District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Reggie Denard Goodwin, age 47, of Columbia, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented in court established that on March 13, 2018, deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department stopped Goodwin’s vehicle after observing a traffic violation. When deputies approached the vehicle, they observed Goodwin, a female, and a small child in the vehicle. Deputies smelled marijuana and asked Goodwin, the driver, to exit the vehicle. Goodwin actively resisted arrest, struck the officer’s arm, and tried to flee.
A loaded .380 caliber handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, was found in Goodwin’s pocket. Inside the car, deputies located a digital scale and baggies of cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. After waiving his rights, Goodwin admitted that he tried to run because he had drugs and a gun. Goodwin was arrested on state charges and released on state bond.
While out on state bond from the March 2018 drug and gun offenses, Goodwin was involved in a high-speed chase on June 1, 2018, after Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputies attempted to stop his truck for a traffic violation. The chase ensued through highly-populated areas of Columbia, including Devine Street and Garners Ferry Road. During the chase, a deputy observed Goodwin throwing baggies out of his truck. Goodwin lost control and wrecked his truck as he crossed into on-coming traffic over a raised median at the on-ramp to I-77. Goodwin exited the truck with a handgun in his hands, which he tossed into the brush when he attempted to flee. Goodwin resisted arrest and struggled with deputies, breaking one deputy’s eyeglasses. Deputies were able to locate the loaded .38 caliber firearm in the brush where Goodwin tossed it. Goodwin was arrested on state charges and released on state bond. Thereafter, a federal complaint and arrest warrant were issued. Goodwin was arrested on federal drug and gun charges and remains in custody.
Goodwin is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for possession of cocaine and possession of crack cocaine (1990); burglary 2nd degree (1990); grand larceny (1991); receiving stolen goods (1994); forgery (1996); burglary 2nd degree/strong arm robbery, possession of crack cocaine, and grand larceny (1996); burglary 2nd degree and grand larceny (1996); possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2006); and possession of crack cocaine (2006).
Goodwin faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of $2,000,000, and 6 years of court-ordered supervision on the drug charge. On the firearm charge, Goodwin faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of court-ordered supervision.
Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has received and reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s 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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911 Call for Domestic Violence Results in 57 Months Federal Prison Sentence for Sumter ManRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Lorenzo Keith Goins, age 27, of Sumter, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour, of Charleston, sentenced Goodwater to 57 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented during Goins’ guilty plea and sentencing hearing established that on October 20, 2017, the victim’s 19-year-old son called 911 and stated that Goins was threatening his mother with a handgun. Officers with the Sumter Police Department responded and encountered Goins, who was in possession of a .45 caliber Springfield Armory handgun and over 20 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition. Witnesses to the incident advised the officers that Goins grabbed the female victim by the throat and threw her up against her car. The victim’s 19-year-old son then attempted to engage Goins. Goins then displayed the firearm in his waistband and told the son, “You lucky I don’t pull it out on you.”
During the sentencing hearing, the transporting officer’s in-car video was played for the Judge. Goins was captured on the video becoming visibly irate with the transporting officer, making numerous threats to hurt the officer and his colleagues. Federal law prohibits Goins from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on his criminal record, which includes convictions for grand larceny, possession of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana, and receiving stolen goods. After his arrest, Goins made contact with the victim several times over the phone, attempting to get her to withdraw her statements to law enforcement about the assault.
The Court sentenced Goins to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release with a special condition that he receive anger management treatment. This sentence was at the top of the advisory sentencing guideline range and was enhanced for his possession and use of the firearm during and in relation to the domestic violence incident.
The case was investigated by the Sumter Police Department and agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell 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.
#####North Charleston Man Gets 5 Years for Federal Gun and Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Tyrus Cornell Goodwater, Jr., age 27, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Goodwater to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented to the court established that on February 20, 2017, officers of the Charleston Police Department stopped Goodwater for a traffic violation and observed marijuana in his vehicle. A search of Goodwater’s car uncovered distribution amounts of marijuana, plastic baggies, and digital scales. Officers also discovered three guns in the trunk of the car, including an AK-47 style weapon. Goodwater pled guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on August 20, 2018.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston 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 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.
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Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement will join U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon at a press conference tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Conway, South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri Lydon announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the M.L. Brown Public Safety Building, 2560 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526.
Represented at the press conference will be members of the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
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 should gather at the media staging area at 10:30 a.m., 30 minutes in advance.
Media Staging Area: the M.L. Brown Public Safety Building, 2560 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526.
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Hartsville Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Unlawfully Possessing 24 FirearmsRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Joseph Leslie Griggs, 52, of Hartsville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to being a felon in possession of firearms.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on June 28, 2017, deputies with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Griggs’ residence in Hartsville, South Carolina. During the execution of the search warrant, deputies recovered 24 firearms, some of which were stolen. Federal law prohibits Griggs from possessing firearms based on his prior state conviction for Grand Larceny.
Griggs faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Griggs after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charges against Griggs were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. 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 is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Greenville Man of Conspiracy to MurderRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Brian Lewis, 24, of Greenville, South Carolina, was convicted in federal court in Anderson of conspiracy to murder a trial witness of the State of South Carolina, conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to possess firearms during the commission of a violent crime.
Evidence presented at trial established that Lewis was the South Carolina leader for a street gang. The gang was an ongoing criminal enterprise in South Carolina, with leadership throughout the country that engaged in racketeering activities including attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine.
Lewis conspired with fellow members of the street gang in Greenville County and Florence, South Carolina, to attempt to murder a witness in a state trial. That witness was the victim of an armed robbery previously committed by Lewis. Lewis commissioned at least four other street gang members to murder the anticipated witness in order to avoid a lengthy sentence for that crime. Law enforcement, however, was able to intercept the conspiracy before any attempt on the witness’s life was accomplished.
Lewis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson presided over the trial and will sentence Lewis after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and 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 D. Josev Brewer and Sloan Ellis of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Felon from Latta for Possession of a Firearm and Fentanyl, Among Other ChargesRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Quintin La Prix Davis of Latta, South Carolina, was convicted by a federal jury for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycodone, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime after a two-day trial in Florence. The 12-person jury unanimously found Davis guilty of all charges after a short, 30-minute deliberation.
Evidence presented at trial showed that at approximately 3:43 a.m. on March 21, 2018, a deputy with the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office attempted to perform a traffic stop after noticing Davis erratically driving on Highway 301. Davis continued driving, however, then sped up and attempted to elude law enforcement by making multiple turns before pulling into a parking lot and trying to escape on foot. After a brief foot chase, Davis was detained and walked back to the patrol car.
During an initial pat down of Davis, law enforcement found three bags of opioids – including Fentanyl, the dangerous drug responsible for the recent deaths of musicians Prince and Tom Petty – and $509 in US currency. A search of Davis’s vehicle revealed a stolen Ruger, model SR40c, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, located within arm’s reach of the driver’s seat. The semi-automatic pistol was loaded to capacity with nine rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, including one in the chamber.
Federal law prohibits Davis from possessing a firearm and ammunition based on his numerous state felony convictions, including: assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, strong arm robbery, four counts of distribution of cocaine base (commonly referred to as “crack cocaine”), and two counts of distribution of cocaine.
Davis faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life in federal prison based on his prior criminal record. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the trial and will sentence Davis after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. 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 Justin Holloway and Everett McMillian of the Florence Office prosecuted the case.
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Three Convicted in Federal Court Following Armed Bank Robbery and Car Chase in North Myrtle BeachRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that three defendants—Lance Hardiman, Justin Pressley, and Rodrick Berklery—were convicted in federal court for robbing the South State Bank in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in May 2016.
Hardiman stood trial this week in United States District Court in Florence before District Court Judge R. Bryan Harwell. The jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts: 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.
Evidence presented during the trial 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.
