District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lancaster Residents Plead to Federal Firearm Charges Relating to Firearms Stolen from National Guard ArmoryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Austin Lee Ritter, age 32, and Kimberly Denise Cannon, age 40, both of Lancaster, each plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e), and to possession of machineguns and destructive device not registered to them in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871. United States District Judge Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on 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 (2) Colt, model M-16, 5.56mm machineguns, two (2) 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. Officers also recovered various items from WalMart, including an employee identification badge. After the traffic stop, Ritter and a co-defendant were located at the Carriage Inn Motel and found in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine. A review of surveillance video from the motel showed Ritter, Cannon, and the co-defendant bringing the bags containing the firearms back and forth between the vehicle and the motel room. Additionally, searches of Ritter and Cannon’s cell phones revealed various photos and text messages relating to the firearms. Ritter and Cannon’s co-defendant’s case is still pending in federal court and he remains innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
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 at the time of this incident, has prior convictions for shoplifting, assault and battery, and obtaining property by false pretenses.
Ritter and Cannon each face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on each of the firearm charges.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Lancaster Police Department, and the South Carolina State 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Augusta Man Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Phillip Thompson of Augusta, Ga. was sentenced for conspiracy involving theft of government funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 371. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, sentenced Thompson to 23 months in jail after a sentencing hearing. The judge further ordered that Thompson repay $4,580,469.83 in restitution and, after his release from the Bureau of Prisons, that he serve three years on supervised release.
Facts presented in court established that Thompson worked at the Savannah River Site for Wise Services, and that, beginning in September of 2009 and continuing for several years, Thompson was involved in a scheme in which he and a codefendant stole money using false and fraudulent invoices. An investigation by the U. S. Department of Energy Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Thompson and his codefendant stole more than six million dollars.
April G. Stephenson, Acting Inspector General for the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General, said: “The Office of Inspector General remains committed to ensuring the integrity of our contractors and subcontractors. Those who choose to abuse their positions of trust while hiding behind sophisticated embezzlement and fraud schemes, will be held accountable.
The U. S. Department of Energy Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney John C. Potterfield of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Sex Trafficker Sentenced to Federal Prison TimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that defendant Damon Jackson (aka “D”, aka “Daddy Frost”) was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment in United States District Court in Charleston for his role in a conspiracy to force underage girls and young women into sex trafficking by means of force and threats of force throughout the southeast.
Defendant Jackson was previously convicted at trial in March 2017 along with two co-defendants Bakari McMillan, a/k/a “Bizzle”, age 25, of Columbia, and Corey Miller, a/k/a “Clow”, a/k/a “C”, a/k/a “OG P”, age 44, of Orangeburg. McMillan was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for his conviction on one count charging Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (a)(2), and 1594(c) along with one count of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1) and (b)(1). Mr. Miller, also convicted of the Conspiracy Count, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), and 2.
The remaining defendants previously pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking.
Defendant Tremel Black, a/k/a “Sincere”, a/k/a “New York”, age 33, of New York, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Defendant Robert Black, a/k/a “Kareem Banks”, a/k/a “Nino Black”, a/k/a “Black”, age 47, of New York, received a sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
Defendant Desmond Singletary, a/k/a “Six”, age 32, of Florence, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Defendant Kerry Taylor, a/k/a “KJ”, age 23, of Columbia, was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment.
Defendant Ryan Turner, a/k/a “Gotti” , a/k/a “Qweezy”, age 25, of Columbia, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Defendant Da’Shun Curry, a/k/a “Dae Dae”, age 25, of Columbia, was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment.
Defendant Howard Parker, a/k/a “Poppa”, age 25, of Columbia was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
Evidence presented at the trial and sentencing hearings established that the defendants preyed on over 100 vulnerable female victims, many minors, forcing them on an almost a daily basis to have sex with numerous “Johns” a night from 2014 through the summer of 2016. The defendants used brutal tactics, including physical beatings, brandings, supplying and withholding of drugs, threats, and various other forms of psychological manipulation in order to ensure their victims complied with a series of rules that were imposed upon them.
As part of their sentences, all of the defendants were given lifetime supervision, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and participation in a computer/internet monitoring program, amongst other conditions imposed on convicted sex offenders.
“These sentences send the clear message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in South Carolina,” said United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon. “The defendants in this case preyed on some of the most vulnerable among us. Without the coordinated effort of the investigative team, these atrocities may never have come to light.”
“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and the threats and abuse inflicted on these particular victims only adds to the heinous nature of the crime,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick S. Annan. “HSI is committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to find and prosecute criminal traffickers while ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.”
The case was investigated by Special Agent Shawn Caines with Homeland Security Investigations and Detective Charlie Benton with the City of North Charleston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Austin and Rhett Dehart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Greenville Man Guilty of Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Gregory Orville Bertelsen, age 71, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty today to making false statements to secure a passport in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542. He faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., accepted the plea of guilty and will sentence Bertelsen at a later date.
Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens advised the Court of the following facts at the guilty plea hearing. In August 2016, a passport renewal application in the name of a person having the initials PDL was received via mail at the National Passport Center in New Hampshire. The return address for the application was Greenville, South Carolina. Due to certain questionable things on the application it was referred to Fraud Prevention Management (FPM).
FPM conducted records checks based on the name and identifiers used in the application and determined that PDL was actually a child who had died in 1952. FPM then used facial recognition software and were able to match the photo on the PDL application with the photo on a passport that Defendant Bertelsen had previously obtained. Bertelsen was interviewed and admitted that he had filed the false application for a passport in the name of PDL.
United States Attorney Lydon commended the State Department, Diplomat Security Service for their continuing vigilance in protecting our passport system.
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Anderson Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Matthew Vinson Leopard, age 40, of Anderson, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Anderson, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson, sentenced Leopard to 120 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Leopard had been dealing in both methamphetamine and firearms. Specifically, Leopard was arrested, on November 22, 2016, in possession of 166 grams of methamphetamine, a Kel-Tec 9mm handgun, an SKS sawed off rifle, a 16-guage shotgun, and a .22 Long Rifle.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney D. Josev Brewer of the Greenville office handled the case.
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West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Thomas Owen Haynes II, 46, of Bluefield, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. The Receipt and Distribution count is punishable by a minimum five years imprisonment and a maximum of twenty years imprisonment. The Possession count is punishable by up to twenty years imprisonment.
Facts at Haynes’ guilty plea indicated that the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) sent a lead to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI used the ICAC lead to obtain a search warrant for Haynes’ home where they obtained evidence that Haynes’ had been using his cell phone to view, receive and distribute child pornography images and videos. Haynes’ plea was accepted by United States District Court Judge David C. Norton, who will sentence Haynes at a later date.
The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Williams is prosecuting 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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Cross Hill Man Sentenced for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Michael Jerome Davis, age 43, of Cross Hill, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina, for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Davis to a total term of 180 months in federal prison followed by supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 7, 2017, Clinton Public Safety officers established surveillance near a residence where Davis and another male were seen driving and acting suspiciously in Clinton. Officers determined that Davis’ license was listed as suspended and conducted a traffic stop when he attempted to drive away from the residence. As officers approached the car, one officer observed what he believed to be a firearm on the passenger side floorboard. Davis was removed from the vehicle and Davis stated he had a firearm under the driver's seat. A search of the vehicle was conducted and from under the driver’s seat officers located a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol.
