District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Columbia Gang Member Pleads to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Shamari Delresse Jones, a/k/a “Amari,” age 33, of Columbia, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on the evening of July 29, 2017, officers with the Columbia Police Department were on routine patrol on West Beltline Boulevard and observed Jones driving and knew that his driver’s license was under suspension. After confirming that Jones’ license was suspended and noticing that the license plate on the vehicle came back to a completely different vehicle, officers initiated a traffic stop. Jones, the driver, and the passenger both exited the vehicle and Jones was observed with a baggie in his hands. Jones fled on foot as the officers approached, but was apprehended and the baggie was found to contain rounds of .44 caliber ammunition. While the officers were pursuing Jones, the passenger left in the vehicle. Jones was arrested on state charges. The following day, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office responded to Jones’ mother’s home in Heath Springs in reference to a shooting. No one was injured, but while at the home, a number of firearms and rounds of ammunition were recovered by law enforcement, including a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle with an extended magazine and two 12 gauge shotguns. The investigation revealed that upon Jones’ arrest for being in possession of the ammunition, several other individuals moved the firearms from Jones’ Columbia home to his mother’s home in an effort to keep law enforcement from finding the firearms. The investigation also showed that in October 2015, Jones, a known gang member, had attended an offender notification meeting in which he, and others, were advised by law enforcement officials that should they be found in possession of firearms and ammunition, their case would be considered for federal prosecution in light of their extensive prior record.
Jones is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior separate South Carolina state convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (2004), distribution of crack cocaine (2009), possession of cocaine (2009), assault with intent to kill (2 counts)(2009), unlawful carrying of a firearm (2009), assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (2006), possession of cocaine (2010), and possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2015).
Jones faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm 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 firearm charge.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Columbia Police Department, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Justice Department Reaches Agreement with the South Carolina Department of Corrections to Provide Effective Communication to Inmates with Hearing DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
NOTE: The settlement agreement can be found here.
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), to ensure that inmates with hearing disabilities are provided effective communication and the opportunity to participate equally in SCDC’s services, programs, and activities.
The settlement agreement resolves complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in which inmates with hearing disabilities alleged that SCDC failed to provide them with sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids and services, and excluded their participation in vocational and religious programs because they are deaf. SCDC cooperated with the Department throughout the investigation.
Among the terms of the agreement, inmates with hearing disabilities will not be excluded from participating in SCDC’s programs including vocational and religious services. The agreement also requires SCDC to provide services equal to those provided to inmates who are not deaf including auxiliary aides and services and qualified interpreters, in a timely manner, to ensure effective communication with the SCDC inmates with hearing disabilities. SCDC will also provide telecommunication services so that inmates with hearing disabilities may communicate with their families and attorneys the same as other inmates.
“SCDC cooperated fully with this investigation and has committed to ensuring effective communication and providing equal access to its programs and services for its inmates with hearing disabilities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “We congratulate SCDC for recognizing its obligations and moving promptly to take this step.”
“Access to services and programming is not only a right under the ADA for the inmates who are deaf and hard of hearing, in this instance, these services will enable the inmates to improve their job skills and better ready themselves for a law-abiding life,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake. “That’s good corrections policy that benefits the whole state.”
This agreement was reached under Title II of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by state and local governments.
For more information about the ADA, today’s agreement, individuals may access the ADA Web page at http://www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
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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 an Indictment against the following:
Loris Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charges and Hobbs Act Armed Robbery. Fuquan Thompson, age 50, of Loris, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with Hobbs Act Armed Robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a), possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Thompson could face is imprisonment of 27 years and a fine of $250,000.00.
This case was investigated by the Horry County Sheriff’s Department, Horry County Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office.
Horry County Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry into the United States After Deportation. Cesar Omar Torres-Santiesteban 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 Torres-Santiesteban could receive is two years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by ICE-Enforcement Removal Operations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
Another Horry County Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry into the United States After Deportation. Rafael Altamirano-Ruiz 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 Altamirano-Ruiz could receive is two years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by ICE - Enforcement Removal Operations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
Florence Woman Indicted for Embezzling Money from Social Security Administration. Jacqueline Britt-Briggs of Florence, South Carolina, was charged in a single-count indictment with embezzling money from the Social Security Administration, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. The maximum penalty Britt-Briggs could receive is ten years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. 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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Dow Chemical Company Settles False Claims Act Allegations for $479,000Read the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that the Dow Chemical Company has agreed to pay the United States $479,000 to settle allegations that Poly-Carb, Inc. – a former Dow subsidiary – violated the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent materials certifications related to a federally-funded highway resurfacing project.
In 2012, Poly-Carb, Inc. (then a subsidiary of Dow) was awarded a subcontract on a federally-funded project to apply a skid-resistant adhesive to several highways throughout South Carolina. To ensure the materials conformed to contract specifications, the contract required Poly-Carb to collect samples, have them tested by an independent third party, and send certifications of the results to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Between 2012 and 2013, Poly-Carb submitted certifications to SCDOT, claiming another company had performed this third-party testing. The settlement agreement resolves allegations made by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the United States Department of Justice that Poly-Carb falsified these certifications to make them appear to be from a third-party, in violation of the False Claims Act.
“This is another example of how rigorous enforcement of the False Claims Act helps protect the public’s interest and taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse,” said U. S. Attorney Beth Drake. “It also reflects our ongoing commitment to protect our state and federal transportation agencies and the vital infrastructure programs they provide.”
The False Claims Act is the government’s primary civil remedy to redress false claims for government funds and property under government programs and contracts relating to such varied areas as health care, defense and national security, food safety and inspection, federally insured loans and mortgages, highway funds, small business contracts, agricultural subsidies, disaster assistance, and import tariffs.
“It is important to ensure that taxpayers get what they pay for so that the quality of products used in federally funded transportation projects is not compromised,” said Marlies T. Gonzalez, Regional Special Agent-in-Charge at the USDOT’s Office of Inspector General. “We will continue working with the USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, and our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice to promote the detection and prosecution of fraud schemes which erode public confidence in the integrity of our nation’s transportation system.”
This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Brook Andrews and James Leventis. The case was investigated by Special Agent Sara Oliver of the USDOT Office of Inspector General.
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Armed Robber Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jaquan Latrel Samuel a/k/a “Trey,” a/k/a “Trap,” age 30, of Hartsville, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Robbery of United States Government Property and Use of and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Samuel to 78 months in federal prison with 5 years of supervised release to follow along with $400.00 in restitution to be paid to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on March 29, 2017, Jaquan Samuel robbed a person having lawful charge, custody, and control of $400.00 belonging to ATF by use of a firearm. During the hearing, Agents presented evidence that Samuel pointed a firearm at the victim in order to force the victim to give up the cash.
The case was investigated by agents of ATF, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hartsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Hummel of the Florence office and J.D. Rowell and William Lewis of the Columbia office handled the case.