Following his conviction by a unanimous jury, Hardiman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years to run consecutive to any other sentences imposed and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Judge Harwell will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office. Pressley pled guilty to using a firearm in furtherance of a bank robbery and witness tampering and agreed to a 25-year federal prison sentence. Berklery pled guilty to using a firearm in furtherance of a bank robbery and in furtherance of witness tampering and agreed to a 30-year sentence.
U.S. Attorney Lydon stated, “We will always support our local and state partners in ensuring that the most dangerous criminals are held accountable for their actions. This investigation, manhunt, and prosecution was the result of many wonderful agencies working in unison to ensure that the guilty were caught and convicted.”
Chief Deputy Solicitor for the 15th Circuit Scott Hixson said, “The case was successful due to the courage and persistence of all involved. From the bravery of the tellers, to the officers who chased and disabled the defendants, to the numerous agencies who participated in the manhunt – this outcome would not have been possible without so many people in the community coming together to hold the violent individuals accountable for their acts. We would like to thank our federal partners in FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their dedication to ensure a just outcome occurred.”
Chief Joseph Hill of the Horry County Police Department commented, “Although I was not Chief when this incident occurred, it remains that the men and women of law enforcement continue to keep their community safe in the most hazardous conditions. I’m very proud of the cooperation of every agency involved in the successful apprehension and prosecution of these very dangerous men. Every day, law enforcement officers stand ready to protect and serve, no matter the risk, to keep our community safe.”
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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Two Lancaster Residents Sentenced for Their Role in National Guard Armory Firearms TheftRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Austin Lee Ritter, age 23, and Kimberly Denise Cannon, age 40, both of Lancaster, South Carolina, each were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty in June to being a felon in possession of firearms and to possession of machineguns and destructive device not registered to them.
Evidence presented in court established that in the early morning hours of November 26, 2017, an officer with the Lancaster Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Cannon after observing her littering. Further investigation during the traffic stop revealed the following inside the vehicle: a FNH, model M249, 5.56mm machinegun; two Colt, model M-16, 5.56mm machineguns; two Beretta, model M9, 9mm pistols; a Colt, model M203, 40mm grenade launcher (“destructive device”); night vision goggles; and various military items stolen from the Lancaster National Guard Armory.
After the traffic stop, Ritter and co-defendant Brandon Shane Polston, who has also pled guilty to federal charges and will be sentenced on December 14, 2018, were found in a Lancaster motel in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine. A review of surveillance video from the motel showed Ritter, Cannon, and Polston bringing bags containing the firearms back and forth between the vehicle and the motel room. Searches of their cell phones revealed various photos and text messages relating to the firearms and sale of the firearms.
An investigation revealed that Polston stole the firearms from the Lancaster National Guard Armory and then directed Cannon to take him and Ritter to an area near the Armory, where they retrieved the firearms and other items from a ditch and placed them in their car, later transporting them to the motel. Some of the stolen firearms were later recovered in possession of other felons in the area, while other firearms remain missing.
Both Ritter and Cannon are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon their prior state convictions. Ritter has prior convictions for accessory after the fact of a felony, possession of a controlled substance, breach of trust, receiving stolen goods, and theft of a controlled substance. Cannon, who was on state probation from a North Carolina conviction at the time of this incident, has prior convictions for shoplifting, assault and battery, and obtaining property by false pretenses.
United States District Judge Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Ritter to 87 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Cannon was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Lancaster Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Roles in Drug Conspiracy Orchestrated Through the Use of Contraband Phones in PrisonRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ignacio Sandoval-Acosta, 47, a Mexican citizen currently serving a sentence for drug trafficking in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and Scott Terrill Hipp, 27, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, were sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Sandoval-Acosta, Hipp, and others were involved in a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for importing large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, as well as other drugs, from Mexico for distribution in South Carolina and elsewhere. Sandoval-Acosta coordinated shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana through the use of a contraband cell phone while incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. During the course of the investigation, agents seized one package containing 886 grams of crystal methamphetamine that had been shipped to Hipp from Arizona. Agents later seized a package containing 853 grams of crystal methamphetamine that Sandoval-Acosta had arranged to have shipped.
Senior United States District Judge Margaret Seymour sentenced Sandoval-Acosta to 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision, while Hipp received a sentence of 120 months in federal prison, also to be followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision. Sandoval-Acosta’s sentence will not begin until he finishes serving his state sentence in 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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North Charleston Man Gets 40 Months for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ronreguss Santez Grant, 35, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on November 21, 2017, North Charleston Police conducted a traffic stop, smelled marijuana, and searched Grant and his vehicle. In addition to finding a small amount of marijuana on Grant’s person, officers discovered a 9mm pistol that had previously been reported stolen in the vehicle he was driving. Federal law prohibits Grant from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his numerous prior felony convictions, including convictions for strong arm robbery, unlawful carrying of a pistol, and multiple convictions for possession of narcotics.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted Grant’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 40 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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 part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The Department of Justice has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Florence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Multi-State Scheme to Manufacture and Pass Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Michael James Bembry, 28, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit money and manufacturing counterfeit money.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Bembry was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit $100 and $50 bills in multiple states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This conspiracy, which began in 2015, included at least nine defendants who were responsible for making and passing over $100,000 in counterfeit money.
Bembry and other conspirators manufactured counterfeit money at several residences in Florence, South Carolina, and in a room at the Roosevelt Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They produced counterfeit $100 bills on genuine currency paper, then visited various local businesses, where they would purchase small items or services with the counterfeit $100 bills in order to obtain genuine currency as change.
In May 2015, multiple counterfeit $100 bills, a genuine $100 “parent note,” a printer, and other counterfeiting materials were seized by local law enforcement from a car Bembry was driving in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Later, in July 2016, Bembry and a codefendant passed a counterfeit $100 bill at a business in Bryson City, North Carolina. To date, seven of Bembry’s co-conspirators have pled guilty to federal crimes for their role in this counterfeiting scheme.
United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Bembry to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by agents of United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Florence Police Department, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and the Bryson City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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5 Inmates Among 15 Defendants Indicted for Wire Fraud, Extortion, and Money Laundering Scheme at SCDCRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina -------- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that 15 individuals from South Carolina and North Carolina were charged in federal court with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Extortion, and Money Laundering. These individuals are:
- WENDELL WILKINS, age 30, of Ridgeville, South Carolina;
- RAKEEM SPIVEY, age 27, of Bishopville, South Carolina;
- JIMMY DUNBAR, age 37, of Bishopville, South Carolina;
- ANTWINE LAMAR MATTHEWS, age 28, of Bishopville, South Carolina;
- DAVID PAUL DEMPSEY, age 31, of Ridgeville, South Carolina;
- EDGAR JERMAINE HOSEY, age 34, of Aiken, South Carolina;
- JALISA THOMPSON, age 30, of Spartanburg, South Carolina;
- TIFFANY REED, age 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina;
- BRANDON THOMPSON, age 25, of Spartanburg, South Carolina;
- LABEN MCCOY, age 40, of Orangeburg, South Carolina;
- ROSELYN PRATT, age 28, of Longs, South Carolina;
- MITCHLENE PADGETT, age 52, of Batesburg, South Carolina;
- MALCOLM COOPER, age 27, of Rock Hill, South Carolina;
- ANDREIKA MOUZON, age 28, of Kingstree, South Carolina; and
- FLOSSIE BROCKINGTON, age 28, of Florence, South Carolina.
The Indictments allege that from at least 2015 through 2017, Wilkins, Spivey, Dunbar, Matthews, and Dempsey (the “named inmates”) were inmates at the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) who smuggled smartphones into prison. Using the Internet access on the smartphones, the named inmates and other prisoners at SCDC orchestrated a scheme to defraud members of the United States Military.
