District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
South Carolina Couple Indicted in Scheme Involving Conspiracy and False Statements to Illegally Obtain a U.S. PassportRead the Press Release
A South Carolina couple was indicted today on charges stemming from their conspiracy to obtain a U.S. passport by falsely claiming they were the parents of a baby from the Philippines and by using false records to apply for a U.S. passport for the baby, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon of the District of South Carolina.
The indictment alleges that in 2014, Gerald Vincent Locker Jr., 46, a former member of the United States Marine Corps, and Stephanie Jean Locker, 42, both of Huger, South Carolina, were stationed in Japan. While in Japan, the couple attempted to circumvent legal adoption processes by asserting that a baby from the Philippines was their own natural born child. Presenting a number of falsified documents to a U.S. Consular Officer, Stephanie Jean Locker applied for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and in support of her application for a passport for the child, falsely attested that while in the Philippines on vacation, she learned she was pregnant five days before the baby was born.
The matter was presented to the Grand Jury on July 10, 2019. The indictment was returned on July 11, 2019, charging both defendants with one count of conspiracy and Stephanie Jean Locker with one count of making false statements in an application for a passport.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating this case. Trial Attorneys Danielle Hickman and Christian Levesque of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean Secor of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.
Lancaster County Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ezekiel Jahpari Patterson, age 21, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented in court established that on January 11, 2018, a deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office stopped the driver of a 1998 Buick near Evans Drive for a traffic violation. Patterson was seated in the backseat of the car. As the deputy approached the car, he observed Patterson reaching under the seat and asked Patterson to step out of the car. The deputy searched Patterson and found two loaded firearms hidden in Patterson’s clothing. One of the firearms was stolen.
Federal law prohibits Patterson from possessing any firearm because of his 2017 felony conviction for assault and battery first degree. Patterson was on probation when he was found with the two firearms.
Senior United States District Judge Cameron M. Currie, of Columbia, accepted Patterson’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 18 months in federal prison followed by two years of court-ordered supervision. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) alongside officers with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in our communities 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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Hearing Set for Michael Lambert Seabrooke in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Michael Lambert Seabrooke, of Columbia, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint and charged with possessing firearms (destructive devices) which are not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Seabrooke will have a detention and preliminary hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2019, on the third floor of the Clement F. Haynsworth Federal Courthouse, 300 East Washington Street, Greenville, South Carolina. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin McDonald will preside.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pickens Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville Office.
U.S. Attorney Lydon stated that all charges in this case are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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20190710-3_-_advisory_-_seabrooke_complaint.pdf10 Defendants from South Carolina Lowcountry Face Federal Charges for Drug Distribution ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced that joint federal, state, and local investigation has resulted in 10 individuals being charged in two separate cases in federal court for their roles in drug trafficking organizations that operated in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
“Today, we announce the takedown of 10 bad actors through Operation Low Country Line,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “This represents a line of state, local, and federal authorities working in lockstep with one another to curb the violence. We have drawn a line as we warn those intent on violating the rights of citizens to be safe in their communities that there will be consequences. With freedom comes responsibility: The responsibility to adhere to the rule of law.”
“These indictments and arrests are the results of a committed partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement. Together, we will remain resolved to investigate and arrest those individuals who pose a direct threat to our communities by trafficking in drugs and violence,” said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
In the first indictment, six defendants have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine. Additionally, three of the defendants have been charged with firearms offenses:
Lamar Louis Johnson, a/k/a “McJag,” age 39, of Mount Pleasant, was attributed 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in the conspiracy count and charged with using a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine;
Theadore Bernard Gadsden, a/k/a “Teddy,” a/k/a “Chest,” age 30, of Mount Pleasant, was attributed a quantity of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine in the conspiracy count and charged with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and using a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking;
Jaton Edwards, a/k/a “Julio,” age 29, of North Charleston, was attributed 500 grams or more of cocaine in the conspiracy count and charged with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm;
Jarvis Behrens, age 27, of Mount Pleasant, was attributed 500 grams or more of cocaine in the conspiracy count and charged with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine;
Theodore Bernard Gadsden, age 60, of Mount Pleasant, was attributed a quantity of cocaine in the conspiracy count and charged with using a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine; and
Pierce Nelson, age 28, of Mount Pleasant, was attributed a quantity of cocaine in the conspiracy count and charged with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In the second indictment, four defendants have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base. Three have been taken into custody:
Devant Porcher, a/k/a “Dub,” age 34, of North Charleston, was attributed 100 grams or more of heroin, 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine in the conspiracy count and charged with 13 additional counts related to the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base;
Melinda Lee Lynch, age 40, of Moncks Corner, was attributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine in the conspiracy count and charged with possessing with intent to distribute and distributing methamphetamine and heroin; and
Wandesha Smalls, age 36, of North Charleston, was attributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin in the conspiracy count and charged with possessing with intent to distribute and distributing methamphetamine and heroin.
These nine defendants were taken into custody yesterday morning. During the course of the investigation into these drug trafficking organizations, agents have seized almost two kilograms of cocaine, almost 100 grams of crack cocaine, 480 grams of heroin, 440 grams of methamphetamine, and seven firearms.
Johnson faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. Theadore Gadsden, Edwards, Behrens, Porcher, Lynch, and Smalls each face up to 40 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. Theodore Gadsden, Nelson, and Simmons each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Postal Inspection Service, North Charleston Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, City of Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. It 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 Sean Kittrell and Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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20190710-1_-_indictments_-_operation_low_country_indictment_1.pdf 20190710-1_-_indictments_-_operation_low_country_indictment_2.pdfU.S. Attorney to Join Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement for Press Conference Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.Read the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., at the North Charleston Police Department Headquarters/City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29406.
Represented at the press conference will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Charleston Police Department, North Charleston Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: North Charleston Police Department Headquarters/City Hall
2500 City Hall Lane
North Charleston, SC 29406
NOTE: Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Lance Crick, 864-282-2105. All media must present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather in the atrium of the City Hall complex at 2:30 p.m., 30 minutes in advance.
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United States Attorney General William Barr Visits South Carolina U.S. Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney General William P. Barr traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, today for a breakfast with law enforcement officials and a visit to the United States Attorney’s Office. United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon hosted the breakfast with federal, state, and local law enforcement at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Officials discussed with Attorney General Barr the importance of the thriving partnerships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement across the state in tackling violent crime and the opioid epidemic.
Following the breakfast, Attorney General Barr visited with the staff of the United States Attorney’s Office. He remarked that the Office’s brand is “excellence,” and that that brand is reflected in the many important cases the Office prosecutes each year. Attorney General Barr was briefed on some of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s biggest ongoing cases, including Operation Brace Yourself, which originated in South Carolina and is now the largest federal healthcare fraud investigation in the history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The District of South Carolina is the second U.S. Attorney’s Office Attorney General Barr has visited since he was sworn in as the 85th Attorney General on February 14, 2019.
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Sumter Women Sentenced to Federal Prison in Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina – United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Angela Breitweiser Keith, age 53, and Ann Davis Eldridge, age 58, both of Sumter, were sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of making false statements to defraud Medicaid. United States Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett of Columbia sentenced Keith to 12 months in federal prison and Eldridge to 6 months.
Facts presented during the hearing showed that Keith and Eldridge were executives of the South Carolina Early Autism Project (SCEAP). SCEAP provided behavioral health and education solutions for children and young adults, particularly those diagnosed with autism. SCEAP began providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children with autism in 2003, becoming the number one biller in the country for ABA services by 2015. SCEAP overcharged Medicaid and Tricare (military-affiliated insurance) millions of dollars by inflating billing records and charging the government for services it did not provide to clients. SCEAP employees reported to the government that they were pressured to exaggerate the amount of time they spent delivering services to the clients. Company emails indicated that SCEAP encouraged employees to unlawfully bill for time while waiting in driveways, traveling to and from servicing the clients, and even while sitting in restaurants. The employees also indicated that they had required billing goals they had to meet to qualify for job benefits and/or bonuses. These bonuses included gift cards and company-expensed vacations.
Ann Eldridge was a co-founder of SCEAP and Angela Breitweiser Keith worked at the SCEAP since its inception. In December 2012, Eldridge and her partner sold SCEAP to a company called Chancelight for over $18 million. Eldridge and Keith remained with the company, continuing in leadership roles in South Carolina. Chancelight engaged Eldridge to promote the SCEAP system to other Chancelight franchises in the Southeast and promoted Keith to Senior Vice President of Data Reporting and Analysis. In 2018, SCEAP/Chancelight repaid the government nearly $9 million for overbilling Medicaid and Tricare in a civil settlement.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively protect the integrity of our health care system,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Those found cheating the system face the prospect of both civil fines and federal prison time.”
“Fraudulently diverting funds from vital government healthcare programs comes at a cost—as this sentence illustrates,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Every dollar overcharged decreases funds available to provide desperately needed healthcare services to this vulnerable population. We will continue working with state and federal law enforcement partners to bring such criminals to justice.”
"These sentencings are the product of a thorough investigation and demonstrate the commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our law enforcement partners to hold dishonest medical service providers accountable when they submit false bills and divert taxpayer funds," said Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig, Jr., DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. "DCIS will continue to protect the integrity of the Department of Defense by rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse that negatively impacts critical programs such as TRICARE."
The investigation was conducted by members of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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Marion County Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Selling a Firearm to a Known FelonRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Christopher Lee Scott, age 37, of Marion County, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to selling a firearm to a known convicted felon.
Evidence presented in court established that on January 8, 2018, a long-time acquaintance of Scott’s, whom Scott knew to be a convicted felon, approached him about purchasing a firearm. Later that same day, this individual drove to Scott’s residence in Marion County, where Scott showed him a .357 revolver and a 9mm pistol for sale. Scott then agreed to sell the individual the 9mm pistol for $400. After completing the transaction, Scott told the individual that he also had other guns to sell, including an assault rifle.