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“Real Time”: Greenville Felon Sentenced to 70 Months for Drug and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Nicolas LaShawn Finley, a/k/a “Shy,” a/k/a “Shy Money,” a/k/a “Shakim Karim,” age 45, of Mauldin, South Carolina, was sentenced in Greenville for two counts of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 922(g)(1) and (9), and possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section § 841. Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced the defendant to 70 months imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea demonstrated that on December 20, 2016, Finley was the passenger in a car that was pulled over by a Greenville County Sheriff’s Office deputy. When the deputy requested registration documents, Finley opened the glove compartment, revealing a .40 caliber Taurus handgun. Finley initially reached for the glove box containing the handgun, but eventually was removed from the car without incident. When deputies secured the firearm, they found it was missing its magazine. Deputies found the magazine, loaded with five bullets, and 2.06 grams of heroin on Finley’s person.
On May 10, 2017, deputies executed a search warrant at a motel where Finley was staying. Officers recovered 9mm ammunition among Finley’s belongings and a 9mm SCCY handgun hidden in the bathroom. Finley was searched and officers located a .22 caliber bullet in his sock. Finley is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions and a prior misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.
Finley’s case was expedited for federal prosecution as part of Operation “Real Time” and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen prosecuted the case.
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West Columbia Man Pleads to Federal Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Jwain Dennis Francis, a/k/a “Love,” age 28, of West Columbia, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and to possession with intent to crack cocaine and cocaine, 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) and 841(b)(1)(C). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that in late 2016, the West Columbia Police Department received information that an individual nicknamed “Love” was selling crack cocaine in the area of Gentle Pine Apartments. A confidential informant was able to purchase crack cocaine from “Love” on two separate occasions in November 2016, and law enforcement determined through photo line-ups that “Love” was Francis. On December 1, 2016, officers arrested Francis on state drug charges and executed a search warrant at his residence. Inside the residence, officers recovered baggies of cocaine and crack cocaine, along with scales and $3,305. Officers also recovered a 9mm handgun and 9mm ammunition. Francis admitted that he bought and sold crack cocaine and cocaine.
Francis is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior separate South Carolina state convictions for strong arm robbery (2007), indecent exposure (2014), and strong arm robbery (2014).
On the firearm charge, Francis faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm 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 firearm charge. Francis faces a maximum of 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000 and at least 3 years of supervised release on the drug charge.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the West Columbia Police Department and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Upstate Pimp Sentenced to 210 months and Co-Defendant Girlfriend Sentenced to 57 months for Sex Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
Anderson, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Ashford James “AJ” Simmons, age 29, of Gray Court, South Carolina, and Brittany Nicole Smith, age 24, of Piedmont, South Carolina, were sentenced for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 1594(c). Simmons was also sentenced for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson, sentenced Simmons to 210 months imprisonment, followed by a life term of supervised release, and sentenced Smith to 57 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. The defendants are also required to pay $14,480 each in restitution to the victims.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearings and sentencings established that from May through June of 2015, Simmons and Smith recruited minor females to work as prostitutes for them, including one minor they recruited from a juvenile drug rehabilitation center. The defendants advertised commercial sex acts with the minors online and received proceeds from the sale of sex acts performed by the minors. Additionally, authorities determined that Simmons possessed a loaded Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun while traveling in a car with one of the trafficked minors on May 30, 2015. As a previously convicted felon, Simmons was prohibited from carrying or possessing a firearm or ammunition. Arguing for leniency at his sentencing, Simmons compared selling the minors for sex to investing in the stock market. Smith, Simmons’ girlfriend, received comparably less time, in part, because she had no prior convictions, there was no indication that she possessed weapons, and because Simmons was identified as the leader of the sex trafficking operation.
The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Lea Schoen and Carrie Fisher Sherard of the Greenville Office prosecuted the case.
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Rock Hill Man Pleads to Federal Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Zadgery Collins McNeil, age 32, of Rock Hill, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, 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. Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that at approximately 1:25 pm on December 6, 2016, Rock Hill Police Department received numerous 911 calls regarding a shooting on Jones Avenue. One of the callers identified McNeil as being one of the individuals involved and provided a description of McNeil’s vehicle, as well as the other vehicle involved. An officer encountered McNeil’s vehicle and observed him fire a handgun before speeding away. A chase ensued, which resulted in McNeil bailing from his vehicle, which crashed into a porch of a residence. A foot chase ensued during which McNeil threw down the handgun. McNeil ran into a nearby home and the residents alerted law enforcement. McNeil was placed under arrest a short time later and officers recovered $550 and the discarded handgun. A search of McNeil’s vehicle revealed approximately 348 grams of marijuana and a spent shell casing among other items linked to McNeil.
McNeil is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior separate South Carolina state convictions for possession of crack cocaine (2006), assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (2007), possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2012), possession with intent to distribute marijuana near a park (2014), and distribution of marijuana 2nd offense (2014). At the time of the instant offense, McNeil was on state probation for a North Carolina conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon (2014).
On the firearm charge, McNeil faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm 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 firearm charge. McNeil faces a maximum of 10 years, a fine of $4,000,000 and 4 years of supervised release on the marijuana charge.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force and the Rock Hill Police Department and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Easley Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that William F. Haynes, age 61, of Easley, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville, 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 law enforcement conducted a proactive investigation involving a file-sharing network used by individuals with an interest in child pornography. An undercover officer downloaded images that Haynes had available for sharing.
A federal search warrant was obtained and executed. Electronic devices were seized and law enforcement found over 8000 images of child pornography. Agents found images of children under the age of 18, and some prepubescent, engaged in the lascivious display of the genitals and sexual activity.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Haynes can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, supervised release of up to life, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled 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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Walterboro Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Federal Prison on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dominique Raheem Manigo, a/k/a “Doma”, age 19, of Walterboro, was sentenced for felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Manigo to 48 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on April 4, 2017, Manigo initiated a live video stream on a social network platform that showed him sitting in his car with two other individuals packaging marijuana for distribution and possessing a shotgun and an AR-15 style firearm. As a result of this video, federal agents obtained a search warrant for Manigo’s residence, which was executed on April 19, 2017. During the search inside Manigo’s bedroom, agents located a pistol magazine that contained fifteen rounds of 9mm ammunition, a box containing thirteen 12-gauge shotgun shells, a box containing four rounds of .45 colt ammunition and one round of .223 caliber ammunition. Inside a shed on the property, agents located a green and black 12-gauge shotgun that was loaded with six 12-gauge shotgun shells, a Smith & Wesson .556 caliber rifle that contained sixty-seven rounds of .223 caliber ammunition and a bag containing twenty-one rounds of various ammunition. The .223 ammunition in the rifle was loaded into two large capacity magazines that were taped together.
Manigo has prior convictions for burglary and failure to stop for a blue light that prohibit him from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case was investigated by Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Officers with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted pursuant to 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone’s longstanding partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to target career criminals in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, Colleton, and Allendale Counties in federal court. Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case.
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Third Strike for Armed Drug Trafficker Eutawville Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Joey Lamont Brunson, a/k/a “Solo Flex,” age 42 of Eutawville (Orangeburg County), South Carolina was convicted of all twelve of the charges in his federal indictment after a four day jury trial before Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. After four hours of deliberations, the jury returned verdicts convicting Brunson of being a member of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, four counts of use of a cell phone to further drug trafficking, money laundering conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and perjury. Judge Anderson will impose sentence after a presentence report is prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the trial included numerous wiretap calls between Brunson and his main source of supply Lamario Vincent Wright from June through October of 2013. In the calls, Brunson brazenly discussed beating another conspirator in an effort to recover cocaine that the conspirator had stolen from Wright. Repeatedly in the intercepted calls and texts, Brunson ordered drugs using coded language from his suppliers.
