District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
“Laser Sight”: Charleston Felon Convicted in Federal Court on Federal Gun Charges Following Two-Day TrialRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Garndell Jerome Macon, Jr., 32, from Charleston, South Carolina, was convicted in federal court on two felon in possession of a firearm counts after a two-day trial before United States District Court Judge David Norton. He faces a potential twenty-year sentence in federal prison.
United States Attorney Drake recognized the work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which investigated the case. “We are working with our state and local law enforcement partners to address violence in our communities. The federal firearm laws allow us to do that in an effective and expeditious manner.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman said, “ATF appreciates our strong working relationship with the Charleston Police Department and the USAO. We are committed to reducing violent crime and apprehending violent offenders. This collaborative effort and the resulting conviction showcases what can be accomplished as we continue to work together to keep our communities safe.”
Evidence presented during trial established that on October 7, 2015, the City of Charleston Police Department, responding to complaints by management of an apartment complex about people loitering and selling drugs on their property, did a drive through of the parking lot.
When the officers drove into the parking lot, they observed a number of individuals around a Honda CRV, loitering, including Macon. The smell of marijuana was in the air and they saw one of the men place a digital scale on the hood of the Honda. The people near the car scattered as soon as the police car arrived. The officers checked the car and found drug paraphernalia (the scale, multiple plastic baggy pieces, and cigar wrappings). The scale was on the hood. An officer in another unit was set up in an observation post in an adjacent parking lot to conduct surveillance.
That officer, close in distance, with the scene illuminated by streetlights, could see the Honda from where he was stationed and he could also see the front of the apartment complex. He saw Macon walk out of the complex lobby. Macon looked about nervously and walked over to the Honda and picked up the scale from the hood. He went around and opened the rear driver’s side passenger’s door of the CRV, bent down, picked up a gun, and stood up. The officer on the surveillance post alerted the other officers who rapidly responded. When they came into the parking lot, Macon began sprinting towards the entrance of an apartment building. He made it into the door and ran down the hall into an apartment.
The officers quickly followed, chasing him as he ran into the building. A video captured his entry. In a still photograph, the defendant can be seen carrying the gun, equipped with a laser sight. The laser light can also be seen projected on the floor of the lobbying as Macon scurried toward an apartment inside.
The officers located Macon inside an apartment within the complex with children present, sitting in a chair, perspiring and out of breath. The officers found a Glock .45 caliber pistol stashed between the mattress and the box springs in a bedroom in the apartment. The laser light was still on. The weapon was loaded with thirteen rounds in the magazine and one round was chambered.
Officers then returned to the unlocked Honda. On the driver’s side passenger seat rear floorboard (behind the driver’s s eat) officers saw a black handgun.
This second gun was a loaded .40 caliber Smith and Wesson XD with a round in the chamber. The officers retrieved the weapon and the digital scale which the officers had seen on the hood of the car earlier. The gun and the drug scale were recovered from the same location in the Honda where officers had observed Macon grab the Glock .40 caliber just moments earlier.
Ms. Drake advised that Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell tried the case for the government. Kittrell said that the case is a small snapshot of what the police in Charleston do every day. “They confronted an armed and convicted felon. They were running into danger and not away from it. They did what they do, every day, protecting people first and places second, on behalf of all of us.”
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Operation “Pop Rocks” Scores Major Heroin, Cocaine, and Firearm ArrestsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina--------United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a collaborative federal-state investigation culminated in arrests and significant seizures after a federal grand jury in South Carolina returned a forty-one-count indictment charging an interstate drug trafficking ring for its importation of heroin and cocaine into Richland County and surrounding areas.
On August 6, 2017, agents involved with the joint investigation arrested six defendants pursuant to a federal indictment for their roles in the drug conspiracy, which consisted of both heroin and cocaine, two state defendants, and executed multiple federal search warrants across Richland County. Jermaine Southall, Bilal Muhammad, Jamie Patterson, Lee Ball, Christopher Fulton, and Aaron Meroney have been indicted for distributing and conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine as well as using telephones to facilitate drug trafficking. United States Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges scheduled hearings for the federal defendants to take place on August 10, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. during which time she will determine if bond is appropriate.
The eight-month investigation focused on a violent narcotics distribution operation in and around the Columbia area. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department and DEA began sharing intelligence on smaller investigations that were being conducted throughout the area, ultimately learning that other law enforcement agencies were making undercover buys of heroin and crack cocaine that was supplied by this drug trafficking organization. “The investigation and federal indictment are the products of significant coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies, and represent the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat the heroin epidemic that our community is currently facing,” United States Attorney Beth Drake stated.
“This case serves as just one example of the ongoing efforts of local Narcotics Bureau detectives who will continue to work diligently, together with our law enforcement partners, to prevent additional overdose tragedies related to this poison,” said Richland Sheriff Leon Lott. “Working with our community, we will overcome the Heroin/Opioid epidemic that has plagued the entire country.”
This case was the culmination of a joint investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, DEA Columbia Provisional Task Force, Columbia Police Department, SLED, IRS-CI, ICE – Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, USPS, and the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The DEA Columbia Provisional Task Force is comprised of Task Force Officers from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, SLED, and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Charleston County Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Andre Youngblood, age 42, formerly of Hollywood (Charleston County), South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Youngblood to 10 years of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in 2003 Youngblood was convicted and sentenced in New York for two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. As a result of those convictions, Youngblood is required to register for life as a sex offender pursuant to SORNA. Upon his release from prison, Youngblood registered as a sex offender in New York until March 2013. Youngblood later left New York and traveled in interstate commerce to South Carolina, where he lived between June 2014 and January 2015. However, Youngblood never registered in South Carolina as a sex offender as required by SORNA. Youngblood was located and arrested in New York in March 2016. Youngblood has been in custody since his arrest.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
The 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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Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Credit Card Fraud and Computer Hacking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging Arash Amiri Abedian, 31, and Danial Jeloudar, 27, with aggravated identity theft; wire fraud; and criminal conspiracy and other charges relating to access device fraud, unauthorized access to, and theft of information from, computers, and threatening to damage a computer.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney Beth Drake of the District of South Carolina, Assistant Director Scott Smith of the FBI’s Cyber Division and Special Agent in Charge Alphonso Norris of the FBI’s Columbia, South Carolina Field Office made the announcement.
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment filed in Columbia, South Carolina, beginning in or around October 2007, Abedian and Jeloudar, residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran, conspired together to violate multiple U.S. criminal statutes. Specifically, the indictment alleges they obtained stolen credit card numbers and related personal information by hacking and otherwise, and used that information to fraudulently and by extortion obtain money, goods and services from U.S.-based and foreign victims.