Not only does federal law prohibit selling a firearm to a known convicted felon, but Scott’s own felon status prohibited him from possessing a firearm in the first place. Prior to selling the firearm in January 2018, Scott had two convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a conviction for distribution of crack cocaine, and two convictions or possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted Scott’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 72 months in federal prison followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Scott was immediately taken into custody following his sentencing hearing. There is no parole in the federal system. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Taylor, Derek Shoemake, and Justin Holloway prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) alongside officers with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and the Marion County Combined Drug Unit. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in our communities 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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Long-Time Ridgeland Drug Dealer and Associates Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Demetrius Dwayne Swinton, a/k/a “Million Dolla Meat,” age 31, of Ridgeland, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Swinton to 22 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Swinton also agreed to forfeit $500,000, two vehicles, and several pieces of jewelry.
Evidence presented in the case established that Swinton was the leader of a cocaine trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing a large volume of cocaine into South Carolina, primarily into Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Agents and prosecutors established that Swinton was receiving multiple kilograms of cocaine at a time from a source of supply in Atlanta, Georgia, and that he used a number of associates to assist in both the distribution of drugs and the collection of drug proceeds. Swinton was responsible for moving at least 74 kilograms of cocaine into those communities, and he used violence and intimidation to maintain his status as a main drug supplier to that area. During the course of the investigation, agents seized over 47 kilograms of cocaine, 782 grams of crack cocaine, 6 kilograms of marijuana, 97 grams of heroin, 10 firearms, 5 vehicles, over $50,000 worth of jewelry, and over $68,000 cash.
In addition to Swinton, three of his co-defendants have also been sentenced by Judge Gergel. Travis Wiggins, a/k/a “Trap”, age 28, of Ridgeland, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Ernest Fields, a/k/a “Fly”, age 39, of Hilton Head, was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine.
Boston Brown, age 32, of Bluffton, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine.
“It is our hope and belief that the significant sentences handed down to Swinton and his associates send a message to those hoping to fill their void and allow these communities, which have been ravaged by drug trafficking and violence, an opportunity to heal,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “We appreciate the efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in working together to hold these men accountable for such serious crimes.”
"The 14th Circuit is safer today because Swinton is in prison," added Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone. "It's fortunate that we've had this tremendous partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office in place for a number of years now. It has been invaluable in our efforts to get dangerous people like Swinton off the streets."
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, "DEA and the entire law enforcement community are committed to making our society safe by removing such criminals from the streets. These notorious drug dealers distributed poison to the community and caused fear through means of violence and intimidation. The success of this investigation was due to the skillful investigative efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts."
“Identifying and investigating drug trafficking organizations is one of Homeland Security Investigations’ major priorities to protect the public from the serious harm these criminals inflict without any regard for the violence and public health damage they cause,” said John Eisert, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte. “This case also illustrates the importance of collaborative working relationships between HSI and our federal, state and our local law enforcement partners to keep communities safe, and HSI is appreciative of their cooperation as well as the U.S. Attorney’s office in successfully bringing these individuals to justice.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Hardeeville Police Department, City of Charleston Police Department, Summerville Police Department, North Charleston Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and South Carolina National Guard. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston Office and Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office are prosecuting the case.
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Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Sedrick Lemont Jenkins, 42, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on July 30, 2018, Horry County Police Department officers received a call for service in reference to a suspicious car blocking the roadway on a street in Aynor, South Carolina. Upon arrival, officers located the car in question and conducted a traffic stop. Upon approaching the driver, Sedrick Jenkins, officers noted an odor of marijuana coming from the car. Officers deployed a K9 unit, which gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics, and officers searched the car. During the search, officers found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun behind a panel in the passenger side floor compartment. Jenkins is prohibited from possessing a firearm based on his prior federal drug convictions and his prior federal conviction for felon in possession of ammunition.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Jenkins 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Wilbert Green, Jr., age 30, of Columbia, was sentenced to over 4 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that at approximately 8:45 p.m. on April 13, 2018, officers of the Columbia Police Department and the Midlands Gang Unit were patrolling the Lorick Circle area of Columbia with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) after receiving several firearm-related reports the previous month. As they drove through an apartment complex on Lorick Circle, officers/agents observed what appeared to be a black pistol magazine protruding from Green’s right rear pants pocket. Officers/agents exited their vehicles and made contact with Green, who was also holding an open container of beer, in violation of the open container law. Green failed to comply with directives of officers/agents to quit reaching behind to his back pocket and to turn around put his hands on a nearby car. Green advised officers/agents, “I know the law….I just got out of prison.” Officers secured Green and located a loaded Hi-Point 9mm with an extended high-capacity magazine in Green’s rear right pants pocket. After the arrest, officers/agents learned that there were outstanding warrants for Green from Clarendon County for attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
A ballistics analysis through National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) revealed that the Hi-Point 9mm handgun was linked to shell casings recovered at an unsolved July 2017 shooting off Garners Ferry Road. 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.
Federal law prohibits Green from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions from North and South Carolina. Green’s prior state court convictions include: assault with a deadly weapon (knife) to inflict serious injury (NC 2009); criminal domestic violence wherein he threatened a female with a firearm and slapped her (SC 2013); and assault and battery 1st degree wherein he shot a man during a robbery (SC 2015).
Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Green to 51 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Columbia Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
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Newberry Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Federal Firearm Charge Stemming from Vista ShootingRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Maleik Houseal, age 23, of Newberry, was sentenced to almost 6 ½ years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the court showed at approximately 2:12 am on September 16, 2017, a shooting between a group of rival gang members from Newberry occurred outside the Empire Supper Club in the Vista entertainment district of Columbia. It was a college football weekend and the Vista area was full of people. All total, seven individuals, including Houseal, were shot during the incident. The investigation revealed that Houseal had been shot in the hip two weeks earlier and was involved in an ongoing gang dispute in Newberry. The investigation showed that when the club closed at 2:00 am, as people spilled out onto the sidewalks, Houseal went to the parking lot and retrieved a firearm from the top of a car tire, where he had stored it. Houseal, armed with the firearm, returned to the sidewalk area outside of the club, where he encountered the other group of individuals from Newberry, who were headed to their cars in the parking lot. As the other group left the club parking lot, they fired weapons from their cars in Houseal’s direction, striking Houseal and others. Houseal ran after the cars while firing his 9mm handgun in their direction, discharging all 15 rounds. He then discarded the handgun in a pile of chairs outside the club, where it was later recovered.
Federal law prohibits Houseal from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree, carrying a firearm in a public building/adjacent area, carrying an unlawful weapon (two separate convictions), burglary 3rd degree, obstruction of justice, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. At the time of the September 2017 shooting, Houseal was both on state probation and on state bonds for incidents that occurred after his release from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in May 2017.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Houseal to 77 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. In denying Houseal’s motion for a reduced sentence based upon his assertion that the other group fired shots first and that he was merely defending himself, Judge Lewis stated, “to pop off 15 rounds in a crowded area is about the most irresponsible and careless and thoughtless thing you could do.” Noting Houseal’s extensive criminal record at the age of 23 and his propensity for firearms, the court stated “you’re exactly the reason we have [firearm] laws like that.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Columbia Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Gaffney Man Accused of Shooting S.C. Highway Patrolman Indicted on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that William Bernard Wright, a/k/a “Willie” Wright, a/k/a “Quentin Mitchell,” age 31, of Gaffney, who has been accused of shooting a South Carolina Highway Patrolman on June 2, 2019, was charged in federal court in a one-count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe every single day. Our commitment to them is that when they are met with violence, we will hold offenders accountable. We are grateful to ATF, SLED, the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and Solicitor Brackett for their assistance and critical work in this matter.”
The indictment alleges that on June 2, 2019, Wright was in possession of a FN Herstal, model Five-Seven, semi-automatic pistol and various rounds of 5.7 x 28mm ammunition. At the time of the possession, federal law prohibited Wright from possessing a firearm or ammunition based upon at least one prior felony conviction.
According to a Criminal Complaint filed in federal court on June 6, 2019, it is alleged that on June 2, 2019, Trooper Paul A. Wise with the South Carolina Highway Patrol was on routine patrol in York County when he observed Wright operating a vehicle without a seatbelt. When Trooper Wise attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Wright fled and failed to stop for blue lights. When Wright reached a dead end, he exited the vehicle, drew a firearm, and discharged at least 12 rounds. Trooper Wise was struck in his ballistic vest in the chest area and sustained other injuries to the right side of his neck. Trooper Wise then exited his vehicle and returned fire, striking Wright. Trooper Wise ordered Wright to the ground and called for backup.
Wright faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the federal indictment. If the court determines enhanced penalties apply based on the Wright’s prior criminal record, Wright may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of life, a fine of $250,000, and 5 years supervised release. The Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office has also indicted Wright on state charges related to this incident.
The charge against Wright was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels of the Columbia 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.
U.S. Attorney Lydon stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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ecf_1-_willie_wright_criminal_complaint.pdf ecf_4-_willie_wright_indictment.pdfParkway Discount Pharmacy Agrees to Pay Fine and Relinquish DEA License to Resolve Allegations of Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Parkway Discount Pharmacy in Longs, South Carolina, has agreed to pay the United States $50,000 and surrender its DEA registration to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by failing to abide by recordkeeping requirements and filling prescriptions without confirming required information. The pharmacy had been notified previously of recordkeeping violations and failed to make the necessary corrections. DEA registrants have a responsibility to handle controlled substances in a manner that complies with the law.
“Pharmacies have a duty to ensure that they track and dispense controlled substances in compliance with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Doctors and pharmacists are uniquely positioned to assist in preventing the abuse and diversion of controlled substances. Adhering to the basic rules of recordkeeping and prescription review is essential to helping fight the opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by DEA Diversion Investigator Dawn Bauer of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant United States Attorneys Tina Cundari and James Leventis of the Columbia office.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Florence Assistant U.S. Attorney Receives DOJ Office of the Inspector General AwardRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has presented Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham with an award for his outstanding contributions to the mission of the OIG. Parham, who has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of South Carolina since 1997, has worked hand-in-hand with the DOJ OIG since approximately 2006 on investigations and cases involving the Federal Correctional Institutions in Bennettsville and Williamsburg. In partnership with the OIG, he has prosecuted correctional officers for a range of offenses, including public corruption and the possession and distribution of narcotics and contraband.
“For 22 years, Brad has fought to ensure the law is enforced fairly, diligently, and justly,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Like the Office of the Inspector General, we are proud of his excellent work rooting out public corruption and holding accountable federal employees in the District of South Carolina.”