After Brunson was indicted in 2015, agents testified he went on the run and eluded capture by the FBI for almost two years. After receiving a tip from the Navy Federal Credit Union in Summerville, agents learned that Brunson was depositing between $3000.00 and $9000.00 cash regularly at multiple locations in late 2016 and 2017. On March 3, 2017, Summerville Police Officers responded to a call for service from one of the credit unions and arrested Brunson after a brief struggle. Agents searched the silver Suzuki he was driving and located cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and two firearms. Bank records proved that Brunson deposited over $90,000.00 in cash in multiple accounts while on the run from the FBI.
Evidence at trial also included testimony and pictures of a $30,000 Escalade truck that Brunson bought at the request of his supplier Lamario Wright. Records showed that Brunson used over $20,000.00 in drug money to purchase the truck and that he placed it in his name to hide the fact that the truck actually belonged to his partner Wright.
Brunson has previously been convicted of federal drug violations in the late 1990s and in 2007, and has previously served two custodial sentences in the Bureau of Prisons. Based on his prior convictions and the fact that he was convicted of multiple felony drug convictions yesterday, Brunson faces a statutory mandatory minimum life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Summerville Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshal’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Will Lewis and J.D. Rowell.
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Spartanburg Initiative to Combat Domestic Violence Results in 108-month Federal Prison Sentence for OffenderRead the Press Release
Spartanburg, South Carolina ---- After previously entering a guilty plea for the illegal possession of a firearm in January 2017, James Lee Sarratt, Jr., age 50, of Spartanburg, was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison.
Sarratt, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, was arrested on federal firearms charges on October 31, 2016, and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since his federal arrest.
The facts presented at the guilty plea hearing and sentencing hearing established that on the morning of September 30, 2016, members of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a domestic disturbance involving a firearm at a residence in Spartanburg. When deputies arrived at the residence, witnesses alerted SCSO that Sarratt had a firearm. Sarratt did not have a firearm on him when deputies approached him but Sarratt later admitted he put the firearm in a truck at the residence. Inside the bedroom of the residence, a male was on the floor with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
One witness told SCSO that during an argument in the bedroom, with the child present, Sarratt retrieved his .40 caliber pistol from under the mattress. Ultimately one witness attempted to grab Sarratt’s arm. The gun went off and the witness fell to the ground, shot in the abdomen. Sarratt then left the residence to place his firearm in his truck.
A search warrant obtained for the property yielded a black Hi-Point JCP, .40 caliber pistol loaded with seven (7) rounds of Winchester .40 caliber ammunition in a pick-up truck and a box containing fourteen (14) rounds of Winchester .40 caliber ammunition in the bedroom.
Sarratt’s case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is assigned to 7th Circuit Assistant Solicitor and Special United States Attorney Jennifer Wells and First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick.
Sarratt’s plea was the first one to emanate out of “Home Front”, a focused deterrence-based initiative to combat domestic violence led by 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette. The initiative, launched last month has the support and partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Modelled after a program started in High Point, NC, members of the Home Front task force began earlier this fall, meeting with representatives from every police department in Spartanburg county as well as the Sheriff’s Office. The Spartanburg County State Probation office and victim’s advocate stalwart, SAFE Homes, also serve as critical partners in this effort.
Under the guidance of Solicitor Barnette and High Point (NC) Chief Marty Sumner, Home Front has quickly gone from concept to reality. High Point’s model and research suggests that early intervention is key in stopping the cycle of violence. The Home Front strategy identifies and focuses on offenders at the earliest stages of offending, before their violent conduct is entrenched and escalating.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, domestic violence is a community crime problem that costs the United States over $5.8 billion every year. It is a major drain on law enforcement resources as domestic violence generates a high volume of calls and repeated calls to the same location. Domestic violence homicides make up 40–50 percent of all murders of women in the United States. Women who have experienced a history of domestic violence report more health problems than other women and they have a greater risk for substance abuse, unemployment, alcoholism, and suicide attempts.
Research shows that the repeat domestic violence offender tends to have a significant criminal history that includes a wide range of both domestic violence and non-domestic violence offenses. Most of these offenders are readily identified as they are known to the criminal justice system. The Home Front initiative exposes the repeat domestic violence offender to sanctions because of his pattern of criminal behavior.
According to the 2015 Violence Policy Center When Men Murder Women report, South Carolina led the nation in rates of women murdered by men. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the victims were killed with a firearm and ninety-six percent (96%) of women murdered were killed by someone they knew.
In Spartanburg County during the 2015 calendar year, SAFE Homes serviced 6726 victims of domestic violence. In the same time frame, the Spartanburg Police Department charged 907 domestic violence cases and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office charged 1068 domestic violence cases. There were fourteen (14) domestic related deaths in Spartanburg County in 2015.
Solicitor Barnette has had enough. “Domestic violence is violence, period. It continues to plague our community--so costly and harmful to families and children, persisting year after year. It is time for these offenders to get our best shot—our best efforts. That is Home Front.”
United States Attorney Beth Drake agrees. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms welcome the opportunity to partner with Solicitor Barnette and state law enforcement, and to use federal gun laws to pull violent offenders who are abusing their families and loved ones out of the community. The goal is simple – stop the abuse, or swift and sure, the full force of a coordinated law enforcement effort will come to bear to stop you from abusing. Home Front takes the burden of addressing abusers from the victims and shifts it to us – a very engaged group of local, state, and federal law enforcement.”
U.S. Attorney Drake further stated, “South Carolina has been in the top ten states for men who kill women for the last 20 years, and ranked in the top 5 for six years in a row in 2015. Domestic violence calls pose a potentially lethal risk to both the intimate partner and the responding law enforcement. As a State, we have to do more. Solicitor Barnette is leading the way here in South Carolina in finding a way to turn the tide on domestic violence.”
The Home Front task force began a thorough, eight-step implementation process in the fall. The steps included training officers, synchronizing the coding of calls among the law enforcement agencies to harmonize communication--to create a back stop of sorts so that no domestic calls or offenders slip through the cracks among the sixteen municipal law enforcement entities in Spartanburg County. Very early in the implementation process, the task force began creating a comprehensive list of domestic violence offenders from the previous twelve months of arrests in Spartanburg County for domestic-related incidents. Offenders were categorized from most dangerous (Class A), repeat offender (Class B), first time DV arrest (Class C), and any non-arrest domestic violence interface with law enforcement (Class D). For the most serious or repeat offenders, pending cases are fast-tracked to ATF and the US Attorney’s Office for immediate federal prosecution or prioritized for expedited state prosecution. This process includes creating an enhanced system of tracking for offenders who are notified at any level or category. Custom notification letters, hand-delivered by law enforcement to offenders within 48 hours of the initial law enforcement contact, serve to alert offenders that they are on the Home Front radar going forward as well as detailing presumptive sentences for future acts of violence or prohibited behavior.
Solicitor Barnette is optimistic about the collaboration and is confident the focus and dedication of this task force will not waiver. “Securing our communities and ensuring that victims and children can feel safe in their own homes—breaking this horrific cycle of violence, that is our charge.”