Davis is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior separate state convictions for Pointing and Presenting a firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Manufacturing Methamphetamine, and Assault and Battery 1st degree
The case was investigated by the Clinton Public Safety Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and 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 Max Cauthen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Three Indicted for Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, Money Laundering, Aggravated Identity Theft, Obstruction, Wire Fraud, and Falsifying DocumentsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- A federal grand jury has returned a thirty-eight count superseding indictment Tuesday charging Cameron Banks (a/k/a Reggie Staggers), age 32, of Georgetwon, S.C., Angela Pyatt, age 49, of Conway, S.C., and Solomon Pyatt, age 56, of Conway, S.C. with Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud, individual counts of Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering, Aggravated Identity Theft, Obstruction of a Health Care Crime Investigation, Wire Fraud, and Falsifying Documents. The indictment marks the second superseding indictment in the case.
Banks was originally the sole defendant in the first two indictments. The first superseding indictment added allegations of Money Laundering and Falsifying Documents to the original indictment, which included seven counts of Health Care Fraud, in connection with an alleged scheme to submit fraudulent loan applications for dental services.
The second superseding indictment adds defendants Angela and Solomon Pyatt, alleging that Banks used his position as an employee of a dentistry practice to conspire with them, and others, to submit loan applications in the names of patients to a medical financing program operated by a federally insured bank. The indictment alleges, however, that in a number of instances, no services were requested or provided to the patient or Banks fraudulently inflated the cost, causing the transfer of funds that Banks converted to his own personal use.
Including the Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, the second superseding indictment adds sixteen counts of Money Laundering, which allege that Banks conducted a number of financial transactions in an effort to conceal the source of the proceeds of the Health Care Fraud scheme and convert them to his own use. These transactions included cash withdrawals and transfers in amounts ranging from $2,975 to $51,000. Additionally, the indictment contains allegations of Aggravated Identity Theft and Obstruction of a Health Care Crime Investigation.
Unrelated to the Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, the second superseding indictment also includes two counts of Wire Fraud, both of which relate to fraudulent loan applications Banks used to purchase a 2014 Bentley Flying Spur and a 2015 Cadillac Escalade.
Last, the second superseding indictment includes four charges alleging Banks falsified documents he filed with the United States Department of Transportation in order to register as a commercial motor carrier and bus operator. Specifically, Banks filed Motor Passenger Carrier Authority applications as the representative of several separate, individual entities including the Abundant Faith Lighthouse, Delta Trailways, New Generation Christian Church, and CJ Banks Transportation. Banks is alleged to have knowingly falsified the filings for each entity by purposely withholding his involvement with the other entities as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
The maximum penalty each of the three defendants could receive for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud is 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The maximum penalty Banks could receive for each count of health care fraud is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty he could receive for the money laundering counts is 20 years and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. The maximum penalty he could receive for the Aggravated Identity Theft counts is a mandatory sentence of two years, which would run consecutively to any sentence imposed for any convictions of Health Care Fraud, the underlying felony. The maximum penalty Banks could receive for the falsification of documents counts is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office for prosecution.
All charges in indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Multiple Defendants Plead Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Charges in Federal Gang ProsecutionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Joshua Randall, age 30, Brandon Randall, age 29, and Lee Tracy Riggins, Jr., age 27, pled guilty to participating in a drug conspiracy that operated in the Florence, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach areas of South Carolina. In addition, Joshua Randall pled guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and Lee Tracy Riggins, Jr., pled guilty to conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Joshua Randall faces the possibility of life imprisonment as a result of his guilty plea, while Brandon Randall and Lee Tracy Riggins, Jr. face possible sentences of imprisonment of 20 years and 40 years respectively.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian are prosecuting the case.
Moorman told the Court during proceedings that these Defendants, working with other co-defendants, distributed heroin, cocaine, and/or marijuana to customers in Florence and Myrtle Beach.
The investigation has targeted members of the Billie East Side Bloods, a set of the United Blood Nation, and others who formed an agreement to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana in South Carolina, and to traffic in and possess firearms for the purpose of advancing the drug conspiracy.
The investigation was and is being conducted by the FBI, the DEA, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, and the Georgetown Police Department.
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Illegal Aliens Sentenced in Federal Court for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that the following defendants were sentenced in federal court after previously entering guilty pleas for Reentry of a Removed Alien:
Juan Arturo Ramirez-Rojo, age 39, of Columbia, South Carolina;
Mario Almarez-Juarez, age 24, of Leesville, South Carolina;
Hugo Rolando Canenguez-Montes, age 37, of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and,
Carmen Flores-Bautista, age 39, of Columbia, South Carolina.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced all of the defendants to time served, resulting in a sentence of approximately 2 months for Ramirez-Rojo, 5½ months for Almarez-Juarez, 6 months for Canenguez-Montes, and 2 days for Flores-Bautista. No supervised release was ordered as the defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of their sentences.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that Ramirez-Rojo is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported at least two times. He was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers on January 10, 2018, at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after being arrested for Trafficking Cocaine.
Almarez-Juarez is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported at least 5 times. He was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers on December 31, 2017, at the Lexington County Detention Center after being arrested for Hit and Run and Driving Without Insurance.
Canenguez-Montes is a citizen of El Salvador who had previously been deported. He was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers on December 24, 2017, at the York County Detention Center after being arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct- 1st Degree and Kidnapping.
Flores-Bautista is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported at least 2 times. She was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on December 7, 2016, after being arrested for Homicide by Child Abuse.
Agents of ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting these cases.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced in Columbia for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Ulises Martinez-Garcia, age 31, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Reentry of Removed Alien, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, Jr., of Columbia, sentenced Martinez-Garcia to time-served (approximately 6 months imprisonment) with no supervised release as he is subject to deportation upon the completion of his sentence.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Martinez-Garcia is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported at least four times. He was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers on December 27, 2017 at the Alvin S. Glenn County Detention Center after being arrested for Driving Under the Influence.
Agents of ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Holly Hill Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Smuggle WildlifeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Steven Verren Baker, age 38, of Holly Hill, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Smuggle Wildlife, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 371. Senior Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., accepted the plea and will sentence Baker at a later date.
Evidence presented at the hearing established that Baker was the ringleader of an international syndicate of wildlife smugglers exchanging turtles protected by international agreements back and forth between the United States and China. The activity took place from January through June 2016. Baker obtained protected turtles from Hong Kong to distribute here in the United States, and he shipped protected turtles from the United States to Asia.
The transactions were set up using the Facebook text messaging feature. Shipments were made internationally through the United States Postal Service. Several packages were intercepted entering the United States at John F. Kennedy International Airport
The maximum penalty faced by Baker is imprisonment for five years, with a potential fine up to $250,000.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Greenville Woman Sentenced to Three Years' Imprisonment in Mail Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Casey A. Raines, age 38, of Greenville, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for her involvement in a mail theft conspiracy, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, imposed the sentenced, ordered that Raines pay $7,581.32 in restitution, and sentenced her to three years of supervised release once she has completed the sentence in the Bureau of Prisons.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Raines and others stole mail in and around Greenville County in an effort to obtain bank account numbers, routing numbers, and identification information. Once in possession of this material they would create counterfeit checks and negotiate them to obtain money for methamphetamine.
On June 10, 2016, a search warrant was executed in connection with this investigation at the Greenville home of co-conspirator Cary L. Wright, age 38, who has already been sentenced to 51 months in the Bureau of Prisons for his participation in the offense. Items recovered from the residence included, but was not limited to, numerous pieces of mail belonging to others, checks stolen from the mail, financial transaction cards, blank check stock, counterfeit checks, and a computer used for check counterfeiting.