As part of the conspiracy, between 2011 and 2016, Abedian used malicious software, or “malware,” to capture the credit card and other personal information of individuals who had transacted with certain merchants’ websites. Abedian then used that information to commit identity theft and to obtain goods and services by fraud, and, on some occasions, Abedian then transmitted the stolen information to Jeloudar. For example, on or about Feb. 21, 2012, Abedian sent Jeloudar approximately 30,000 names and numbers, which he said were unauthorized credit card numbers and associated information. As part of the conspiracy, in or around March 2012 and April 2012, Jeloudar ordered and obtained various equipment, servers, and internet hosting services from a provider in South Carolina using stolen credit card numbers and other personal identifiers.
The superseding indictment further alleges that, in January 2017, Jeloudar contacted a California-based online merchant and threatened to disclose its customers’ credit card numbers and other related information previously obtained by hacking the merchant‘s website, unless it made a Bitcoin payment to Jeloudar. Jeloudar also threatened to disclose to the company’s customers that their private information had been compromised and launched a denial-of-service attack on the company’s website.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI’s Columbia, South Carolina Cyber Squad investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Klumb of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Heather Alpino of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
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Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Credit Card Fraud and Computer Hacking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging Arash Amiri Abedian, 31, and Danial Jeloudar, 27, with aggravated identity theft; wire fraud; and criminal conspiracy and other charges relating to access device fraud, unauthorized access to, and theft of information from, computers, and threatening to damage a computer.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney Beth Drake of the District of South Carolina, Assistant Director Scott Smith of the FBI’s Cyber Division and Special Agent in Charge Alphonso Norris of the FBI’s Columbia, South Carolina Field Office made the announcement.
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment filed in Columbia, South Carolina, beginning in or around October 2007, Abedian and Jeloudar, residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran, conspired together to violate multiple U.S. criminal statutes. Specifically, the indictment alleges they obtained stolen credit card numbers and related personal information by hacking and otherwise, and used that information to fraudulently and by extortion obtain money, goods and services from U.S.-based and foreign victims.
As part of the conspiracy, between 2011 and 2016, Abedian used malicious software, or “malware,” to capture the credit card and other personal information of individuals who had transacted with certain merchants’ websites. Abedian then used that information to commit identity theft and to obtain goods and services by fraud, and, on some occasions, Abedian then transmitted the stolen information to Jeloudar. For example, on or about Feb. 21, 2012, Abedian sent Jeloudar approximately 30,000 names and numbers, which he said were unauthorized credit card numbers and associated information. As part of the conspiracy, in or around March 2012 and April 2012, Jeloudar ordered and obtained various equipment, servers, and internet hosting services from a provider in South Carolina using stolen credit card numbers and other personal identifiers.
The superseding indictment further alleges that, in January 2017, Jeloudar contacted a California-based online merchant and threatened to disclose its customers’ credit card numbers and other related information previously obtained by hacking the merchant‘s website, unless it made a Bitcoin payment to Jeloudar. Jeloudar also threatened to disclose to the company’s customers that their private information had been compromised and launched a denial-of-service attack on the company’s website.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI’s Columbia, South Carolina Cyber Squad investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Klumb of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Heather Alpino of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Aiken Man Sentenced for Investor FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Arthur Vann, age 65, of Aiken, South Carolina, was sentenced to four years’ incarceration for participation in a Conspiracy to defraud investors, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, also ordered Vann to pay over $3.2 million in restitution to fourteen victims.
Evidence presented during his change of plea hearing in November 2016 established that Vann had an interest in various offshore bank accounts and companies, primarily located in the Caribbean. As a financial adviser, he directed a number of clients to invest in a particular fund focused on the Cayman Islands. When money was transferred for this purpose, Vann diverted some of it into accounts he controlled and spent it for his own benefit. When confronted by a number of investors, he sent them fake statements purporting to reflect the investments made.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Co-Conspirator Sentenced to 192 Months in Federal Prison for Two Armed Robberies of Local BusinessesRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Demiriao Trione Bonds, age 27, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Greenville, for two armed robberies, committed in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a). United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr. sentenced Bonds to 192 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release and ordered that he pay $1400.00 in restitution.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Bonds conspired with Delmar Deshion Jackson, on October 26, 2015 and November 13, 2015, to rob two area businesses. Bonds committed both robberies with a firearm, which he brandished during the course of each. Bonds took from the targeted businesses cash, retail inventory, personal effects, and store cellular devices.
The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney D. Josev Brewer of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Operation “Real Time”: Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Travis Sanchez Hunt, age 23, of Greenville, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea this morning in federal court in Greenville to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., accepted the guilty plea and will impose the sentence after United States Probation prepares a presentence report.
Evidence presented by First Assistant US Attorney Lance Crick at the change of plea hearing established that on Saturday, May 6, 2017, officers with the Greenville Police Department (GPD) responded to a dispute at a residence in Greenville. Witnesses alerted GPD that Hunt had a gun in his waistband before placing a firearm in a laundry hamper. A search of the hamper revealed two loaded 9mm pistols and multiple clear baggies containing substances that field-tested positive for cocaine and crack cocaine. GPD also found over $2600 in cash, two digital scales, and additional baggies in a stairwell leading to Hunt’s bedroom. In Hunt’s bedroom, GPD located additional baggies and another digital scale.
On Sunday, May 7, 2017, a GPD officer cross-designated as an ATF Task Force Officer pursuant to Operation “Real Time” interviewed Hunt in the Greenville County Detention Center. During the post-Miranda interview, Hunt stated that he moved a purple towel containing two firearms and “work” (a term referring to drugs) from a shelf in the laundry room to a laundry hamper. Hunt stated he did this because he knew the police were coming.
Hunt also stated that he placed one of the firearms into his waistband because he thought he may need to defend himself from the family. Hunt stated that moved the firearm from his waistband to the laundry basket as police arrived. Hunt, who was arrested on a number of state charges from this incident as well as on outstanding state bench warrants, said he knew he was going to jail because he had previously cut off his ankle monitor. A federal arrest warrant was signed for Hunt on Monday, May 8, 2017. Hunt remains in custody, detained since his arrest on May 6.
This case underscores GPD and ATF’s continuing “real time” identification of firearms cases for federal adoption by the US Attorney’s Office, working in concert with the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The goal of this partnership is to identify cases for federal prosecution involving individuals who continue to possess firearms despite significant criminal histories. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 119 defendants and seizure of 163 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
In addition to GPD and ATF, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, United States Probation, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, DEA, 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the US Attorney’s Office.
Hunt faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison and a maximum of life. The case was investigated by ATF and the Greenville Police Department. First Assistant US Attorney Lance Crick is handling the prosecution.