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Cherokee County Men Arrested on Federal Obstruction and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Gregory Ellis, age 21, of Gaffney; Isaac Harris, age 20, of Gaffney; Christopher Littlejohn, age 27, of Gaffney; Benjamin Morris, age 21, of Gaffney; Shemar Smith, age 21, of Gaffney; and Lazarus Wilson, age 20, of Chesnee, all had first appearances in federal court in Greenville on obstruction of justice charges. Harris, Littlejohn and Smith were also charged with felon in possession of a firearm and Morris was charged with providing false information to a federal law enforcement officer.
The indictment charges in Count One that Gregory Ellis, Isaac Harris, Christopher Littlejohn, Benjamin Morris, Shemar Smith and Lazarus Wilson did conspire with each other and others to corruptly influence, obstruct and impede or endeavor to influence, obstruct and impede the due administration of justice in United States of America v. Marcus Devante Horne, No. 7:17-CR-103, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, by creating a scheme to place weapons in a residence in an attempt to obtain sentencing consideration for Marcus Devante Horne. The penalty for Count One is up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000. Counts Two, Three and Four of the indictment charge each of Isaac Harris, Christopher Littlejohn and Shemar Smith with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The penalty for that offense is up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000. Count Five alleges that Benjamin Morris did willfully and knowingly make a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in a matter within the jurisdiction of the judicial branch of the Government of the United States, to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm Special Agent Heather Cox-McClain. The penalty for that offense is up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
The Gaffney Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and ATF investigated the case. Seventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Jennifer Wells, serving as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Importing Counterfeit DrugsRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Arturo Rafael Salazar Cruz, age 38, of Matamoros, Mexico, was sentenced in United States District Court in Charleston for conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 & 2320. United States District Judge P. Michael Duffy, of Charleston, sentenced Cruz to the maximum of 60 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.
Evidence presented in this case established that from 2011 through 2017, Cruz conspired with others in foreign countries to import counterfeit pharmaceuticals from China and India into the United States. Cruz had a Non-Immigrant Visa, and he misused his Visa to transport the counterfeit pharmaceuticals from Mexico to Texas where he shipped the drugs through the United States Postal Service. Cruz and others sold these counterfeit pharmaceuticals to persons without prescriptions in the United States. Some of the counterfeit pharmaceuticals were highly addictive controlled substances, including Xanax and OxyContin. During the investigation, agents executed a search warrant at Cruz’s office in Texas and seized 360,000 pills. The retail value of these seized pharmaceuticals exceeded $8 million.
The case was investigated by agents from the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 44 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Bobby Eric Spates, age 26, of Florence, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Spates to 44 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on March 31, 2017, members of the Florence Police Department (FPD) responded to a 911 call regarding a pedestrian pointing a gun at a motorist on West Evans Street in Florence. Based on the description of the armed pedestrian received from the motorist, FPD made contact with the pedestrian, identified as Spates, detained him in handcuffs, and asked Spates if he had any weapons on him. Spates responded he had a gun in his pants pocket. The officer proceeded to pat-down Spates and felt what appeared to him to be a gun in Spates’ right front pants pocket. The officer then removed a loaded Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol. The officer advised Spates of his Miranda warnings and advised Spates he was under arrest. The officer next secured a box of .22 caliber ammunition from the same pocket where the firearm was located. Prior to his possession of the firearm, Spates had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The case was investigated by the Florence Police Department and the ATF. 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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Hearing Set for Thomas Lawton Evans Jr. in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that a hearing for Thomas Lawton Evans Jr., age 37, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, has been set for Friday, March 16, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. in the federal courthouse, 85 Broad St., in Charleston, SC. The hearing was recently rescheduled from a later date. Evans is currently charged in a three count indictment and is scheduled to be arraigned on those charges March 16, 2018.
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Columbia Man Sentenced for Theft of Food Stamp MoneyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Christopher O’Berry, age 43, of Columbia, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for Theft of Government Money, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 641. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia, also ordered O’Berry to pay $1,039,981.75 in restitution to the United States.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for the administration and regulation of the SNAP. SNAP, commonly known as the food stamp program, assists low-income families and individuals purchase food.
Christopher O’Berry operated Cynthia’s Soul Food Deli (formerly Food World) in the Columbia area. The Deli served food, but was also registered to receive SNAP benefits as payment for food items. This arrangement posed two issues. First, SNAP does not pay for prepared food. Second, the Deli did not stock sufficient food to justify the purchases recorded under SNAP. O’Berry allowed beneficiaries to make small purchases through SNAP but processed them as much larger amounts. He would then pay some cash to the beneficiary and keep some for himself.
The investigation traced proceeds of the theft to a Woodforest National Bank account controlled by O’Berry. O’Berry deposited $956,006.90 between May 2011 and December 2014. He then withdrew $158,187 in cash and transferred $714,032 to his own accounts. The rest was used to make minimal purchases for the store.
U.S. Attorney Drake stated, “SNAP is an important source of critical funding to South Carolinians most in need, including the elderly and young families. When the unscrupulous or dishonest defraud the program- and that includes businesses and recipients of SNAP benefits- they are both stealing from the tax payers and eroding a program that does a lot of good.”
The Richland County Sherriff’s Office, the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, and the 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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Columbia Man Pleads to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dennis Michael Martin, age 51, of Columbia, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Distributing Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252S(a)(5)(B). 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 Martin was on supervised release after serving a seventy-eight month sentence for possessing child pornography when the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received notice from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Martin might be sharing child pornography on the internet. Further investigation revealed that Martin had been distributing and receiving child pornography for approximately one year while on supervised release. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty Martin could receive is a sentence of imprisonment not less than 15 years nor more than 40 years plus a fine of $250,000 and supervised release of not less than 5 years.
The case was investigated by agents of ICE. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day II of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Charlotte Man Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Stanley Fard Harper, age 33, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for committing Aggravated Identity Theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1028A. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, also ordered Harper to pay over $57,000 in restitution to various financial institutions.
Harper was an employee of The Lash Group, a health care consulting firm located in Ft. Mill, SC, since 2010. Harper had access to the personal identification information (PII) of Lash’s customer pool. Harper stole this information and used it to open bank and credit card accounts at Founders Federal Credit Union, also located in Ft. Mill.
Harper used Lash client files to set up fraudulent accounts at Founders using his personal cell phone. He would then go to the Founders branch in Ft. Mill, deposit a nominal sum to show activity, then apply for a credit card linked to that account. He would then use a fake North Carolina identification and a fake social security card matching the stolen identity to make cash advances and purchases. He would then deposit additional money into the account to increase the credit limit on his card. He used the fraudulent cards until they were suspended for nonpayment, and then he would get rid of all the documents. He opened thirteen accounts. He received his false identification documents from a website for $60 per set. All of the cash advances and purchases were for personal items.
Harper also opened fraudulent accounts at Charlotte Metro Federal Credit Union, Truliant Federal Credit Union, and Chase Bank USA.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Allendale Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ernest Roberts, a/k/a “Balla Walla,” age 41, of Allendale, South Carolina, was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841. United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Roberts to 180 months in prison.