Records recovered showed that Raines opened multiple bank accounts which were used by the conspiracy to deposit stolen and counterfeit checks. Raines and the other would then withdraw the money and split the proceeds among themselves.
The case was investigated by agents with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greenville City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Sumter Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson sentenced Leandre Budden, a/k/a “Bubba,” age 35, to 235 months of incarceration as a result of his conviction for Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g), and Possession with Intent to Distribute Quantities of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
Evidence presented in court established that in April and May of 2017, Budden sold both firearms and drugs throughout Sumter County, including a semiautomatic weapon. Budden is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior separate state convictions for armed robbery, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, grand larceny, and burglary.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Sumter County Sherriff’s Office. Budden 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 continued application 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 handled the case.
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Greenville Woman Pleads Guilty to a Mail Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Julie A. Nelson, age 42, of Greenville, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to a conspiracy to defraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Nelson and co-conspirator Julie K. McDowell, who has pled and is awaiting sentencing, stole mail throughout the upstate of South Carolina. Nelson and McDowell altered checks stolen from the mail and also created counterfeit checks from the information obtained. Nelson and McDowell then went to various business in the upstate to pass the checks and obtain goods or cash. Often they used the stolen identification documents to aid in the negotiation of the checks. Law enforcement was able to identify McDowell and Nelson after obtaining surveillance video from various merchants and banks where the two conspirators cashed checks. Upon making arrests, law enforcement recovered approximately $40,000 in stolen checks and $80,000 in counterfeit checks.
Ms. Lydon stated the maximum penalty Nelson can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years, supervised release of three years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville City Police Department, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Florence Man Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri Lydon stated today that Edward Lawrence Johnson, II, age 42, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Florence by United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks to 51 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,246,122 in restitution, for violations of wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that Johnson defrauded at least 41 victims from 2007 to 2016 primarily on the internet by selling goods, such as cell phones, or services, such as promoting musicians, which he never provided. Johnson used at least 11 aliases and 14 business names while defrauding individuals and businesses causing losses of $1,246,122.00.
The case was investigated by the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Charleston Family Members Plead Guilty to Distribution of OpioidsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Samuel Bobby Wright, age 67, and Horace Edmond Wright, age 52, of Charleston, South Carolina, pled guilty to multiple counts of Distribution of Heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841. Additionally, Samuel Bobby Wright pled guilty to multiple counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, also in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841. Senior United States District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, of Charleston, accepted the guilty pleas and will impose the sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearings established that on June 28, July 3, and July 27, 2017, Samuel Bobby Wright sold heroin from a residence slightly north of Septima Clark Parkway on the peninsula. He also sold fentanyl from the same address on multiple occasions in September of 2017. Horace Edmond Wright sold heroin from outside of the same residence on July 13 and 18, 2017.
Ms. Lydon stated that the maximum penalty the Wrights could receive is 30 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,000 dollars. The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Charleston City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Lea Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Travelers Rest Woman Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Peggy Shelton McCarson, age 57, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Senior United States District Henry M. Herlong, Jr. of Greenville sentenced McCarson on June 13, 2018.
At an earlier guilty plea hearing, Assistant U. S. Attorney Jeanne Howard, established that on January 25, 2017, McCarson was a passenger in a car stopped for a traffic violation. After receiving consent to search the car, officers located a Smith and Wesson 9 mm handgun and 2 magazines with 32 rounds of ammunition on the floorboard of the passenger seat where McCarson had been seated. Also on the passenger floorboard was a box containing 2 plastic baggies with methamphetamine, marijuana and a set of digital scales. McCarson admitted the gun and drugs belonged to her. Shortly thereafter a search warrant was executed at McCarson’s residence in Travelers Rest where officers found another firearm, ammunition and additional methamphetamine.
Because of her prior criminal history, including six felony convictions for armed robbery, McCarson is considered an armed career criminal and is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol and ATF 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office handled the case.
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North Charleston Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that James Kenneth Purcell, age 45, of North Charleston, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). United States District Judge David C. Norton, of Charleston, sentenced Purcell to 30 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in 1995 Purcell was convicted in the State of New York of 3rd degree rape, which required him to register as a sex offender in any state where he lived, worked or attended school. After serving his sentence, Purcell later moved to Maine and first registered there in January 2004. In 2008, while living in Maine, Purcell was convicted of Unlawful Sexual Contact for which he received a sentence of 2 years and 6 months. Purcell last registered in Maine on April 25, 2016. Purcell subsequently moved to New Hampshire where he initially registered in July 2016 and last registered on November 21, 2016. In late November 2016, Purcell left New Hampshire without notifying authorities and moved to South Carolina. Purcell failed to register as a sex offender in South Carolina despite being required to do so under law, and he was arrested in North Charleston by the United States Marshals Service Operation Intercept Fugitive Task Force on July 12, 2017.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with the assistance of the Raymond, New Hampshire Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, and North Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought 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.
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Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agents Make Arrests in Multi-State Drug RingRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced multiple federal arrests today, effected by a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement across multiple federal districts. Indictments were unsealed in federal courts in South Carolina, North Carolina, and California during the arrested defendants’ initial appearance and arraignment hearings this afternoon.
The following have been charged in a two-count federal indictment with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and marijuana, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846 and conspiracy to commit money laundering, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h).
Darry Hemphill, a/k/a “D”, a/k/a “D-Hemp”, age 30 of Rock Hill
Mikie Marcell Caldwell, a/k/a “Big Mike”, age 36 of Charlotte
Gabriel L’Ambiance Ingram, a/k/a “Big Shot”, a/k/a“ Big Shot Rock, a/k/a “Rock”, age 29 of Rock Hill
Archie Arsenio Caldwell, a/k/a “Nuk”, a/k/a “Nuk Crook”, age 29 of Rock Hill
Dontavis Devar Jordan, a/k/a “Rock”, age 30 of Rock Hill
Darrelll Larod Crockett, a/k/a “Unc”, a/k/a “Croc”, age 46 of Rock Hill
Patricia Ann Hemphill, age 47 of Rock Hill
Drece Larod McMullen, a/k/a “Cup”, age 45 of Charlotte
Carl Michael Mann, II, a/k/a “Pike”, age 35 of Rock Hill
Herbert Reginald Demario Dewese, a/k/a “50”, a/k/a “Big 50”, age 28 of Rock Hill
Cravelyn Squilla Davis, a/k/a “Sack”, a/k/a “Sack Gabanna”, age 25 of Blythewood
Odarrius Breonte Adams, a/k/a “Breezy”, age 34 of Charlotte
Seqvoya Anginette Neely, a/k/a “Sequoya Anginette Neely”, age 39 of Charlotte
Rondal Rollin, age 59 of Los Angeles, California
The defendants face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $20,000,000.
While most of the defendants were arrested in the Rock Hill and Charlotte area, three of the defendants were arrested elsewhere. Davis was arrested in Columbia, (South Carolina), Adams was arrested in Georgia, and Rollin was arrested in California.
Defendants Dontavis Devar Jordan, Carl Michael Mann, II, and Herbert Reginald Demario Dewese remain at large. Law enforcement would request that any information regarding the whereabouts of these defendants be shared with local, state, or federal authorities.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service, United States Marshals’ Service, York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, City of Rock Hill Police Department, the Charlotte, North Carolina Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, and the York County Solicitor’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office.
USA Lydon praised the law enforcement partnerships in today’s arrests. “Local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from several agencies across multiple states worked in lockstep today to not only secure arrests in this long term investigation but to also continue their daily collective mission to secure our communities.”