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Georgetown Man Indicted for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Cameron Banks (a/k/a Reggie Staggers), age 32, of Georgetown, S.C., was charged in a seven-count federal indictment with Health Care Fraud, in connection with an alleged scheme to submit fraudulent loan applications for dental services.
The maximum penalty he could receive for each count is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Top of the Chain Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kenneth Kennedy Shannon, 52 age, from Vance, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston by United States District Court Judge David Norton to life in prison without parole. Shannon was sentenced as a result of his conviction for his leadership as the source of supply in a conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.
United States Attorney Drake recognized the work of the Charleston Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents and task force officers from local Charleston area agencies, including the City of Charleston Police Department. “We are working with our state and local law enforcement partners to address the uptick in heroin distribution and opiate abuse. It is a public health crisis that has our full attention and deserves the full array of our enforcement tools including life sentences like that handed down by the court.”
Ms. Drake said that there is an effort underway to address heroin trafficking in the Charleston community. She advised that Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell prosecuted the case for sentencing and was the trial attorney along with Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin.
The sentence was a result of two factors. First, the jury found beyond a reasonable doubt that Shannon was guilty and had distributed more than a kilogram of heroin during the life of the conspiracy. Second, Shannon was a recidivist drug trafficker and had numerous previous drug convictions. Under federal law, the Court was required to sentence Shannon to life in prison.
Shannon’s distribution network spread heroin from 2012 until his arrest on February 28, 2014. According to Kittrell, a kilogram was a conservative estimate of the amount of heroin Shannon actually sold. On the streets, a kilo can be equated to 33,000 bags or doses of heroin. Bags of heroin often sell for $20 to $25 which means that the street value in this case was between $666,666 and $833,333.
This particular investigation began after a series of overdoses affected the Charleston community. Over time, undercover buys were made and sources provided information. Surveillance was conducted. Agents eventually secured two wiretaps and Shannon was identified as the major source of supply. Investigators also learned that Shannon was bringing a load of heroin down by train from New York on February 27, 2014. He got off the Amtrak in Kingstree, South Carolina and went to his stash house in Vance, South Carolina. The next day, Shannon, drove to meet with one of his retail distributors. The DEA Task Force, working with the North Charleston Police Department, made a traffic stop on the Tahoe in which he was riding. Shannon, the passenger, was being driven by a close relative who had his 8-month-old grandchild in a car seat in the back of the SUV. After the driver got out of the vehicle to speak with police, Shannon jumped over the console into the driver’s seat. He took off and led police on a high speed chase. That chase was called off as soon as police realized that there was a child in the car. While Shannon was fleeing from police, a citizen saw the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe throw a baseball-sized bag out of the window near Tony Way. That citizen flagged down an alert North Charleston police officer involved in the chase. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell said that although the bag was run over by another vehicle, the officer was able to recover approximately two (2) grams of heroin (approximately 67 bags or doses of heroin). Shannon also threw another package out on the ramp at Montague Avenue that was later recovered by DEA agents. The box held 500 blues bags of heroin. This was a marketing tool as customers regarded the heroin in the blue bags as a great product.The task force learned where Shannon was and arrested him in the Tahoe later that same afternoon. The Tahoe had residue powder on the driver’s side door, which Agents concluded came from throwing the baseball-sized bag of heroin out of the SUV. Because the baby was not in the car, the task force immediately began to attempt to ascertain the child’s location. Once they learned the baby was safe, agents executed a search warrant on Shannon’s stash house in Vance, South Carolina. Inside, agents recovered about 130 grams of heroin (enough for about 4,334 bags or doses of heroin, according to Kittrell), a Krupp’s coffee grinder with heroin residue along with two (2) metal strainers, a digital scale, and a glass pestle (all used to chop up compressed blocks of heroin ); twelve (11) small cardboard brown boxes, each holding about 600 unused individual "bindle" bags (all packaging for individual drug sales); a green grocery bag with many more "bindle" bags; two digital scales; a traffic citation issued to Kenneth Kennedy Shannon; and seven (7) bars of Mannite "Cicogna" which is used as a cutting agent by heroin traffickers to increase the weight of drugs to create more product.
Shannon was indicted on federal charges and went to trial on July 27, 2016. During the trial, Shannon jumped up and started screaming at the court and the jury. He had to be subdued by deputy United States Marshals and removed from the courtroom. After 3 days of trial, Shannon was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21 of the United States Code.
Jason Sandoval, Resident Agent in Charge of the local DEA office commented, “The Charleston community is deeply affected by the heroin problem. It is a devastating drug. Shannon was a major trafficker and a life sentence sends a message to other traffickers who bring this drug into our community. The DEA task force is dedicated to being a full partner of local and federal agencies, citizen advocacy groups, and all others who wish to stem the scourge of heroin in our community.”
Evidence Seized During the Investigation:
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Greenwood Man Sentenced to 10 Years on Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ----United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that David Paul Fuller, age 55, of Greenwood, was sentenced in federal court in Greenville, for possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson, sentenced Fuller to 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that this case originated from the take down of a child pornography website in Switzerland. Agents were able to identify the IP address of Fuller as active on the website. This information and further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on Fuller’s home. When asked by agents if they would find child pornography on his computer, Fuller said “I hope not.” Upon further questioning he admitted to visiting websites to view what he described as “questionable material.” Agents seized his computers and subjected them to a forensic examination. The examination revealed hundreds of images of children, some of which were pre-pubescent, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Fuller has a prior child pornography conviction and was thus subject to a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 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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Greer Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Sean Patrick Oswell, age 52, of Greer, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Production of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson, sentenced Oswell to 262 months imprisonment, followed by a life term of supervised release, including sex offender registration, sex offender counseling, and polygraph requirements.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that law enforcement located images of child pornography of a very young child in Australia. Law enforcement worked backward, eventually locating the distributor of those images, Sean Patrick Oswell. Investigation revealed that Oswell not only distributed those images, but he had actually created them, taking pictures of the prepubescent child, whose identity is protected, and sexually exploiting the child.
The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. The Child Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, & Union provided forensic evaluation in 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. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Marshall Carey Strickland, age 42, of Nashua, New Hampshire, 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 during October and November of 2013, while living in a motel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Strickland used a particular email account to access and view numerous images and videos of child pornography.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Strickland 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 prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Myrtle Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy Charge in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Enrique Garcia Burgos, age 45, of Myrtle Beach, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after a pre-sentence report is prepared by U.S. Probation.