At trial, audio and video evidence presented established that on February 22, 2016, Roberts traveled to a pawn store in Fairfax, South Carolina, to meet with an informant working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). After discussing the meet on several recorded phone calls, evidence established that Roberts sold the informant 26.35 grams of “crack” cocaine in exchange for $1300.00 while standing near 10th Street in Fairfax. SLED agents testified that they observed the transaction and identified Ernest Roberts as the individual who met with the informant to conduct the controlled purchase.
Roberts has numerous prior convictions, the most recent of which were for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and crack cocaine in 2014, possession with intent to distribute marijuana in 2013, and distribution of cocaine in 2006.
This case was investigated by Special Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and officers with the Allendale Police Department. The case was prosecuted pursuant to 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone’s longstanding partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to target career criminals in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, Colleton, and Allendale Counties in federal court. Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the US Attorney’s Office in Columbia prosecuted the case.
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Alien Located in Columbia Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Hugo Rolando Canenguez-Montes, age 52, of El Salvador, 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 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 Canenguez was encountered by DHS/ICE agents on December 10, 2017, at the Lexington County Detention Center in Lexington after he was arrested for Kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree. An investigation revealed that Canenguez is a citizen of El Salvador who had been deported five 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 officers 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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Alien Located in Columbia Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Mario Almaraz-Juarez, age 23, of Mexico, 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 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 Almaraz was encountered by DHS/ICE agents on December 31, 2017, at the Lexington County Detention Center, in Lexington, after he was arrested for Hit and Run, Driving Under Suspension and No Insurance. An investigation revealed that Almaraz is a citizen of Mexico who had 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 officers of the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Columbia is prosecuting the case.
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Alien Found in Richland County Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Oscar Santiago-Bello, age 34, of Columbia, 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 Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Santiago-Bello to time served (approximately 5 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 Santiago-Bello is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported three times and had previously been convicted of illegal reentry. He was encountered by Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO officers on August 6, 2017 at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after being arrested for unrelated state charges.
Officers of the Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Alien Found in Aiken County Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jorge Luis Marin-Villa, age 36, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Reentry of Removed Aliens, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Marin-Villa to one year and one day 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 Marin-Villa is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported two times and had previously been convicted of Reentry of a Removed Alien. He was encountered by Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO officers on September 10, 2017 at the Aiken County Detention Center after being arrested for unrelated state charges.
Officers of Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Thomas Lawton Evans Jr. Federally IndictedRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Thomas Lawton Evans Jr., 37, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, was charged in a three count federal indictment. Count One charges Kidnapping Involving a Person Under the Age of 18, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1) and (g), and is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and up to life. Count Two charges Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a), and is punishable by a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to life. Count Three charges Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Person under the age of Twelve, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c), which is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a maximum sentence of life.
Evans was initially charged with a federal complaint. An arraignment date for his current federal charges has been set for March 27, 2018 at 9:45 in the Charleston Federal Courthouse, 85 Meeting St. Evans also faces several charges in state court.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Nick Bianchi are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Members of Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization SentencedRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Jimmy Hallums, age 40, and Christine Wellwood, age 34, were sentenced to 188 months (or 15 ½ years) imprisonment and 144 months (or 12 years) imprisonment, respectively in federal court in Greenville.
The evidence presented during their guilty pleas and sentencing hearings showed that Hallums met the leader of the organization, Dustin Tiller, while both men were serving prison sentences in the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2015 for drug offenses. Working in conjunction with Tiller and at Tiller’s direction, Hallums recruited drug couriers, rented storage units to store drugs, met with sources of supply, and facilitated the shipment of methamphetamine from the Atlanta area to the Upstate of South Carolina for redistribution in South Carolina. Hallums and a courier he recruited were arrested by federal and state law enforcement officials on March 8, 2016, in Georgia while traveling in tandem with approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
Wellwood also was closely associated with Tiller. The evidence showed that Wellwood acted as a money courier for Tiller. At his direction, Wellwood would meet with high-ranking members of the organization, would receive drug proceeds, and would transport the proceeds to locations that Tiller designated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Chief for the Narcotics Unit, is the lead prosecutor.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, and the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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Fort Mill Woman Pleads to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Shiquisa Monique Watts, a/k/a “Quisha,” age 23, of Fort Mill, plead guilty today in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on September 10, 2016, officers with the Fort Mill Police Department responded to a fight in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Officers gathered information that one of the individuals involved in the altercation was Watts and that she had been armed with a handgun. Watts and others involved had since left the area. However, officers made contact with Watts at her home as she was exiting a vehicle. Officers located a loaded Ruger .380 caliber handgun in the car and Watts admitted possessing it. Further investigation revealed that the firearm had previously been reported stolen.
Watts is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon her prior state convictions for distribution of marijuana and distribution of marijuana within the proximity of a park.
Watts faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Fort Mill 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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
Project Ceasefire is South Carolina’s continued application of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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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:
McCormick County Woman Indicted for Bank Embezzlement. Amy June Schaufelberger, a/k/a Amy Schaufelberger Brown, age 31, of Parksville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count Indictment with bank embezzlement, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 656. The maximum penalty Schaufelberger could receive is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 30 years. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Illegal Alien Indicted on Reentry of a Removed Alien and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Luis Cenobio Barrera, a/k/a “Daniel Munguia Casanova”, a/k/a “Felipe Molina Garcia”, age 24, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment. Luis Cenobio Barrera was charged with Reentry of Removed Alien, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section §1326(a), and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section §922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Barrera could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Illegal Aliens Indicted for False Use of Social Security Numbers. Juana Farfan-Garcia, a/k/a “MYP”, of Guatemala, was charged in a two-count indictment. Juana Farfan-Garcia was charged with Reentry of Removed Alien, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section §1326(a), and False Use of a Social Security Number, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section § 408. The maximum penalty Farfan-Garcia could receive is 2 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, for Illegal Re-entry and 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, for False Use of a Social Security Number. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen, of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Martina Guzman-Vasquez, a/k/a “CIRM”, of Guatemala, was charged in a two-count indictment. Martina Guzman-Vasquez was charged with False Use of a Social Security Number, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section § 408, and False claim to be a citizen of the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section § 911. The maximum penalty Guzman-Vasquez could receive is 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, for False Use of a Social Security Number, and 3 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, for False claim to be a citizen of the United States. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen, of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Maria Barillas-Orozco, a/k/a “MRG”, locally from Saluda, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with False Use of a Social Security Number, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section § 408. The maximum penalty Barillas-Orozco could receive is 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, for False Use of a Social Security Number. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen, of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Juan Ramirez-Gomez, a/k/a “MB”, of Guatemala, was charged in a two-count indictment. Juan Ramirez-Gomez was charged with False Use of a Social Security Number, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section § 408, and False claim to be a citizen of the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section § 911. The maximum penalty Ramirez-Gomez could receive is 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, for False Use of a Social Security Number, and 3 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, for False claim to be a citizen of the United States. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen, 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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Columbia Man Pleads to Conspiracy to Steal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Jonathan Donnell Thompson, age 36, of Columbia, plead guilty in federal court to conspiracy to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In January 2018, Thompson’s co-defendant, Cedric K. Reddick, age 24, of Columbia, plead guilty to conspiracy to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). United States District Judge Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted both guilty pleas and will impose sentence on both Thompson and Reddick after she has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established on August 5, 2016, Tony’s Guns and Police Supplies, a federal firearms licensee, in Sumter was burglarized and 69 handguns stolen. The investigation revealed similarities between that burglary and other burglaries of liquor stores in several counties. Through the joint investigation, law enforcement developed information that lead to Thompson being a suspect and later a DNA match linked co-defendant Reddick to a burglary of one of the liquor stores. Further investigation linked Thompson and Reddick to the burglaries through various means, including phone records and social media posts. Additionally, a search warrant at Reddick’s apartment revealed a 9mm handgun stolen during the burglary of Tony’s Guns and Police Supplies. Upon arrest, Reddick confessed to his involvement and implicated Thompson.
