District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Midlands Reentry Job Fair & ExpoRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ----– The United States Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; SC Department of Employment and Workforce; SC Works; SC Vocational Rehabilitation; SC Department of Social Services; and the US Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.
The Second Annual Central Reentry Job Fair & Expo will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Dutch Square Mall, located at 421 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.
This fair, which supports job seekers in the Midlands, is one in a series of fairs held annually, including in Florence, the Upstate, and the Lowcountry. These job fairs are specifically designed for South Carolinians with a criminal history. The aim is to assist these South Carolinians with obstacles they face when they return home after incarceration, including employment, transportation, certifications needed for skilled labor, and other keys to living a law-abiding life.
“We are excited to work with our federal and state partners on this second year of reentry fairs,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake. “Last year, we welcomed hundreds of job seekers and enthusiastic employers, many of whom were able to offer employment opportunities on site.”
The fair and expo will include area employers and other organizations who support, and provide resources for, returning citizens. Any interested employers or vendors should inquire with Diana Goldwire at (864) 315-9751 or [email protected].
U.S. Attorney Drake added, “Supporting the formerly incarcerated in their search for stable jobs and lives is key to crime prevention and community safety. Rehabilitation is one of the key goals of criminal justice. As President Trump said, ‘We’ll be very tough on crime, but we will provide a ladder of opportunity to the future...[We are] committed to helping former inmates become productive, law-abiding members of society.’”
For more from President Trump on the importance of helping inmates get jobs upon release and thereby giving those with a criminal record a second chance, please see the below links.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-april-2018-second-chance-month/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-meeting-prison-reform/
Professional dress is required. Job seekers should inquire with Robbie Carroll of the US Probation Office at [email protected] or George Whitehead at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258 or [email protected] if they have any questions about the event.
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Georgetown Man Convicted of Federal Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- Tywone Eli Reed, age 38, of Georgetown, South Carolina, was convicted in federal court, in Charleston, of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, as well as a quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine; possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge P. Michael Duffy, of Charleston, presided over the trial 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 trial established that on September 2, 2016, the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, comprised of narcotics investigators from local law enforcement agencies in Georgetown and Horry counties, executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. In the defendant’s kitchen, agents found over 200 grams of heroin, almost 225 grams of cocaine and approximately twenty grams of crack cocaine, along with paraphernalia used to manufacture crack cocaine and package narcotics for distribution. In the defendant’s bedroom, agents recovered two loaded handguns on the nightstand, a loaded .556 caliber rifle leaning against the wall and a .22 caliber handgun in a drawer. They also recovered approximately $3,800 from the defendant’s bedroom. Agents recovered a total of 439 rounds of various caliber ammunition from the defendant’s kitchen and bedroom. Evidence also showed that a six year old child was in the defendant’s residence at the time the search warrant was executed, despite agents waiting until school was in session to execute the search warrant.
Bill Knowles, Commander of the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, stated, “We appreciate the working relationship that the DEU has with the United States Attorney’s Office and we are pleased with the jury’s decision to hold the defendant responsible for choosing to deal dangerous narcotics while heavily armed in our community.” United States Attorney Drake added, “In the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we do our best work when we work closely with our state and local law enforcement. Many thanks to the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit and the DEA for the investigation that lead to getting this heavily armed heroin dealer off the street.”
Ms. Drake stated that Reed faces a mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by agents of the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, City of Georgetown Police Department and the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Nick Bianchi and Chris Schoen of the Charleston office tried the case.
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Sumter Men Sentenced on Federal Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Brandon Leroid Cummings, age 28, and Brandon Christopher Craft, age 31, both of Sumter, were both sentenced today in federal court in Columbia by Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten after pleading guilty earlier this year to various firearm and drug charges.
Cummings was sentenced to a total of 108 months imprisonment with 6 years of supervised release on charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and cocaine base (commonly known as “crack cocaine”) and conspiracy to use/carry/possess a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o).
Craft was sentenced to a total of 63 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release to follow on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to use/carry/possess a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(o).
Evidence presented in court during the guilty plea hearings established that May 17, 2017, Cummings distributed crack cocaine and four baggies of heroin to a confidential informant and undercover officer in exchange for $400. The transaction, which occurred in Sumter, was recorded on audio/video. Thereafter, on May 25, 2017, Cummings made arrangements to sell a firearm and heroin to the confidential informant in exchange for $800. When Cummings arrived to meet the confidential informant and the undercover officer, he was accompanied by Craft. Cummings provided the confidential informant what he said was heroin. Craft produced a Taurus .38 caliber revolver from a bag hidden in his waistband and gave it to the confidential informant. The investigation revealed that the firearm had been previously reported as stolen. Additionally, the heroin sold by Cummings on this occasion, while packaged like the previously sold heroin, was found to be cocaine during a laboratory analysis.
Cummings had prior state convictions for possession with distribution of marijuana, possession of crack cocaine (2 counts), and possession schedule I/schedule II controlled substance 2nd offense. Craft had prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree (2 counts), possession of crack cocaine, possession of a firearm, assault and battery 2nd degree, and forgery (2 counts).
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Sumter 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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Florence Man Sentenced to 42 Months on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Jackie Tyrell Kennedy, age 25, of Florence, was sentenced today in federal court after pleading guilty in January to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia sentenced Kennedy to 42 months imprisonment, which will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Evidence presented in court established on October 13, 2017, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, along with officers and deputies from the Columbia Police Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department executed a sting operation as part of “Operation Cross County,” targeting human sex trafficking. While investigating sex trafficking at a Columbia motel, agents encountered Kennedy, who fled on foot and dropped a Cobra .380 caliber handgun along the way. Agents were able to locate the firearm and determine Kennedy’s true identity after he provided a false name. Agents also recovered additional ammunition belonging to Kennedy inside the motel room. The female inside the motel room described Kennedy as sort of like her pimp.
Kennedy is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his August 2017 Virginia conviction for possession of ecstasy. Kennedy was on state probation for that offense at the time of this incident.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia Police Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, 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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Dark Web Opioid Distributor Sentenced to 15 Years ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina------- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Ana Milena Barrero, age 24, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment today in Federal Court in Greenville.
The evidence presented at the change of plea hearing and at the sentencing hearing showed that Barrero and her boyfriend, Theodore Khleborod, formed an agreement to sell large quantities of opioids, including U-47700 and fentanyl, using a dark web internet site called “AlphaBay.” Interfacing with customers on AlphaBay under the username “PetertheGreat,” Khleborod and Barrero would ship opioids to customers via the U.S. Mail, and these customers would pay for the drugs using bitcoin. The investigation culminated in the arrest of Khleborod and Barrero on April 26, 2017, and a search of their apartment in downtown Greenville. Police seized approximately 43 pounds of substances they believe to be opioids during the search of the apartment, and authorities believe that drugs distributed by Barrero and Khleborod resulted in the deaths of at least two people and the serious bodily injury of a third.