As part of the scheme, the named inmates used smartphones to join Internet dating websites and pose as young women seeking romantic relationships. On the dating websites, the named inmates targeted young male service members. After meeting the service members on the dating websites, the named inmates texted nude pictures of young women that they obtained from the Internet, claiming these nude pictures were of the woman that they were impersonating on the dating website. After they texted nude pictures, they asked the military members to text nude pictures and other personal information in return.
As further part of the scheme, after exchanging nude pictures and other personal information, Wilkins, Spivey, Dunbar, Matthews, Dempsey, and other inmates called the military members and claimed to be the young woman’s father. The named inmates told the military members that the “daughter” was a minor and not 18 or 19 years old as listed on the dating website. They then threatened to notify the military authorities and/or law enforcement that the military member was exchanging nude pictures with a minor unless the military member paid money. Often times, the named inmates claimed that the money was needed for counseling and medical bills for the trauma that the “underage daughter” suffered from the sexually explicit text messages. In some instances, other inmates at SCDC who conspired with the named inmates called the military members posing as a police officer and threatened them with arrest unless they paid additional money. The named inmates directed the military members to wire money by means of wire communications in interstate commerce via Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, and Walmart to individuals in South Carolina and North Carolina.
As further part of the scheme, Wilkins, Spivey, Dunbar, Matthews, and Dempsey recruited the other ten charged individuals—Jalisa Thompson, Reed, Brandon Thompson, McCoy, Pratt, Padgett, Cooper, Mouzon, Brockington, and Hosey—and others to retrieve the money that was wired by the military members.
After retrieving the wired money, these ten individuals then provided the named inmates with access to the wire funds through various methods at the inmates’ direction, including the use of pre-paid debit cards. In some instances, the individuals provided the named inmates with debit card numbers so they could access the criminal proceeds in prison via smartphones. Other times, the individuals wired the money directly into the inmates’ prison accounts.
The maximum penalty for each count in these Indictments is 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of court-ordered supervision.
“This case should sound the alarm that these kinds of scams are a significant threat to members of our military and to the citizens of South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “These indictments are just one step in holding these inmates and the defendants on the outside, who allegedly assisted, accountable. We do not lock criminals up only to have them continue their criminal enterprises from inside prison. It is the unfettered use of contraband cell phones that allows inmates to continue harming the public. We are thankful to our partners in state, local, and federal law enforcement and across the military branches for their hard work in bringing the perpetrators of this scheme to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, United States Marshals Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Rhett DeHart 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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18-1017_indictment-penalty.pdf 18-1023_indictment-penalty.pdf 10-1024_indictment-penalty.pdf 18-1018_indictment-penalty.pdf 18-1022_indictment-penalty.pdfMount Pleasant Speech Therapist Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Gena Randolph, 44, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was sentenced to over 9 years in federal prison for executing a health care fraud scheme over the course of almost five years.
Randolph’s sentence comes after a four-day trial in July prosecuted jointly by the United States Attorney’s Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. A federal jury convicted Randolph of executing a health care fraud scheme totaling almost $2 million. Randolph was convicted of one count of Health Care Fraud, one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, and three counts of Making False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters.
According to evidence presented at trial, Randolph was excluded from Medicare and Medicaid after her 2012 conviction for Filing False Claims with the South Carolina Medicaid Program. As an excluded person, she was prohibited from working for any provider to perform services paid for, in whole or in part, by Medicare and Medicaid.
From 2012 to 2017, Randolph disguised her ownership and control over Palmetto Speech and Language Associates and Per Diem Healthcare Services, both of which were submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid. As part of the health care fraud scheme, Randolph submitted claims both for speech therapy services that were provided by other speech therapists and for services that were never rendered at all. The jury was also presented with evidence showing that Randolph submitted claims for services to beneficiaries who were dead.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel presided over the trial and sentenced Randolph to 111 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system, and her prison sentence will be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Randolph was also ordered to pay $580,937.44 in restitution.
“This case should serve as a warning sign to health care providers tempted try to take advantage of the size of our health care system, hoping that false and fraudulent claims will go unnoticed among the thousands of claims processed every day,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “When providers like Ms. Randolph break the rules, American taxpayers are forced to bear the cost. Her sentence will help recover that cost and discourage fraudulent billing by other providers in the future. We applaud the vigilant employees who spotted Ms. Randolph’s fraud and were brave enough to report it to law enforcement, as well as the hard work of our partners at the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services.”
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated, “This wasn’t just fraud, it was an attack on the people of the state because she took taxpayers’ money that was meant for health care after having already been convicted of a previous fraud. I’m thankful that the hard work by our Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services paid off in restitution and a long prison sentence.”
The case was investigated by Special Investigator Chris Radcliff of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and Special Agent Chris Lott with the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Nancy Cote, Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Austin and Sean Kittrell of the Charleston office.
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Military Investigation Services along with State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to Hold Press Conference at the Department of Corrections in Columbia on Wednesday, November 28, 2018Read the Press Release
The press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the South Carolina Department of Corrections, located at 4460 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri Lydon announced that a press conference will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Department of Corrections, located at 4460 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.
Represented at the press conference will be members of the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command (CID), Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), United States Marshals Service (USMS), the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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 should gather at the media staging area at 10:00 a.m., 30 minutes in advance. Media Staging Area: South Carolina Department of Corrections Recruitment and Employment Services Center parking lot located at 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC.
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Lexington Therapy Practice Agrees to Pay $200,000 to Resolve Allegations That It Submitted False Claims to Medicare and MedicaidRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Vital Energy Occupational Therapy and Wellness Center, LLC, headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, has agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that it knowingly submitted false or fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for physical and occupational therapy services.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Vital Energy violated federal law from November 1, 2013, through April 30, 2016, by submitting bills for individual therapy services when group therapy services were actually provided, and by submitting bills for therapy services using former employees’ names and billing numbers when those former employees did not actually provide the therapy services. Vital Energy denies these allegations.
The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The Act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that defendants submitted false claims for government funds and to share in any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive $36,000.
“The False Claims Act exists to protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “And when health care providers fail to follow the rules, the public bears the cost. It is through settlements like these that we recover those costs and discourage fraudulent and reckless billing.”
The settlement was the result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office, with support from the Department of Health and Human Services and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The settlement was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brook B. Andrews of the Columbia office.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Ashley C. Baggett, DPT v. Vital Energy Occupational Therapy and Wellness Center, LLC, d/b/a Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center, Case No. 3:16-cv-1692-DCC (D.S.C.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Man Who Lied About Combat Service for Second Time Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Keith R. Hudson, 71, of Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and six months of home confinement for receiving $197,237 in benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after falsely claiming to be a veteran.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Hudson falsely claimed that he was entitled to VA benefits because he was a veteran who had been in combat in Vietnam. He even went so far as to claim that he had received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
Hudson has committed the same crime in the past. In 2005, he was prosecuted in Connecticut for the falsely claiming to be a veteran in order to claim VA benefits. He was placed in pretrial diversion. He moved to Charleston, South Carolina, and in 2012 he applied to the VA in Charleston for benefits. He used the same falsified form from the Department of Defense, (a DD-214, “Report of Separation from Active Duty”) and claimed that he was in the Navy and saw combat as a medic, suffering wounds and other trauma. He claimed that he served from August 1, 1967, through October 31, 1971.
This was all a fraud. Hudson was never in the military. He never served in the United States Navy, nor did he ever see combat in Vietnam.
Hudson asked for a probationary sentence, claiming poor health and noting his age, previous bypass surgeries, and cancer. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel denied Hudson’s motion for probation and instead sentenced him to 1 year of confinement, in a split sentence. Six months of the confinement is to be served in federal prison, and six months is to be served as home confinement. Hudson was also ordered to pay $297,237 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Lydon emphasized the importance of this case for our country and for our community. “This is an egregious crime,” she said. “This Defendant trampled on the memory of those who have bravely served our country and suffered harm protecting us. Hudson not only stole from the taxpayers by taking benefits he did not earn, he also stole directly from veterans who served our nation and protected our freedom. Every minute of time he spent with a VA doctor or a staff member is a minute he stole from a real veteran. He took resources that the VA just cannot afford to spare. We are grateful to the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General for their investigative work on this case.”