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Portuguese Shipping Company Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Oil Record Book and ObstructionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, Portline Bulk International S.A. pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, to one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and one count of Obstruction. The charges stem from the falsification of the Oil Record Book onboard the M/V Achilleus, a Maltese-flagged ocean-going bulk carrier ship managed by Defendant Portline.
From April 2017 to August 2018, senior members of the vessel’s engineering team oversaw and participated in the bypass of the ship’s Oil Water Separator utilizing a yellow plastic hose, referred to as a magic pipe. The ship’s Chief Engineer made a series of fake entries and key omissions in the Oil Record Book in order to conceal the illegal overboard discharges of oily bilge water. On Aug. 14, 2018, the false Oil Record Book was presented to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) during an inspection in the Port of Charleston.
According to court documents, Portline has agreed to pay a criminal fine of $1.5 million when the company is sentenced at a future date. The company would also be placed on organizational probation for four years, which includes an environmental compliance plan.
“The world’s oceans are not a dumping ground for criminals who seek to evade our nation’s environmental laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the Department’s commitment to protecting coastal communities through rigorous enforcement of the rule of law.
“The South Carolina coast is one of the most beautiful parts of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon for the District of South Carolina. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office takes environmental crimes seriously, and corporations and individuals who endanger our valuable marine resources and wildlife by violating federal law will be held accountable. We are grateful to the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Environment and Natural Resources Division for their ongoing partnership in protecting our waterways.”
“Our team of dedicated marine safety and pollution response professionals worked closely with the Coast Guard Investigative Service to investigate this incident and refer it for enforcement action,” said Captain John Reed, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “This case highlights the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to the stewardship of the ocean and its critical marine environment.”
On June 17, 2019, the ship’s former Chief Engineer Anatoli Zotsenko and Second Engineer Valerii Pastushenko, who had previously pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, were sentenced to fines totaling $12,500 and three years’ probation. The probation term includes a special condition that bans Zotsenko and Pastushenko from entering ports and anchorages of the United States.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The USCG Marine Safety Lab was critical to the analysis of oil samples taken from the vessel. The case was prosecuted by Christopher L. Hale of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section and AUSA Matt Austin from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
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19-695
Portuguese Shipping Company Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Oil Record Book and ObstructionRead the Press Release
Today, Portline Bulk International S.A. pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, to one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and one count of Obstruction. The charges stem from the falsification of the Oil Record Book onboard the M/V Achilleus, a Maltese-flagged ocean-going bulk carrier ship managed by Defendant Portline.
From April 2017 to August 2018, senior members of the vessel’s engineering team oversaw and participated in the bypass of the ship’s Oil Water Separator utilizing a yellow plastic hose, referred to as a magic pipe. The ship’s Chief Engineer made a series of fake entries and key omissions in the Oil Record Book in order to conceal the illegal overboard discharges of oily bilge water. On Aug. 14, 2018, the false Oil Record Book was presented to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) during an inspection in the Port of Charleston.
According to court documents, Portline has agreed to pay a criminal fine of $1.5 million when the company is sentenced at a future date. The company would also be placed on organizational probation for four years, which includes an environmental compliance plan.
“The world’s oceans are not a dumping ground for criminals who seek to evade our nation’s environmental laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the Department’s commitment to protecting coastal communities through rigorous enforcement of the rule of law.
“The South Carolina coast is one of the most beautiful parts of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon for the District of South Carolina. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office takes environmental crimes seriously, and corporations and individuals who endanger our valuable marine resources and wildlife by violating federal law will be held accountable. We are grateful to the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Environment and Natural Resources Division for their ongoing partnership in protecting our waterways.”
“Our team of dedicated marine safety and pollution response professionals worked closely with the Coast Guard Investigative Service to investigate this incident and refer it for enforcement action,” said Captain John Reed, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “This case highlights the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to the stewardship of the ocean and its critical marine environment.”
On June 17, 2019, the ship’s former Chief Engineer Anatoli Zotsenko and Second Engineer Valerii Pastushenko, who had previously pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, were sentenced to fines totaling $12,500 and three years’ probation. The probation term includes a special condition that bans Zotsenko and Pastushenko from entering ports and anchorages of the United States.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The USCG Marine Safety Lab was critical to the analysis of oil samples taken from the vessel. The case was prosecuted by Christopher L. Hale of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section and AUSA Matt Austin from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
North Charleston Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Rashaun Allen Judge, 33, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 10 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 July 13, 2016, North Charleston Police Department officers approached Judge while he was seated in his vehicle. The defendant provided officers his driver’s license and admitted to possessing marijuana in his pocket. Shortly thereafter, he fled the scene on foot. Officers searched his vehicle and located 5.55 grams of cocaine, 2.97 grams of crack cocaine, and a loaded Charter Arms .38 Special handgun in the panel of the driver’s side door.
This is Judge’s third firearm conviction. Judge was convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2010 and was sentenced to three years in federal prison. While on bond for a separate state firearms charge, Judge was arrested on the underlying gun charge, which was later adopted by federal authorities. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston sentenced Judge to 120 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the North Charleston Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Florence Man on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that a federal jury convicted Gregory Bernard Gibson, 44, of Florence, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The 12-person jury unanimously found Gibson guilty on two of the three counts charged after a 1.5-day trial and a short deliberation.
The evidence presented at trial showed that a deputy from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling in Florence when Gibson pulled out in front of him, failing to yield the right-of-way. The deputy initiated a stop on Gibson’s car. Gibson continued to drive for a short distance, making two turns before he stopped. As Gibson continued to drive, the deputy could see Gibson making furtive movements as if he were hiding something. After Gibson stopped, the deputy cautiously approached Gibson’s driver side window and proceeded with the traffic stop. While standing next to Gibson’s driver side window, the deputy smelled marijuana. Another deputy arrived on scene, and they searched the car and found a loaded firearm in the center console. Directly behind the center console, they found a backpack containing cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, a cutting agent, multiple plastic baggies, and a digital scale with white and green residue. Inside a void underneath the cup holder area, they found a large piece of crack cocaine and 300 tablets of methamphetamine. Federal law prohibits Gibson from possessing a firearm based on a prior federal conviction.
United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis of Columbia presided over the trial and will sentence Gibson after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office. Gibson faces 15 years to life in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office Proactive Community Enforcement (P.A.C.E.) Team. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Hummel and Everett McMillian of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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8 Members of Aiken County Drug Conspiracy Plead Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Kristie Scott Wise, a/k/a “Kristie Wise Scott,” Brian William Rose, Casey Kohler, Ricardo Dunbar, James Clinton Gunter, Jr., Joseph Price Langford, Scott Dylan Green, and Kerrie Edgerley, all of Aiken County, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia accepted the guilty pleas and will impose sentence after she has received and reviewed presentence reports that will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented to the court established that the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of co-defendants Kenneth Evans and Eddie Brockington. Evans is an inmate in the South Carolina Department of Corrections and Brockington is an inmate in the Georgia Department of Corrections. Through controlled purchases and other investigative techniques, agents learned that members of the conspiracy purchased and distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and/or heroin for Evans and Brockington. Some of the individuals charged were responsible for transporting multi-kilogram amounts of methamphetamine and heroin into South Carolina and then distributing the drugs throughout the state.
The maximum penalty for these offenses is imprisonment for life and/or a fine of $20,000,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Presents "Fraud - Bingo" Game to Assist Seniors to Avoid ScamsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Justice Department today announced that it supported a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event in Lyman, South Carolina on June 13, 2019. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Stephens and Rob Sneed gave a presentation to seniors from the upstate using “Fraud Bingo” as a platform to provide tips on avoiding scams.
The June 13, 2019, “Lifting Up Voices” was hosted by the Appalachian Council of Governments (AGOG) and South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA). The Appalachian Council of Governments serves as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the six-county South Carolina upstate region (Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties). The AAA provides information and assistance to older adults, persons with disabilities and caregivers. It also operates the Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Regional Family Caregivers Program, the I-CARE program, and Appalachian Assisted Rides program. The SCDOA works with a network of regional and local organizations to develop and manage services that help seniors remain independent in their homes and in their communities.
The event was a local effort to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect in South Carolina communities. Several vendors, local businesses, and organizations contributed to the highly successful event, which included approximately 200 senior citizens. In addition to the ACOG speakers, a member of the City of Spartanburg Police Department presented on “Elder Abuse Recognition and Safety,” which included discussion on personal safety, trust, and situational awareness to avoid victimization.
AUSAs Stephens and Sneed delivered practical tips for seniors to take to prevent getting financially exploited and scammed. They operated a bingo-type game to teach seniors how to recognize and deal with scams. The game is played just like regular Bingo but with an added twist. Each time the Bingo game caller announces the square, participants read aloud the accompanying message found on their bingo card if they have a match. Each square has a message about fraud, ID theft, and scams. When there is a winner the shouts of “Fraud Bingo” ring out.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice (DOJ) are committed to combatting elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target our nation’s seniors,” said United States Attorney Sherri Lydon. She added that elder fraud schemes take a variety of forms that range from small-scale identity thefts involving impersonation of a senior to mass mailing fraud schemes that steal from thousands of elderly annually. “Our mission is to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation, encourage reporting abuse, and educate the public to make America safer for all,” added Lydon.
Find out more about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Elder Fraud program at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/elder-justice-initiative, or the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Lancaster Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Quavis Jamar Rudisell, age 30, of Lancaster, was sentenced to a total of 41 months imprisonment today in federal court after earlier pleading to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented in court established that on the early morning hours of September 6, 2018, deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence on Providence Road after receiving a 911 call in regard to a theft of money. The residence advised that Rudisell had been a guest in the home, stolen approximately $1,300, and fled on a silver moped. Officers with the Lancaster Police Department located Rudisell on the moped and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Rudisell jumped off the moped and fled into nearby woods where he was later captured. Officers located the stolen money on Rudisell, along with a magazine loaded with rounds of 9mm ammunition. Rudisell admitted to throwing the firearm down. Officers did a search of the area and recovered a 9mm handgun with a large capacity magazine loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition.
Rudisell is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon a prior state conviction for breach of trust with fraudulent intent more than $2,000 but less than $10,000 (2016) and a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of crack cocaine (2011). Rudisell had been released from federal prison and was on federal supervised release at the time of the instant offense.
Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Rudisell to a total of 41 months imprisonment. That sentence was comprised of 37 months imprisonment on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge and a consecutive 4 months imprisonment for violating the earlier term of federal supervised release. Following the term of imprisonment, Rudisell will be on supervision for 3 years.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lancaster Police Department. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. 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 case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Concludes 28th Annual Seminar Series on School SafetyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina has wrapped up its 28th Annual Safe Schools Seminars Series. The Safe Schools Seminars bring together law enforcement and school personnel charged with protecting children—such as superintendents, administrators, counselors, school resource officers, nurses, and social workers—to discuss some of the safety issues today’s students face.
Topic sessions during the Safe Schools Seminars include De-Escalation in the Education Environment; Behavior Threat Assessment; and Vaping: How It’s Affecting Our Youth.
The Safe Schools Seminars are hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, the South Carolina Department of Education, the Francis Marion University Police Department, the West Columbia Police Department, the Lexington Police Department, the Greer Police Department, and the North Charleston Police Department.
The seminars took place in Greer, West Columbia, Florence, Lexington and concluded today in North Charleston, South Carolina.
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South Carolina Man Sentenced for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Zakaryia Abdin, 20, of Ladson, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Abdin previously entered a guilty plea in August of 2018 and has remained in federal custody since his arrest by the FBI in March of 2017.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon for the District of South Carolina and Special Agent in Charge Jody Norris of the FBI’s Columbia Division made the announcement. Abdin appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel.
“The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable U.S. citizens, like Abdin, and others who would leave here to provide material support to ISIS overseas,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Thanks to the great work of the agents and prosecutors on this case, his plans were thwarted and with this sentence he is now being held accountable for his crime. The National Security Division is committed to identifying and bringing to justice those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations.”
“The most important job of government is protecting the people of the United States from harm, whether it comes from criminals or terrorists,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “This case is an example of law enforcement doing exactly that, and preventing what could have been a much greater tragedy. I am proud of the great work JTTF did in preventing this defendant from joining ISIS and fighting on their behalf, whether that would have been domestically or internationally. His goal was to kill on behalf of ISIS, whether that was in the United States or abroad. His goal was to be an ISIS soldier, and to kill Americans wherever ISIS directed him.” U.S. Attorney Lydon commended the intense work of Charleston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and noted that this is the first conviction for a person attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization in the District of South Carolina.
“Once again, the Joint Terrorism Task Force has uncovered, investigated and prevented terrorist activity with roots in South Carolina” said Special Agent in Charge Norris. “These results are made possible by the coordinated efforts of our federal, state and local partners, who are committed to sharing information and resources to protect our communities.”
The FBI arrested the defendant at the Charleston International Airport on March 30, 2017, when he attempted to board an airplane in order to travel overseas to join ISIS.
According to court documents, Abdin, a U.S. citizen, began his efforts on Jan. 3, 2017, when he created a social media account to be used to join ISIS. On Jan. 20, 2017, Abdin visited the FBI in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to meet with an FBI Special Agent from the Joint Terrorism Task Force. During this visit, the agent advised Abdin about the FBI’s role in conducting counterterrorism investigations, discussed various statutory definitions (including terrorism), and told Abdin that ISIS was a designated foreign terrorist organization and that it was illegal to give any foreign terrorist organization any form of material support, including personnel.
After that date, Abdin began to seek a handler to get him overseas to Syria or Egypt to make contact with ISIS. Unbeknownst to him, he ended up making contact with an undercover FBI employee. Abdin believed this person was affiliated with ISIS. These communications continued up until he was arrested.
Abdin had extensive communications with the undercover FBI employee. During the course of these on line conversations, Abdin expressed continued loyalty to ISIS. He said he had given a pledge of loyalty to ISIS in 2014 and provided a video of a new pledge to Abu Baker al Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed leader of ISIS, in which Abdin pledged to “wage jihad against the enemy of Allah.”
Abdin also indicated that he wished to join ISIS and its so-called caliphate and requested to serve in combat. He stated that he was proficient with various weapons, including pistols and AK and SKS rifles. He also asserted that he was well prepared, knew how to shoot, and had experience with and was reliable in close combat. He also purchased weapons, including an SKS assault rifle, modifying it to expand its capacity from a 10 round magazine to a 30 round magazine. Abdin practiced with an AK assault rifle at a local gun store, and with an SKS assault rifle and a 9mm handgun at a local outdoor shooting range outside of Charleston.
Abdin took a picture of himself carrying the 9mm in his waistband and took a picture of himself practicing shooting at night at the local outdoor range, and sent these to the undercover FBI employee.
Abdin undertook concrete steps to join ISIS and travel overseas to fight jihad. He applied for a passport. On March 22, 2017, the FBI was notified Abdin’s passport was delivered to his residence in Ladson. Later on the same date, Abdin sent a message to the undercover FBI employee to tell him to “let the brothers know I am coming very soon.”
On March 23, 2017, Abdin made flight reservations aboard a commercial airline departing Charleston with a final destination of Amman, Jordan. The date for travel was set for March 30, 2017. After making the reservations, Abdin told to undercover FBI employee that he was scheduled to arrive in Amman, Jordan on April 1, 2017.
On March 30, 2017, Abdin arrived at the Charleston International Airport, checked in for his departing flight, and was subsequently arrested.
Abdin faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. Any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Williams and Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
South Carolina Man Sentenced for Attempting to Provide Material Support to IsisRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Zakaryia Abdin, 20, of Ladson, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Abdin previously entered a guilty plea in August of 2018 and has remained in federal custody since his arrest by the FBI in March of 2017.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon for the District of South Carolina and Special Agent in Charge Jody Norris of the FBI’s Columbia Division made the announcement. Abdin appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel.
“The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable U.S. citizens, like Abdin, and others who would leave here to provide material support to ISIS overseas,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Thanks to the great work of the agents and prosecutors on this case, his plans were thwarted and with this sentence he is now being held accountable for his crime. The National Security Division is committed to identifying and bringing to justice those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations.”
“The most important job of government is protecting the people of the United States from harm, whether it comes from criminals or terrorists,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “This case is an example of law enforcement doing exactly that, and preventing what could have been a much greater tragedy. I am proud of the great work JTTF did in preventing this defendant from joining ISIS and fighting on their behalf, whether that would have been domestically or internationally. His goal was to kill on behalf of ISIS, whether that was in the United States or abroad. His goal was to be an ISIS soldier, and to kill Americans wherever ISIS directed him.” U.S. Attorney Lydon commended the intense work of Charleston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and noted that this is the first conviction for a person attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization in the District of South Carolina.
“Once again, the Joint Terrorism Task Force has uncovered, investigated and prevented terrorist activity with roots in South Carolina” said Special Agent in Charge Norris. “These results are made possible by the coordinated efforts of our federal, state and local partners, who are committed to sharing information and resources to protect our communities.”
The FBI arrested the defendant at the Charleston International Airport on March 30, 2017, when he attempted to board an airplane in order to travel overseas to join ISIS.
According to court documents, Abdin, a U.S. citizen, began his efforts on Jan. 3, 2017, when he created a social media account to be used to join ISIS. On Jan. 20, 2017, Abdin visited the FBI in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina to meet with an FBI Special Agent from the Joint Terrorism Task Force. During this visit, the agent advised Abdin about the FBI’s role in conducting counterterrorism investigations, discussed various statutory definitions (including terrorism), and told Abdin that ISIS was a designated foreign terrorist organization and that it was illegal to give any foreign terrorist organization any form of material support, including personnel.
After that date, Abdin began to seek a handler to get him overseas to Syria or Egypt to make contact with ISIS. Unbeknownst to him, he ended up making contact with an undercover FBI employee. Abdin believed this person was affiliated with ISIS. These communications continued up until he was arrested.
Abdin had extensive communications with the undercover FBI employee. During the course of these on line conversations, Abdin expressed continued loyalty to ISIS. He said he had given a pledge of loyalty to ISIS in 2014 and provided a video of a new pledge to Abu Baker al Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed leader of ISIS, in which Abdin pledged to “wage jihad against the enemy of Allah.”
Abdin also indicated that he wished to join ISIS and its so-called caliphate and requested to serve in combat. He stated that he was proficient with various weapons, including pistols and AK and SKS rifles. He also asserted that he was well prepared, knew how to shoot, and had experience with and was reliable in close combat. He also purchased weapons, including an SKS assault rifle, modifying it to expand its capacity from a 10 round magazine to a 30 round magazine. Abdin practiced with an AK assault rifle at a local gun store, and with an SKS assault rifle and a 9mm handgun at a local outdoor shooting range outside of Charleston.
Abdin took a picture of himself carrying the 9mm in his waistband and took a picture of himself practicing shooting at night at the local outdoor range, and sent these to the undercover FBI employee.
Abdin undertook concrete steps to join ISIS and travel overseas to fight jihad. He applied for a passport. On March 22, 2017, the FBI was notified Abdin’s passport was delivered to his residence in Ladson. Later on the same date, Abdin sent a message to the undercover FBI employee to tell him to “let the brothers know I am coming very soon.”
On March 23, 2017, Abdin made flight reservations aboard a commercial airline departing Charleston with a final destination of Amman, Jordan. The date for travel was set for March 30, 2017. After making the reservations, Abdin told to undercover FBI employee that he was scheduled to arrive in Amman, Jordan on April 1, 2017.
On March 30, 2017, Abdin arrived at the Charleston International Airport, checked in for his departing flight, and was subsequently arrested.
Abdin faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. Any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Williams and Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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Savannah River Nuclear Site Contractor Settles False Claims Act Allegations for $1.6 millionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Richard Moore of Aiken, South Carolina, the owner of Carolina Sodding Services, LLC, and Carolina Enterprises of the Lowcountry, LLC, has agreed to pay $1.6 million to resolve allegations that he and his companies violated the False Claims Act by submitting false invoices for materials that were never provided and false certifications that his companies were women-owned businesses. Mr. Moore and his companies were contracted to perform work at the Savannah River Nuclear Site in Aiken.
“Those who seek to do business with the federal government must do so fairly and honestly,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Through False Claims Act cases like this one, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina will continue to hold accountable those who knowingly seek taxpayer funds to which they are not entitled.”