The case was investigated by Special Agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Criminal Chief for the Narcotics Division, prosecuted the case.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with 2008 Torture, Robbery, and Murder in AikenRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- Antonio Miller, age 39, of Columbia, South Carolina, plead guilty to three counts today in connection with the torture, robbery, and murder of Fred Tucker in Aiken: (1) Using a firearm to commit murder in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking; (2) Kidnapping resulting in death; and (3) Conspiring to distribute crack cocaine resulting in death. United States District Judge Mary Lewis accepted the plea and will sentence Miller in the coming months.
Hearings revealed that on September 15, 2008, Miller and three confederates targeted Fred Tucker to rob him of drugs and drug proceeds to further their ongoing efforts to distribute crack cocaine. Miller and the others drove in a rental car to Tucker’s house in Aiken. Carrying multiple firearms, these four men entered Tucker’s home, subdued and restrained Tucker, binding his hands and feet with duct tape, before repeatedly burning him with a scalding flathead screwdriver. After torturing Tucker in order to learn the location of hidden drugs and drug proceeds, Tucker was fatally shot in the chest. Through the work of local law enforcement, searches of the rental car and Miller’s own residence revealed crack cocaine taken from Tucker and firearms that ballistically matched those used to murder Tucker.
After his co-defendants pleaded guilty, a state-court jury convicted Miller of kidnapping, murder, and related charges before SC Circuit Judge Doyet A. (Jack) Early, III. On appeal in 2016, the South Carolina Supreme Court reversed the conviction. As part of a longstanding history of cooperation with Second Circuit Solicitor Strom Thurmond Jr., federal authorities indicted Miller in 2017. After U.S. District Judge Lewis denied Miller’s attempts to suppress evidence of the murder, Miller agreed to plead guilty and be sentenced to thirty years in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, FBI, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Aiken Department of Public Safety, the North Augusta Department of Public Safety and the United States Marshal’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.D. Rowell and Jay Richardson are prosecuting the case.
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Co-Conspirator Sentenced to 60 Months for Conspiracy to MurderRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Antonio Devon Williamson, age 30, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Anderson, for a conspiracy to murder a trial witness of the State of South Carolina, in violation of the federal Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR) statute, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1959(a)(5). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson, sentenced Williamson to 60 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Williamson conspired with fellow members of the Elm Street Piru Bloods gang, in Greenville County, South Carolina, to attempt to murder a witness in an upcoming state trial. That witness had been the victim of an armed robbery, committed by Brian Lewis, the leader of the Elm Street Piru gang for all of South Carolina. Lewis commissioned Williamson and others, as members and leaders in Elm Street Piru, to murder the anticipated victim/witness in order to avoid a lengthy sentence for that crime. Law enforcement, however, was able to intercept the conspiracy before any attempt on that individual’s life could be accomplished.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney D. Josev Brewer of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Berkeley County Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Court for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Rico Reid, a/k/a “Deuce”, age 41, of Berkeley County, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court yesterday in Charleston, South Carolina, for (1) Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (2) Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribute of Heroin in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) & 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C), and (3) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Senior United States District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, of Charleston, sentenced Reid to twenty years’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release,
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that in 2016 and 2017, agents conducted an undercover operation during which they made several purchases of firearms and heroin from Reid. Reid was previously convicted of several crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and was therefore prohibited from carrying a firearm.
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis stated, “With the assistance of the ATF and U.S. Attorney’s Office, a major player around the Goose Creek area in the gun and narcotics trade has been removed from society. This 20-year federal sentence should send a strong message to the criminal element.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Sean Kittrell of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Sentencing Hearing Set for Barrero in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that a sentencing hearing for Ana Milena Barrero, age 24, has been set for Friday morning, May 11, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. in the federal courthouse in Greenville.
The case was investigated by Special Agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Criminal Chief for the Narcotics Division, 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 Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Health Care Providers Indicted on Conspiracy and Health Care Fraud. Donna Becker, age 54, of Greenville, South Carolina; Marcela Dolores Farrer, age 53, of Columbia, South Carolina; and Carol Guardiola, age 65, of Columbia, South Carolina, were charged in a six-count Indictment. All three defendants were charged with Conspiracy, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; Bribery of Public Officials and Witnesses, a violation of Title 18 , United States Code, Section 201(c)(1)(B); and Acts Affecting a Personal Financial Interest, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 208(a). The maximum penalty the defendants could receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or five (5) years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr. of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Greenwood Resident Indicted on Murder for Hire. Brandon Cory Lecroy, age 25, of Hodges, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count Indictment with Solicitation to Commit a Crime of Violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 373, and Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder-For-Hire, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1958(a). The maximum penalty Lecroy could receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or ten (10) years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Two Individuals Charged with Possession of Contraband Cell Phones in Federal Prison. Megan Eileen Wall, age 22, of Salisbury, North Carolina, was charged in a two-count Indictment with knowingly providing a contraband cell phone to William Lewis Meeks, an inmate of Edgefield Federal Correctional Facility, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1791(a)(1). William Lewis Meeks, age 40, an inmate of Edgefield Federal Correctional Facility, was charged with knowingly possessing a contraband cell phone, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1791(a)(2). The maximum penalty Wall and Meeks could face is a fine of $100,000.00 and/or imprisonment of not more than one year. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Prisons and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Individual Indicted for False Claim to be a US Citizen. Jose Rodolfo Morales Ruiz, age 20, was charged in a three-count Indictment with Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits and Other Documents, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a), which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $250,000 and/or ten (10) years imprisonment; False Claim to be a US Citizen, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 911, which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $250,000 and/or three (3) years imprisonment; and False Representation of a Social Security Number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $250,000 and/or five (5) years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Townville Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Ammunition Charges. Devon Samuel Prater, age 23, of Townville, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count Indictment with Felon in Possession of firearms and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Prater could receive, depending on his prior criminal history, is up to life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Anderson Police Department and agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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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Summer Camps Must Reasonably Accommodate Children with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Columbia, SC - With summer approaching, parents and camps alike are making plans for terrific, fun opportunities for young campers to learn new skills and grow in their confidence and abilities. The United States Attorney’s Office has taken the opportunity to increase the understanding of camp organizers and parents about the law that pertains to camps which ensures that all children are welcome, especially those with disabilities. To help ensure that children with disabilities are allowed the opportunity to attend summer camp, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently sent the attached flyer to hundreds of summer camps located within the District of South Carolina reminding them of their responsibilities and obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modification to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities. This generally means that children with disabilities are entitled to attend any camp or activity that non-disabled children attend, that camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis, and that camps must train their staff in the requirements of the ADA. Camps are obligated to pay for the cost of any reasonable modifications necessary for disabled children to participate in camp activities, and parents should not be charged any additional fee beyond standard camp enrollment costs.
“Summer camps – whether in a tent or a gym - present tremendous growth opportunities for our children. Camp is not only fun, but the camp experience offers the camper the opportunity to try new things, develop some independence, and gain self-confidence in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Drake. “All of our kids should have access to summer camps and in fact the law requires camps to provide equal opportunities to disabled children whose needs can be reasonably accommodated.”