This case was part of an extensive investigation conducted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) into the sale of heroin and other illegal drugs in the Horry County, South Carolina, area. Burgos was identified as a possible heroin distributor during the investigation. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on June 26, 2016, agents conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Burgos and occupied by a coconspirator. Agents believed that Burgos and the coconspirator were returning from Atlanta with a quantity of illegal narcotics. During a search of the vehicle, agents found over 1 kilogram of heroin and approximately 500 grams of cocaine and located a loaded firearm.
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 DEA-Florence and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). Assistant United States Attorney Chris Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.
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Myrtle Beach Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Charge of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that James Coppers McKee, Jr., age 45, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that DEA-Florence and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) were investigating a methamphetamine distribution organization in the Horry County, South Carolina, area. As part of that investigation, agents learned that McKee was a possible methamphetamine distributor. In 2014 and 2015, agents made three controlled buys of methamphetamine from McKee. McKee was also identified as being in possession of multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine during the conspiracy period.
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 DEA-Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). Assistant United States Attorney Chris Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.
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Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jose Alberto Nava-Reyes, age 35, from Guerrero, Mexico pled guilty in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, to Illegal Reentry 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 April 15, 2017, ICE-Enforcement Removal Operations Officers in Charleston, SC, discovered Nava-Reyes, while he was in custody at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on state charges. Immigration records revealed that Nava-Reyes was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States back to Mexico on multiple occasions. Nava-Reyes has never received permission to enter or remain in the US.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Horry County Police Department and Immigration Custom Enforcement-Enforcement Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Florence Woman Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Crystal Lynn Norris, age 27, of Florence, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Pass Forged and Counterfeited Securities, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. 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 during the period from November through December of 2016, Norris was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass forged and counterfeited securities (checks) of organizations.
Norris and another person stole mail from mailboxes at various residences in Florence and Darlington Counties looking for checks within the mail. Norris then either altered/forged the stolen checks by substituting herself as the payee, or she used genuine bank account and routing numbers from the stolen checks to make counterfeit checks. Norris then went to banks in Florence and Easley, SC and presented the forged and counterfeited checks for payment.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Norris can receive is imprisonment for 5 years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Florence Police Department and the Easley Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Child Sex Trafficker Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison. His Mother was Sentenced to 120 monthsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Samuel Pratt, a/k/a “Promise,” age 35, of Gastonia, North Carolina was sentenced to life in federal prison and his mother, Daphne Pratt, age 53, of Gastonia, North Carolina was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. Samuel Pratt had previously been found guilty on eight counts related to sex trafficking, child pornography, and firearm charges in federal court in Columbia. Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Columbia, sentenced the defendant to life sentences on four counts related to sex trafficking, 360 months on production of child pornography, 120 months on possessing child pornography, 120 months on being a felon in possession of a firearm and 60 months for obstruction of justice. There was also over $40,000 of restitution ordered to be paid to the child victims. Daphne Pratt pled guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic minors and testified against her son in his trial, receiving a reduced sentence for her testimony.
Evidence presented trial established that Samuel Pratt ran a prostitution business of both adults and juveniles, in South Carolina, North Carolina, and New York. The trial opened a window into the seedy world of human trafficking in the Carolinas. Witnesses provided extensive testimony of the manipulation and abuse, as well as the inner-workings of the human trafficking operation. During the trial, Daphne Pratt testified about her son’s control of the minors, as well as her role in running the business at his direction after her son was incarcerated on federal charges. Telephone calls recorded from the jail corroborated Daphne Pratt’s testimony and, along with text messages, provided the jury a view of the depraved world of sex traffickers. Two of the victims of the trafficking were 14 and 17 years old. This was the first human trafficker convicted at trial in South Carolina.
Ms. Drake stated, “the first step on addressing the cancer of human trafficking is to hold the traffickers accountable and that is what this case and this sentence does. Those who traffic in sex need to take notice that our office, along with our federal and state law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute all those who operate in this destructive field.”
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI of both South Carolina and North Carolina, the ATF, the US Marshals and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Will Lewis of the Columbia Office prosecuted the case.
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Armed Robber Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead 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, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to 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, 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, Samuel robbed a person having lawful charge, custody, and control of $400.00 belonging to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (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.
Ms. Drake stated that the defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The case was investigated by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Hartsville Police Department, and the ATF. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Hummel of the Florence office and J.D. Rowell of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
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Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty in Simpsonville Gun Shop RobberyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake, announced today that Sahier Lavon Richardson, age 18, of Charlotte pled guilty to charges stemming from his involvement in the pre-dawn break-in and theft of firearms from The Gun Shop in Simpsonville in October of 2016. Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the pre-sentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The facts, presented by AUSA Bill Watkins at the guilty plea hearing, established that on October 13, 2016, at approximately 2:52 a.m., a burglary occurred at The Gun Shop and Indoor Range, a federal firearms licensee, in Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681. Surveillance camera footage from the store depicted a minivan driving though the front of the store and then three subjects (one of which was Richardson), wearing hooded sweatshirts, gloves and carrying bags, entering the store. Richardson and his associates used a sledge hammer and a baseball bat to break the glass from display cases containing firearms before loading handguns into the bags. The three men were in the store for just under one minute before they fled in a getaway car and abandoned the van at the scene. A subsequent inventory of the missing guns revealed that a total of forty-three (43) handguns had been stolen to include various models of Auto Ordnance, Bersa, Glock, Ruger, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory and Taurus firearms. The van was identified as a white Chrysler Town & Country which had been reported stolen from Denver, North Carolina.
Ms. Drake also thanked law enforcement for the excellent police work: “The Simpsonville and Charlotte police, ATF and the Lincoln County Sheriff, they pulled together to solve this one. Working together for safer communities is what it’s about.”
The maximum penalty Richardson faces is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment fee of $100.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance and cooperation of the Simpsonville Police Department, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and the Lincoln County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins and First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick for prosecution. The investigation is still ongoing.
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Darlington Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison on Drug Conspiracy and Weapons ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Justin Martin Jackson, 29, of Darlington, South Carolina, was sentenced this week in Florence to 168 months imprisonment followed by a five-year term of supervised release. On March 8, 2017, Jackson entered a guilty plea in federal court to conspiracy, use of a communication facility in furtherance of the conspiracy, and use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks imposed the sentence.
This case was part of an extensive investigation conducted into the sale of illegal drugs in the Darlington County area. Jackson was identified as a possible cocaine and cocaine base distributor during the investigation. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing and sentencing hearing established that in December 2009, law enforcement agents conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Jackson and found Jackson to be in possession of cocaine and cocaine base. In December 2015, Jackson was arrested pursuant to a federal indictment at a residence in Darlington. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of over a kilogram of cocaine and 160 grams of cocaine base. Two handguns and drug paraphernalia were also recovered in the residence.