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jonesville Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm and DrugsRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Jabrail Adrian Wofford, age 28, of Jonesville, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841, and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville, sentenced Wofford to 180 months in federal prison followed by supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on July 6, 2017, Union County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at the residence of Jabrail Adrian Wofford. During the search, a quantity of methamphetamine, cash, scales, and firearms were located in a bedroom.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Hanahan Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Justin Michael Hannah, age 38, of Hanahan, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston, to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 21, 2017, police officers responding to a 911 call regarding suspicious behavior at a North Charleston gas station discovered two firearms in a vehicle operated by Hannah. At the time of his arrest, Hannah had one or more felony convictions. North Charleston Police believe that they may have interrupted preparations for a robbery.
Ms. Lydon stated the maximum penalty for felon in possession of firearms and ammunition is imprisonment for 10 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers of the North Charleston Police Department.
The case 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Jury Finds Greenville Felon Guilty in Firearm TrialRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri Lydon announced today that a jury returned a guilty verdict following a trial in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina on Tuesday. The jury found Zee Zee Zelazurro, age 37, of Greenville, guilty of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The trial was held before United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson, South Carolina. Judge Cain will impose a sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Zelazurro may face up to life in prison and remains in custody.
Evidence presented by the government at trial established that, on May 2, 2017, officers of the Greenville Police Department responded to 911 calls regarding a shooting and other disturbances in the area of 100 Pelham Road. Officers encountered Zelazurro, who refused to comply with their instructions and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at them. Officers took cover, and a standoff ensued. After a half an hour, officers were able to deescalate the situation, and Zelazurro was taken into custody. A .40 caliber Taurus semi-automatic handgun, which had been purchased by Zelazurro’s former girlfriend, was recovered from the scene. Zelazurro has prior convictions for Accessory after the Fact to Armed Robbery, Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Assault on a Federal Officer, and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Zelazurro’s case was expedited for federal prosecution as part of Operation “Real Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the communities across South Carolina. “Real Time” is a working collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as state and federal prosecutors. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of over 150 defendants and seizure of over 200 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons in the upstate.
“We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the ATF for the successful prosecution of Zelazurro,” said Captain Howie Thompson of the Greenville Police Department Investigation Division. “I also commend the officers involved in Zelazurro’s arrest in 2017; their response, tactics, and teamwork resulted in Zelazurro’s peaceful surrender and minimized the threat to those living nearby. I can’t say enough about the collective efforts of the officers, investigators, and forensics personnel who provided prosecutors with the necessary evidence and support needed to reach this just verdict.”
“ATF is actively committed to investigating and apprehending criminals who illegally acquire and use firearms to commit violent crimes. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors in the upstate area to keep our communities safe,” said ATF Charlotte Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Wayne L. Dixie, Jr..
“Operation Real Time identifies armed repeat offenders in our communities and takes them off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon. “Convicted felons who continue to carry and use firearms need to know we are determined in our resolve to disarm and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department, the Greenville County Forensic Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen prosecuted the case.
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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Reboot Owners and Employees Indicted on Conspiracy to Defraud and Obtain Money and Property. Jonathan E. Field, age 40, of Mauldin, South Carolina; Jacob D. Brandt, age 38, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Joshua M. Watson, age 34, of Liberty, South Carolina; Michael G. Lyles, age 21, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; Bryan F.C. Schroeder, age 23, of Cottonwood, Arizona; Kenneth C. Carnes, age 25, of Taylors, South Carolina; Danny L. Rainey, age 32, of Taylors, South Carolina; Larry D. Sample, age 39, of Brevard, North Carolina; Charles C.O. Matt, age 40, of Greenville, South Carolina; Richard A. Bolt, age 52, of Piedmont, South Carolina; Adriana R. Martinez, age 35, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina; Corey J. Haentjens, age 32, of Greenville, South Carolina; Justin Brock Rainey, age 30, of Taylors, South Carolina; Shena J. Field, age 40, of Mauldin, South Carolina; and Tara A. Kennedy, age 41, of Easley, South Carolina, were charged in a 1-count indictment. All 15 defendants were charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. The maximum penalty all defendants could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Pickens Resident Indicted on Possession of Child Pornography. Jeffrey L. Harris, age 32, of Pickens, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count indictment with Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B). The maximum penalty Harris could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys 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.
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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Department of State Contractor Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Mauricio Andulo Hidalgo, age 43, of Costa Rica, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston, to Theft of Government Funds, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. United States District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, of Charleston, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Hidalgo used his position as President of SafetyPay-Central America to steal over $2,000,000 of government funds that were supposed to be transferred to a bank account maintained by the Department of State's Global Financial Services Center in Charleston. SafetyPay-Central America had been hired as a subcontractor to handle the processing of visa application fees for the United States Embassy in Costa Rica. As part of the scheme, Hidalgo diverted the funds from a SafetyPay bank account in Costa Rica to another Costa Rican account under his sole control.
Ms. Lydon stated the maximum penalty for Theft of Government Funds is imprisonment for 10 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Department of State, Office of Inspector General, led by Inspector General Steve A. Linick. Assistant United States Attorneys Marshall "Matt" Austin and Nathan Williams of the Charleston Office are prosecuting the case.
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Myrtle Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Jason Jarvis Parker, age 36, of Myrtle Beach, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of heroin and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after a pre-sentence report is prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was part of an investigation conducted by state and federal agents into the sale of illegal drugs in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area. On August 28, 2017, agents made a controlled purchase of heroin from Parker. Agents made additional controlled purchases of heroin from Parker on September 6, 2017 and September 20, 2017. After the last purchase, agents arrested Parker during a traffic stop and found him in possession of over 28 grams of cocaine base and quantity amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Ms. Lydon stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years and a fine of $5,000,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Florence, and the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Drug Enforcement Unity (DEU). Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.
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Myrtle Beach Felon Who Threatened Police on Facebook Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Anthony Scott Hunt, age 37, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., pled guilty in federal court in Florence to Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on February 19, 2018, a complainant met with an officer at the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) regarding some disturbing Facebook posts by Anthony Scott Hunt, which were directed toward Horry County Police and Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). In the Facebook posts, Hunt referenced DEU in Horry County and stated he was “taking these…cops to war” and that he had automatic weapons, ammunition, and body armor. He also stated he is “stalking my guns up” and that he had a “Beretta 45,” along with other specific guns, so he is “Ready for War.” HCPD located, on the Facebook account, a picture of Hunt wearing what appeared to be a “Raiders” jersey and hat, bandana mask, and beaded bracelets while holding what appeared to be a Beretta pistol.
Horry County detectives obtained a search warrant for the property where Hunt lived and located, in Hunt’s living quarters, a Beretta .45 caliber handgun, loaded with rounds of ammunition, along with the jersey, hat, bandana, and bracelets Hunt was depicted wearing in his Facebook picture. Prior to his possession of the firearm, Hunt had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
U.S. Attorney Lydon stated the defendant faces a maximum penalty of $250,000 and/or ten years imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Myrtle Beach Violent Crimes Task Force, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Bomb Team. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office handled the case.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Inducing South Carolina Child to Travel for Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Robert Christiansen, age 57, of San Antonio, Texas, plead guilty after one day of trial in federal court in Columbia, to using an interstate facility to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity and transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity, violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(b) and 2423(a). Christiansen faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years to life in prison for his offenses. Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour presided over the start of the trial, accepted the guilty plea, and will impose the sentence after U.S. Probation prepares a Pre-Sentence Report.