Additional information about the ADA is available at www.ada.gov, or through contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Team at (864) 282-2100 or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/civil-rights.
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2018_ada_summer_camp_flyer_0.pdfScam Artist Sentenced to Eleven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today on May 2, 2018, April Cormelius Miller, age 44, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced by District Court Judge Timothy M. Cain sitting in Anderson, South Carolina. Miller was sentenced to serve 135 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons to be followed by 3 years of Supervised Release.
Miller was charged with two counts of wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. The fraud consisted of offering a totally bogus investment which purported to be a legitimate program run out of Switzerland with the approval of banking and government entities in that country. Miller would represent to potential investors that the investment was totally risk free and that the returns were up to 100% each month. In order to boost her credibility Miller would claim that she had been in banking for 20 years, that she had large personal investments, that she had a number of attorneys on her payroll, and that for 17 years she had been successfully taking investors to Switzerland to engage in the investment she was offering. These credentials turned out to be as bogus as the investment that was being offered.
In 2011 Miller came to the attention of the FBI in South Carolina which along with AUSA Stephens launched an undercover investigation into Miller’s activities. During this operation Miller was recorded pitching the “opportunity” to persons she believed to be representatives of a charitable organization which had a $30 Million endowment which they wished to invest. These persons were in fact FBI agents and operatives.
Miller was indicted in January 2012 and tried and convicted by a jury in June 2012. During the trial it was shown that the investment program was in fact totally non-existent and that Miller had none of the credentials that she had claimed. At the conclusion of the trial Miller was allowed to remain on bond, however, she became a fugitive and was not located by the United States Marshals Service until May 2017.
United States Attorney Drake commended the FBI, AUSA Stephens and the US Marshals Service for their role in a long and complicated investigation, prosecution and fugitive hunt.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to 10 Months in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jesus Patino-Lopez, age 31, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Illegal Re-Entry into the United States. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr. of Spartanburg sentenced Patino-Lopez to 10 months in federal prison with 1 year of supervised release to follow.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on June 23, 2017, ICE–Enforcement and Removal Operations Officers in Charleston, SC, encountered Patino-Lopez at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center where he was detained for local charges. A records check revealed that Patino-Lopez is a native and citizen of Mexico and had two prior removals in 2009. On both occasions, he was removed from the United States back to Mexico. A records check also revealed that Patino-Lopez had not received permission to enter, re-enter, or remain in the United States.
This case was investigated by officers of the ICE–Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office handled the case.
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Illegal Alien Located in Lexington County Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Nicholas Benitez-Hernandez, age 46, of Mexico, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia to Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(2). United States District Judge J. 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 U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the South Carolina Department of Public Safety/Immigration Enforcement Unit (SCDPS/IEU) and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office arrested Benitez-Hernandez for Forgery and Identity Fraud to Obtain Employment. He was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations agents on April 26, 2018, at the Lexington County. An investigation revealed that he is a citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported after serving a sentence for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty for Illegal Re-Entry is imprisonment for 29 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the SCDPS/IEU, the Newberry County Sherriff’s Office and ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Fort Mill Resident Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that David Scott LaPointe was sentenced to prison for 8 months followed by 3 years supervised release in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, by United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, after being convicted for failing to register as a sex offender in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2250(a).
Evidence presented at the guilty plea and other hearings established that LaPointe was convicted in September 2002 of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor-Second Degree (Person Under 13). As a result of this conviction, he was required to register in any state where he lived, worked or attended school. LaPointe registered as a sex offender in North Carolina after serving his sentence but failed to register when he moved to South Carolina in June 2017.
The United States Marshal Service, Mecklenburg, and York County Sheriff Offices investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Day of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Dillion Man Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Gerald Arnette, Jr., of Dillion, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for bank fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced the defendant to one year and a day in federal prison.
Evidence presented established that the defendant was a loan officer at Citizens Bank in Florence, South Carolina. In his role as loan officer, the defendant used his position to fraudulently obtain loans, some of which he received kickbacks for obtaining. Moreover, information was presented that the defendant paid back over $150,000 dollars to the bank thereby making full restitution for the loans that were fraudulently issued.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and US Postal Inspector. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Richardson of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Conway Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Artemio Bustos Solano, age 35, of Conway, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Solano to 48 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release,
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that in the later part of 2010, agents learned from a confidential informant that Solano and a codefendant, who previously pled guilty and has been sentenced, were involved in the distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine in the Horry County area. The informant was able to approach Solano and the codefendant and arrange for the controlled purchase of two kilograms of cocaine from them. Solano negotiated the details of the deal which was to take place on April 8, 2011 in the parking lot of a grocery store in Conway. On April 8 the informant brought the “buy money” to the grocery store parking lot and showed it to the codefendant who then left to retrieve the cocaine from Solano’s residence. After the codefendant returned to the grocery store parking lot with the cocaine, agents arrested the codefendant and seized the two kilograms. However, agents were not able to apprehend Solano at the scene. In fact, he was not arrested until September 2017.
The case was investigated by agents of ICE- Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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United States Attorney’s Office Supports Advocacy Day for Access and IndependenceRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that in its continued efforts to support the commitments in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Attorney’s Office participated in Advocacy Day for Access and Independence 2018 this past week.
This annual event was led by Able SC, which is a Center for Independent Living organization, whose mission includes empowering people with disabilities to live active and self-determined lives. There were several speakers on the State House grounds for the April 25, 2018 event including members of the SC General Assembly, various SC Departments, disability advocates, non-profit entities, and members of the disability community. Support groups from around the state participated and hundreds of people attended the event.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Sneed participated on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. AUSA Sneed is one of two prosecutors in the US Attorney’s Office whose practice is largely civil rights enforcement. AUSA Sneed focused his remarks on the Department of Justice’s Project Civic Access (PCA). Access to civic life is a fundamental part of American society and The ADA requires that state and local governments be accessible to people with disabilities. PCA a wide-ranging effort to ensure that counties, cities, towns, and villages comply with the ADA by eliminating physical and communication barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community life. The Department of Justice has conducted reviews across the entire country, in all fifty states, territories, and the District of Columbia. It has resulted in hundreds of settlement agreements for communities to come into ADA compliance. These agreements are tailored to address the steps each community must take to improve access. PCA agreements typically include requirements to make physical modifications to facilities so that, among other elements, parking, routes into buildings, entrances, assembly areas, restrooms, service counters, and drinking fountains are accessible to people with disabilities. Other common provisions address effective communication (e.g., telephone communications), grievance procedures, polling places, emergency management procedures and policies, sidewalks, domestic violence programs, and ensuring that an entity’s official website and other web-based services are accessible to persons with disabilities.