The case was investigated by the FBI (Florence Division), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Darlington County Drug Enforcement Unit (DCDEU). Assistant US Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Augusta Man Sentenced to 117 Months in Federal Prison for Armed Bank Robbery of West Columbia BankRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Callus LeFont Latimore, age 42, of Augusta, Georgia was sentenced yesterday in federal court for various charges stemming from the February, 9, 2017, armed robbery of First Reliance Bank in West Columbia, South Carolina. On April 19, 2017, Latimore entered a guilty plea before Senior United States District Court Judge Cameron M. Currie. Latimore pled guilty to armed bank robbery and use/possession/brandishing of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a), 2113(d) and 924(c). Judge Currie sentenced Latimore to a total of 117 months imprisonment with 5 years of supervised release to follow.
Evidence presented in court established that on the February 9, 2017, armed with a Hi-Point 9mm caliber handgun and wearing a construction vest, fishing hat, and fake beard, Latimore entered First Reliance Bank. After a bank employee asked Latimore if he needed assistance, Latimore brandished the Hi-Point pistol jumped on the counter and demanded money. Latimore then reached over the counter, took $10,300.00 in currency, and fled the scene.
Unbeknownst to Latimore, in the currency he stole was a bundle of funds equipped with a hidden GPS tracker. After responding to the scene, Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office were informed of the tracker, and within an hour, Deputies located Latimore off exit 119 on Interstate 26. After arresting Latimore, deputies recovered the Hi-Point 9mm handgun, GPS tracker, and all $10,300.00 of the stolen currency.
The case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney William C. Lewis of the Columbia office handled the case.
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"Real Time": Marietta Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Stephen Lewis McNeely, age 43, of Marietta, South Carolina, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Greenville, for felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced McNeely to 92 months in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government at sentencing and during the guilty plea hearing earlier this year established that on April 24, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office received a tip concerning individuals in a vehicle in possession of illegal narcotics and a firearm. GCSO located the truck and approached the two occupants, one of whom was McNeely. As they engaged the occupants in conversation, GCSO observed drug paraphernalia in the cab of the truck. In a subsequent search, GCSO located a Ruger 9mm pistol, a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber pistol, a Ruger 10/22 caliber rifle, a Savage .22 caliber rifle, and a quantity of marijuana in the cab of the truck
McNeely was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate. In addition to the GCSO and ATF, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, United States Probation, the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, DEA, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the US Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the 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 and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.” Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of 118 defendants and seizure of 162 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with ATF, investigated the case. Assistant US Attorney Max Cauthen prosecuted the case.
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Two Kershaw County Men Sentenced for Their Roles in Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Yancy Kevon Wilson, age 23, and Randy Jones, Jr., age 23, both of Kershaw County, were sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court for various charges stemming from the June 23, 2015, armed robbery of Sandhills Bank in Bethune, South Carolina.
In March 2017, both entered guilty pleas in federal court. Wilson plead guilty to armed bank robbery, use/possession/discharge of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(c), 2113(a), and 2113(d). Jones plead guilty to conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use/possession/discharge of a firearm of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 924(c).
Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia sentenced Wilson to a total of 220 months imprisonment with 5 years of supervised release to follow. Chief Judge Wooten sentenced Jones to a total of 136 months imprisonment with 5 years of supervised release to follow. Both defendants were also ordered to make restitution to the bank for the stolen money.
Evidence presented in court established that on the early morning hours of June 23, 2015, Wilson, while armed with a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun and wearing a white hoodie, sunglasses, and gloves, approached a bank employee outside the bank and forced her at gunpoint to get him inside the locked bank building. Once inside the bank, Wilson brandished the firearm and demanded money. After obtaining money, Wilson fled from the bank and discharged the firearm twice outside the bank. Witnesses heard the shots fired and observed a dark colored vehicle, later determined to be driven by Jones, with paper tags pick up Wilson and flee the scene.
On June 25, 2015, deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department located Jones and Wilson, along with another individual with a vehicle fitting the description of the get-away vehicle at a carwash in Lugoff. Further investigation lead to the discarded clothes worn by the bank robber, Wilson, and the empty bank bag from Sandhills Bank, all of which was found on the side of a road where Jones told investigators they left them.
DNA analysis revealed Wilson’s DNA on the discarded white hoodie. Additionally, the two, fired .40 caliber shell casings recovered from the scene of the bank robbery were matched to a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber firearm purchased by Jones in February 2015. Finally, text messages were recovered from a cell phone showing that Wilson and Jones planned the bank robbery in advance. Wilson is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition by virtue of his prior state convictions for strong arm robbery and assault and battery 1st degree.
The case was investigated by the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department, the Bethune Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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"Real Time": Greenville Man Sentenced as Armed Career Criminal to over 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Michael Lee Westbrook, age 41, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced Wednesday afternoon in federal court in Greenville, for felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). Due to his significant prior criminal history, Westbrook was classified as an Armed Career Criminal for sentencing purposes and was subject to a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. United States District Court Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Westbrook to 210 months in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the guilty plea at a hearing earlier this year established that on September 3, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to a residence in Greenville in an attempt to locate and serve an arrest warrant on Westbrook. Upon their arrival, Westbrook was located in the back yard of the home and arrested. During a search incident to arrest, GCSO recovered a loaded .380 caliber pistol in Westbrook’s pants pocket.
Westbrook was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate. In addition to the GCSO and the ATF, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, United States Probation, the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, DEA, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the US Attorney’s Office. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 118 defendants and seizure of approximately 162 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the 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 and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen prosecuted the case.
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Slater Man Sentenced to Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney, Beth Drake, announced that Timothy Greer, age 52, of Slater, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to serve 36 months in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B). The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, who also ordered that Greer be placed on supervised release for life. Judge Childs ordered as a condition of supervised release that Greer have his computer usage monitored and that he be placed on the Sexual Offender Registry.
U.S. Attorney Drake advised that Greer’s personal computer was searched and over 35,000 pornographic images of children were found. Many of these were of prepubescent children and some were sadistic in nature. Drake went on to say that there was no evidence that Greer was involved in manufacturing any of these images, rather he had obtained them from the internet.
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Schoen and David C. Stephens of the Greenville Office.
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Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court for Possession of a Firearm During a Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Johnny Ray Outz, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty Monday in federal court in Greenville, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 924c. United States District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs of Greenville accepted the plea and will impose sentence after a presentence report is prepared by U.S. Probation. Outz faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on March 25, 2017, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to an outstanding warrant, were searching for Outz in Mauldin, South Carolina. When GCSO located Outz, a search of his person revealed a MAC 11 pistol and methamphetamine in a book bag he was carrying.
Outz was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community.
In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, United States Probation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of 118 defendants and seizure of approximately 162 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the 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 and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen.