Teri L. Donaldson, Department of Energy Inspector General said, “The Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring the integrity of Department contracts by detecting and holding accountable those who choose to engage in false claim schemes. This settlement is a result of our staff’s dedicated work to ensure public funds are used for the mission-related purposes for which they are intended. We appreciate the efforts of the Department of Justice in pursuing this matter and will continue to work collaboratively with them to aggressively investigate those who seek to defraud Department programs.”
The False Claims Act is the United States’ primary civil remedy to redress false claims for government funds and property under government programs and contracts relating to such varied areas as health care, defense and national security, food safety and inspection, federally insured loans and mortgages, highway funds, small business contracts, agricultural subsidies, and disaster assistance.
Deputy Civil Chief James Leventis of the Columbia office handled the case. The case was investigated by the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report It to the National Center for Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – As the 2019 hurricane season begins, the Department of Justice reminds the public to be on the lookout for fraud against natural disaster victims, and report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). The Atlantic Hurricane Season opened June 1 and runs through November 30.
“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen. “It is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”
The Department of Justice established the NCDF in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
Numerous U.S. Attorneys’ offices in districts impacted by recent hurricanes have established task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat disaster fraud.
"The Department of Justice and the NCDF is committed to ensuring each report of disaster fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency. Do not let disaster strike twice. Report suspected disaster fraud to the NCDF, which has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints during hurricane season,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also the NCDF’s Executive Director.
Eighteen major disaster declarations have already been declared in 2019 for events including recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding across the Midwest; Typhoon Wutip in Guam; and severe winter storms and mudslides in Oregon, California. Unfortunately, and inevitably, natural and man-made disasters will continue to occur across our great nation. These terrible and often tragic events leave many people without food, water, or shelter, and often cause devastating damage to life and property. Nevertheless, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns via profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Contractor Fraud;
- Debris removal fraud;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. They are also reminded to report suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or allegations of criminal conduct. If members of the public believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, they are strongly encouraged to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free by phone at (866) 720-5721, email at [email protected], or fax at (225) 334-4707. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement.
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Sales Executive of American Furniture Company Pleads Guilty to Procurement FraudRead the Press Release
The vice president of sales for an American furniture manufacturer pleaded guilty today for obtaining his competitors’ confidential bid proposals in an effort to win a State Department contract to provide furniture to a U.S. embassy abroad.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon of the District of South Carolina and Department of State Inspector General Steve A. Linick made the announcement.
Steven Anstine, 52, of Overland Park, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally obtaining contractor bid and proposal information before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel of the District of South Carolina. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
According to admissions made in connection with Anstine’s plea, in or around December 2016, the State Department was constructing a new embassy in a foreign nation. Two State Department employees participated in the process of soliciting bid proposals from contractors for the procurement of furniture for the new embassy’s offices.
From in or around December 2016 to in or around March 2017, Anstine knowingly obtained bid prices and design plans of at least three of his and his company’s competitors from the two State Department employees. Anstine knowingly obtained this information in order to achieve a competitive advantage for himself and his company. The information Anstine obtained enabled him and his company to win the contract to provide the furniture for the new embassy with a bid of approximately $1,569,000.
According to Anstine’s admissions, Anstine made intentionally false statements to agents investigating his conduct. He falsely told State Department Office of Inspector General special agents that he did not knowingly receive competitor bid and proposal information from the two State Department employees. He also falsely told agents that, whenever he accompanied one of the State Department employees to events, restaurants or bars, the employee paid her share of the expenses. In fact, Anstine paid for at least a portion of the State Department employee’s expenses when they attended dinners, sporting events and concerts, including, but not limited to, a September 2016 concert in Washington, D.C.; a December 2015 ballet performance in Washington, D.C.; and a summer 2015 golf tournament in Gainsville, Virginia.
The State Department’s Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Deputy Chief Robert J. Heberle and Trial Attorney John P. Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshall “Matt” Austin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement Agreement with York County, South Carolina, to End Hiring Practices that Discriminate Against Applicants with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it reached a settlement agreement with York County, South Carolina, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agreement resolves the Department’s lawsuit alleging that the county discriminated against an applicant on the basis of his disability, dwarfism, when he sought to apply for a Purchasing Manager position. The complaint alleges that York County required applicants for the Purchasing Manager position to possess a driver’s license even though having a driver’s license is not essential to performing the job functions of the position. By requiring a driver’s license, the county unfairly screened out the applicant, who because of his disability does not possess a driver’s license, but who was otherwise qualified for the position. Additionally, the complaint alleges that York County failed to provide the applicant with a reasonable accommodation, such as waiving the driver’s license requirement, that would have allowed him to participate in the application process.
The settlement agreement requires York County to revise its policies to ensure compliance with the ADA, designate an ADA Coordinator, ensure that its job listings list only essential job functions as mandatory requirements, train relevant employees on the ADA, and report to the Department of Justice on implementation of the agreement. York County will also pay the applicant $20,000 in compensatory damages. This matter was based on a referral from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Charlotte District Office, which conducted a thorough investigation of the facts.
“Unnecessary barriers in the hiring process can lead to discrimination against individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to fighting for equal opportunity in job competition and applauds York County for agreeing to eliminate extraneous job requirements that may limit their pool of potential employees.”
“People with disabilities deserve the opportunity to compete for jobs on a level playing field,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon. “This settlement agreement ensures that people with disabilities will have an equal chance to compete for public sector jobs. We commend York County for its cooperation and efforts to ensure accessibility and fairness in the job application process.”
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section, please call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.
The settlement agreement can be found here.
Iowa Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Interstate Transportation of a Minor for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced that Mark Spicer, a/k/a Chief, age 24, of Iowa, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of interstate transportation of an individual under the age of eighteen for purposes of prostitution. Spicer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment up to life. There is no parole in the federal system. A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date.
Evidence presented to the court established that in or around August 2018, Spicer and a co-defendant transported the minor victim to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with the intent that the minor would engage in prostitution after leaving Iowa and having traveled to Illinois, Tennessee, and Georgia. Spicer and a co-defendant placed advertisements for commercial sex featuring the minor victim on websites during this time period.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Carrie Fisher Sherard and Lauren Hummel and Special Assistant United States Attorney Scott Hixson prosecuted the case.
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Former Fifth Circuit Solicitor Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Daniel Edward Johnson, 48, former Fifth Circuit Solicitor and resident of Blythewood, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Wire Fraud.
“A prosecutor’s duty is to enforce the law diligently, vigorously, and justly,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “As Solicitor, Dan Johnson represented to his constituents, law enforcement, and the courts that he was enforcing the law while he violated it himself time and again. Justice has been served, and we look forward to working with the fine men and women of the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Solicitor Gipson as they move forward from under the cloud of Johnson’s conduct. We are grateful to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office for their assistance in holding him accountable.”
Facts presented in court established that Daniel Edward Johnson was the Fifth Circuit Solicitor from 2011 to 2018. The Solicitor’s Office serves both Richland and Kershaw Counties and receives funding from both, as well as from the federal government. Kershaw County pays the office-related credit card bills for select Solicitor’s Office employees.
During his time as Solicitor, Johnson used Solicitor’s Office funds to cover personal and non-office-related expenses. Johnson was issued Solicitor’s Office credit cards reading “DAN JOHNSON, Fifth Circuit Sol Office.” Using these cards, Johnson made a series of personal and non-office-related purchases, starting no later than 2016. Johnson fraudulently used these cards over 100 times, improperly charging the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office over $44,000. Examples of some of the fraudulent transactions include:
- September 7, 2016, charge for $208.79, at the Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations in Las Vegas.
- September 7, 2016, charge for $911.48, at the Doubletree Magic Mile hotel in Chicago.
- October 1, 2016, charge for $685.07, to Copa Airlines, an airline based in Panama.
- October 5, 2016, charge for $137.22, at the Hilton Columbia Center in Columbia, SC
The total loss amount caused by Johnson’s fraudulent transactions is approximately $44,317.57.
Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Daniel Edward Johnson to one year and one day in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. The additional day beyond one year makes Johnson eligible to receive up to 54 days of credit against his sentence for good behavior in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant United States Attorneys Winston D. Holliday, Jr., Alyssa Leigh Richardson, and William Camden Lewis of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Oral Roberts University to Pay over $300,000 for Allegedly Violating Ban on Incentive CompensationRead the Press Release
Oral Roberts University (ORU), based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will pay $303,502 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act of submitting false claims to the U.S. Department of Education in violation of the federal ban on incentive-based compensation, the Department of Justice announced.
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.
“The integrity of our system of higher education is founded on allowing students to make enrollment decisions based on their own educational interests,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will not allow these important decisions to be compromised by educational institutions offering recruiters financial incentives to enroll students.”
“Our higher education system should prioritize the educational interests of students, not the financial interests of schools and recruiters,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon for the District of South Carolina. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will fight to protect against misuse of federal taxpayer dollars intended to serve students’ educational needs.”
The settlement resolves allegations that between 2014 and 2016, ORU hired Joined Inc. to recruit students to ORU. ORU allegedly compensated Joined in part with a share of the tuition that ORU received from the enrollment of recruited students, in violation of the prohibition on incentive compensation.
“The Office of Inspector General has a unique and special law enforcement mission – to protect public education funds for eligible students. This settlement is an example of our commitment to this mission,” said Neil Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southern Regional Office. “The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement colleagues and pursue allegations of violations of the False Claims Act in carrying out our important public service.”
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. Mr. Shoe will receive $45,000.
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. Oral Roberts University, No. 6:16-cv-01570 (D.S.C.).
United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against South Carolina Chiropractor, Pain Management Clinics, Urine Drug Testing Laboratories, and Substance Abuse Counseling CenterRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Daniel McCollum, a chiropractor based in Greenville, South Carolina, and pain management clinics and urine drug testing laboratories that McCollum owned or managed for engaging in illegal financial relationships and providing medically unnecessary services and items, including urine drug testing and steroid injections and prescriptions for opioids and lidocaine ointment, the Department of Justice announced today. The entities named as defendants in connection with McCollum’s schemes are FirstChoice Healthcare P.C.; Labsource LLC; Oaktree Medical Centre P.C.; Pain Management Associates of the Carolinas LLC; Pain Management Associates of North Carolina P.C.; and ProLab LLC. The United States’ complaint also names as a defendant ProCare Counseling Center LLC, a substance abuse counseling center located in Greenville, South Carolina, that the government contends referred medically unnecessary urine drug tests to ProLab, which it co-owned with McCollum.