In South Carolina, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice have conducted several reviews of local and state governmental ADA compliance since 1994, resulting in several agreements with all levels of local government. AUSA Sneed said that these ADA reviews in South Carolina have generally been positive and most governmental entities have responded cooperatively. He further noted that the majority of officials are aware of their ADA obligations and have made progress in meeting them. The work is ongoing however, and barriers remain for people in the disabled community.
U.S. Attorney Drake noted that, “Thank you to all of our South Carolina officials who are committed to providing equal access to all residents and visitors with disabilities. These officials have positively impacted the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities through Project Civic Access. As a result of their commitment and that of the trial attorneys in our office and at the Department of Justice, the injustice of being denied access to government buildings or participating in government programs, services, and activities is becoming a thing of the past for Americans with disabilities.”
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Aiken Doctor Sentenced to over Fifteen Years for Selling Prescriptions of Oxycodone Without a Legitimate Medical PurposeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Dr. Mackie James Walker, Jr., a former podiatrist of Aiken, South Carolina, to 188 months of incarceration for his role in a conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. The 188-month term of imprisonment followed sentencing hearings that spanned the course of three days. Evidence produced during the hearings showed that Dr. Walker sold prescriptions of oxycodone, a powerful and addictive painkiller, to dozens of individuals without any legitimate medical purpose. Dr. Walker directly communicated with several coconspirators who in turn would recruit individuals for sham medical examinations. In some circumstances, no examinations were performed prior to Dr. Walker issuing a prescription for oxycodone. Dr. Walker earned as much as $1000 per prescription of oxycodone. Based on the investigation, Dr. Walker wrote illegal prescriptions in excess of 1 kilogram of oxycodone tablets. In total, fourteen individuals were charged for their roles in the conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone.
United States Attorney Drake stated, “This doctor sold powerful, addictive narcotics in breach of his responsibility as a physician. The court’s sentence sends a powerful message to drug dealers with initials behind their name – be they doctor, nurse, or veterinarian.”
The charges were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, the Aiken Department of Public Safety, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Drug Control, the Burnettown Police Department, the Columbia Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Drake stated that this case represents another example of the fine work being done by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat the opioid epidemic our community is experiencing.
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Myrtle Beach Woman Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Stephanie M. Campellone, age 46, of Myrtle Beach, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Filing a False Tax Return, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). United States District Judge 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 Campellone owns and operates Mastercare Contracting, Inc., a lawn care/landscaping business in Myrtle Beach. During the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, Campellone diverted a large portion of Mastercare’s income into personal bank accounts and substantially underreported the business’s taxable gross receipts on tax returns. By understating the business’s gross income, Campellone also substantially underreported her income on her personal tax returns. Specifically, for the three years in question, Campellone understated over $1,460,000.00 in gross receipts. As a result of this conduct, Campellone owes over $447,000.00 of additional income taxes.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Campellone can receive is imprisonment for 3 years and a fine of $100,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Longs Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Quavon Melik Bellamy, age 22, of Longs, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Ammunition and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Bellamy to 24 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on February 14, 2017, law enforcement responded to a call about a man with a gun. The 911 caller provided officers with Bellamy’s name and a vehicle tag number. Officers ran the tag and identified the address on the vehicle’s registration. Officers responded to the address and located the vehicle in the front yard. When the officers arrived at the residence, Bellamy exited the house, and officers informed him of the victim’s report. Bellamy stated that he ran into the victim and they had “words,” but he denied possessing or presenting a firearm. Officers confirmed the vehicle was registered to Bellamy and inquired about firearms in the vehicle. Bellamy responded there were no firearms in the vehicle and gave consent to a search of the vehicle. Upon opening the vehicle door, the officer immediately smelled marijuana. Officers searched the vehicle and located a black purse on the back seat that contained two glass jars of marijuana and a scale. Officers also found a Springfield Armory 9mm handgun on the rear floorboard, fully loaded with fifteen rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber. After being advised of his rights and agreeing to speak with law enforcement, Bellamy initially claimed he did not know anything about the firearm, only later to admit that it was his and that he presented it to the victim. After running the firearm’s serial number through dispatch, officers confirmed that the firearm was stolen.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office handled the case.
This case was brought as 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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Myrtle Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Scott Borrowman, age 50, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to 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, 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 in 2002 Borrowman was convicted in Washington County, Utah, of Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, which convictions required him to register as a sex offender in any state where he resided, was employed or was a student. Under the law, Borrowman was required to inform authorities if he ever changed his address within the state or moved to another state. In July 2016, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office discovered that Borrowman failed to report to update his sex offender registration and could not be found at his last registered address, so they issued a warrant for his arrest. The matter was referred to the United States Marshals Service which soon discovered that Borrowman had moved to South Carolina. Borrowman was located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and was arrested at his place of employment there on October 30, 2017.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Borrowman can receive is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
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 is prosecuting 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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Illegal Aliens Plead Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Juan Ramos-De Jesus, age 41, and Ignacio Montanez-Torres, age 42, both from Mexico, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States after deportation, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). United States District Judge 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.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that ICE-ERO Officers on January 14, 2018, discovered Juan Ramos-De Jesus and on February 9, 2018 discovered Montanez-Torres while they were in custody at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on state charges. Immigration records revealed that Ramos-De Jesus and Montanez-Torres are natives and citizens of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States. Ramos-De Jesus nor Montanez-Torres have never received permission to enter or remain in the United States.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty both could receive is imprisonment for 2 years and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations in Charleston, with the assistance of the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Plum Branch Woman Guilty of Bank EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Amy June Shaufelberger, age 31, of Plum Branch, South Carolina, has entered a plea of guilty to embezzling $40,000 from Regions Bank. The plea was accepted by Senior United States District Court Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., who will sentence Shaufelberger at a later date. Shaufelberger faces a possible sentence of up to 30 years imprisonment plus a fine of up to $1,000,000.00.
At the guilty plea the Court was advised by Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) David C. Stephens of the following facts. Shaufelberger was employed by Regions Bank as a teller. Regions received a complaint from a client that his account showed a balance that was not correct. Upon audit of the account it was determined that $27,265.00 had been withdrawn which the customer stated that he had not received. Each of the withdrawal slips showed that Shaufelberger had handled the withdrawals. When questioned about the matter Shaufelberger admitted that she had taken the money for her own use and also had taken a total of $13,600.00 from two other accounts.
United States Attorney Drake stated that the case had been investigated by agents from the United States Secret Service and that AUSA Stephens of the Greenville Office was in charge of the prosecution.
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Gaffney Man Guilty of Stealing $220,000 of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that James Littlejohn, age 66, of Gaffney, South Carolina, pled guilty on April 24, 2018, to two counts of theft of United States government funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. The plea was taken by Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., who will sentence Littlejohn at a later date. The possible sentence on each count is imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of $250,000.00.
At the guilty plea hearing the Court was advised of the following facts. In February 2013 the Internal Revenue Service received two Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Returns bearing Mr. Littlejohn’s name, address and Social Security Number. Each showed a large income with various deductions entitling Mr. Littlejohn to a refund for tax year 2011 of $98,261.44 and a refund for tax year 2012 of $122,696.56. Two checks in these amounts were sent to Mr. Littlejohn who cashed same and converted the funds to his own use. It was later learned that the Form 1040’s were bogus and that Mr. Littlejohn was not entitled to the claimed refunds.