Thompson faces a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the conspiracy charge.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Clinton Police Department, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s 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 Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
Project Ceasefire is South Carolina’s continued application of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Nine Sex Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison TimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that nine sex traffickers were sentenced in United States District Court in Charleston for their roles in a conspiracy to force underage girls and young women into sex trafficking by means of force and threats of force throughout the southeast.
Defendants Bakari McMillan, a/k/a “Bizzle”, age 25, of Columbia, and Corey Miller, a/k/a “Clow”, a/k/a “C”, a/k/a “OG P”, age 44, of Orangeburg, were convicted at trial in March 2017. McMillan was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking and Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1) and (b)(1). Miller was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking and Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1) and (b)(1).
The following defendants pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking:
Defendant Tremel Black, a/k/a “Sincere”, a/k/a “New York”, age 33, of New York, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Defendant Robert Black, a/k/a “Kareem Banks”, a/k/a “Nino Black”, a/k/a “Black”, age 47, of New York, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Defendant Desmond Singletary, a/k/a “Six”, age 32, of Florence, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Defendant Kerry Taylor, a/k/a “KJ”, age 23, of Columbia, was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment.
Defendant Ryan Turner, a/k/a “Gotti”, a/k/a “Qweezy”, age 25, of Columbia, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Defendant Da’Shun Curry, a/k/a “Dae Dae”, age 25, of Columbia, was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment.
Defendant Howard Parker, a/k/a “Poppa”, age 25, of Columbia was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
Defendant Damon Jackson (aka “D”, aka “Daddy Frost”), who was also convicted at trial, has yet to be sentenced.
Evidence in the case established that the defendants preyed on over 100 vulnerable female victims, many minors, forcing them on a regular basis to have sex with numerous “Johns” a night from 2014 through the summer of 2016. The defendants used brutal tactics, including physical beatings, brandings, supplying and withholding of drugs, threats, and various other forms of psychological manipulation in order to ensure their victims complied with a series of rules that were imposed upon them.
As part of their sentences, all of the defendants were given lifetime supervision, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and participation in a computer/internet monitoring program, amongst other conditions imposed on convicted sex offenders.
U. S. Attorney Drake stated, “Over the past several years, we have seen gangs and what were formerly exclusively drug conspiracies expand into human trafficking to fund their organizations. We have the legal tools to take the organizations apart, and need the public’s help. If you see something, say something. The Polaris Hotline, 1-888-3737-888, is available 24 hours a day to receive tips.”
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime, akin to modern day slavery,” said acting Atlanta HSI Special Agent in Charge Gregory L. Wiest. “These significant sentencings should serve as a grave warning that HSI special agents and our law enforcement partners, like the North Charleston Police Department, will use our full investigative resources to holding criminals accountable.”
The case was investigated by Special Agent Shawn Caines with Homeland Security Investigations and Detective Charlie Benton with the City of North Charleston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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"Real Time" Defendants Receive Significant Federal Sentences for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Robert Christopher McCoy, age 23, of Columbia, South Carolina and Terrone J. Anderson, age 21, of Columbia, South Carolina were sentenced to 115 months and 96 months respectively in Federal District Court today. McCoy previously entered a guilty plea to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18, U.S.C. § 922(g). Anderson previously entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of a Methamphetamine mixture, in violation of 21 U.S.C § 841. United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Columbia, accepted the guilty pleas and imposed their sentences today at the Matthew Perry Federal Courthouse in Columbia.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 22, 2017, Robert McCoy and Terrone Anderson were traveling in a car near Bradley Drive and Robin Road in the Columbia, when Columbia Police Officers observed them smoking marijuana in the vehicle. After a traffic stop was conducted, Anderson was found to be in possession of two pills in his pants. A search of the vehicle revealed an additional 800 pills in the center console of the vehicle and a 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun in the floorboard. During the guilty plea, McCoy admitted that he knowingly and intentionally possessed the firearm. Prior to possessing the firearm, McCoy has previously been convicted of multiple South Carolina convictions for Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy, Discharging a Firearm Into an Occupied Vehicle, Unlawfully Carrying a Pistol, Assault and Battery and others. Anderson admitted to knowingly possessing all the pills, which were lab tested and confirmed to be approximately 300 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. Anderson further admitted that he intended to sell the pills for profit. Anderson has previously been convicted of Accessory After the Fact to Felony and Threatening the Life of a Public Official. It was noted at the guilty plea that Anderson was on state parole for those state prior convictions at the time of the federal drug trafficking crime.
This case was expedited for federal prosecution pursuant to Operation “Real Time.” McCoy and Anderson were arrested on September 22, 2017, and just 68 days later, they pled guilty to the above charges. They have been in continuous custody since their arrest on September 22, 2017, and they will remain in custody until they serve out their federal sentences.
The goal of the “Real Time” program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the community. “Real Time” is a working collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as state and federal prosecutors. Since August of 2015, the initiative, state-wide, has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of over 150 defendants and seizure of over 200 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons in the upstate.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case. “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs, sheriffs, and solicitors in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities. Columbia Chief Holbrook is a leader here, using our Real Time partnership in combination with his community policing focus for a safer Columbia.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Darlington Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Gun Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kenneth Eric Coe, Jr. a/k/a “Junior,” age 23, of Darlington, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to aiding and abetting Robbery of United States Government Property, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2114 and 2, and aiding and abetting the Use of and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c) and 2. 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 on March 29, 2017, Coe along with another individual robbed a person having lawful charge, custody, and control of $400.00 belonging to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by use of a firearm. During the hearing, the agent presented evidence that during the robbery, a firearm was pointed at the victim in order to force the victim to give up the cash.
Under Coe’s plea agreement, he faces a mandatory minimum of seven years imprisonment with a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hartsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Hummel of the Florence office and J.D. Rowell and William Lewis of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Two United Blood Nation Gang Members Sentenced to Federal ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Spencer Johnson and Frank Truitt, both age 27, were sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and 71 months imprisonment, respectively, in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. Both men pled guilty to participating in drug and firearm conspiracies.
Johnson and Truitt were members of the Billies East Side Bloods, a local set of the United Blood Nation, operating in the Florence and Myrtle Beach areas of South Carolina. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, Johnson was a high-ranking gang member who was principally responsible for transporting to New York firearms stolen and/or unlawfully possessed by gang members, including Truitt. Once in New York, Johnson would purchase heroin and return with it to South Carolina. Johnson, Truitt, and other gang members would then sell the heroin locally in South Carolina.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the DEA, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, the 15th Circuit’s Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Georgetown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian is also assisting in the prosecution.