The evidence at trial established that Christiansen enticed and groomed a minor to travel from South Carolina to Texas for the purpose of having sex with her. Having met the victim in a Google forum for those suffering from depression and anxiety, Christiansen cultivated a relationship with the minor using text messages, calls, and online communications. At his insistence, the minor left her home in the middle of the night, got into a cab sent by Christiansen, and, using a ticket purchased by Christiansen, boarded a Greyhound bus bound for Texas. Recognizing the danger the victim was in, the FBI was able to obtain emergency cellphone location information to locate both the minor travelling on interstate 10 across Louisiana and Christiansen waiting on her arrival in a Greyhound bus station in Houston Texas. Coordinating with local law enforcement in Orange, Texas, just across the state line from Louisiana, the FBI was able to have the victim rescued from the Greyhound bus.
Ms. Lydon stated, “Thanks to great work by the FBI and Richland County Sherriff’s Deputies, a child victim was saved from a dire fate. I hope that the public recognizes the extraordinary danger that online child predators present for children in our state.”
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jay N. Richardson and Department of Justice Special Counsel James M. Burnham prosecuted the case.
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Robbery Crew Responsible for Killing Loris, SC Store Owner Plead Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Jonathan Stefan Vanderhorst, age 23, Jim Tracy Miller, age 28, and Demetrius Altman, age 39, all of Tabor City, N.C., have pled guilty in federal court in Florence South Carolina, before United States District Judge Brian Harwell. Miller and Altman pled guilty to Conspiring to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1951 and Hobbs Act Robbery, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1951. Vanderhorst pled guilty to Conspiring to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1951; Hobbs Act Robbery, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1951; Felon in Possession of Ammunition, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g); and Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). All are awaiting sentencing.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearings established that on May 3, 2016, Altman drove Miller and Vanderhorst to rob the Clarendon, N.C. Post Office. Upon arrival, Altman waited in the vehicle and Miller and Vanderhorst entered the Post Office. Vanderhorst jumped the counter, brandished a firearm, and struck the Post Office Clerk, the sole occupant of the post office. Ultimately, Vanderhorst and Miller stole $284.00 and the Clerk’s cell phone and left in Altman’s vehicle.
Thirteen days later, on May 16, 2016, Altman drove Miller and Vanderhorst from Tabor City, N.C. to Loris, S.C. to rob the Loris Market and Beverage store. Again, Altman stayed in the vehicle and Vanderhorst and Miller entered the store. The only occupants of the store were the owners, a husband and his wife, both of whom were working behind the checkout counter. After entering, Vanderhorst fired a shot at the female victim, fortunately missing her. Vanderhorst then approached the counter and fired another shot up into the ceiling. Thereafter, the store owner took the money out of the register and passed it to Vanderhorst who took the money handed it to Miller. Vanderhorst then turned and fired two shots, striking and ultimately killing the store owner.
For each violation, Miller and Altman face a maximum possible penalty of forty (40) years, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three (3) years supervised release. Vanderhorst faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten (10) years and a maximum of life, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least three (3) years.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Horry County Police Department, and the Loris City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Will Lewis, Jim May and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Chief Deputy of the Horry County Solicitor’s Office Scott Hixson prosecuted the case.
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Ladson Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Robert Bryan Mansfield, age 61, of Ladson, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. United States District Judge David C. Norton, of Charleston, sentenced Mansfield to 240 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on February 2, 2017, Special Agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations seized over a kilogram of fentanyl that had been shipped from Hong Kong and was destined for Mansfield at his residence in Ladson, S.C. Special Agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations in Charleston obtained and executed a search warrant at Mansfield’s residence and recovered over 100 grams of fentanyl, numerous other controlled substances and items associated with the distribution and trafficking narcotics. That same day, Postal Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service also recovered 10 packages of fentanyl that Mansfield attempted to mail to various locations across the United States.
During the investigation into Mansfield, Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration were able to identify Mansfield as the source of fentanyl that led to an overdose death in December 2016. Further investigation showed that Mansfield used the “dark web” to purchase fentanyl and other controlled substances from sources in Hong Kong and other foreign locations. He then sold fentanyl and other controlled substances through the “dark web” and used the United States Postal Service to ship packages to customers throughout the country.
Following the sentencing hearing, Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi stated, “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with federal, state and local law enforcement to combat the opioid epidemic on every level, particularly when the actions of drug dealers directly result in the deaths of others. Through the diligent efforts of law enforcement, we were able to bring to justice an individual who was pushing large amounts of a lethal drug out throughout the country and were also able to begin to bring closure to one family who lost a loved one to this crisis.”
“More than 20,000 Americans were killed last year by fentanyl and similar drugs and that number continues to rise,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick S. Annan. “Homeland Security Investigations is committed to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to do all we can to stop the illegal flow of fentanyl into the country, dismantle international opioid smuggling rings and prevent this serious crisis from spreading any further.” Annan oversees a three-state area of responsibility that includes Georgia and the Carolinas.
DEA Resident Agent in Charge Jason Sandoval added, “Unprecedented, tragic loss of life defines the drug crisis consuming communities across South Carolina. The case of Robert Bryan Mansfield sends a resounding message to those sowing poison and fueling our shared tragedy. Whether you are a dark web vendor or a traditional street dealer, DEA and its law enforcement partners will apply every resource to ensure you face the full measure of justice.” "The war on drugs has been an on-going and hard fought battle for law enforcement" stated David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division. "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service aggressively investigates cases involving the misuse of the U.S. mail system by criminals who traffic illegal contraband such as narcotics. I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted brining this individual to justice."
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and the Summerville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Former Richland County Employee Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson sentenced James Anthony Brown Jr., a former employee of the Richland County Recreation Commission, to 135 months of incarceration as a result of his conviction for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
Evidence presented in court established that on the May 27, 2016, Richland County Sherriff’s deputies stopped Brown after deputies observed him retrieving a package, suspected of containing narcotics, from the front porch of an address in Columbia, S.C. After encountering Brown, deputies searched the package and found 11.9 pounds of marijuana. A subsequent search was done of Brown’s home and deputies found a second package with approximately 775 grams of methamphetamine (street value of approximately $20,000). This package was addressed to Brown and had the same return address as the previous package which contained the 11.9 pounds of marijuana. Additionally, deputies found more marijuana, drug paraphernalia, ecstasy and an assault rifle throughout Brown’s home.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Richland County Sherriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Will Lewis and Alyssa Richardson of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Columbia, South Carolina, returned an indictment against the following:
Conway Man Charged in Federal Indictment for Gun and Drug Charges. Eron Jordan, age 26, of Conway, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count Indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g); possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). The maximum penalty Jordan could receive is life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, assisted by the Conway Police Department and the Horry County Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Columbia Man Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm and Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Caster Delaney Whetstone was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(e) and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, in violation 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia sentenced Whetstone to 180 months (15 years) incarceration followed by 5 years of supervised release and $100 special assessment.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on June 10, 2014, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department (CPD) used an informant to purchase a half an ounce of cocaine from Whetstone. The informant met Whetstone at a local store in Five Points. Whetstone gave the informant the cocaine and the informant paid Whetstone $600 cash.
On June 24, 2014, ATF and CPD used another informant to attempt to make a purchase of a half-ounce of cocaine and a firearm from Whetstone. They met and Whetstone sold the informant a .32 caliber Harrington and Richardson model 632 revolver with 6 rounds of ammunition and what he represented was 14 grams of cocaine. The cocaine was later determined to be fake.