United States Attorney Drake stated that the case had been investigated and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jaime Raich of the Southern District of Florida and Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the District of South Carolina.
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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:
Horry County Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry into the United States After Deportation. Domingo Alvarado-Gomez of Horry County, South Carolina, was charged in a single-count indictment with illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). The maximum penalty Alvarado-Gomez 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.
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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Camden Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Federal Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Swan Nicoyis Jackson, age 22, of Camden, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 180 months (15 years) imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release to follow. Jackson plead guilty in January to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e) and Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 851. Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, of Columbia, imposed the sentence.
Evidence presented in court established that on morning of June 2, 2017, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department deputies encountered Jackson and another male walking down railroad tracks near a neighborhood that had recent thefts. When deputies asked Jackson and the other male to stop, they both ran. Deputies could smell marijuana emanating from their direction. During the chase, Jackson fell and deputies were able to catch up to him and found a 9mm handgun in his pants pocket, along with marijuana. Further investigation revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen from a residence.
Jackson is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior separate state convictions for possession of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, distribution of crack cocaine (2 counts), distribution of crack cocaine near a school, possession with intent to distribute marijuana 2nd offense, and possession of crack cocaine 3rd offense or more.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Kershaw 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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Lexington County Hells Angel Sentenced to the Statutory Maximum of 10 years in prison for Murder for Hire of PlotRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jerry Oliver, age 52, of Lexington County, South Carolina, who plead guilty in January of this year to Murder for Hire was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia. United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Oliver to the statutory maximum of 10 years in prison.
Evidence against Oliver established that the defendant was a member of the Hells Angels and it was through this membership that the defendant met a person who was a FBI informant. The informant was working as a driver at the defendant’s place of work. The informant was charged with DUI and worried that he would lose his job as a driver, so the informant approached Oliver for help. Oliver recommended an attorney who Oliver knew and Oliver offered to cover the cost of the attorney if the informant would kill Oliver’s ex-wife. Oliver was involved in a contested family court proceeding where a hearing was scheduled regarding Oliver’s failure to comply with the divorce decree with his ex-wife. Oliver stated that the murder needed to occur before Oliver’s next family court appearance. The informant contacted the FBI who provided recording materials to the informant to record the interactions with Oliver. Numerous recordings of in-person and over the phone discussions of killing the ex-wife were captured. The informant told Oliver numerous times that he was a felon and the two discussed how to make the killing look like a robbery gone bad.
On September 29, the informant again told Oliver that he was a felon and needed help getting a firearm to do the murder. Oliver stated he would put a Glock in a truck on Oliver's property. The informant contacted Oliver who confirmed the weapon was in place for the informant to retrieve. The informant recorded his retrieval of a loaded Glock. The informant and Oliver discussed locating pictures of the ex-wife on Facebook, a recording of Oliver accessing the ex-wife's Facebook was captured – when Oliver told the informant to monitor the ex-wife’s location using Facebook.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Jay Richardson of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
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Inmate and Conspirator Convicted of Using Contraband Cellphone to Deal Drugs and Obtain a Mail Bomb from the Dark WebRead the Press Release
Columbia, SC - A federal jury convicted Michael Young Jr. and Vance Volious Jr. of dealing drugs and plotting to kill Young’s ex-wife with a mail bomb they bought with bitcoin from the Dark Web’s Alpha Bay Market. United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Young, 32, and Volious, 36, both of Columbia S.C., were convicted of conspiracy, transport of an explosive with the intent to kill, mailing a non-mailable explosive with the intent to kill, and carrying an explosive during the commission of another felony. Judge J. Michelle Childs presided over the trial and will impose sentence after a presentence report is prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the trial revealed that while incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Young obtained a contraband cellphone smuggled into the Broad River Correctional Institution. Young used that contraband cellphone to run a drug business distributing marijuana he obtained from a California supplier and from purchases on the Dark Web. Drugs purchased by Young would be shipped to a conspirator’s residence before being picked up by Volious for re-distribution.
While this drug conspiracy among Young, Volious, and others was operating, the conspirators also plotted to kill Young’s ex-wife. This was not the first time that Young had tried to kill her, as he was serving a fifty-year sentence after having been convicted of attempting to kill her and of murdering her father in an incident in 2007. Young turned back to the Dark Web on his contraband cellphone looking to purchase a mail bomb. Young used Bitcoin to pay for the mail bomb to be sent to a conspirator’s residence in Irmo. He also had re-shipment labels addressed to his ex-wife to be sent to Volious’ house in Columbia. Co-conspirator Tyrell Fears – who previously pleaded guilty – obtained the labels from Volious, armed the mail bomb, and delivered the inert explosives package to the Post Office in Irmo on June 6, 2017. After a United States Postal Inspector recovered the mail bomb, search warrants and interviews the next morning led to the federal arrest and indictment of Young, Volious, and Fears.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake thanked the law enforcement team that worked the case, “This was a particularly challenging operation, and we got a great result because of great policing. The case certainly brings to bare the very real and dangerous problem that is contraband cell phones in our prisons.”
South Carolina Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling lauded the collaborative effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement in this matter and emphasized the escalating threat that contraband cell phones in prisons pose to citizens across South Carolina. “I would to thank our local, state, and federal partners for working alongside SCDC’s Division of Police Services in this investigation to convictions in this case. These convictions underscore what I have been saying for years—contraband cell phones in the hands of prisoners pose a significant threat to not only other prisoners and corrections staff but to the general public as well.”
“This conviction was made possible by the coordinated efforts and exceptional work of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, all our law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s Office,” said Alphonso Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Columbia Division. “Our ability to stop a horrific crime from being committed and dismantle a drug trafficking enterprise speaks to the past and present commitment of the FBI and our partners to come together and devote significant resources for the protection of our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Joint Terrorism Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections’ Division of Police Services, State Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Information and Intelligence Center, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington Country Sheriff’s Department, Irmo Police Department, USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety, and Columbia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Will Lewis and Jay Richardson with assistance from Dan Goldberg of the Fifth Circuit’s Solicitor’s Office.# # #
Federal Indictments Unsealed; 14 Former SCDC Employees and Correction Officers Arrested by the FBIRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced the indictment and arrest of fourteen former employees of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) on federal charges related to accepting bribes and bringing contraband into South Carolina prisons.
The federal violations include: Use of Interstate Facilities to Facilitate Bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1952; Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Depriving South Carolina of the Right to Honest Services, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, in violation 21 U.S.C. § 841.
The individuals charged include: Rachel Burgess (age 39); Joshua Cave (age 29); Jamal Early (age 23), James Harvey (age 54), Douglas Hawkins (age 29), Robert Hill (age 53), Sharon Johnson-Breeland (age 29), Darnell Kleckley (age 33), Holly Mitchem (age 37), Frank Pridgeon (age 64), Catherine Prosser (age 60), Camille Williams (age 65), Miguel Williams (age 41), and Shatara Wilson (age 29). All defendants were arraigned on their respective indictments today.