Kim Lampkins, the Special Agent in Charge for the Veterans Administration Office of Investigations Criminal Investigations Division, said, "Those who defraud the VA harm all veterans. VA benefits are intended solely for those who have protected this nation’s freedoms. We investigate individuals who commit fraud against the VA and are dedicated to defending veterans who genuinely earned our support."
The case against Hudson was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell of the Charleston office.
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Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in First Amendment CaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today filed a Statement of Interest in U.S. District Court in South Carolina supporting a church’s claim that the Town of Edisto Beach violated its rights under the First Amendment when the town barred it from renting space at the Town’s Civic Center.
“The Constitution protects the right of individuals and groups to exercise their religion without discrimination because of their religion,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. “The First Amendment requires that religious individuals and groups have the same opportunity to rent public facilities as other members of the community. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of Americans, including fostering the religious expression of members of all faiths.”
The case, Redeemer Fellowship of Edisto Island v. Town of Edisto Beach, involves a small Christian congregation that sought to rent space for Sunday worship in the Civic Center, which is available for rental by community groups to hold events and activities. The town responded by enacting a policy barring worship services at the Civic Center, citing separation of church and state concerns. The town claimed that it wanted to avoid appearing as though they endorsed a religious group. As a result, the church filed a First Amendment lawsuit to allow it to rent space at the facility.
The Constitution requires that churches be allowed to rent facilities on an equal basis with other community groups. The Supreme Court held in the landmark case of Widmar v. Vincent (1981), that a university could not “discriminate against student groups and speakers based on their desire to use a generally open forum to engage in religious worship and discussion.” The United States’ Statement of Interest argues that allowing equal access to all groups, including the church, is required by the First Amendment. Allowing equal access, the United States argues, ensures the government neutrality toward religious expression that the Constitution requires.
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Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Entering the U.S. for Third TimeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Elder Jose Cruz-Arteaga, 45, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty in federal court to illegally re-entering the United States after having been deported.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Cruz was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)- Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) agents on July 22, 2018, while he was incarcerated at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia on unrelated charges. In 2002, Cruz was convicted of Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin) in Colorado, then deported. He reentered the United States, and in 2004 he was convicted of Felony Possession/Purchase for Sale Narcotics (cocaine) in California and deported again.
Cruz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Cruz after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The case was investigated by agents of ICE-ERO, which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Georgetown Man Gets Seven Years for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Dewayne Hasan Davis, 29, of Georgetown, South Carolina, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on January 9, 2018, Georgetown City Police arrested Davis on outstanding state warrants. A search of Davis—who was on probation at the time of his arrest—revealed a bag of heroin and a loaded .44 Magnum revolver that had recently been reported stolen. Federal law prohibits Davis from possessing firearms and ammunitions because of his numerous prior felony convictions, including for pointing and presenting a firearm at a person and distribution of cocaine.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted Davis’ guilty plea and sentenced him to 84 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgetown City Police. 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 program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Former Fifth Circuit Solicitor Indicted for Additional Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Daniel Edward Johnson, 47, Former Fifth Circuit Solicitor and resident of Blythewood, South Carolina, was charged in a 36-count Superseding Indictment by a federal Grand Jury in Columbia for Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, Theft of Federal Funds, False Statements, Conversion of Federal Funds, and Obstruction of Justice.
Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, and Obstruction of Justice charges; a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the Theft of Federal Funds and Conversion of Federal Funds charges; and a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the False Statements charge.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Winston D. Holliday, Jr., Alyssa Leigh Richardson, and William C. Lewis of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Newberry Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge Stemming from Vista ShootingRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Maleik Houseal, 23, of Newberry, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm in relation to a September 2017 Columbia shooting.
Evidence presented in court established that at approximately 2:12 am on September 16, 2017, a shooting between a group of individuals 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, eight individuals, including Houseal, were shot.
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 a car. Houseal returned to the sidewalk area outside of the club, where he remained. As another group of individuals from Newberry left the club parking lot, they fired weapons from their cars in Houseal’s direction, striking Houseal and others. Houseal fired back and ran after the cars, firing his weapon. He then discarded his 9mm handgun in a pile of chairs outside the club, where authorities later recovered it.
Houseal and the other individuals in the vehicles were all charged with various state charges stemming from the incident. Those state charges remain pending, and they are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal law prohibits Houseal from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions. Houseal has the following prior convictions: 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.
Houseal faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has received and reviewed a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Columbia Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state, and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation 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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Florence Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Chadrick Letran James, 29, of Florence, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on September 1, 2017, a corporal with the Florence Police Department conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle James was driving. The corporal could smell an odor of marijuana coming from both James and the vehicle. James admitted to smoking marijuana and having marijuana in the vehicle’s cup holder. A search of the vehicle also revealed a plastic bag in the driver’s side door believed to be used to package narcotics and a book bag that contained several bags of marijuana, a bottle of crack cocaine, a bag of cocaine, a set of digital scales, and a Smith and Wesson, model SW40VE, .40 caliber pistol loaded with 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.
James faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence James after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charges against James were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Florence Police Department. 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 is prosecuting the case.
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Camden Man Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal Prison for Kidnapping, Carjacking, and RobberyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Kaycee White, 22, of Camden, South Carolina, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and firearm offenses.
Evidence presented to the court showed that White was responsible for a home invasion and armed robbery in Kershaw County in April and May 2016. During the home invasion, White entered a home with a sawed-off shotgun, held residents at gunpoint, and forced them into their vehicle. Once in the vehicle, White forced the victims to drive him to an ATM, where he demanded that a victim withdraw money and provide it to him. Fortunately, White left the scene after receiving the money and none of the victims were physically harmed.
Approximately two weeks later, White robbed a gas station located in Camden. During the robbery, White entered the station and held the clerk at gun point with a sawed-off shotgun, threatening to kill the clerk if he did not receive money. Ultimately, the clerk provided money to White and White ran from the store.
On January 10, 2018, White pled guilty to Kidnapping, Carjacking, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson sentenced White to 240 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Camden Police Department, the Kershaw County Sherriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorney Will Lewis of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Lancaster Man Pleads to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Jamarcus Dontaye Patterson, age 35, of Lancaster, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on July 13, 2018, deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Plyler and Duke Streets after receiving a call that Jarmarcus Patterson had pointed a firearm at someone. Deputies observed Patterson, who had outstanding state warrants at the time, walking down Plyler Street. When deputies approached, Patterson fled on foot, was apprehended shortly thereafter and deputies recovered a loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. Patterson was arrested on state charges and thereafter, a federal arrest warrant and complaint was issued.
Patterson is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions. Patterson has the following prior convictions: 2002 conviction for assault and battery with intent to kill, wherein he shot someone in the leg; 2013 conviction for burglary 2nd degree, where he and a co-defendant allegedly were armed during a burglary in which a two-month old child was held at gunpoint; 2013 conviction for attempted strong arm robbery; and 2013 conviction for accessory before the fact to a felony. At the time of the current offense, Patterson was on state bond for a December 24, 2017, weapon charge.
Patterson faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. 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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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United States Attorney Announces Settlement with Anderson County Board of Voter Registration and Elections to Ensure Compliance with Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ----- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today a settlement with the Board of Voter Registration and Elections for Anderson County to ensure accessibility of polling locations to persons with disabilities.
The agreement requires the Board to ensure that every polling site is accessible to persons with disabilities by elections starting in 2019. The Board will provide training to all precinct coordinators on how to install and maintain any temporary measures needed to increase accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps, cones to designate accessible parking, or the placement of mats over thresholds. On Election Day and during early-voting periods, the Board must maintain in working order all facilities and equipment—including lifts, elevators, and ramps—necessary to make polling locations accessible.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the County’s voting program, including its polling places, must be accessible to voters with disabilities. During the June 2018 primary elections, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice reviewed 15 polling places in Anderson County and concluded that many were inaccessible to voters who have mobility impairments.