Whetstone is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior separate state convictions for armed robbery (2 counts), kidnapping, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, and assault with intent to kill.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office handled the case.
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.
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Columbia Man Pleads to Federal Firearm Charge and Misprison of FelonyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Jokari T. Jones, age 36, of Columbia, plead guilty today in federal court to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and misprison of a felony, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 4, 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on July 29, 2017, Jones’ brother Shamari Delresse Jones, a/k/a “Amari, was arrested on state charges, including felon in possession of ammunition. Thereafter, Jokari T. Jones, who was on a state ankle monitor at the time, moved firearms and ammunition belonging to his brother from Columbia to their mother’s residence in Heath Springs, which is in Lancaster County. On July 30, 2017, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office responded to Jones’ mother’s home in reference to a shooting. No one was injured, but while at the home, a number of firearms and rounds of ammunition were recovered by law enforcement, including a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle with an extended magazine and two 12 gauge shotguns. Jones’ brother, a known gang member, had attended an offender notification meeting in October 2015, in which he, and others, were advised by law enforcement officials that should they be found in possession of firearms and ammunition, their case would be considered for federal prosecution in light of their extensive prior record. Jones moved the firearms in an effort to keep law enforcement from finding the firearms following his brother’s arrest for ammunition.
Jones is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition and has prior South Carolina state convictions for unlawful carrying of a pistol (2003), assault with intent to kill and unlawful carrying of a pistol, wherein he shot at someone (2005), and carrying weapons on school property and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of violence, wherein he shot a handgun on the premises of a local elementary school (2012).
Jones faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charge. He faces a maximum of 3 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 1 year of supervised release on the misprison of a felony charge.
Jones’ brother Shamari Delresse Jones, a/k/a “Amari,” entered a guilty plea in federal court in earlier this year to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Columbia Police Department, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Forced Labor for Compelling Man with Intellectual Disability to Work at RestaurantRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Defendant Bobby Paul Edwards, 53, of Conway, South Carolina, pleaded guilty Monday in United States District Court for the District of South Carolina to one count of forced labor, admitting that he used violence, threats, isolation and intimidation to compel a man with an intellectual disability to work for over 100 hours a week without pay, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon of the District of South Carolina.
According to court documents, between 2009 and 2014, Edwards managed a restaurant in Conway, South Carolina, where the victim, identified in court documents as “JCS,” had worked since he was 12 years old. Once Edwards began managing the restaurant in 2009, he increased JCS’s duties, requiring him to work more than 100 hours per week. The defendant stopped paying JCS and began using violence, threats, isolation, and intimidation to compel victim JCS’s continued service. According to court documents and Edward’s admissions, he subjected JCS to abusive language, racial epithets, threats, and acts of violence that included beating JCS with a belt, punching JCS with his fists, hitting JCS with pots and pans, and burning JCS’s bare neck with hot tongs, in order to compel JCS to work faster or to punish JCS for mistakes.
The defendant compelled JCS to continue working under these conditions until October 2014, when authorities removed victim JCS from the premises after receiving complaints about the abuse.
“Human trafficking through forced labor can happen on farms, in homes, and as today’s case shows – in public places, such as restaurants,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “Edwards abused an African-American man with intellectual disabilities by coercing him to work long hours in a restaurant without pay. Combatting human trafficking by forced labor is one of the highest priorities of this Justice Department and today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to seeking justice on behalf of victims of human trafficking.”
“This defendant abused a vulnerable victim, and today’s guilty plea holds the defendant responsible for his criminal acts,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon for the District of South Carolina.
Edwards faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for forced labor, a $250,000 maximum fine, and mandatory restitution to the victim. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the defendant will also be required to pay restitution to victim JCS in an amount to be determined at the time of sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman, Trial Attorney Lindsey Roberson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and its Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Leigh Richardson of the District of South Carolina.
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On the 500th Day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Sessions Announces 311 New Assistant United States Attorney PositionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon for the District of South Carolina announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.
In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.
"Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.' When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades."
In the District of South Carolina, three of these AUSAs will focus on violent crime while an additional AUSA will take on civil enforcement.
USA Lydon echoed Attorney General Sessions’ support and dedication to public safety. “With four new Assistant U.S. Attorneys joining our ranks in South Carolina, our ability to continue our efforts alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners as well as our state prosecutors will be significantly enhanced. The timing could not be better as we advance to secure communities and citizens across our state.”
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Repeat Drug Offender Pleads Guilty to Gun Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Richard Stewart, age 42, of Lancaster, SC, pled guilty on in federal court in Columbia, to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). United States Senior District Judge Cameron Currie, of Columbia, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on June 6, 2017, Lancaster Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputies executed a search warrant at Stewart’s mother’s residence in Lancaster, SC. During the search, deputies found multiple firearms including a Taurus Judge handgun. Stewart was arrested shortly after the search and admitted to owning the Taurus firearm.
Stewart is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearm based upon his prior felony convictions for possession of crack cocaine and manufacturing crack cocaine.
Stewart faces a maximum possible penalty of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000, and up to three (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 and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Will Lewis of the Columbia office handled the case. 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.
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Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Gun Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Jason Rivers, age 30, of Lexington, SC, pled guilty on in federal court in Columbia, to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). United States Senior District Judge Cameron Currie, of Columbia, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on January 29, 2018, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputies tracked Rivers to his residence in order to execute an arrest warrant on Rivers for Failure to Update his Residence as a Registered Sex Offender. Upon entering the residence, Deputies encountered Rivers at the door and immediately detained him. When Deputies first saw Rivers he was wearing a backpack and before deputies could detain him, Rivers attempted to throw the backpack into the residence. Deputies seized the backpack and searched it finding a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol. After Deputies detained Rivers, he admitted to owning the Ruger pistol.
Rivers is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated Nature and committing a lewd act upon a child under sixteen (16).
Rivers faces a maximum possible penalty of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Will Lewis, of the Columbia, office handled the case. 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.
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Florence Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Tayquan Thomas, age 23, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Florence for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2250(a). United States District Judge Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Thomas to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that in 2013 Thomas was convicted in Pitt County, North Carolina of Indecent Liberties with Child, which conviction required him to register as a sex offender in any state where he resided, was employed or was a student. Under the law, Thomas was required to inform authorities if he ever changed his address, and if he moved to another state, he was required to notify authorities of both the state he was leaving as well as the state to which he was moving. In September 2017, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office discovered that Thomas had left his previous address without informing them as required, and they issued a warrant for his arrest. The matter was referred to the United States Marshals Service which soon discovered that Thomas had moved to an address on East Old Marion Highway in Florence, South Carolina. On October 25, 2017, Thomas was located at the East Old Marion Highway address by a task force officer working with the U.S. Marshals Operation Intercept Fugitive Task Force. When the officer attempted to arrest Thomas, he fled in a vehicle, then on foot, but was eventually apprehended after a tracking dog (K-9) was deployed.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought 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 Office, 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.
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Lexington Man Pleads to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Brandon Shane Kolesar, age 39, of Lexington, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on the evening of March 29, 2018, deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call about someone breaking into cars. Upon arriving at the scene, witnesses said they observed a man, later identified as Kolesar, attempting to get into a vehicle. When confronted by the men, Kolesar threatened them with a handgun. Deputies searched the area and found Kolesar on a porch of a residence. As deputies approached, Kolesar ran and a .380 caliber handgun fell from his waistband. Deputies recovered the firearm and later apprehended Kolesar through the use of a K-9. A search incident to arrest also revealed approximately 25 grams of marijuana on Kolesar’s person. Kolesar was arrested on state charges and thereafter, a federal arrest warrant and complaint was issued.