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Illegal Alien Enters Guilty Plea 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, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). United States Magistrate Judge Thomas E. Rogers, III, of Florence, accepted the plea, and United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., of Spartanburg, will impose sentence after review of the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on June 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.
The maximum penalty the Defendant can receive for this charge is 2 years imprisonment.
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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Hearing Set for Thomas Lawton Evans Jr. in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that a hearing for Thomas Lawton Evans Jr., age 37, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, has been set for Monday, March 5, 2018, at 1:30 P.M. in the federal courthouse, 85 Broad St., in Charleston, SC,
Evans has been charged in a criminal complaint out of the District of South Carolina with Kidnapping involving a person under the age of eighteen. Evans was arrested in Mississippi, and has been transported back to Charleston, South Carolina, to be arraigned in federal court on the complaint.
The case is being investigated by Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and by the Charleston Police Department.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to 51 years on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Emanuel Alexander Cheeseboro, a/k/a “Mandoo” was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for six (6) counts of possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), two (2) counts of felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), two (2) counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), and one (1) count of possession of a quantity of marijuana, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 844(a). United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia, sentenced Cheeseboro to 622 months (51.8 years) incarceration followed by 6 years of supervised release. Cheeseboro was also fined $5,000 and has to pay an $1100 special assessment.
Evidence presented during the trial established that after numerous complaints from citizens, ATF and the Columbia Police Department began investigating drug dealing in the Martin Luther King Park area of Columbia. Law enforcement made multiple undercover purchases of crack cocaine from Cheeseboro in the spring of 2014. These purchases took place at different houses in the MLK Park area. In each case, Cheeseboro was captured on video selling the undercover police officer crack cocaine. During one purchase, Cheeseboro bragged about and displayed a 9mm Taurus firearm with a laser that he kept during nighttime drug purchases.
Pursuant to a search warrant executed during the investigation at a house where Cheeseboro was present, police found crack cocaine, marijuana, and scales. Law enforcement was also able to locate a firearm sometime after the search warrant that they were able to link to Cheeseboro, a convicted felon.
On June 8, 2016, CPD officers detained Cheeseboro and a female who were both located in a vehicle at a residence in Columbia, known as “the Hole.” During their investigation and search of the car, officers found a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber pistol under the driver’s seat, a quantity of crack cocaine on the female driver, and a quantity of marijuana in the trunk of the car. According to the female occupant, Cheeseboro asked her to hide the crack cocaine on her person and shoved the gun under her seat when the police arrived.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon and Alyssa Richardson of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project Ceasefire is South Carolina’s continued application of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Juan Jose Mejia-Contador, age 23, 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 on November 26, 2017, ICE-ERO Officers assigned to the Pacific Enforcement Response Center discovered Mejia-Contador while he was in custody at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on state charges. Immigration records revealed that Mejia-Contador was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States on five occasions. Mejia-Contador has never received permission to enter or remain in the United States.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Mejia-Contador can receive is imprisonment for 2 years and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by officers of the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations in Charleston, with the assistance of the Conway Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Kershaw County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Michael Andrew Gary, age 27, of Camden, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on January 17, 2017 officers of the Camden Police Department stopped Gary for a traffic offense, and arrested him for Driving Under Suspension. A search of the car that Gary was driving revealed a .32 caliber Colt pistol. Gary admitted the firearm was his. At the time of his arrest, Gary had previous felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing a firearm.
Approximately 6 months later, on June 16, 2017, officers of the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department encountered Gary sitting in a car in a hotel parking lot. After officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana, they searched the car and found a Taurus 9 mm firearm in the trunk of the car. Again, Gary acknowledged that the firearm belonged to him.
Gary faces a maximum of 10 years , a fine of $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release on each count.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Camden Police Department and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy C. Wicker of the Columbia office handled the case.
Project Ceasefire is South Carolina’s continued application of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Hartsville Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Tyrez Lavor Johnson, age 31, of Hartsville, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, and felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after a pre-sentence report is prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was part of an investigation conducted by state and federal agents into the sale of illegal drugs in the Hartsville, South Carolina area. In October 2017, investigators made a controlled purchase of a quantity of cocaine base from Johnson. Johnson was later found in possession of a .357 caliber revolver during his arrest on the drug distribution charge. Johnson was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to a prior conviction for a controlled substance offense.
Ms. Drake stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of $1,000,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Hartsville Police Department, the Darlington County Sherriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.
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Florence 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 Tayquan Thomas, age 23, of Florence, 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 2013 Thomas was convicted in Pitt County, North Carolina, of Indecent Liberties with Child, to which the conviction required him to register as a sex offender in any state where he resided, was employed, or was a student. Under the law, Thomas was required to inform authorities if he ever changed his address, and if he moved to another state, he was required to notify authorities of both the state he was leaving as well as the state to which he was moving. In September 2017, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office discovered that Thomas had left his previous address without informing them as required, and they issued a warrant for his arrest. The matter was referred to the United States Marshals Service which soon discovered that Thomas had moved to an address in Florence, South Carolina. On October 25, 2017, Thomas was located at the Florence address by a task force officer working with the U.S. Marshals Operation Intercept Fugitive Task Force. When the officer attempted to arrest Thomas, he fled in a vehicle, then on foot, but was eventually apprehended after a tracking dog (K-9) was deployed.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Thomas 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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Columbia Man Sentenced for CounterfeitingRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that David Michael Gibson, age 39, of Columbia, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Manufacture and Pass Counterfeit Currency, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 371. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Gibson to 30 months in jail. Previously, Judge Lewis sentenced Travis Cree Stafford, age 39, and Justin William Watson, age 32, both of Columbia, to 46 months and 9 months in jail, respectively. They both were involved in the counterfeiting scheme with Gibson.
Facts presented in court established that on March 15, 2016, SLED and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department conducted a search warrant at the residence of Stafford. Officers recovered devices and materials used to make counterfeit currency. Stafford admitted making between $100,000 and $150,000 in counterfeit currency over six to seven years.
Stafford used the counterfeit money to support his drug habit. He purchased his first batch of $1,000 for $100 from a drug dealer. He began experimenting in manufacturing bills and sold them for 10% of face value. In early 2016, he taught his friend and roommate David Gibson how to make them. He and Gibson made around $5,000 to $7,000 in counterfeit FRNs. Gibson washed real currency while Stafford made bills on an inkjet printer.
Gibson and his girlfriend would pass the notes at small stores in Kershaw County.
Stafford sold counterfeit bills to Justin William Watson. Watson agreed to buy $10,000 in counterfeit money for $1,000, but Stafford only produced $5,000, for which Watson paid him $200.