The Board cooperated fully with the investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in reaching a voluntary settlement agreement, which became effective on November 9, 2018. In response to the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s initial findings, the Board expressed its commitment to making all polling locations accessible. It made improvements and continued to do so prior to the Settlement Agreement becoming finalized.
“The right of individuals to participate in our democratic system of government includes full and equal access to polling places for all voters,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “This agreement represents an important step toward guaranteeing voting access to all of our citizens. I commend the Board for its commitment to providing equal access to polling places and for recognizing its obligations and moving promptly to take these steps.”
This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Sneed of the Greenville office.
Title II of the ADA prohibits public entities, such as the Anderson County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, from discriminating against people with disabilities in their programs, services, and activities. With respect to voting programs, public entities are required to select and use polling places that are accessible. To learn more about the ADA and other laws protecting the rights of voters with disabilities, log on to www.ada.gov/ta-pubs-pg2.htm or call the Justice Department's toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD).
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Two Spartanburg Brothers Among Five Men Sentenced in Federal Court for Roles in Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Anderson, South Carolina – United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that brothers Soeuth Ath, 46, and Sean Ath, 54, both of Spartanburg, South Carolina, were among five men sentenced to federal prison for their roles in bi-coastal methamphetamine, marijuana, and money laundering conspiracies.
United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Soeuth Ath to life in federal prison and Sean Ath to 151 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Ath brothers were convicted by a federal jury after a week-long trial in January. Evidence showed that in 2016, a number of mail packages containing methamphetamine shipped from California to Spartanburg were intercepted by the United States Postal Inspector. A law enforcement investigation revealed that a group of individuals in the Spartanburg area with ties to Fresno and Bakersfield, California, were obtaining large amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana from sources in California via the U.S. Mail. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants received over 22 kilograms of high purity methamphetamine and at least 15 kilograms of marijuana for distribution in the Upstate of South Carolina. From April 2016 through January 2017, the defendants laundered at least $196,500 in drug trafficking proceeds from South Carolina to California.
Five additional co-conspirators pled guilty to federal drug and money laundering charges. Virig Chheng, 30, of Spartanburg, was sentenced to 328 months in federal prison, followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. Raymond Soeng, 33, of Boiling Springs, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Vilay Phabmisay, 25, of Bakersfield, California, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. Two defendants, Anthony Pan, 23, of Bakersfield, and Junior Choeun, 24, of Spartanburg, await sentencing.
The convictions are the result of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program. The OCDETF Program is a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Its principal mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug-trafficking organizations primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance and cooperation of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Spartanburg City Police Department, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Leesa Washington and Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office are prosecuting the case.
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Illegal Aliens Sentenced in Federal Court for Unlawfully Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Noe Enrique Cabrera-Rivera, 38, a citizen of El Salvador, and Juan Angel Tabora-Garcia, 36, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty and were sentenced in federal court to unlawfully reentering the United States after being deported.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Cabrera has previously been deported at least twice. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Enforcement and Removal Operations encountered him on September 17, 2018, at the Lexington County Detention Center after he was arrested on state charges for Murder/Homicide by Child Abuse.
Tabora has also previously been deported. He was encountered by agents with ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations on September 15, 2018, at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia after being arrested on state charges for Attempted Murder.
Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Cabrera and Tabora each to three months in federal prison. They are expected to be deported upon completion of their prison sentences.
These cases were the result of investigations by ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office prosecuted the cases.
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Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Unlawfully Entering the United States for Sixth TimeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Paulino Luna-Gonzalez, 45, a Mexican citizen, pled guilty in federal court to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 13, 2018, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers discovered Luna-Gonzalez while he was in custody at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on state charges. Immigration records revealed that Luna-Gonzalez was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States on five separate occasions. Luna-Gonzalez has never received permission to enter or remain in the United States.
Luna-Gonzalez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Luna-Gonzalez after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charges against Luna-Gonzalez were the result of an investigation by ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations in Charleston, with the assistance of the Horry County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Horry County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Glendell Long, a/k/a “Okera Uzoma,” 46, of Longs, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in March 2018, officers with the Horry County Police Department were conducting an investigation into an unrelated crime when they discovered an American Tactical Omni Hybrid multi-caliber rifle and several rounds of .223 caliber and 7.62 mm ammunition in Long’s home. Long was not charged in relation to the separate crime.
Federal law prohibits Long from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on prior felony convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm, assault and battery with intent to kill, and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Long also has a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Long faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charges against Long were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department. The 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 Christopher D. Taylor of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Greenville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting a Woman for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Patrick Rashad Durham, aka “Pat Pat,” 29, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for transporting an individual for the purposes of prostitution.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in 2014, Durham facilitated the prostitution of a woman from South Carolina to North Carolina and Florida. Durham severely assaulted the victim on at least ten occasions. He has prior convictions for Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Strong Arm Robbery, Criminal Domestic Violence, and Assault and Battery 3rd Degree.
United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Durham to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Durham will also be required to pay $10,000 in restitution for the victim, which was ordered as forfeiture.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Lea Schoen and Carrie Fisher Sherard prosecuted the case.
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Florence Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Passing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Shanteley Latrice Howard, 33, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit money.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Howard was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit $100 and $50 bills in multiple states, including South Carolina and North Carolina. This conspiracy, which began in 2015, included at least nine co-conspirators who were responsible for making and passing over $100,000 in counterfeit money. Howard passed counterfeit $100 and $50 bills on multiple occasions at businesses in Florence and other locations in South Carolina.
United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Howard to 18 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Columbia Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Dennis Michael Martin, 53, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography.
Evidence presented to the court showed that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a report through its CyberTipline that an email address was being used to upload child pornography to the internet on April 16, 2016. Further investigation revealed the email address belonged to Martin, who was a registered sex offender already under supervision by the United States Probation Office for a prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography. Martin also has a prior state conviction for Child Molestation in the Second Degree.
A search of Martin’s residence revealed that he had secretly purchased cell phones to access the internet to collect and distribute child pornography. The cell phones contained 26 videos and 2,544 images of child pornography.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Martin to 188 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Following his release, Martin will remain under court-ordered supervision for life. He will be required to register as a sex offender, attend sex offender treatment, submit to computer monitoring, refrain from any unsupervised contact with minors, and submit to random polygraph examinations.
Agents of the Department of Homeland Security investigated this case, which was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Blythewood Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraudulent Use of Husband’s VA BenefitsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Tammy L. Yoho, a/k/a “Tammy Louise Black,” 54, of Blythewood, South Carolina, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for theft of government funds.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in 2002, Yoho entered an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to act as the fiduciary for her husband after he was diagnosed with brain cancer. In 2011, Yoho began a relationship with another man, whom she began living with in 2013. Yoho used her husband’s VA benefits for personal expenses, including spending large amounts at a casino in Las Vegas. In 2014, she forged her husband’s name on a power of attorney form so she could obtain a VA loan to purchase a large house in Blythewood, South Carolina. In October 2015, her husband was found dead in their marital home in North Carolina. The utilities had been shut off and the residence was in foreclosure for lack of payments. Yoho—who was still living with another man in Blythewood—subsequently filed for additional VA benefits claiming to have continuously lived with her husband until he died.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Yoho to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision and payment of $47,730.34 in restitution to the Department of Veterans affairs.
The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Gray Court Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Derrick Bernard Cunningham, 48, of Gray Court, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 26, 2018, a lieutenant with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) located Cunningham, who was wanted for outstanding warrants, at a hotel in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Cunningham was detained and placed in handcuffs, and the lieutenant noted that Cunningham continually tried to roll onto his left side. The lieutenant observed a heavy object in a pocket of the vest Cunningham was wearing. Cunningham claimed he did not know whether the object was a firearm and that he had borrowed the vest from a friend. A search revealed the object was a Jiminez .380 caliber handgun, loaded with six rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits Cunningham from possessing firearms because he has prior state convictions for grand larceny, burglary, and armed robbery.