Kolesar is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions. Kolesar has prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree and ill treatment of animals, where he shot and killed a homeowner’s dog during a burglary (2006), pointing and presenting a firearm (2014), and assault and battery 2nd degree (2014). At the time of the current offense, Kolesar was on state probation, stemming from a September 2017 state conviction for unlawful carrying of a firearm.
Kolesar 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 Lexington 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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United States Obtains $114 Million Judgement Against Three Individuals for Paying Kickbacks for Laboratory Referrals and Causing Claims for Medically Unnecessary TestsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On May 23, 2018, the United States District Court in the District of South Carolina entered judgment for the United States in the amounts of $111,109,655.30 against defendants LaTonya Mallory, Floyd Calhoun Dent III and Robert Bradford Johnson, and for an additional $3,039,006.56 against Johnson and Dent, the Department of Justice announced today. The judgment follows the January 31, 2018, jury verdict finding the three individuals liable for violating the False Claims Act (FCA) by paying remuneration to physicians in exchange for patient referrals, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and causing two laboratories to bill federal health care programs for medically unnecessary testing.
“Improper financial relationships between physicians and laboratories can distort a physicians’ best judgment for their patients, in addition to undermining patient health and trust,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division Chad Readler. “Executives and other individuals who break the law will be held personally accountable for their actions.”
During a two-week jury trial held in Charleston, South Carolina, the government introduced evidence that the defendants paid physicians remuneration disguised as processing and handling fees of between $10 and $17 for each patient they referred to two blood testing laboratories: Health Diagnostics Laboratory Inc. (HDL), of Richmond, Virginia; and Singulex Inc., of Alameda, California. The government also introduced evidence that the kickback scheme resulted in physicians referring patients to HDL and Singulex for medically unnecessary tests, which were then billed to federal health care programs.
The jury found Mallory, HDL’s former CEO, and Johnson and Dent, who marketed and sold HDL’s and Singulex’s tests, jointly and severally liable for causing the submission of 35,074 false claims, worth $16,601,591, submitted to Medicare and TRICARE by HDL. The jury also found defendants Dent and Johnson jointly and severally liable for an additional 3,813 false claims, worth $467,935, submitted by Singulex. As provided by the FCA, the Court trebled those damage amounts, offset settlement payments received from HDL and Singulex for the same claims, and awarded $63.8 million in penalties requested by the United States, for a total judgment of $114,148,661.86.
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by federally funded programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that a physician’s medical judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient.
“The Court’s damages award in this case recognizes the seriousness of what these defendants did,” said Sherri A. Lydon, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “Paying kickbacks to cause unnecessary tests injures patients, the Medicare Program, and American taxpayers and the District of South Carolina will continue to pursue those who participate in such conduct.”
“This judgment affirms that individuals who cheat Medicare and TRICARE will not be allowed to enjoy their ill-gotten gains,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie K. Liu. “This office joins with its Department of Justice colleagues in our mutual commitment to investigate misconduct and recover funds unlawfully obtained from federal healthcare programs.”
“Laboratories that pay kickbacks to physicians in exchange for referrals of business exploit patients and taxpayer-funded health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Our agency is dedicated to investigating such corrosive kickback schemes, as they undermine the public’s trust in medical professionals, and the integrity of government health care programs.”
“The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of criminal misconduct between companies and individuals who engage in kickback schemes at the expense of the U.S. government,” said Acting Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division Chris Hacker. “We recognize the importance of those who came forward and brought allegations to light and realize that we cannot do our work without the public’s help.”
The claims resolved by the court’s order were originally brought in three lawsuits filed by Dr. Michael Mayes, Scarlett Lutz, Kayla Webster, and Chris Reidel under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene in and take over the whistleblower suit, as the United States did, in part, in the three consolidated actions against Mallory, Dent, Johnson and others in August 2015. The whistleblowers’ share of any recovery has yet to be determined.
The cases were litigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of South Carolina and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina, HHS-OIG, the FBI’s Columbia Field Office and FBIHQ’s Major Provider Response Team, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service assisted with the investigation.
The cases are captioned United States ex rel. Mayes v. Berkeley HeartLab Inc., et al., Case No. 9:11-CV-01593-RMG (D.S.C.); United States ex rel. Riedel v. Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:11-CV-02308 (D.D.C.); and United States, et al. ex rel. Lutz, et al. v. Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc., et al., Case No. 9:14-CV-0230-RMG (D.S.C.).
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Myrtle Beach Man Pleads to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Michael Jamal Grice, age 35, of Myrtle Beach, plead guilty this week in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, 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 June 1, 2017, an officer with the Myrtle Beach Police Department was on patrol when he observed Grice make an improper right-hand turn from Canal Street onto Highway 501. A traffic stop was conducted and upon approaching, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and police located a stolen Springfield 9mm handgun.
Grice is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior convictions. Grice has a prior state conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and a prior federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Grice 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 Myrtle Beach Police 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Special Assistant United States Attorney David P. Caraker, Jr., of the Florence office handled the case. Caraker is employed by the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office as a Senior Assistant Solicitor, and undertook this case in a joint effort with federal authorities to prosecute firearm cases.
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Men Plead Guilty for Roles in Bi-Coastal Marijuana Distribution RingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA –Jeremy David Grove, 30, Tyler James Durney, 36, both of Greenville, and Jaspal Singh Grewall, 40, of Anaheim, California, have all pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a marijuana distribution conspiracy operating between the East Coast and California. On December 12, 2017, the men were charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. Section 846, conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 1956(h) and conspiracy to structure financial transactions, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 371.
The men devised multiple schemes to pay for and to transport the California sourced high-grade marijuana to South Carolina for distribution, including the United States Postal Service and commercial carriers. According to the indictment, beginning in November 2014, the defendants deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds into “funnel” bank accounts, in amounts at or under $10,000. The indictment alleges the transactions were designed to circumvent the bank’s reporting requirements and conceal the nature of the transactions and source of the money. During the plea hearings, the defendants admitted using multiple bank accounts in a coordinated manner to funnel the illicit bulk currency from South Carolina for immediate withdrawal in California.
As part of his plea agreement, Grewall has agreed to forfeit to the government $500,000 in cash plus property located in Vista, California. The maximum penalties for the defendants range from 5 to 20 years imprisonment, depending on the offense(s) of conviction. All three defendants await sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenville City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leesa Washington.
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Greenville Man Sentenced to 5 Years Imprisonment for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- Napoleon Isaac Mansell, age 35, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Greenville sentenced Mansell on May 23, 2018.
At an earlier guilty plea hearing, Assistant U. S. Attorney Jeanne Howard, established that on March 1, 2016, Greenville County Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant at Mansell’s residence on Old Buncombe Road. The deputies found a .380 caliber firearm and ammunition inside Mansell’s residence. Because of his prior criminal history, including felony convictions for distribution of crack cocaine and pointing and presenting a firearm, Mansell is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The case was investigated by agents of the Safe Street Task Force of the FBI, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Water Testing in BranchvilleRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Caleb Elias Hartzog, Jr., age 59, of Orangeburg, pled guilty to Making a False Statement to a Government Agency, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1001. Chief Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the plea and will sentence Hartzog on September 11, 2018.