Since 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has partnered with state law enforcement to investigate the smuggling of contraband into prisons by staff at SCDC. The investigation uncovered a number of SCDC employees who accepted bribes to smuggle into prison various contraband, such as cell phones, narcotics, or tobacco. Additionally, joint investigations over the last year, targeting the use of contraband cell phones in our state prisons, have led to the federal convictions of multiple defendants in two other prosecutions in the upstate and most recently, just last week, in Columbia. See links below.
Inmate and Conspirator Convicted of Using Contraband Cellphone to Deal Drugs and Obtain a Mail Bomb from the Dark Web
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/inmate-and-conspirator-convicted-using-contraband-cellphone-deal-drugs-and-obtain-mail-0
Twitter: https://twitter.com/USAO_SC/status/989170992755986432
Jury Convicts Spartanburg Brothers in Federal Court of Drug and Money Laundering Charges (sentencing hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 27th, 2018, at 9:30 am at the G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Federal Building United States Courthouse, 315 South McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC 29624)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/jury-convicts-spartanburg-brothers-federal-court-drug-and-money-laundering-charges
Twitter: https://twitter.com/USAO_SC/status/953365064345702400
Fifteen Charged in Drug Trafficking Ring that Operated from Inside South Carolina Prisons
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/fifteen-charged-drug-trafficking-ring-operated-inside-south-carolina-prisons
This operation was a combined law enforcement effort by the FBI, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), SCDC, and U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership: “This operation signals our joint commitment to prosecute those who abuse their position for personal gain at the cost of the safety of our communities and prisons. If you have information about public employees and officials abusing their position, please contact the Columbia (South Carolina) FBI office at (803) 551-4200 or www.fbi.gov/tips.”
This case is assigned for prosecution to Assistant United States Attorney Jay Richardson and Assistant United States Attorney Will Lewis.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to Hold Press Conference at U.S. Attorney's Office in Columbia on Wednesday, April 25, 2018Read the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced that a press conference will be held on Wednesday April 25, 2018 at 3:30 P.M. at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, located at 1441 Main Street, Suite 500, Columbia, South Carolina 29201.
Participating in the press conference will be members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
NOTE: Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Lance Crick, 864-282-2105. All media must present government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). All media should be in place 15 minutes prior to start. Paid parking will be available behind the building.
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15th Annual Project Sentry Logo/Meme Contest Winners AnnouncedRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today the winners of the United States Attorney’s Office 15th Annual Project Sentry Logo/Meme Contest. The winners are from the following schools:
K-2nd grade division winner: Samantha Bitts (Grade 2), Ocean Drive Elementary School, N. Myrtle Beach, SC
3rd-5th grade division winner: Ayden Downey (Grade 3), Ocean Drive Elementary School, N. Myrtle Beach, SC
6th-8th grade division winner: Alexia Hernandez (Grade 6), Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science, Winnsboro, SC
9th-12th grade division: Nia Lott (Grade 11), Strom Thurmond High School, Johnston, SC
Overall winner: Alexia Hernandez (Grade 6), Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science, Winnsboro, SC
Honorable mentions:
Nacyjai McKensey (Grade 6), St. James- Sumter Elementary and Middle School, McClellanville, SC
Emily Ulmer (Grade 7), Bamberg-Ehrhardt Middle School, Bamberg, SC
Samone Stevens (Grade 12), Strom Thurmond High School, Johnston, SC
Tamara Pendarvis (Grade 12), Garrett Academy of Technology, N. Charleston, SC
The winners were chosen from 104 entries from eight schools across South Carolina. Each division winner will receive a $50.00 award, with the overall winner receiving an additional $50.00 award. The winners will receive their awards during upcoming school award ceremonies. All of the students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for logo/meme submissions.
The statewide contest fosters an opportunity for South Carolina students to tell the entire state how they prevent gun violence in their school and focuses on deterrence of juvenile gun violence and ensuring secure school environments. The contest was open to students in all South Carolina schools.
The winning entries were selected by “The Insiders,” a select group of students from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, who travel throughout the state, encouraging troubled children and promoting community awareness of the prevalence and consequences of juvenile crime. The U.S. Attorney's Office coordinated with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Foundation (SCLEOA) to provide the cash awards to the winners.
Project Sentry, which is part of the district’s Project Safe Neighborhoods/Project CeaseFire program, is a vital step in strengthening our ability to prevent gun crimes among our young people and to ensure a safe learning atmosphere for our children. For more information on the Project Sentry program and to view this year’s winning submissions (also attached) as well as winning logos over the years, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc/programs/logowinners.html
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the students and their engagement on helping foster this very important dialogue. "Thanks to all of the students who participated and congratulations to our winners! The students demonstrated some real wisdom we can all learn from."
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samantha_bitts_k-2_winner.pdf ayden_downey_3-5_winner.pdf nia_lott_9-12_winner.pdf alexia_hernandez_overall_winner.pdfTwo South Carolina Men Indicted for Concealing Opioid Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina--------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Charles Rayford Hunt, Jr., age 40, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a multi-count indictment with misprision of felony in connection with concealing the distribution of cocaine and heroin the use of which resulted in death, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4. The indictment alleges that on or about January 30, 2017, Hunt disposed of the body of a victim of a drug overdose and did not as soon as possible make known the same to an appropriate authority.
Hunt is additionally charged with aiding and abetting the possession of the drugs that led to the overdose. Jose Anthony Ortiz, Jr., age 38, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was also charged with misprision of felony for his role in destroying the personal effects of the overdose victim.
The maximum penalty Hunt and Ortiz could receive for the currently pending charges is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or 3 years imprisonment. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Everett McMillian of the Florence office for prosecution. The investigation is ongoing.
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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Shooting Felon Receives Maximum Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Delano McPherson, 29, from Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court by United States District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel, who imposed the maximum possible sentence under federal law. McPherson was sentenced to 10 years in the federal penitentiary. He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm after pleading guilty on October 24, 2017.
McPherson’s case illustrated the effectiveness of the surveillance cameras installed in the city’s high-crime and densely populated areas of Charleston, South Carolina. These have been very beneficial in not only preventing crime but also helping to solve crimes after they happen.
Evidence presented during the sentencing hearing showed that on September 7, 2015, the CPD Camera Room Operator called dispatch to advise that he had seen an individual shooting a gun from the location of the intersection of America Street and South Street, about three blocks from East Bay Street. This happened around 11:15pm in the late evening. From witnessing the incident on the surveillance camera, the operator was able to provide a description of the individual. He also was able to fully describe the car (a silver Nissan Altima) and its license tag. He informed dispatch that the shooter left the scene in the vehicle as a passenger, fleeing towards East Bay Street on South Street. City of Charleston Police Department Officers responded immediately and spotted the car. They made a felony stop at a gas station, two blocks from the scene of the shooting. The driver was found to be Desmond Campbell. In the rear passenger’s seat was the driver’s brother, Delano McPherson. An officer looked in the back seat area and saw the grip and hammer of a revolver beneath the front passenger seat. This was where McPherson had been sitting. The officer retrieved the gun, which was a silver Smith and Wesson .357 magnum caliber revolver. It had six spent shell casings.