Cunningham faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Cunningham after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charges against Cunningham were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), SLED, and the North Myrtle Beach Police Department. 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 is prosecuting the case.
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Former Company Executive Sentenced to Federal Prison in $9 Million Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina - United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Bryan S. Bower, 51, formerly of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for tax evasion.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Bower is a former executive of Buckeye Fire Equipment in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. From 2010 to 2013, Bower diverted over $25 million in customer payments directly into his personal bank accounts. He then failed to claim the income on his yearly tax returns, resulting in a failure to pay over $9 million in income taxes.
Bower pled guilty to tax evasion, and United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced him to 41 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Mr. Bower’s embezzlement scheme to steal from his employer while also deliberately underreporting his embezzlement income on his federal tax returns was motivated by greed,” said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office. “Today’s sentencing is a reminder that there are detrimental consequences for this type of criminal behavior. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue our work to bring justice to those that abuse their positions of trust and steal from innocent victims.”
The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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Camden Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Tarkim Shavell Melendez, 30, of Camden, South Carolina, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the court showed that when a Bishopville City Police officer conducted a traffic stop in Bishopville on February 8, 2018, he recognized the passenger, Melendez, because Melendez had outstanding arrest warrants. When Melendez was arrested he was carrying a stolen, loaded 9mm pistol. Federal law prohibits him from owning or possessing a firearm or ammunition due to previous felony convictions.
Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., sentenced Melendez to 46 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bishopville City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and 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 William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Illegal Alien Who Fired at Officers Sentenced on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Marcos Rodriguez Lopez, 34, a Mexican citizen located in Gaston, South Carolina, was sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
According to court documents, Lopez and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute multiple kilograms of cocaine. On the morning of January 10, 2017, federal, state, and local authorities executed search warrants at Lopez’s residence and another nearby residence. As officers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol announced their presence and attempted to enter Lopez’s residence, Lopez fired one shot through the door where the officers were located before surrendering. Lopez—who was residing in the United States illegally—was ultimately held accountable for over 12 kilograms of cocaine.
Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., sentenced Lopez to 262 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 agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), ICE-Homeland Security, the State Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Department, and Aiken County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Ten Plead Guilty in Federal Court for Roles in Lexington Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that as of this week, a total of ten defendants out of Lexington County and surrounding areas have pled guilty in federal court for their roles in a meth distribution conspiracy.
The first seven defendants, (1) Rafael Redmond, a/k/a “Pockets,” 43; (2) Jennifer Logan, 42; (3) Andrew Michael Chamberlain, 31; (4) James Lloyd, 28; (5) Jeremy Davis, 31; (6) Robert Pendleton, a/k/a “Bobby,” 39; and (7) David Peeples, 36, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Another two, (8) Terri Moore, 40; and (9) Brian Lorick, 45, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
These nine defendants each face a mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in federal prison, with a possibility of up to life imprisonment. Evidence offered during their guilty pleas included audio and video surveillance of several defendants involved in drug trafficking and firearm possession. Children were present during one of these drug exchanges.
Defendants (2) Jennifer Logan, (4) James Lloyd, (8) Terri Moore, and (9) Brian Lorick also pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. They face a mandatory sentence of at least 5 years in federal prison, in addition to any other sentence imposed on the drug charges.
A tenth Defendant, Kyndal Hancock, 25, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs will sentence all ten defendants after reviewing presentencing reports prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted under the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Leigh Richardson of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Serial Domestic Violence Abuser Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Dennis Gerald Robinson, 55, of Camden, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of firearms, including a .22 caliber rifle and 20 gauge shotgun.
Robinson admitted that he engaged in a domestic violence dispute in May 2018, which ended with his victim fleeing the residence and Robinson firing his shotgun. Because Robinson is a convicted felon, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Robinson has previously been convicted of criminal domestic violence in the first degree; criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature; criminal domestic violence in the second degree; criminal domestic violence in the third degree; criminal sexual conduct with a minor; and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. According to court documents, Robinson’s prior domestic violence incidents involved a repeat victim, the repeated use of violence, and a return to the victim.
Robinson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Robinson after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department and is being 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 program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Leigh Richardson of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Simpsonville Man of Possessing over 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute - Faces Life Sentence in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Quirino Hernandez, 31; Adam Stone, 28; and Luis Rodriguez, 29, were sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to participating in a drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine. Hernandez, Stone, and Rodriguez received sentences of 17 years, 13 years, and 5 years in federal prison, respectively. There is no parole in the federal system.
Andy Moorman, Head of the Narcotics Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told the Court during the sentencing hearings that Hernandez, located in Gainesville, Georgia, was the source of supply for kilograms of methamphetamine. Hernandez, with the help of Rodriguez, a runner, would meet drug dealers from Anderson, South Carolina, at a carwash in Gainesville, Georgia. While at the carwash, Hernandez would sell kilograms of methamphetamine to these drug dealers for tens of thousands of dollars, and they would return to the Upstate of South Carolina to sell the methamphetamine to their customers.
According to Moorman, Adam Stone was a courier for another leader in the organization, Joshua Peace. Peace sent Stone to the Atlanta, Georgia, area on multiple occasions to buy kilograms of methamphetamine at his request. After buying the methamphetamine, Stone would bring it to Peace in South Carolina, where Peace and other members of the organization would sell it locally.
Peace, Hernandez, Stone, Rodriguez, and others in this drug trafficking organization were responsible for the distribution of over $1 million worth of methamphetamine in the Upstate of South Carolina and elsewhere. During the course of the investigation and prosecution, federal agents and local law enforcement seized over $600,000 in U.S. Currency, seven automobiles, and other property that conspirators bought with drug proceeds.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, and the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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North Charleston Man Sentenced to 50 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Derrick Joy, Jr., 30, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced to over four years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on December 26, 2017, a North Charleston police officer saw Joy rolling a marijuana blunt in his vehicle in the parking lot of a convenience store. The officer surprised Joy, removed him from the vehicle, and placed him under arrest. A 9mm pistol loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition was discovered between the driver's seat and the driver's side door of Joy’s car. The gun had been reported stolen. Because Joy has previously been convicted of multiple felonies and crimes of domestic violence, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Joy pled guilty to the firearm count, and United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced him to 50 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 agents of 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 part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Conway Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Eron Jordan, 27, of Conway, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to court documents, on May 22, 2018, an officer with the Conway Police Department was on patrol in the City of Conway when he observed a vehicle with tinted windows so dark that he could not see the driver through the front side window. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, and upon approaching the vehicle, smelled an odor of marijuana. The officer explained the window tint violation to the driver, identified as Eron Joran, asked Jordan to step out of the vehicle, and asked about the odor of marijuana. Jordan disagreed about the odor and advised he had no objections to the officers looking in the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered two bags of crack cocaine and two bags of heroin in the center console; a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun in the glove compartment, loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition; a silver scale in the front passenger door; several cell phones; a glass jar with a small amount of suspected marijuana; $335.00 in cash in the driver’s door; and $5,762.00 in cash in a book bag on the rear passenger seat. A search of a passenger in the vehicle revealed 70 Hydrocodone pills, 69 Oxycodone pills, and 10 Buprenorphine pills. Jordan admitted that everything in the car was his and nothing belonged to the passenger. Federal law prohibits Jordan from possessing firearms and ammunition because he has two prior state convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm.
Jordan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Jordan after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charges against Jordon were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), assisted by the Conway Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Jury Convicts Walterboro Man of Federal Narcotic and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Marion Katrell Campbell, 38, of Walterboro, South Carolina, was convicted in federal court of 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.