“Individuals and entities that participate in federal health care programs must comply with the rules intended to safeguard the integrity of those programs,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will not tolerate practices such as the ordering of unnecessary items or services and providing illegal inducements to physicians that lead to excessive costs being imposed upon our nation’s health care programs.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina will not tolerate health care fraud, which victimizes both patients and taxpayers,” said Sherri Lydon, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We are committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from fraudulent billing practices and to holding accountable those in the medical community who have fueled the opioid crisis through abusive prescribing habits. Through False Claims Act cases like this one, we will continue to bring these bad actors to justice.”
The United States’ complaint alleges that from at least Jan. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2018, McCollum and his pain management clinics paid bonuses to physicians and other health care providers that included amounts based directly on their referrals of urine drug testing to McCollum’s laboratories, in violation of the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute. The United States also alleges that McCollum and Labsource violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by entering into “direct bill” agreements with physicians and other providers around the country that entitled those providers, after paying Labsource a set fee to run the test panels they ordered, to bill private insurance companies directly for those tests – and generally for much more than they had paid Labsource. The United States contends in its complaint that McCollum and Labsource offered providers the opportunity to profit in this manner to induce them to refer their tests for Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE patients to Labsource.
Congress passed the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute to prevent financial incentives from improperly influencing medical decision-making, which can lead to excessive and unnecessary tests and services, as well as patient harm. Among other things, the Stark Law prohibits billing Medicare for laboratory testing services referred by a physician who stands to profit directly from those referrals. The Anti‑Kickback Statute, in relevant part, prohibits offering or paying anything of value to encourage the referral of items or services covered by federal health care programs, including laboratory testing services.
The United States’ complaint also alleges that McCollum and the other defendants, including ProCare, directed or encouraged providers to use “standing orders” of laboratory tests across all or most of their patients without regard for individual patient need – which caused Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to pay for medically unnecessary tests. Finally, the complaint alleges that McCollum and his pain management clinics caused these federal health care programs to pay for excessive and unnecessary steroid injections and unnecessary prescriptions for opioids and lidocaine ointment.
The United States filed its complaint in three consolidated lawsuits pending in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private citizen can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The United States also is entitled to intervene in the lawsuits, as it did in these cases on March 1.
This matter was investigated by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. It was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Warren for the District of South Carolina. The claims asserted in this action are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The consolidated civil cases are United States ex rel. Rauch, et al. v. Oaktree Medical Centre, P.C., et al., No. 6:15-cv-01589-DCC (D.S.C.); United States ex rel. Mathewson v. Dr. Daniel A. McCollum, et al., No. 6:17-CV-01190-DCC (D.S.C.); and United States ex rel. Hawkins v. Pain Management Associates of the Carolinas, LLC, et al., No. 8:18-cv-02952-DCC (D.S.C.).
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United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against South Carolina Chiropractor, Pain Management Clinics, Urine Drug Testing Laboratories, and Substance Abuse Counseling CenterRead the Press Release
The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Daniel McCollum, a chiropractor based in Greenville, South Carolina, and pain management clinics and urine drug testing laboratories that McCollum owned or managed for engaging in illegal financial relationships and providing medically unnecessary services and items, including urine drug testing and steroid injections and prescriptions for opioids and lidocaine ointment, the Department of Justice announced today. The entities named as defendants in connection with McCollum’s schemes are FirstChoice Healthcare P.C.; Labsource LLC; Oaktree Medical Centre P.C.; Pain Management Associates of the Carolinas LLC; Pain Management Associates of North Carolina P.C.; and ProLab LLC. The United States’ complaint also names as a defendant ProCare Counseling Center LLC, a substance abuse counseling center located in Greenville, South Carolina, that the government contends referred medically unnecessary urine drug tests to ProLab, which it co-owned with McCollum.
“Individuals and entities that participate in federal health care programs must comply with the rules intended to safeguard the integrity of those programs,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will not tolerate practices such as the ordering of unnecessary items or services and providing illegal inducements to physicians that lead to excessive costs being imposed upon our nation’s health care programs.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina will not tolerate health care fraud, which victimizes both patients and taxpayers,” said Sherri Lydon, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We are committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from fraudulent billing practices and to holding accountable those in the medical community who have fueled the opioid crisis through abusive prescribing habits. Through False Claims Act cases like this one, we will continue to bring these bad actors to justice.”
The United States’ complaint alleges that from at least Jan. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2018, McCollum and his pain management clinics paid bonuses to physicians and other health care providers that included amounts based directly on their referrals of urine drug testing to McCollum’s laboratories, in violation of the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute. The United States also alleges that McCollum and Labsource violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by entering into “direct bill” agreements with physicians and other providers around the country that entitled those providers, after paying Labsource a set fee to run the test panels they ordered, to bill private insurance companies directly for those tests – and generally for much more than they had paid Labsource. The United States contends in its complaint that McCollum and Labsource offered providers the opportunity to profit in this manner to induce them to refer their tests for Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE patients to Labsource.
Congress passed the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute to prevent financial incentives from improperly influencing medical decision-making, which can lead to excessive and unnecessary tests and services, as well as patient harm. Among other things, the Stark Law prohibits billing Medicare for laboratory testing services referred by a physician who stands to profit directly from those referrals. The Anti‑Kickback Statute, in relevant part, prohibits offering or paying anything of value to encourage the referral of items or services covered by federal health care programs, including laboratory testing services.
The United States’ complaint also alleges that McCollum and the other defendants, including ProCare, directed or encouraged providers to use “standing orders” of laboratory tests across all or most of their patients without regard for individual patient need – which caused Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to pay for medically unnecessary tests. Finally, the complaint alleges that McCollum and his pain management clinics caused these federal health care programs to pay for excessive and unnecessary steroid injections and unnecessary prescriptions for opioids and lidocaine ointment.
The United States filed its complaint in three consolidated lawsuits pending in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private citizen can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The United States also is entitled to intervene in the lawsuits, as it did in these cases on March 1.
This matter was investigated by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The claims asserted in this action are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The consolidated civil cases are United States ex rel. Rauch, et al. v. Oaktree Medical Centre, P.C., et al., No. 6:15-cv-01589-DCC (D.S.C.); United States ex rel. Mathewson v. Dr. Daniel A. McCollum, et al., No. 6:17-CV-01190-DCC (D.S.C.); and United States ex rel. Hawkins v. Pain Management Associates of the Carolinas, LLC, et al., No. 8:18-cv-02952-DCC (D.S.C.).
Three Armed Bank Robbers Sentenced to Combined 88 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Lance Hardiman, Justin Pressley, and Rodrick Berklery, all 28 years old, were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the armed bank robbery of South State Bank in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on May, 4, 2016, and a follow-on high-speed chase where the defendants shot at several police officers.
Hardiman was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of armed bank robbery, witness tampering, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of using a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence. Pressley was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to using a firearm in furtherance of an armed bank robbery. Berklery was sentenced to 30 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and using a firearm in furtherance of witness tampering. Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced the defendants, with each sentence followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 4, 2016, the three defendants—Hardiman, Pressley, and Berklery—armed with handguns and wearing gloves and masks, robbed the South State Bank in North Myrtle Beach. After entering the bank, Hardiman stood at the door while Pressley and Berklery fired their weapons and jumped over the counter. They forced the tellers to empty their tills into a bag, threatening the women’s lives. The men obtained over $30,000 and fled the bank. Bank employees were able to trip a silent alarm and place a dye pack in the bag, and they identified the type of car that the men got into as a silver Chevrolet Impala.
Responding to the call, a detective with the North Myrtle Beach Police Department saw a silver Impala with three men inside. The officer turned on his blue lights, and the Impala took off at high speeds. The officer followed the Impala for approximately five miles as Pressley fired an AK-47 out of the back window at the officer and Hardiman shot out of the passenger’s window. As the chase wound through a residential community, the suspects reached speeds of over 80 miles an hour while indiscriminately shooting at the officer and passing motorists.
Hardiman, Pressley, and Berklery proceeded towards Longs, where one of them lived. They kept firing at the officer, hitting his vehicle twice. One round missed the officer by less than an inch. The officer thought he had been hit and crashed his car.
The three men continued driving and encountered a lieutenant with the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, who deployed spike strips in an effort to end the high speed chase. Hardiman fired out the window at the lieutenant, hitting his car, as Berklery swerved to miss the spike strip. Berklery lost control of the car and drove it off the road. The three defendants then ran from the scene into a heavily wooded area.
A manhunt began, with North Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Myrtle Beach Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) all participating in the search. A perimeter was set, and within an hour law enforcement encountered Pressley hiding in some brush.
Tracking the other two suspects, law enforcement encountered two sets of footprints going into standing water wearing shoes. On the other side of the water, one set of footprints was still wearing shoes and the other was barefoot. Hardiman was captured several hours later walking out of the woods. He had stripped down to just shorts and had scratches and scrapes, apparently from running through brush. Berklery was captured approximately 11:30 p.m. in a junkyard wearing just his boxers and no shoes.
During the trial, it was revealed that two of the members of this robbery crew had previously robbed another bank in Horry County and a restaurant.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, North Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, SLED, SCDNR, Myrtle Beach Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May of the Columbia office and Derek Shoemake of the Florence office prosecuted the case, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney and Chief Deputy Solicitor of the 15th Circuit Scott Hixson.
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Notice of Court ProceedingsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that a sentencing hearing has been scheduled in the case of United States v. Daniel Edward Johnson, Case No. 3:18-863. Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of Wire Fraud. Senior United States District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie will preside.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Courtroom I
Matthew J. Perry, Jr. Courthouse
901 Richland Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
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Myrtle Beach Armed Robber and Get-Away Driver Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Jeremy Lamar Hayes, 29, and Kennedy Boggs, 26, were sentenced in federal court in Florence on federal robbery and gun charges. Hayes previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery (robbery affecting commerce) and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm during a Crime of Violence. Boggs pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of Aiding and Abetting the Brandishing of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence. Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Hayes to 240 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision. He sentenced Boggs to 108 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on January 29, 2018, officers from the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) responded to an armed robbery at a dry cleaner in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Hayes entered the location, presented a firearm, and demanded money from the register and the victim’s wallet. Hayes took money from the register, the victim’s wallet and cell phone, and the store phone and then fled in a vehicle.
