Davis with a number of crimes related to the murder and a drug conspiracy during the time of the murder:
- Seward and Davis are charged with killing Pressley “with premeditation and malice aforethought” while she was engaged in her official duties as a mail carrier;
- Seward and Davis are charged with obstructing the delivery of United States mail by means of actual or threatened force;
- Seward is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and causing the murder of Pressley by shooting her;
- Seward and Davis, along with Barajas, are charged in a marijuana distribution conspiracy; and
- Davis and Barajas are charged with using a telephone to facilitate the drug conspiracy on the date of the murder.
Seward and Davis face a sentence of no less than life in federal prison if convicted, and Barajas faces a maximum possible penalty of five years in federal prison. No final decision has been made regarding whether the Government will seek the death penalty.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), 3rd Circuit Solicitor’s Office, North Charleston Police Department, and the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi is prosecuting the case.
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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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
postal_indictment_cleaned.pdf- Seward and Davis are charged with killing Pressley “with premeditation and malice aforethought” while she was engaged in her official duties as a mail carrier;
Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Heroin that Caused Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Caleb Wade Sexton, 22, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to selling a quantity of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in a March 12, 2019, overdose death in Myrtle Beach.
"These cases are too common in our state, and we will continue to swiftly and severely prosecute those who push drugs that kill others,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “This case is another example of the impressive work from our joint federal, and state partners, and in particular the local task force designed to disrupt and dismantle the flow of deadly opioids into the Myrtle Beach area.”
“Let it be known that those who bring this poison into our community and threaten the lives of those who live, visit and work in our great State will be held accountable,” said Chief Amy Prock of the Myrtle Beach Police Department. “We will not stand by and let this happen. We will be intentional in our actions and we will not rest.”
Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 12, 2019, Sexton distributed a quantity of heroin and fentanyl to an individual who overdosed and died after using the drugs. Officers quickly identified Sexton as the suspect in this overdose and developed a confidential source who, working at the direction of law enforcement, purchased quantities of heroin and fentanyl from Sexton on several occasions. At the time of his arrest, Sexton was in possession of a quantity of heroin and fentanyl, and had a loaded Glock 27 pistol in the waistband of his pants. A search of his vehicle revealed additional heroin and fentanyl, along with a Mini Draco .223 assault handgun loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. A search warrant was executed on the day of the arrest at a warehouse suspected to be used to prepare the drugs for distribution. There law enforcement located a bag of marijuana, a scale, two bags of clear capsules, and a stick suspected of being used to fill the capsules with illegal drugs. Sexton was ultimately charged with various violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, and with distributing a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Sexton to 188 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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, and with the assistance of the Horry County Coroner’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Everett McMillian of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.