The car was further searched. The glove box held a Glock magazine, loaded, with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The car itself was damaged. The officer observed a gouge in the roof of the vehicle, which was visible from the outside.
The video surveillance tapes were reviewed and showed the full sequence of events. McPherson, the aggressor, got into a confrontation moments before the shooting, on America Street.
He walked away, and down South Street.
About fifteen minutes later, he returned, carrying what appeared to be a silver revolver, in his right hand.
He then turned away and walked down South Street. An Altima pulled up and the driver, his brother, got out and walked away, down South Street.
The operator noticed that after the individual shot the gun, he walked west on South Street, while leaving the car running and the lights on.
McPherson stood on the corner of America and South Street with the pistol in his hand.
After looking around, and using the Altima for cover, he walked up to the car and began shooting.
He started to leave, again down South Street, and there was return fire.
He hid the gun on top of the wheel well of an adjunct car, then retrieved it and got into the passenger’s seat of the Altima. His brother also returned and the two drove off.
Police immediately responding to the 911 calls turned from America Street onto South Street.
The 911 calls were from neighborhood residents. Rounds from the shooting penetrated several homes.
During the sentencing hearing, McPherson testified that he was trying to defend himself. While being cross-examined by Assistant United States Attorney, Sean Kittrell, he admitted that he shot at a person during the course of the incident. He also admitted to having sold drugs at the same corner that McPherson shot from, a crime of which he had previously been convicted. In this case, Judge Gergel found that McPherson had used the firearm in an attempted murder and imposed the maximum sentence.
United States Attorney Drake recognized the work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which investigated the case, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF are working with our state and local law enforcement partners to identify violent offenders who are tearing our communities apart. One of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce street violence is to take violent repeat felons who use guns off of the street using the federal law that prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm. It’s all about protecting our communities.”
The resident agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, praised the fast work of the City of Charleston Police Department and said that, “This investigation is another example of the outstanding partnership between ATF, the Charleston Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office working collaboratively to target violent crime in the City of Charleston.”
McPherson was convicted of violating the felon in possession of a firearm statute. This is Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
McPherson is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior separate state conviction for distribution of crack cocaine (3 counts), possession of crack cocaine (two convictions), a federal conviction
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Charleston 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 Sean Kittrell and Special Assistant Solicitor Stephanie Linder, who is an Assistant Solicitor for the 9th Judicial Circuit, prosecuted the case for the government. 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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Mooresboro, North Carolina, Woman Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Kelly Sue Reynolds, age 52, of Mooresboro, North Carolina, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for tax evasion. Reynolds was sentenced by District Judge Timothy M. Cain in Anderson, South Carolina, who further ordered that upon her release from prison Reynolds is to serve a term of three years supervised release. Additionally, she is to make restitution totaling $556,760.03.
Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of Greenville prosecuted the case. At the guilty plea he advised the court of the following facts. Reynolds was the bookkeeper for a firm located in Cherokee County, South Carolina. As part of her duties Reynolds paid bills for the firm, including the payment of various Federal Taxes. In 2014 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) did an audit of the firm that Reynolds worked for due to the fact that certain taxes had not been paid. During the course of the audit Reynolds admitted that over a five year period she had embezzled $439,459.97 from her employer. She further stated that she had covered up the embezzlement by falsifying the books, showing that she had paid bills which she had in fact not paid. Included in the unpaid bills were the missing taxes which started the investigation. It was further determined that Reynolds had not filed personal tax returns during those years that she was embezzling funds and that based on her salary and the money she stole she owed the IRS $117,300.06 in personal income taxes. US Attorney Drake explained that income taxes are due both on illegally obtained funds as well as those legitimately earned.
U.S. Attorney Drake commended the IRS for their dedicated work on this and all of the cases they investigate in South Carolina each year.
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Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
NOTE: U.S. Attorney PSA in English and Spanish (mp3 links at bottom of page)
WASHINGTON — Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in Washington, D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Pelzer Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Ronnie Beauford Eugene Gilmer, Jr., age 53, of Pelzer, South Carolina, was charged in a six-count indictment with possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person previously convicted of a felony and a criminal domestic violence crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and (g)(9); possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A); and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The maximum penalty Gilmer could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Anderson Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Explosive Charges. Wesley Dallas Ayers, age 27, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a twelve-count indictment with transportation of explosive materials with the intent to injure, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(d); possession and use of destructive devices during the commission of a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), 924(c)(1)(B)(ii), 924(c)(1)(C)(ii), and 924(c)(3)(A); use of a destructive device during the commission of a felony, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(h)(1) and (2); and possession of a firearm that was not registered to him in the NTRTF, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871. The maximum penalty Ayers could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Rural Mail Carrier Indicted on Mail Theft. Tony T. Maclin, age 44, of Greer, South Carolina, was charged in a seven-count indictment with theft of mail matter by officer or employee, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709. The maximum penalty Maclin could receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or five years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr. of the Greenville 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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Bluffton Woman Sentenced to 60 Months Imprisonment for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Lecelle Montgomery, age 71, of Bluffton, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston for one count of Bank Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2). United States District Judge Richard Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Montgomery to 60 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and mandatory restitution.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearing established that beginning in 2008 and continuing up to late 2012, Montgomery offered the victims her services as a financial adviser and purposely withheld the fact that she was disbarred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Ultimately, the victims sent Montgomery a combined total of $1,119,440.75 in order to be invested. Instead, the evidence showed that Montgomery used the victims’ money for personal expenditures including gambling at various casinos.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Union Woman Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ashley E. Browning, age 31, of Union, pled guilty in federal court in Anderson, to preparing and presenting false tax returns, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson, accepted the 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 Browning prepared and filed, and assisted in preparing and filing of, multiple tax returns for customers in exchange for fees. Browning carried out this conduct from her home in Union County and also from the homes of her customers who resided in and around Union County. Browning repeatedly falsified information in returns she prepared in order to generate fraudulent refunds. For example, Browning repeatedly submitted false information about customers’ income, federal withholding, and educational expenses. Because of this pattern of falsification, the Government issued approximately $200,000 more in refunds than it would have if accurate and honest information had been submitted by Browning.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Browning can receive is a fine of $100,000 and/or imprisonment for 3 years, supervised release of one year, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents with the Internal Revenue Service and the Union City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced in Columbia for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Zeferino Mendoza-Ojeda, age 42, of Pelion, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Reentry of Removed Aliens, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia, sentenced Mendoza-Ojeda to time served (approximately 9 months imprisonment) with no supervised release because he is expected to be deported upon completion of his sentence.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Mendoza-Ojeda is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported twice with the second deportation occurring after he was convicted for felony driving under the influence causing great bodily injury as a result of an accident. He was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations agents on July 8, 2017 at the Lexington County Detention Center after being arrested for traffic offenses.