Evidence presented at the 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. Campbell was placed under arrested for driving with a suspended license and failure to pay multiple traffic citations, and a K9 search was conducted on his vehicle. After the K9 alerted, officers searched the vehicle and discovered 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, and additional plastic baggies used for packaging drugs for distribution on the front passenger seat and in the passenger door. In total, five plastic bags containing 42 prepackaged smaller bags of methamphetamine were found in the car. 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 found in the vehicle that night. He also openly discussed how much he was paying for his drugs and boasted about the quality. The Government’s expert in drug trafficking was able to explain to the jury how the prices he quoted and the terms he used showed the conversations were about methamphetamine.
Campbell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston presided over the trial and will sentence Campbell after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
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. Solicitor Stone stated, “The partnership between our office and the United States Attorney’s Office has been tremendously successful and continues to make the 14th Circuit a safer place to live.”
This case was also 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 program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charleston prosecuted the case.
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Former Fifth Circuit Director of Communications Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced that Nicole Halliett Holland, 49, former Director of Communications for the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and a resident of Columbia, pled guilty in federal court today to two fraud counts, one Wire Fraud and the other Mail Fraud. Senior United States District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie presided. Sentencing has been set for February 26, 2019.
Facts presented in court established that from 2011 to March 2018, Holland was employed by Daniel Edward Johnson at the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. During her time of employment, Nicole Holland used Solicitor’s Office funds to pay for personal expenses.
Using a Solicitor’s Office credit card issued to her to pay for office-related expenses, she made the following unauthorized purchases:
• In May 2017, various hotel stays at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Hopkinsville, KY, totaling over $2,700. These charges correlate to Count 11, which is the wire fraud for the August 7, 2017, payment covering these personal expenses.
• In March 2017, a $1,020 expense for a family member’s orthodontics treatment that Holland labelled as “tournament sponsorship.” This charge correlates to Count 19, the mailing and receipt of the Bank of America statement ending on March 8, 2017, which contained this expense.
Holland faces up to twenty years in federal prison, with a potential fine up to $250,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Winston D. Holliday, Jr., Alyssa Leigh Richardson, and William C. Lewis of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
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Anderson Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Using Weapons of Mass DestructionRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Wesley Dallas Ayers, 27, of Anderson, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to using, attempting to use, and threatening to use weapons of mass destruction; possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime; and use of an explosive device during the commission of a felony.
Ayers admitted that he constructed, and then placed, three explosive devices in various parts of Anderson County between January 24, 2018, and February 24, 2018. A device placed by Ayers on January 30, 2018, at the intersection of Travis and Martin Roads, in Anderson County, detonated and injured one individual. The other two devices, which Ayers also placed in or near area roadways, were intercepted and rendered safe by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
In that same timeframe, Ayers placed three hoax devices, which resembled explosives but did not contain any blasting agent. With some of those devices, the defendant left threatening messages that more, and more powerful, devices were to come.
Ayers was arrested after an exhaustive month-long investigation, with the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous law enforcement agencies from around the State of South Carolina. DNA and other forensic evidence associated Ayers with the various devices. Additionally, a search of his property produced numerous items consistent with the manufacture of the same.
Ayers faces a mandatory sentence of at least 20 years in federal prison, and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, in addition to a fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of court-ordered supervision.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with numerous other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney D. Josev Brewer of the Greenville office is prosecuting the case.
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West Virginia Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Thomas Owen Haynes II, 47, of Bluefield, West Virginia, formerly of Ladson, South Carolina, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, the Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC) sent a lead to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which then obtained evidence that Haynes had been using his cell phone to view, receive, and distribute images and videos of child pornography.
Haynes pled guilty, and United States District Court Judge David C. Norton sentenced him to 60 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Haynes is released from prison, he will be under court-ordered supervision for life.
The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Williams of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Columbia Man Charged in Multi-Defendant Drug Case SentencedRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ernest Gerod Sims, a/k/a “Kojack,” 44, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for his role in a crack cocaine distribution conspiracy.
According to court documents, on August 13, 2014, the Columbia Police Department, in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Sims. An undercover source met with Sims at a residence on Pendleton Street and purchased crack cocaine from him. The source then turned over the crack cocaine he had purchased to police. This was part of a larger operation conducted by multiple police agencies targeting street-level drug sellers in the Midlands region.
Sims and eight others were charged in federal court in a 44-count indictment for their roles in a drug conspiracy. Sims pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., sentenced Sims to 188 months (15 years and 8 months) imprisonment followed by 6 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Richland County Sheriff's Department, and City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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2018 Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement AnnouncedRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA –The United States Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) and the Strom Thurmond Foundation, hosted the annual Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement Luncheon today at the Fort Jackson Officers' Club, Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Approximately 150 state, local, and federal law enforcement officials from across the state attended the awards luncheon.
The following South Carolina law enforcement officers received the 2018 awards:
City – Chief William H. “Skip” Holbrook, City of Columbia Police Department
County – Sheriff Barry S. Faile, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
Federal – Special Agent Jacquelyn K. Hamelryck, Federal Bureau of Investigation
State – Lieutenant Sigrid C. Phinney, SLED
The Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement were established by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1983 to recognize law enforcement officers whose performances demonstrate the highest ideals of excellence in professional law enforcement. An annual award is given in each of four categories: (1) City Officer; (2) County Officer; (3) State Officer; and (4) Federal Officer. An awards committee composed of representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Strom Thurmond Foundation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with a police chief and sheriff who have received the award selected the recipients from nominations received from across the state.
United States Attorney Sherri Lydon stated, "We are proud to recognize these officers to exemplify the best in law enforcement and endeavor every day to secure communities across South Carolina.”
City Recipient
William H. “Skip” Holbrook
Chief
City of Columbia Police Department
Chief William H. “Skip” Holbrook has more than 27 years of law enforcement experience, the last 12 of which have been in executive and command positions. He was appointed Chief of the Columbia Police Department on April 14, 2014. Under his leadership, the Columbia Police Department has implemented many organizational and operational reforms which have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for 21st century policing efforts. In addition, the department has received the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) SCANA Award of Excellence and has been awarded national accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
Chief Holbrook began his law enforcement career in 1987 with Charlotte Police Department in N.C. He went on to have a distinguished career with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation where he achieved the rank of Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Southern Piedmont District, Charlotte office. Prior to coming to the Columbia Police Department in 2014, Chief Holbrook who is a native of Huntington, W. VA, served as their Police Chief for seven years.
Chief Holbrook earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Marshall University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pheiffer University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI’s National Executive Institute, and the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service Senior Executive Institute. Chief Holbrook is also a Furman University Riley Institute Diversity Fellow.
Chief Holbrook is an active member of the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers’ Association, S.C. Police Chiefs’ Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates National Executive Institute Association. He serves as a member of the S.C. Governor’s Opioid Emergency Response Team. Chief Holbrook is married and has three children.
County Recipient
Barry S. Faile
Sheriff
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Barry Faile began his law enforcement career at the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office in 1989 as a patrol deputy and worked his way through the ranks as a Patrol Deputy, Criminal Investigator, Narcotics Investigator, Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force Commander, Patrol Captain, and Chief Deputy. He was elected Sheriff in 2009 and under his leadership and guidance, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office achieved accreditation through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Coalition in 2011. In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office received national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
Additionally, Sheriff Faile has obtained more than $5 million in grant money to improve and modernize the Sheriff’s Office to better serve citizens of Lancaster County. In 2017, his agency completed their implementation of a body worn camera program that greatly increased accountability, criminal prosecution, and officer safety. Grant funding made it possible to implement video conference bond hearings in the detention center and a countywide 800 mhz radio system. Again, utilizing grant funds for their “CrimeTRAC” program, Lancaster County has seen a significant decrease in crime since its implementation in 2013.