The United States Secret Service, SLED, and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Clio Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Martin Luther Dease, age 54, of Clio, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Theft of Government Funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. 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 from November 2016 through May 2017, Dease illegally obtained Child’s Insurance Benefits from the Social Security Administration by falsely representing himself to be the father of his niece. In fact, as part of the application process, Dease submitted a fraudulent birth certificate, purporting to be his niece’s, in which he listed himself as the father. Through this scheme, Dease illegally obtained over $41,000 from the Social Security Administration.Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Dease can receive is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Myrtle Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that James Robert Fix, age 46, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B). 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 federal agents executed a search warrant at Fix’s Myrtle Beach residence on November 24, 2015, based on information that he was receiving child pornography via email. On that same day agents also interviewed Fix who admitted to possessing child pornography and surrendered his laptop computer and cellphone to the agents. During forensic analyses of the computer, cellphone and a thumb drive seized during the search, agents located numerous videos and images containing child pornography.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Fix can receive is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents with ICE- Homeland Security Investigations. 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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Woman Sentenced to Prison for Tax ViolationRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Judy Villanyi, 48, of Summerville, South Carolina, was sentenced to five months imprisonment for violating 18 U.S.C. § 7272, Obstructing and Impeding the Due Administration of the Tax Code. The offense carried a maximum possible punishment of up to three years imprisonment.
Villanyi pled guilty to the offense in August of 2017. She was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Richard Gergel.
The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service and Federal Bureau of Investigations.
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White Supremacist Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Benjamin Thomas Samuel McDowell, age 30, of Conway, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. McDowell pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that the FBI became aware of McDowell’s escalating white supremacist views on social media where McDowell advocated violence against non-whites and even expressed admiration for Dylann Roof and the extreme acts of violence perpetrated by him. Of particular concern to the FBI were McDowell’s comments regarding a particular Jewish Synagogue which implied that this place of worship might be a possible target of violence. McDowell also used social media to communicate an interest in acquiring a gun. In response the FBI arranged for an undercover agent posing as a member of a white supremacist organization to become acquainted with McDowell for the purpose of determining the nature of his white supremacist leanings and whether McDowell intended to carry out any acts of violence.
McDowell and the undercover agent engaged in multiple recorded conversations during which McDowell reaffirmed his respect for Dylann Roof and spoke generally about committing acts of violence against people of the Jewish and Muslim faiths. McDowell also repeated his desire to obtain a gun. While McDowell never revealed any specific plan to attack a particular location or victim, he did express a general desire to use the gun to commit acts of violence. During further conversations with the undercover FBI agent, McDowell eventually specified that he wanted a .40 caliber Glock pistol and .40 caliber hollow-point ammunition. The agent was able to set up a controlled sale of a .40 caliber pistol and ammunition to McDowell to take place on February 15, 2017. The FBI provided the agent with a .40 caliber Glock which had been rendered “inert” by having the firing pin shaved down so that the gun could not fire. On February 15, the agent met with McDowell and sold him the inert .40 caliber pistol and hollow-point ammunition for $109. Soon thereafter McDowell was arrested in the parking lot of a hotel in Myrtle Beach during which the pistol and ammunition were recovered from a bag McDowell was carrying. During a post-arrest interview McDowell admitted to agents that he had purchased the gun and ammunition.
Prior to February 15, 2017, McDowell had been convicted of a felony which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty McDowell can receive is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI with the assistance of the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and 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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Justice Department Statement on Claims of NIJ Certification of Ballistic BackpacksRead the Press Release
Please attribute the following statement to Justice Department spokesman Devin O'Malley:
"The National Institute of Justice—the research, development, and evaluation agency of the Department of Justice—has never tested nor certified ballistic items, such as backpacks, blankets, or briefcases, other than body armor for law enforcement. Marketing that claims NIJ testing or certification for such products is false."
Background:In recent days, multiple media outlets have repeated misleading statements made by companies about "NIJ certification" of their ballistic backpack products.
Additional Background:
The only ballistic-resistant product that NIJ certifies is law enforcement body armor that meet the requirements of NIJ’s Compliance Testing Program (CTP), which are then listed on NIJ’s Compliant Products List. Testing body armor involves a technically rigorous test campaign that must be carried out by one of four laboratories that are accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program and approved by NIJ to participate in the CTP. The protocols and procedures are described in the current NIJ performance standard NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor. In addition, NIJ offers many informational resources on law enforcement body armor at policearmor.org.
Four Florence County Residents Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Manufacturing and Passing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Shadrick Jarmarcus Jett, age 26, Joel Ray Cain, Jr., age 25, Gary Jerome Smart, age 26, all of Florence, SC, and Christopher Jamall Moody, age 27, of Effingham, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. Jett, Cain, and Smart pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit money, and Moody pled guilty to conspiracy to pass counterfeit money, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the pleas and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that these four defendants were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit $100 and $50 bills in multiple states including South Carolina and North Carolina. This conspiracy, which began in 2015, included at least nine codefendants who were responsible for making and passing over $100,000 in counterfeit money.
Jett, Cain and Smart were involved in manufacturing counterfeit at multiple locations, including residences in Florence, SC. In fact, during a search of Cain’s Florence residence agents seized an Epson printer and a genuine $100 “parent note”, both of which belonged to Cain and were used to print counterfeit $100 bills. Jett was also found in possession of a genuine $100 “parent note” used to print counterfeit $100 bills when his car was stopped and searched by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office after a short chase. During the search of Jett’s car, deputies found the genuine parent note along with eleven completed counterfeit $100 bills and over 450 uncut partial images of counterfeit $100 bills all bearing the same serial number as the recovered parent note. Secret Service determined that 230 counterfeit $100 bills bearing this same serial number were passed beginning in June of 2017.
All four defendants also passed counterfeit $100 bills at various locations in South Carolina and North Carolina during 2016 and 2017. Cain passed a counterfeit $100 bill at a business in Easley, South Carolina. He also passed counterfeit $100 bills at businesses in Greensboro and Lenoir, North Carolina. Smart passed counterfeit $100 bills at businesses in Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jett passed a counterfeit $100 bill in Concord, North Carolina. In March of 2017, Christopher Moody presented a counterfeit $100 bill to an employee of a business in Troy, North Carolina, after which he was arrested and found in possession of additional counterfeit $100 bills bearing serial numbers matching those of counterfeit bills passed by other codefendants in this case.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty these four defendants can receive is imprisonment for 5 years and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by agents of United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Man Charged in Federal Indictment for Distribution of Oxycodone Resulting in the Death of Former University of South Carolina StudentRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Anthony James Edward Hunt, age 22, of Columbia. Hunt was charged in a federal indictment with unlawfully distributing oxycodone, which resulted in the death of a former University of South Carolina student on January 28, 2016. Hunt faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The indictment further charges Hunt with unlawfully distributing alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in this case, including the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, City of Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Coroner’s Office, and University of South Carolina Police Department.
Ms. Drake stated that this case represents the Department of Justice’s commitment to combatting the unlawful distribution of opioids. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this case are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Beaufort Brothers Sentenced in Federal Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that brothers Lorenzo Vince Green, age 29, and Javontay Jamal Green, age 25, of Beaufort, South Carolina, were sentenced in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for carjacking. Lorenzo Vince Green was also convicted of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Lorenzo Vince Green to 130 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. His prior record includes prior felony convictions for burglary and armed robbery. Javontay Jamal Green was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on February 27, 2016, the Green brothers approached a handicapped and wheelchair bound man as he was attempting to enter his vehicle after leaving a restaurant in Beaufort. Lorenzo Vince Green then pointed a firearm at the victim before the brothers took the victim’s car keys and fled with his vehicle. Officers located the vehicle a short time later and arrested the brothers as they were attempting to flee through a wooded area.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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