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Greenville Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Anthony M. Valentine age 27, of Greenville, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea yesterday in federal court in Greenville to Possessing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose the 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 on March 22, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Valentine’s residence. Valentine was found in the house along with a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun, two large bags of marijuana, digital scales, 49 rounds of ammunition, and $990 in cash.
Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Valentine could receive is Life imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars. The case was investigated by agents of ATF and the Greenville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Anderson Woman Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Jennifer Jackson, age 25, of Liberty, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea yesterday in federal court in Greenville to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose the 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 on April 4, 2017, Jackson possessed two bags, one of which contained methamphetamine, and the other contained a Kel-tec .40 caliber handgun. Jackson has prior felony convictions, for which she has not received a pardon.
Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Jackson could receive is Life imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars. The case was investigated by agents of ATF and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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9-Count Indictment in Firearms and Heroin Distribution Case Returned by Federal Grand Jury Today in Columbia, SCRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today a Federal Grand Jury in Columbia, South Carolina, returned the following multiple-count Indictment:
Abdullah Jabbar Aquil, a/k/a “Wap,” was charged in a 9-count indictment with possession with intent to distribution and distribution of heroin (7 counts), using/possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(c).
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in Indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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"Real Time:" Georgia Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Fareed Abdul Jabar, age 33, of Georgia, pled guilty Monday in federal court in Greenville, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs of Greenville accepted the plea and will impose sentence after a presentence report is prepared by U.S. Probation. Jabar faces up to ten years in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on March 29, 2017, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office stopped Jabar on I-85 for speeding. During the traffic stop, a deputy smelled the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle and conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol was located in the center console of the vehicle. In the rear hatch, GCSO recovered a bag containing a loaded .40 caliber pistol magazine.
Jabar was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community.
In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, United States Probation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of 118 defendants and seizure of approximately 162 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the 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 and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen.
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"Real Time": Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court to Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dustin Gregory Martin, age 46, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty Monday in federal court in Greenville, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs of Greenville accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Martin faces up to ten years in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on April 5, 2017, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) arrested Martin on an outstanding warrant at a motel on Augusta Road in Greenville. A search pursuant to Martin’s arrest resulted in the seizure of a Glock 9mm pistol from under the pillow on the bed in the motel room.
Martin was arrested federally as part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community.
In addition to GCSO and ATF, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of 118 defendants and seizure of 162 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the 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 and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with the ATF investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen.
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Former FBI Agent Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court in GeorgiaRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kenneth W. Hillman, III, age 47, formerly of Dalton, Georgia, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Rome, Georgia, to disclosure of confidential information, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1905. United States Magistrate Judge Walter Johnson, of Rome, presided over the guilty plea hearing and will provide United States District Judge Harold L. Murphy with a recommendation about accepting the plea. If he accepts the plea, Judge Murphy 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 between August 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012, the Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) employed Kenneth W. Hillman, III, as a Special Agent in the Northern District of Georgia. Mr. Hillman was assigned as the lead agent of the Northwest Georgia Internet Crime and Child Exploitation Task Force (Task Force). This Task Force included other officers assigned from local law enforcement agencies.
The Task Force was authorized to investigate and solicit, via the internet, persons seeking to have sexual relations with children. This Task Force used an undercover facility along with undercover computers, government cell phones and specialized internet chat language designed by and known only to the Task Force members to solicit and lure these individuals to the area where they were arrested.
During this period, neither E. R. nor A. R. were law enforcement officers or members of the Task Force. Mr. Hillman disclosed sensitive, but unclassified, information as to the operation of this Task Force to E. R. and A. R. This disclosure included allowing E. R., on one occasion, and A. R. to view agents involved in the internet chatting with some individuals and allowing them to accompany agents during the arrests of some of these individuals.
Mr. Hillman also allowed A. R. access to a sensitive, but unclassified, undercover FBI computer and the specialized internet chat language used by the Task Force. Mr. Hillman allowed A. R., using the FBI’s undercover computer and the specialized language, to conduct several chats with persons on behalf of the Task Force. A. R. recruited several individuals who were looking to engage sexually with minor children to the area. These persons were arrested.
Mr. Hillman was not authorized by law to divulge, disclose or make known in any manner the Task Force operation to E. R. and/or A. R., or to allow A. R. to participate in the undercover operation of the Task Force, to possess and operate FBI equipment, to conduct chats, arrests, or otherwise be involved in the operation of the Task Force.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for this offense is imprisonment for 1 year and/or a fine of $100,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon and James H. May of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
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Former Lancaster Pharmacist Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina------United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Gregory S. Boone, age 47, of Lancaster, South Carolina, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for willful failure to pay over taxes, in violation of Title 26, United States Code Section 7202.
According to information presented during his guilty plea, Boone owned both the Lancaster Pharmacy and the Medicine Shoppe pharmacy in Rock Hill. While the owner, Boone withheld federal income taxes from his employees’ wages and kept the money for himself. In addition, facts presented during the hearing showed that Boone had failed to pay his income taxes since the year 2000. Based on IRS calculations, Boone failed to pay over $350,000 in federal income taxes.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Charlotte Field Office Criminal Division working cooperatively with the IRS Civil Enforcement Division and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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Leader of Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Eric Scott, age 40, was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in federal court in Greenville today. The Court also imposed a money judgment against Scott in the amount of approximately $ 1,300,000.
The evidence at trial showed that Scott participated in a drug conspiracy that spanned 13 years, beginning in 2003. Members of the conspiracy operated in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana. Testimony from numerous witnesses established that during the course of the conspiracy, members of the conspiracy distributed in excess of 100 kilograms of cocaine, over 1,000 pounds of marijuana, and in excess of 5 kilograms of crack cocaine.
Scott operated primarily in Anderson, South Carolina, as local distributors. The evidence showed that Scott entered the conspiracy in 2003 and continued participating in the conspiracy even while imprisoned on federal drug charges from 2007-2011 and after his release until his arrest in this case in 2015.
Law enforcement officers utilized remote surveillance, wiretaps, confidential sources and other investigative techniques to ultimately charge in excess of 20 defendants in the case. Scott and co-defendant Antonio Crawley were the only defendants who went to trial.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized in excess of $1.5 million in U.S. Currency, over 5 kilograms of cocaine, quantities of marijuana and crack cocaine, and numerous firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Narcotics Chief for the Narcotics Unit, was the lead prosecutor.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Department of Public Safety, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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Simpsonville Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Steal Eleven Million Dollars from Internal Revenue ServiceRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake, announced that Stephanie Lake Meyer, age 46, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was sentenced today to serve 36 months in federal prison for Interference with the Administration of the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 7212. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain who also directed that Meyer be placed on supervised release for one year once released from prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $256,938.04.