A life-long resident of Lancaster County, Sheriff Faile is committed to the quality of life for its citizens. For example, the Crime Watch program grew from 12 neighborhoods to 37 in just two years. He and his officers are integral parts of the Lancaster County Coalition for Healthy Youth and the Lancaster Promise Neighborhood, aimed at revitalizing high-crime areas and mentoring high-risk youth. In 2018, Sheriff Faile started a Senior Services Unit which focuses on increasing safety and improving the quality of life for senior citizens. Included among firsts for the Sheriff’s Office under his leadership are a Career Ladder designed to recruit and retain experienced and educated officers, the first Professional Standards Unit, the first Crowd Control Unit,
Sheriff Faile was awarded the 2018 Sheriff’s Association Sheriff of the Year. He currently serves as the SCLEOA 1st Vice President and is the Past President of South Carolina Sheriff’s Association. Sheriff Faile and his wife and their three children reside in Lancaster where he is an active member of the community and church. He is a regular volunteer at local high school sporting events where he can be found in the concession stand working for the booster club.
Federal Recipient
Jacquelyn K. Hamelryck
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Special Agent Jacquelyn “Jackie” Hamelryck began her career 25 years ago at the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. In 1998, she joined the FBI and was initially assigned to the Miami Office Gang Squad working Haitian violent crime. She later supervised the South Carolina Joint Terrorism Task Force through 2016. She was responsible for managing the 24/7 surveillance of an international terrorism subject for over three months and involved over 50 surveillance teams that contributed to his conviction for the material support of terrorism. During this same time, SA Hamelryck stood-up and managed a second FBI command post to support potential domestic terrorism threats emanating from the Mother Emmanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston. She was also responsible for initiating and incorporating terrorism training to all new state and local law enforcement officers at the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
More recently, SA Hamelryck has served as the Violent Crimes Against Children Coordinator and was responsible for the safe recovery of 10 child sex trafficking victims and arrest of their pimps. She was instrumental in the murder investigation of a mother and the 10-day search for her kidnapped and murdered eight-year-old daughter in Bennettsville. She apprehended a predator who used the identities of college athletic coaches to gain access and sexually exploit young female athletes across the country.
As FBI Columbia’s Crisis Negotiation Coordinator, she is responsible for teaching negotiator classes to hundreds of first responders statewide. She has also provided instruction to over 1000 federal, state, and local negotiators nationwide. SA Hamelryck was responsible for managing the communications in multiple drug-related kidnappings and obtained proof-of-life evidence that contributed to the safe recovery of the victims. During the Still kidnapping in Calhoun County, SA Hamelryck spent five days at the Sheriff’s Department with the victim’s father receiving calls from the kidnappers associated with the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Mexico. SA Hamelryck was a key witness in the two trials and introduced critical evidence from the ransom negotiations against the three kidnappers who received 30 years to life in federal prison. SA Hamelryck’s team successfully negotiated the last four occupiers on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon to end the 41-day armed standoff.
SA Hamelryck has received numerous internal FBI awards in recognition for her role in high-profile national security and criminal investigations. She was named Rookie of the Year in 1994 by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. She was recognized by the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, as Agent of the Year in 2000 for the successful prosecution of violent Haitian home invaders. In 2015, she was nominated for the United States Attorney General Award.
SA Hamelryck earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina and will graduate with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Behavior from Tiffin University in December 2018. She is married and has two children.
State Recipient
Sigrid C. Phinney
Lieutenant
SC Law Enforcement Division
Lieutenant Sigrid C. Phinney began her law enforcement career in 1998 with the Summerville Police Department where she served as a patrol officer, bicycle officer and School Resource Officer. In 2005, she accepted a position with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and is currently assigned to the SeaHawk Charleston Interagency Operations Center (IOC) as the State IOC Coordinator and Automatic License Plate Recognition program leader.
As State IOC Coordinator, Lieutenant Phinney assists in coordinating with federal, state, local, and private sector partners to support criminal investigations and homeland security needs, such as Cooper River Bridge Runs, multi-agency strike force operations, VIP visits to the Charleston area, the USS Ralph Johnson Ship Commissioning, and the creation of the IBIS/NIBIN database in Alastar. As a result of her coordination efforts, including “Operation SHRIMP and GRITS,” the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston was awarded the Area Maritime Security Committee in 2017. "Operation SHRIMP and Grits," a five- hour operation included SC, GA, and FL, encouraged boating safety and maritime security, and incorporated 89 agencies and 409 personnel, while covering 430 miles of coastline. In 2018, Lieutenant Phinney was awarded a SLED Certificate of Merit for assisting Charleston Police Department and FBI in a kidnapping case involving a four-year old. Her assistance included creating a timeline of the suspect’s movements before, up to, and after the attack on the family.
Lieutenant Phinney received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Charleston Southern University in 2004 and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Anderson University Command College in Anderson, SC. Lt Phinney is married and has one child. While working full time and attending school, she continues to assist with Special Olympics events along with assisting her child in 4-H community projects, including Operation Shoebox. Lt. Phinney also volunteers at her child’s school when needed for drama club performances, tennis matches, and piano recitals.
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Pictured from left to right: Solicitor Strom Thurmond, Jr., US Attorney Sherri A. Lydon, County Award Winner Sheriff Barry S. Faile, Federal Award Winner Special Agent Jacqueline Hamelryck, State Award Winner Lieutenant Sig Phinney and City Award Winner Chief William "Skip" HolbrookJustice Department Announces $35 Million to Battle the Distribution of Methamphetamine and Another $35 Million to Assist Children Impacted by the Opioid CrisisRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced $35 million in funding to support law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription opioids, and another $35 million to establish new programs to provide services to children victims of the opioid crisis.
The announcement was made at the Department’s National Opioid Summit, which coincides with Red Ribbon Week, a yearly October event encouraging students, parents, schools, and communities to promote drug-free lifestyles. Additionally, the upcoming Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27 provides an opportunity for Americans to prevent overdose deaths and drug addictions before they start. Last year, the Department expanded on DEA's Drug Takeback Days and collected more than 2.7 million pounds of expired or unused prescription drugs since April 2017. The Department of Justice also recently announced a total of almost $320 million in unprecedented funding to combat the opioid crisis in America.
"Ending the opioid crisis is a top priority for this administration, and under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," Attorney General Sessions said. "We have already seen a nearly 20 percent decline in opioid prescription rates nationwide in 2017 and 2018, and we are cutting opioid production by an average of 10 percent for next year. Preliminary data also show that after years of large and sustained increases, overdose deaths may have finally started to decrease. Today, we are announcing millions in grants intended to help the most vulnerable victims of the opioid crisis: children. The Department is investing almost $35 million to assist youth victims of this crisis through enhancing community programs, supporting partnerships with victim service providers, and establishing mentoring programs. We are also announcing another $35 million for state law enforcement in states with high levels of heroin and methamphetamine abuse. These measures take us one step closer to bringing this crisis to an end.”
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including illicit fentanyl and its analogues.
In FY 2018, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) made awards to 41 sites and a technical assistance provider totaling $29.8 million. This is in addition to about $4.8 million in transferred funds to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to support partnership between victim service providers and first responders who encounter an overdose where children are present. The OVC program will support partnerships between victim service providers and first responders who encounter an overdose where children are present, through direct services, training and technical assistance, and efforts to build direct victim assistance services through community-based systems. The funding will provide funding for school-based programs, foster care and child welfare programs, counseling and assistance programs, child advocacy programs, court-appointed special advocates, mentoring and tutoring programs, civil legal services, and other programs.
The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office is awarding more than $27.8 million in grant funding to 17 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides two years of funding directly to law enforcement agencies in states with high per capita levels of primary treatment admissions for heroin and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office will also award $7.2 million to nine state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies will be awarded two years of funding through CAMP to support the investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/content/camp-2018-announcement.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/content/ahtf-2018-announcement.
The complete list of OVC awards can be found here: https://ojp.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2018/ojp-news-10252018c.pdf
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