The next day, MBPD officers responded to an armed robbery at a restaurant in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Hayes entered the location, presented a firearm, and demanded money from the register. Hayes took cash from the register and an employee’s cell phone. Hayes then forced employees to lay on the ground and count while Hayes exited the store and fled in a vehicle.
After the restaurant robbery, MBPD located a vehicle matching the description of the get-away vehicle. The driver, Kennedy Boggs, failed to stop, and after a pursuit, both Boggs and Hayes were detained. MBPD found in the vehicle clothing matching the description of clothing worn by Hayes during the robberies. Hayes’ fingerprint was also located at the scene of the restaurant robbery. Boggs admitted that she had driven Hayes to the robberies and that during the vehicle pursuit, the firearm was thrown out of the car window. Officers later recovered the firearm.
The charges against Hayes and Boggs were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Surfside Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (NC), and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office (NC). This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Armed Bank Robbers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ryan Newell, 31, and Cory Woods, 29, both of Columbia, were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in armed bank robberies. Newell was sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three armed bank robberies and corresponding firearm offenses. Woods was sentenced to over nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to single armed bank robbery and firearm offenses.
Evidence presented to the Court showed both Newell and Woods were responsible for three armed takeovers and robberies of banks located in the Midlands of South Carolina. On January 24, 2018, Woods and Newell stole over $33,000 from a First Citizens bank in Columbia. The second robbery occurred at a TD Bank in Irmo on February 24, 2018, where Newell and Woods stole over $17,000. The final robbery occurred on March 5, 2018, at a Wells Fargo in Chapin. In the final robbery, Newell and Woods stole over $28,000, then left the bank and took law enforcement on a high speed chase down I-26. Ultimately, Newell and Woods crashed into the median and were arrested.
Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia sentenced Ryan Newell to 298 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Wooten sentenced Cory Woods to 108 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Chapin Police Department, the Irmo Police Department, and the Columbia Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney William Camden Lewis of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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“Sovereign Citizen” Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina - United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ronald Allen Wright, age 53, of Columbia, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of tax fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His convictions stem from the false and meritless “sovereign citizen” ideology, whereby individuals argue that they are not subject to the laws of the United States of America and that debts can be discharged by accessing secret government bank accounts.
According to information presented during his trial and sentencing, Wright was the owner of “Money Solutions,” a Columbia-based financial services business. Between 2013 and 2015, Wright targeted multiple individuals, some elderly, who were experiencing financial difficulty. Wright especially pursued those going through foreclosure on their homes and contacted many of them through churches and other faith-based organizations. Wright claimed that he knew a method whereby individuals could eradicate their debts by making financial claims against their birth certificates. Wright told his customers that these monetary claims against the birth certificates could then be used to satisfy the customer’s debts.
According to evidence presented at trial, Wright attempted to fraudulently discharge nearly $15 million of consumer debt. Despite Wright’s claimed belief in this payment system, he did not accept this form of payment at Money Solutions, and instead charged individuals over $140,000 of actual currency to participate in his bogus scheme. Wright also argued that his so-called “sovereign” status exempted him from the payment of income taxes.
“No one is exempt from the Rule of Law in this country,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Mr. Wright’s sentence holds him accountable for years of defrauding some of the most vulnerable members of his community and taking advantage of those who were desperate for help.”
"We continue to see the negative consequences of participating in fraudulent debt elimination tactics," said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Charlotte Field Office. "Today's sentence is a positive message to honest taxpayers and further exhibits that the IRS and U.S. Attorney’s Office are duty bound to protect the integrity of the U.S. tax administration system, and to make sure everyone complies with their tax obligations."
The case was investigated primarily by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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Pelion Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Loan FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Richard Earl Jeffcoat, age 52, of Pelion, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and six months of home confinement after pleading guilty to Conspiring to Commit Bank Fraud. Senior United States District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia imposed the sentence and ordered Jeffcoat to pay over $45,000 in restitution to the victim, Arthur State Bank.
Facts presented in court established that Jeffcoat is an accountant who was producing false documentation in support of loan applications and giving that information to an Arthur State Bank loan officer. The officer than facilitated approvals for mortgages and other loans using the fake documents. Some of the loans were for Jeffcoat’s family members.
Jeffcoat was involved in a total of six loans valued at $529,000. Several are still current. The value of the loss-to-date is approximately $45,000.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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North Charleston Man Sentenced to a Year in Prison on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Corey Emery Jenkins, 35, of North Charleston, was sentenced to a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on August 10, 2017, officers of the North Charleston Police Department responded to an apartment on Russelldale Avenue regarding reports of gun and drug trafficking. Jenkins answered the door with a gun in his hand, and then tried to close the door on the officer. Officers entered the apartment and secured a search warrant. A search of the apartment revealed three loaded guns, including a stolen Glock, a revolver capable of firing shotgun shells, and an assault rifle. Federal law prohibits Jenkins from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions.
United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Jenkins to twelve months in federal prison to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. The Court imposed the maximum sentence available under the terms of Jenkins’ plea agreement. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the North Charleston Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation 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. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Lydon Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina — United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon recognized today the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12, to Saturday, May 18, 2019. In October 1962, Congress declared May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018, including five officers here in South Carolina. The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019.
“During Police Week, we celebrate the contributions of law enforcement officers across the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and bravery,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Today, on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their communities. We are able to live in safety and sleep in peace only because men and women like Mike Doty, Dale Hallman, James Kirk, Terrence Carraway, and Farrah Turner are willing to put on the police uniform every day and risk their lives to protect the rest of us. To them, and to their brothers and sisters in uniform, we offer our unwavering support and appreciation.”
The five South Carolina officers added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year are:
York County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael R. Doty, who passed away on January 17, 2018, after sustaining gunshot wounds in the line of duty the previous day while searching for a subject who had shot a York County Sheriff’s Office canine handler earlier in the night.
Saluda County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Dale S. Hallman, who was killed in the line of duty in a single-vehicle crash while responding to a call on April 6, 2018;
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy James L. Kirk, Jr., who died in the line of duty after collapsing during a combat firearms training on April 24, 2018;
Florence Police Sergeant Terrence F. Carraway, who was killed in the line of duty on October 3, 2018, while responding to assist three Florence County Sheriff’s Office deputies who had been shot while serving a warrant; and
Florence County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Farrah B.G. Turner, who passed away on October 22, 2018, after suffering fatal gunshot wounds in the line of duty while serving a warrant on October 3, 2018.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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Kershaw Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ike Joel Mitchell, age 33, of Kershaw County, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to two counts of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia sentenced Mitchell to 240 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 10-year term of court-ordered supervision and a special assessment of $500. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented to the court established that on June 4, 2017, the Camden Police Department located Mitchell sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car at a local shopping center. Mitchell had an outstanding arrest warrant in their jurisdiction. Mitchell was asked to step out of the car. Under the front driver’s seat, the police found a .22 caliber handgun with one round of .22 caliber ammunition in it. They also found a green book bag that contained marijuana, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a digital scale. Mitchell was arrested but was later released on bond.
On September 20, 2017, Mitchell was indicted federally on drug and gun charges and remained a fugitive until January 25, 2018. On that date, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department learned that Mitchell was at a local Kershaw County hotel. As officers approached the hotel, they saw him walking with a female while talking on his cell phone. In his hand, multiple officers saw him carrying a grey plastic bag. As Mitchell saw the police, he tried to run through the breezeway of the hotel but stopped and returned to where he was initially seen. He was arrested. Officers found on him two keys for the hotel, a .38 caliber handgun, marijuana, and roughly $600 dollars.
The officers found the grey plastic bag that Mitchell had discarded and discovered it contained heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and two unopened bottles of a codeine mixture.
The officers also used the room keys found on Mitchell and searched the hotel room. Under one of the beds, they found a blue book bag containing methamphetamine, a .357 caliber handgun, and a mason jar containing heroin; and a black book bag containing eight additional unopened bottles of the codeine mixture.
Federal law prohibits Mitchell from possessing a firearm as a result of prior convictions for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine base.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, and Camden Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon and Christopher Taylor of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation 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.
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Charleston Man and Business Indicted in Federal Court in over $9M FraudRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Amir Golestan, 36, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Micfo, LLC, were charged in federal court in a twenty-count indictment. The indictment charges twenty counts of wire fraud, with each count punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
The indictment alleges that since February 2014, Golestan and Micfo created and utilized “Channel Partners,” which purported to consist of several individual businesses, all of whom acquired the right to IP addresses from the American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN). The indictment alleges that Golestan and Micfo fabricated the true nature of the Channel Partners, including creating false officers and deceptive websites for the businesses, which were in turn used to deceive ARIN and to fraudulently obtain IP address rights from ARIN. The indictment charges that, through this scheme, Golestan and Micfo obtained the rights to approximately 757,760 IP addresses, with a market value between $9,850,880.00 and $14,397,440.00.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Williams of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Walterboro Man Sentenced to Thirty Years for Federal Narcotic and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Marion Katrell Campbell, age 38, of Walterboro, South Carolina, was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Campbell to 360 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at trial established that on July 8, 2017, Campbell was the driver and sole occupant of a car stopped by officers with the Walterboro Police Department for a defective headlight. A K9 search was conducted on the vehicle after Campbell was placed under arrest for driving under suspension and failure to pay multiple traffic citations. After a positive alert from the K9, officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded .38 caliber Charter Arms revolver under the driver’s seat, extra ammunition on the driver’s side floorboard and in the driver’s door, plastic bags containing methamphetamine in the driver’s door and center console, as well as additional plastic baggies used for packaging drugs for distribution on the front passenger seat and in the passenger door. In total, there were 42 individual bags of methamphetamine measured out in various weights for distribution. The total net weight of the methamphetamine was a little less than 37 grams.
After Campbell was arrested, he placed numerous phone calls to his friends and family from jail trying to convince other people to claim the firearm located in the vehicle that night.
Campbell has a lengthy criminal history, which includes convictions for criminal domestic violence, forgery, failure to stop for a blue light, strong arm robbery, multiple drug possessions, and multiple possessions with intent to distribute crack and cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Walterboro Police Department and agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted pursuant to 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone’s longstanding partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to target career criminals in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, Colleton, and Allendale Counties in federal court as well as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.
Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation 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.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Assistant United States Jamie Schoen of the US Attorney’s Office in Charleston prosecuted the case.
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Carolina Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Inc. to Pay $790,000 to Resolve False Billing AllegationsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina has resolved claims of health care fraud with Carolina Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Inc. (“Carolina PT”). Carolina PT was a chain of nine physical therapy practices headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, with practice locations in Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, Sumter, and Mount Pleasant.
The United States contended that Carolina PT knowingly submitted claims to Medicare and TRICARE for services provided to multiple patients simultaneously as though the services were being provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to one patient at a time. As a result, Carolina PT received higher reimbursements than it would have if it had accurately represented the services. Additionally, the United States contended that Carolina PT knowingly submitted claims to Medicare and TRICARE for services provided by physical therapy assistants who were not supervised by a physical therapist, as required. Finally, the United States contended that Carolina PT knowingly submitted claims for attended electrical stimulation services when those services were in reality not attended by a licensed therapist or assistant and should have been billed as a lower cost unattended electrical stimulation service.
This settlement resolves a lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina by Hilary Moore, a former employee of Carolina PT, under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private citizens to bring lawsuits on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. Moore will receive $142,200 from the settlement, and her attorneys will recoup fees from Carolina PT in the amount of $38,000.
“Medical billing fraud drives up the cost of healthcare and diverts critical resources from federal healthcare programs,” U.S. Attorney Lydon said. “Whistle blower suits, like this one, are one of the government’s most effective tools at detecting fraud and protecting the integrity of our burdened healthcare system. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina will continue to pursue companies and providers that defraud federal health care programs.”
“Carolina PT inflated bills sent to federal health programs, the government contended,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “People who depend on medical care through these programs, and taxpayers who provide the funding, deserve much better. We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney and other law enforcement partners to safeguard these services.”
“I applaud the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney for their continued efforts to hold health care providers accountable to the American taxpayer,” said Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, director of the Defense Health Agency. “The efforts of the Department of Justice safeguard the health care benefit for our service members, veterans and their families. The Defense Health Agency continues to work closely with the Justice Department, and other state and federal agencies to investigate all those who participated in fraudulent practices.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”). The civil settlement was reached by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Warren of the Columbia office.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
If you suspect Medicare or Medicaid fraud please report it by phone at 1-800-447-8477 (1-800-HHS-TIPS), or E-Mail at [email protected].
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U.S. Attorney's Office to Host Central Reentry Job Fair & ExpoRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina – United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; SC Department of Employment and Workforce; SC Works; SC Vocational Rehabilitation; SC Department of Social Services; and the United States Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.
The Third Annual Central Reentry Job Fair & Expo will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Dutch Square Mall, located at 421 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.
This job fair, which is intended as a resource for Midlands residents, is part of a series of events held annually in Florence, the Midlands, the Lowcountry, and the Upstate. The partner organizations have tailored the expo to help people with a criminal record overcome the particular obstacles they face after returning home.
The fair and expo will include area employers friendly to hiring individuals with a criminal background and other organizations who provide resources for returning citizens.
Professional dress is required. As always, the event will feature workshops on how to seek expungements and pardons of prior criminal convictions.
Interested employers or vendors should inquire with Rosalind Harps at (803) 313-7386 or [email protected]. Job seekers should contact Jake Bookard of the United States Probation Office at [email protected]; or George Whitehead of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258, or [email protected] with questions about the event.
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Chester County Sheriff, Lieutenant, and Chief Deputy Indicted on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Chester County Sheriff George Alexander “Big A” Underwood, 55, of Chester; Chester County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Johnny Ricardo Neal, Jr., 39, of Lancaster; and Chester County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Robert Andrew Sprouse, 44, of Chester, were indicted in federal court on an eight-count indictment related to a conspiracy to cover up an unlawful arrest and an excessive use of force.
“Today, we announce the worst kind of charges: Allegations of wrongdoing on the part of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Those who swear to protect and uphold the law, while at the same time using their positions of power to hide their own violations of the law, will be held accountable. The American system of government depends on those in power obeying the rules and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and equally.”
Count One of the Indictment alleges that on November 20, 2018, law enforcement personnel from Chester County Sheriff’s Office, including Underwood, Neal, and Sprouse, responded to a car accident and fleeing suspect in Fort Lawn. A resident living nearby, identified in the Indictment as K.S., used his cellphone to live-stream the law enforcement activity. Underwood asked K.S. to stay on his porch, but K.S. remained in his yard. Underwood returned 25 minutes later, directing K.S. to retreat to his porch.
Underwood then followed K.S. onto his porch, lunged out to grab and restrain K.S. by his torso, and demanded that K.S. turn over his cellphone. After restraining K.S., Underwood stated that he was attempting to place K.S. under arrest. Neal placed K.S. in handcuffs and escorted him to a vehicle for transport to the detention center. In doing so, Neal knocked K.S. to the ground while K.S. was restrained in handcuffs, injuring K.S.’s head and elbow. Neal then directed the transport office to place a “hold” on K.S., causing him to be held in jail for three nights.
Underwood and Sprouse learned that K.S. had live-streamed the video from his cellphone onto the Internet. Underwood and Sprouse then announced that a radio had been lost during the seizure of K.S. Sprouse and Neal then directed subordinate deputies to draft a search warrant that would allow them to enter K.S’s home. Sprouse entered K.S.’s home without a warrant, searching for the cellphone. He directed a subordinate deputy to dial a phone number in an effort to identify the target phone by making it ring. Sprouse ultimately removed a cellphone from K.S’s home without consent. Sprouse then delivered that phone to a Sheriff’s deputy in charge of evidence collection.
In January 2019, Sprouse and Neal created an incident report containing false statements about K.S.’s seizure, and Underwood and Sprouse created and signed a disciplinary report shifting the blame to the deputy in charge of evidence collection for taking the phone following the seizure of K.S. Also in January 2019, Underwood and Sprouse made false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) concerning the seizure of K.S. and the cellphone.
This Count carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Count Two alleges that Underwood violated K.S.’s rights while acting under color of law by seizing K.S. without probable cause to believe K.S. committed a crime, causing him to be detained in jail for three nights. This Count carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison.
Count Three alleges that Neal violated K.S.’s rights while acting under color of law by knocking K.S. to the ground while he was handcuffed, resulting in bodily injury to K.S. This Count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
Count Four alleges that Underwood and Sprouse tampered with the cellphone, attempting to alter, destroy, or conceal it with the intent to impair its integrity or availability for use in the federal case involving the deprivation of K.S.’s rights. This Count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Count Five alleges that Neal and Sprouse falsified a record with the intent to impede a federal investigation by creating a false incident report indicating that K.S. repeatedly left his yard to enter the roadway and that K.S. directed profane language toward them – when in fact K.S. did neither – and caused that report to go to the FBI. This Count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Count Six alleges that Underwood and Sprouse falsified a record with the intent to impede a federal investigation by creating and signing a disciplinary report shifting blame to the deputy in charge of evidence collection for taking the cellphone following K.S.’s seizure, and caused that report to go to the FBI. This Count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Count Seven alleges that Underwood made a false statement to the FBI on May 3, 2019, representing that he first viewed K.S.’s video recording about a week after the incident, when in fact he viewed the recording on the date of the incident. This Count carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Count Eight alleges that Sprouse made a false statement to the FBI on January 8, 2019, representing that he did not know how a cellphone was removed from K.S.’s home, when in fact he removed the phone. This Count carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
“We will never shy away from bringing these types of cases,” continued U.S. Attorney Lydon. “We will work day in and day out to make sure our citizens in Chester and across South Carolina can have confidence in their public servants, their government, and certainly their police officers.”
“It is paramount that law enforcement maintain the trust of the public which it serves,” said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI. “These charges are a reminder that nobody is above the law. We will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of law enforcement misconduct, and we are grateful to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for their assistance in this case.”
Underwood, Neal, and Sprouse will make their initial appearances at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse in Columbia.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alyssa Leigh Richardson and William Camden Lewis of the Columbia office.
U.S. Attorney Lydon stated that all charges in the Indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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20190507_-_indictment.pdfSaluda Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Brenda Rodgers, age 57, of Saluda, pleaded guilty to Filing a False Tax Return. United States District Court Judge Timothy Cain, of Anderson, accepted the plea and will sentence Rodgers after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the hearing established that from 2012 through 2016, Rodgers was an employee of a property and casualty insurance agency located in Columbia. Rodgers embezzled by writing checks from a particular client’s account to herself and forging the name of her supervisor. During the tax years 2012 through 2016, Rodgers wrote herself 325 checks totaling over $337,000. Rodgers concealed her activity by making false entries in the accounting records and on check stubs. She also removed pages from the bank statements that contained photocopies of the checks transferring funds into her bank account. By creating false entries and removing bank records, Rodgers avoided reporting taxable income associated with her embezzlement. As a result, she avoided tax payments totaling $78,892 for the years 2012 through 2016. As for Count 4 of the Indictment, to which she pleaded guilty, the additional tax she owed that year was at least $27,222.
Rodgers confessed to deputies of the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, explaining that she used the money to pay bills, make car payments, and pay off her mortgage.
The maximum penalty Rodgers faces is three years in federal prison and a fine of $100,000.
The United States Internal Revenue Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Tavares Antonio Cromer, age 25, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison after pleading guilty in December 2018 to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Evidence presented in court established that on March 9, 2018, Columbia Police Department officers stopped a vehicle on Bailey Street to investigate suspicious activity. Officers could smell marijuana as they approached the vehicle, and a small amount of marijuana was seen in a glass jar on the front seat. During a search of the vehicle’s glove compartment, three loaded firearms were found. One of the firearms was reported stolen out of Rock Hill. Cromer claimed possession of the firearms, which he had placed inside the glove box immediately prior to the traffic stop.
Federal law prohibits Cromer from possessing firearms based on 2014 convictions for assault and battery by mob 3rd degree, assault and battery 1st degree, and strong arm robbery.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia, accepted Cromer’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 40 months in federal prison, followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Assistant United States Attorneys William E. Day, II, and Christopher D. Taylor of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation 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.
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