Evidence presented at the hearing established that Caleb Hartzog, a former drinking water operator for the town of Branchville, South Carolina, forged forms certifying that residents had collected drinking water samples from within their homes. Hartzog falsified forms for at least ten residential homes. Several residents claimed no one had been taking water samples from their homes for some time, and, in certain cases, ever. The samples were to be analyzed for potential lead and copper contamination. None of the ten residents had signed the forms in 2014, the year that is the basis for the criminal charges.
Testing performed after Hartzog was no longer the drinking water operator revealed no contamination of the Branchville water supply.
The maximum penalty faced by Hartzog is imprisonment for five years, with a potential fine up to $250,000.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Greenwood Man Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Melvin Leonard Wimmer, Jr., age 53, of Greenwood, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Greenville, to Securities Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1348. Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville, accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Wimmer at a later date after he has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that in 2007, Wimmer started an investment firm in Greenwood called Cornerstone Capital. From 2010-2017, approximately twenty-five (25) individuals invested $3.6 million with Wimmer. Wimmer pooled the money into one bank account, and he traded primarily securities and stock futures and options. Wimmer invested in high-risk securities and futures contracts. Of the $3.6 million invested, Wimmer lost approximately $3 million.
Wimmer committed fraud by issuing fraudulent account statements to his investors. Soon after he started trading options and futures, Wimmer lost money, and he continued to lose money throughout the scheme. Instead of reporting the losses, Wimmer emailed his investors monthly account statements that falsely listed gains of 8-10 percent on an annualized basis. Wimmer manufactured and distributed false account statements from the outset, and he continued until the scheme collapsed. Wimmer also falsely represented the expected gains from trading, including the past performance of his trades, and he failed to inform the investors of the high risk of trading futures and options.
Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty for Securities Fraud is imprisonment for 25 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
North Carolina Couple Indicted on Hobbs Act Robbery and Federal Gun Charges. Jeremy Lamar Hayes, age 29, and Kenney Mariah Boggs, age 25, both of Asheboro, North Carolina, were charged in a ten-count indictment with conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section1951(a); obstruction of commerce by robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section1951(a); and the use, carry, and possession of a firearm and aiding and abetting the brandishing of the firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), Hayes was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Hayes and Boggs could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the Surfside Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office.
Conway Man Indicted for Illegal Reentry into the United States After Deportation. Carmelino Bersain Bravo-Roblero of Conway, South Carolina, was charged in a single-count indictment with illegal reentry into the United States after deportation, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). The maximum penalty Bravo-Roblero could receive is two years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement Removal Operations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
Myrtle Beach Man Indicted for Illegally Producing and Transferring False Identification Documents and for Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien. Gullermo Palma-Rodriguez of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a 4-count indictment with illegally producing and transferring false identification documents, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028(a)(1) and 1028(a)(2) and for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A). The maximum penalty Palma-Rodriguez could receive is 15 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
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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Columbia Man Pleads to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Marcus Terrelle Marsh, age 34, of Columbia, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e). 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 25, 2017, at approximately 5:50 pm, an officer with the Benedict College Police Department was on patrol when he observed a black male, later identified as Marsh, walking on the sidewalk of the 2600 block of Elmwood Avenue in front of the Benedict College Business Development Center, approaching Two Notch Road. Officer Eggleston observed Marsh, who was clad in jean shorts and a white t-shirt, wearing a GPS ankle monitor on his lower leg and noticed what appeared to be a handgun on Marsh’s right hip area underneath the t-shirt. After the officer pulled his car around, Marsh turned and walked in the opposite direction, stopping on the porch of a nearby home[1]. When approached by the officer, Marsh refused a patdown and ran. As Marsh began to flee, the officer’s body cam footage showed the firearm on Marsh’s right hip area. The officer gave chase and observed Marsh discard the firearm. Marsh was apprehended and the firearm was recovered. Marsh provided the officer with a false name, but his identity was later discovered.
Marsh is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions. Marsh has prior state convictions for unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of crack cocaine, resisting arrest/assault on an officer while resisting arrest, failure to stop for blue light and siren (3 separate convictions), possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (2 separate convictions), possession with intent to distribute marijuana within the proximity of a park, possession with intent to distribute marijuana 2nd offense (2 separate convictions), trafficking crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within proximity of a park, and possession with intent to distribute ecstasy 2nd offense.
Marsh faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. However, if he is deemed an armed career criminal in light of his extensive prior convictions, he would face a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years with a maximum of life, a fine of $250,000, and 5 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Benedict College Police 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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[1] The resident later advised officers that they did not know MARSH.
Leader of Conspiracy to Steal Treasury Checks Sentenced to 70 MonthsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina: Colby L. Simmons, age 35, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 78 months in prison after being found guilty by a jury for his involvement in a conspiracy to pass Treasury checks of the United States bearing falsely made or forged endorsements, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and making false statements to federal authorities, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Simmons and also ordered that he pay over $236,000 in restitution.
Evidence presented at the trial established that there was a multistate conspiracy, beginning in or about June 2013, to steal Treasury checks and cash them. The checks belonged to disabled veterans, retired federal employees, and current federal employees. Several victims appeared at trial and testified about having automobiles repossessed, no money for Christmas gifts, and loss of homes because of the thefts.
The investigation focused on Simmons beginning in June 2014 during a car stop on I-85. Greenville County deputies stopped Simmons and found a Treasury check that did not belong to Simmons and $10,000 in proceeds from the cashing of Treasury checks. On top of the check recovered there was written the driver’s license number of Brandy D. Page, a co-conspirator from Cowpens, South Carolina, who has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The check was sent to the laboratory and it came back as having on it the fingerprints belonging to Joshua A. Martin, a co-conspirator from Spartanburg, South Carolina, who has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Martin and Page arrested some months after the stop of Simmons’ vehicle and confessed to their involvement.
In December 2014, Wal-Mart in Boiling Springs reported that it was the victim of approximately $200,000 in reclamations related to the cashing of Treasury checks. Three cashiers were interviewed and several picked Page out of a line up as a person who cashes multiple Treasury checks in the store. Cashiers also identified Josh Martin as cashing multiple Treasury checks.
In January 2015, the Greer Wal-Mart reported approximately $75,000 in reclamations related to the cashing of Treasury checks. On many of these checks there were written Page’s driver’s license number and date of birth. Others had Martin’s driver’s license number and date of birth. The store also had on file fake power of attorney forms that Page and Martin had used to cash the checks.
Investigation revealed that Page and Martin began cashing checks for Simmons in the summer of 2013. During the initial meeting with Simmons, Page received three to four (3-4) checks. There were many more meetings in which checks were provided to Page and Martin and proceeds from the cashing of the checks were given to Simmons. Simmons brought Treasury checks to Page approximately one to two times per month for at least eighteen (18) months.
The case was investigated by agents of the Greer Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Aiken Bank Officer Sentenced for Embezzlement and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, SC - Carrie B. Caldwell, age 40, of Aiken, South Carolina, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for embezzlement by a bank officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 656 and filing false tax returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code Section 7206(1). According to information presented during her guilty plea and sentencing, Caldwell was a branch manager for Regions Bank in Aiken. During her employment, Caldwell embezzled more than $600,000.00 from the bank and used the funds to pay for travel, a boat, and other luxury items. Caldwell evaded detection by stealing money from dormant bank accounts. Additionally, Caldwell failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income to the Internal Revenue Service.
"The role of IRS, Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that must be unraveled," said Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Field Office. "Those who cheat taxpayers by hiding their income and abuse their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of others will be held accountable." The Internal Revenue Service, working cooperatively with the Aiken Police Department and the United States Secret Service, investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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