Meyer entered a plea of guilty before Judge Cain on November 30, 2016. At that hearing the Judge was advised of the following facts. Meyer devised and executed a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In this scheme Meyer sent approximately 45 checks totaling approximately Eleven Million Dollars to the IRS. Each of these checks were noted by Meyer as being payment of income taxes. As the checks were received they were credited to Meyer’s IRS account. The IRS then checked and determined that Meyer had no tax liability. There being no tax liability, the IRS refunded monies to Meyer to account for the “overage” that she had sent in.
After some $256,938.04 was sent to Meyer, the IRS discovered that all of the checks that Meyer had sent in were bogus and that she was running what is commonly known as a “phantom account balance scheme”. This is a scheme normally seen with bank accounts where an account holder deposits worthless checks to build up the balance and then draws it down before the bogus nature of the checks is discovered.
U.S. Attorney Drake stated that agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division had investigated the case and that Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville Office was in charge of the prosecution.
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Chester Man and Former Outcast Biker Sentenced to 110 Months for Possession of Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Tommie Lee Causey, Jr. was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for possession of a stolen firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(j). United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, of Columbia, sentenced Causey to 110 months incarceration, followed by a term of supervised release of three (3) years.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 18, 2016, Chester City Police officers responded to a 911 call wherein the caller indicated Causey had brandished a firearm. When officers arrived, they observed Causey riding in a white car that had been described by the caller. Officers asked Causey to step out of the vehicle and then searched the vehicle after asking the driver for consent. The officers located a Springfield, .45 caliber pistol hidden underneath the seat that Causey was sitting in. The FBI and ATF determined that the firearm had been reported stolen out of Lancaster County in 2015. At his change of plea hearing, Causey admitted that he knowingly possessed the stolen .45 caliber handgun prior to being arrested on August 18, 2016.
Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing today established that Causey's prior record includes multiple convictions for distribution of cocaine, which occurred in 1995, and a conviction for voluntary manslaughter, which occurred in 1997. While sentencing the defendant, the Court noted the Defendant’s history of being involved in violence, including his membership in the Outcast Motorcycle Club.
The case was investigated by Chester Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Leader of Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization to be Sentenced on WednesdayRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Eric Scott, age 40, will be sentenced on Wednesday, July 12th, at 10:00 A.M. The sentencing hearing will take place in the Clement F. Haynsworth Federal Building, 300 East Washington Street, Greenville, South Carolina, before the Honorable Timothy M. Cain, U.S. District Judge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Narcotics Chief for the Narcotics Unit, was the lead prosecutor.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Department of Public Safety, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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Wildboys Gang Member Convicted for Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering and Related Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal jury in Charleston, South Carolina, yesterday convicted a member of the Wildboys gang of attempted murder in aid of racketeering and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced Acting Assistant Attorney Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr. of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Devin Brown, aka “Deno Badazz,” 23, of Walterboro, S.C., was convicted of violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence as a result of his involvement in the April 7, 2015, attempted murder of individuals believed to be rival gang members. Brown faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years in prison on the firearms charge.
According to evidence presented at trial, the defendant was a member of the Wildboys, a violent street gang from the Green Pond area of Walterboro, S.C. Evidence at trial showed that beginning as early as 2012, Wildboys gang members engaged in racketeering activity, to include an April 9, 2012, robbery in Walterboro, and a March 18, 2015, attempted murder in Summerville, S.C.
Evidence presented at trial also showed that Brown, along with two other members of the Wildboys, committed racketeering acts, including the April 7, 2015 shooting at the home of a rival gang member in the Dooley Hill area of Walterboro. According to the trial evidence, on that date, Brown and two other members of the Wildboys drove past the home of the rival gang members and used assault-type firearms to shoot into the home. An innocent bystander inside the home was shot and injured, the evidence showed.
Four individuals previously pleaded guilty to violent crime in aid of racketeering related to their involvement in the Wildboys gang. On June 2, 2017, U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel of the District of South Carolina sentenced Wildboys members and associates Kelvin Mitchell, Damien Robinson, and Brian Manigo for their roles in gang-related racketeering activities. Sentencing is pending for Wildboys member Joshua Manigault.
The case was investigated by the ATF, Charleston, South Carolina, in partnership with the Walterboro Police Department; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Summerville Police Department; Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; First Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Tameaka A. Legette, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Bluffton, South Carolina.
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Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Howard Dillon, age 55, of Myrtle Beach was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Manufacture and Pass Counterfeit Securities, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Dillon to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. Dillon was also ordered to pay over $31,000 in restitution to victims of the fraud.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that during the period from August 2015 through January of 2016, Dillon and others were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit securities (checks) of organizations.
The defendants would make counterfeit checks using genuine bank account and routing numbers they obtained from checks stolen out of mailboxes in Horry and Georgetown Counties.
The defendants would then use fraudulent driver's licenses bearing their photographs, but in other persons' names which matched the names on the counterfeit checks, to pass these counterfeit checks at various businesses.
The defendants would purchase merchandise at one store using the counterfeit checks, then they would go to another store in the same chain and exchange the merchandise for cash.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and officers of the Horry County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Moncks Corner Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics, Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Joshua Frederick Davis, age 31, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston, to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on December 28, 2015, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Davis. During the stop, officers conducted a probable cause search of the defendant and located 96 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 19 grams of crack cocaine and 12 grams of cocaine in Davis’ pants. Officers then executed a search warrant at Davis’ residence, where they found over 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine and two firearms in Davis’ bedroom.
On February 8, 2016, the Goose Creek Police Department conducted a lawful traffic stop on Davis. After placing Davis under arrest for a small amount of crystal methamphetamine found in his vehicle, officers recovered 25 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 10 grams of crack cocaine and 2 grams of cocaine from Davis’ pants.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and/or a fine of $4,000,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Moncks Corner Police Department and Goose Creek Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
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Man Admits to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ryan Smith, age 23, formerly of Charleston, South Carolina, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to possessing child pornography containing images of children under the age of 12 that had traveled in interstate/foreign commerce by computer, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Smith used a University of South Carolina computer, in Columbia, to access a pay to view child pornography hidden service on the internet in March 2016. Law enforcement agencies in the United States and in other countries began monitoring the site and determined that Smith was one of many people accessing the web site. Further investigation revealed that Smith also possessed images of child pornography involving prepubescent children on his personal lap top computer.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for possessing child pornography containing images of children younger than 12 years old is imprisonment for up to 20 years plus supervised release from 5 years to life and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ICE-Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney William E Day, II of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Local Restaurant Owner Sentenced on Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Nigel Michael Sandiford, a/k/a “Marvin H. Rogers,” a/k/a “Cecil Price,” age 43, of Columbia, was sentenced today in federal court after earlier pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, of Columbia, sentenced Sandiford to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment along with a $5,500.00 fine and $100 special assessment. Sandiford, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, waived deportation proceedings and agreed to be deported immediately following his service of the imposed term of imprisonment.