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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Lexington Man Pleads to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Bryshun Genard Furlow, age 34, of Lexington, plead guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and a substance containing both methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 851 and 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 November 3, 2016, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department executed a state search warrant at Furlow’s Wessinger Street apartment after having made three separate controlled purchases of crack cocaine in September and October 2016 from Furlow at the apartment. During the search of the apartment, deputies recovered baggies of cocaine, methamphetamine, and tablets consisting of cocaine and methamphetamine. Deputies also recovered two digital scales, $5,422, a pyrex dish with cocaine residue, a .40 caliber handgun, a .38 caliber revolver, and various rounds of .40 caliber and .38 caliber ammunition. Furlow, his girlfriend, and two children were at the apartment at the time of the search. After being advised of his rights, Furlow admitted to the drugs in the apartment.
Furlow is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior Georgia state convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2003), possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2003), possession of cocaine (2008), aggravated stalking (2008), arson 1st degree (2 counts)(2008), terroristic threats (2008) and his prior South Carolina state conviction for distribution of crack cocaine (April 2016).
Furlow faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment, a fine of $2,000,000, and at least 6 years of supervised release on the drug charge. Additionally, Furlow 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. However, if he is deemed an armed career criminal in light of his 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 on the firearms charge.
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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Blythewood Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Teresa Yarborough-Walker, age 50, of Blythewood, pled guilty to Theft of Government Funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 641. Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the plea and will sentence Walker at a later date.
Evidence presented at the hearing established that Walker was the human resources supervisor for Genesis Health Care, Inc. Genesis is a non-profit health care center that offers medical services to poor, rural communities. Genesis was funded by the Health Resources Service Administration, an agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services. Many Genesis patients are on Medicare and Medicaid.
Walker embezzled from Genesis by creating fictitious employees and paying them a salary. She then diverted those salaries to herself. She modified the payroll software to prevent reports from going to management that would have revealed the scheme.
Walker stole approximately $416,257.00.
The maximum penalty faced by Walker is imprisonment for ten years, with a potential fine up to $250,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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York Man Admits to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Gordon Bigelow, age 39, of York, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to distributing child pornography images that had traveled in interstate/foreign commerce by computer, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A. United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, accepted the guilty 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 ICE - Homeland Security Investigations agents investigated an individual in North Carolina who was trading child pornography on the internet and looking for “playmates“ with minor girls in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. An ICE - Homeland Security Investigations agent contacted the individual in North Carolina, posing as an individual offering a 13-year-old child as a “playmate.” The individual from North Carolina was arrested when he showed up for a meeting with the undercover agent. A search of the North Carolina’s individual’s electronic equipment revealed that Bigelow was one of the people with whom he had been trading child pornography. A search warrant was executed at Bigelow’s residence and child pornography was found as well as evidence that Bigelow was trading child pornography on the internet.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for distributing child pornography is imprisonment for not less than 5 nor more than 20 years plus Supervised Release for from 5 years to life and/or a fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of the ICE - Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting 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 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.
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Man Admits to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Marlin Russell Derk, age 46, of Sumter, South Carolina, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to distributing child pornography images that had traveled in interstate/foreign commerce by computer, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, accepted the guilty 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 ICE - Homeland Security Investigations agents in Washington D.C. and Tampa were monitoring a chatroom hosting website for individuals posting child pornography when, on June 11, 2015, Derk posted child pornography. Derk’s cell phone and computers were subsequently seized and it was determined that he had been uploading and downloading child pornography. Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for distributing child pornography is imprisonment for not less than 5 nor more than 20 years plus Supervised Release for from 5 years to life and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ICE - Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney William E Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting 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 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.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced in Columbia for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Aurelio Herrera-Mata, age 35, of North Augusta, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Reentry of Removed Aliens, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, sentenced Herrera to 10 months imprisonment with no supervised release because he is expected to be deported upon completion of his sentence.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Herrera-Mata is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported after being convicted for Hit and Run. He was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations agents on December 16, 2017 at the Aiken County Detention Center after being arrested for Trafficking Cocaine and Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol.
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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Illegal Alien Located in Richland County Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Julio Domingo-Morales, age 42, of Guatemala, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). 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 U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Domingo-Morales was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations agents on January 10, 2018, at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia after he was arrested for Driving Without a License. An investigation revealed that he is a citizen of Guatemala who had previously been deported two times pursuant to an order of removal. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty for Illegal Re-Entry is imprisonment for 2 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Illegal Alien Located in Richland County Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Julio Cesar Villareal-Garcia, age 42, of Mexico, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). 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 U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Villareal-Garcia was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations agents on November 27, 2017 at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia after he was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. An investigation revealed that he is a citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported pursuant to an order of removal. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty for Illegal Re-Entry is imprisonment for 2 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Illegal Alien Located in Richland County Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ulises Martinez-Garcia , age 28, of Mexico, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). 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 U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Martinez-Garcia was encountered by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations agents on December 27, 2017 at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia after he was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. An investigation revealed that he is a citizen of Mexico who had been deported four times pursuant to an order of removal. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty for Illegal Re-Entry is imprisonment for 2 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Florence Resident Admits to Conspiring to DefraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Eric Wilson, of Florence, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to conspiracy to commit wire, mail, or bank fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. 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 U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the U.S. Secret Service began investigating Wilson when it received a tip that he was selling counterfeit checks in Florence. A confidential informant was used to purchase counterfeit checks from Wilson in 2013 and 2014. An examination of the checks revealed that they were connected to an ongoing investigation involving $20,000,000 in losses being investigated by the New York Field Office of the Secret Service since 2007. The counterfeit checks were mailed to Wilson and others throughout the United States then either spent or sold.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit mail, wire or financial fraud is imprisonment for up to thirty years, a one million dollar fine and five years’ supervised release.
The case was investigated by agents of the Florence Police Department and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Greer Man Sentenced to 120 months for Possession of Child Pornography Involving Prepubescent MinorsRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Leslie Earle Alverson, age 50, of Greer, South Carolina, was recently sentenced in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Possession of Child Pornography involving Prepubescent Minors, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Alverson to 120 months (10 years) and supervised release for life.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that between January 23, 2015 and February 24, 2015, Alverson spent substantial hours on a child pornography website. Law enforcement agents traced the activity to internet protocol (IP) addresses associated with Alverson. Agents executed a search warrant at Alverson’s residence and various computer hardware belonging to Alverson that contained thousands of images of child pornography. Alverson admitted that he possessed such child pornography. In total, law enforcement seized over 13,000 qualifying images. These images and videos included adults engaged in sexual acts with prepubescent minors as well as sadistic and masochistic conduct.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney D. Josev Brewer of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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