Evidence presented in court during the March 2017 guilty plea hearing established that after receiving information from New Jersey law enforcement, federal agents obtained and executed a federal search warrant at Sandiford’s Montego Bay restaurant on Parklane Road in Columbia on July 18, 2016. Inside the restaurant, agents located a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, a Glock .45 caliber handgun, along with rounds of 12 gauge shotgun shells, .40 caliber ammunition, .45 caliber ammunition, and a 30-round high capacity magazine containing 9mm ammunition. Sandiford admitted to possessing the firearms and ammunition and to having a prior Richland County drug conviction under the alias “Marvin H. Rogers,” as well as prior New York convictions under the alias “Cecil Price.”
Sandiford is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions, which includes a South Carolina conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and New York convictions for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell 3rd degree, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree – defaced for concealment, and menacing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 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.
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Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Panda ExpressRead the Press Release
NOTE: The Settlement Agreement is attached as a PDF.
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it reached a settlement agreement with Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (Panda Express), a restaurant chain with over 1,800 locations in the United States. The agreement resolves the department’s investigation into whether Panda Express discriminated against non-U.S. citizens in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when reverifying their permission to work.
The department’s investigation concluded that Panda Express unnecessarily required lawful permanent resident workers to re-establish their work authorization when their Permanent Resident Cards expired, while not making similar requests to U.S. citizen workers when their documents expired. The investigation also revealed that Panda Express routinely required other non-U.S. citizen workers to produce immigration documents to reverify their ongoing work authorization despite evidence they had already provided sufficient documentation. The antidiscrimination provision of the INA prohibits such requests for documents when based on an employee’s citizenship status or national origin.
Under the settlement, Panda Express will pay a civil penalty of $400,000 to the United States, establish a $200,000 back pay fund to compensate workers who lost wages due to the company’s practices, train its human resources personnel on the requirements of the INA’s anti-discrimination provision, and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements.
“Employers should ensure that their reverification practices comply with laws that protect workers against discrimination,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department applauds Panda Express for its cooperation during this investigation and its commitment to compensating workers who may have lost wages due to its documentary practices.”
Work-authorized, non-U.S. citizens who lost work at Panda Express between May 31, 2014, and June 28, 2017, due to Panda Express’ documentary practices may be eligible for back pay for the wages they would have earned. For more information, email [email protected].
The division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER), formerly known as the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits, among other things, citizenship, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation and intimidation.
For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected] (link sends e-mail); or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.
Applicants or workers who believe they were subjected to different documentary requirements based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin; or discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
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Rock Hill Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm and Ammunition ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Travis Daniel Smith, age 29, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was sentenced after earlier pleading guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(D). Senior United States District Judge Cameron Currie sentenced Smith to 72 months imprisonment with 5 years of federal supervised release to follow.
Evidence presented at the earlier change of plea hearing established that on April 7, 2016, Smith attempted to allude officers of the Rock Hill Police Department during a routine traffic stop. Evidence showed that Smith first led officers on a short car-chase and later left his vehicle to flee on foot. During the foot-chase, officers observed Smith abandoning a Diamondback .380 caliber pistol. Once officers were able to detain Smith, they discovered a bag of marijuana and a digital scale on his person. Smith is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior state convictions and adjudications for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and unlawful carrying of a pistol.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) 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. Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa L. Richardson of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced on Federal Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that David George Darrigo, Jr., age 42, from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. On April 18, 2017, Darrigo pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution a quantity of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Darrigo to 100 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised released.
Evidence presented at the change of plea on April 18, 2017, and sentencing hearing established that in early 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) were investigating a methamphetamine distribution organization in the Horry County, South Carolina area. On December 18, 2015, agents made a controlled buy of a quantity of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) from Darrigo. After further investigation, agents obtained a search warrant for Darrigo’s home. On September 14, 2016, agents searched Darrigo’s home pursuant to the warrant and found 227 grams of methamphetamine in the home. Agents also seized over three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) from the home. Darrigo was arrested shortly thereafter.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced on Federal Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Asuncion Sarminento Arguello a/k/a Asuncion Arguello Sarminento, age 34, of Veracruz, Mexico, was sentenced in federal court today to 108 months imprisonment followed by a term of three years’ supervised release. On February 27, 2017, Arguello entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, imposed the sentence.
This case was part of an extensive investigation conducted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) into the sale of heroin and other illegal drugs in the Horry County, South Carolina area. Arguello was identified as a possible heroin distributor. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing and sentencing hearing established that agents made a controlled purchase of a quantity of heroin from Arguello in January 2016. Several months later, based on additional information learned during the investigation, agents stopped a vehicle occupied by Arguello. Agents searched the vehicle and located a loaded firearm, over 1 kilogram of heroin and nearly 500 grams of cocaine.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO). Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jose Hernandez Guerrero, age 39, from Pamplico, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Illegal Re-entry into the United States after deportation, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a)(2). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Guerrero to 15 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised released.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing on February 27, 2017, established that on October 19, 2016, ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations Officers from Charleston discovered Guerrero while he was in custody at the Florence County Detention Center on state charges. Records checks revealed that Guerrero was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States. Guerrero has never received permission to enter or remain in the United States.
The case was investigated by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Efran Bautista-Ayala, age 45, from Myrtle Beach was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Illegal Re-entry into the United States after deportation, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a)(2). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Bautista-Ayala to 18 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised released.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing on February 27, 2017, established that on November 9, 2016, ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations Officers from Charleston discovered Bautista-Ayala while he was in custody at the Horry County Detention Center on state charges. Records checks revealed that Bautista-Ayala was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States. Bautista-Ayala has never received permission to enter or remain in the United States.
The case was investigated by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Loris Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Norod Arcane McCullough, age 24, of Loris, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced McCullough to a total of 72 months imprisonment and five years’ supervised release.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on October 21, 2016, Norod Arcane McCullough was arrested in Conway, South Carolina, for possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. The arrest and convictions resulted from the seizure of a backpack containing the firearm and the heroin found in a repossessed vehicle by a local car dealer who called the police. While the police were on the scene McCullough called the car dealer and said that his backpack had been left in the repossessed car and that he wanted it back. When McCullough arrived to retrieve the backpack, he was arrested by the police.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and local Horry County Police departments. Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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