District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Simpsonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Passing Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jessica A. Dishinger, age 22, of Simposonville, pled guilty today in federal court in Anderson, to passing counterfeit currency, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in 2016 and 2017, Dishinger passed counterfeit money at various businesses in the upstate. She targeted grocery stores and department stores. She used the counterfeit money to purchase gift cards and other items.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Dishinger can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Secret Service, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville City Police Department, the Greer Police Department, the Simpsonville Police Department, and the Easley Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Easley Woman Receives 51 Months in Mail Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Retta Helms Sundblad, age 60, of Easley, was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville for mail fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 2. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, imposed sentence of 51 months’ imprisonment and ordered Retta Sundblad to pay $280,000 in restitution.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearing established that Retta Sundblad worked as the purchasing manager for Griffin Thermal Products (“GTP”), a Greenville County business that manufactures high-end, custom-made radiators. During an internal audit in December 2014, GTP determined that beginning in or about 2012 a large number of invoices had been submitted to GTP by a business named Upstate Industrial Services, LLC (“Upstate Industrial”). GTP discovered that Upstate Industrial had never provided any products or services and that the Upstate Industrial invoices were fictitious. A template for Upstate Industrial invoices was found on the work computer of Retta Sundblad. Upstate Industrial was formed by Richard Sundblad, Retta’s husband who has already been sentenced to 41 months in the Bureau of Prisons, and he deposited numerous GTP checks into a bank account that he and his wife controlled. The stolen money enabled the Sundblads to purchase cars, a motor coach, and to generally live a lavish lifestyle.
The case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Conspirators Sentenced for Defrauding Columbia Health Care ProvidersRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Gary Lee Joiner, age 56, and Timothy Weldon Arthur, age 39, both of Columbia, were sentenced in federal court in Columbia for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. Joiner was sentenced to two years’ incarceration and ordered to pay over $2.8 million in restitution. Arthur was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $685,000 in restitution. United States District Judge Mary J. Lewis, of Columbia, determined the sentences. Co-conspirator Danielle Nicole Burroughs, age 35, of Duncan, will be sentenced on May 30th.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Joiner was the Director of Orthopedic Services for Moore Orthopedic Clinic between 2006 and 2015. In 2010, when Moore Orthopedic merged with Providence Hospital, Joiner established a fake durable medical equipment (DME) company, Creative Casting Concepts (CCC). He then proceeded to submit false invoices to Moore and Providence, representing that CCC was providing orthopedic boots, when they were not.
Burroughs was recruited by Joiner to put her name on CCC in order to keep Moore Orthopedic from learning of Joiner’s connection. She helped manage a bank account and post office box and received approximately $191,000 in compensation over five years. Arthur took Joiner’s position at Moore Orthopedic in January 2015, when Joiner retired. Arthur agreed to continue to submit fake invoices. He received approximately $24,000 in compensation before the scheme was discovered in June 2015. Overall, Joiner submitted $2.8 million in bogus invoices between 2011 and 2015.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Fort Sumter Visitor Indicted on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Noah Sigalas, age 21, of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of damaging and defacing an archaeological resource (Fort Sumter) in violation of the Archeological Resources Protection Act, a violation of Title 16, United States Code, Section 470ee(a) and committing a depredation against property of the United States by forcibly pulling on a support pole or support bar which was stabilizing part of a casemate wall along the north flank of Ft. Sumter, causing damage in excess of $1,000, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1361.
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that protecting the archeological resources of our district is important. “One of the main purposes of the Archeological Resources Protection Act was to provide for the enforcement of penalties against those who loot or vandalize valuable archeological resources. Prosecuting cases under this Act helps to send a message to those who visit our national parks that these historical locations should be preserved rather than vandalized.”
Ben Byrnes, Chief Ranger of Visitor and Resource Protection for Fort Sumter National Monument, said that law enforcement for the Parks Service vigorously investigates potential violations of law and takes acts of vandalism very seriously. He noted that the Fort system is a valuable resource for history and culture, and for learning for students. “The personal significance of Fort Sumter may be different for many people – but it is one of this country’s most recognized National Monuments. Fort Sumter’s construction began in 1829, and the brick Fort was unfinished when it was fired upon April 12, 1861 – starting the American Civil War. The Fort, reduced in size after years of war, retains many of its original bricks, made in the Low Country by enslaved African Americans. In fact, 90% of the bricks visitors see at the Fort today are original bricks. Seeing those unique and original bricks when you visit Fort Sumter is a powerful and humbling experience. These are not cast concrete blocks that are easily replaced. There is no machine to make ‘new’ handmade bricks from prior to 1860. Destroying any part of Fort Sumter brick is like literally erasing a page from the history of the United States.”
Acting Park Superintendent Laura Segars praised the work of the National Park Service investigators in investigating the case. She said that the Park Service was increasing its law enforcement presence in the local parks to prevent pilfering, theft, and vandalism. She noted that sometimes people steal bricks from the Fort, which is a federal crime.
Regarding potential penalties Sigalas faces, for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1361 (depredation of property of the United States), the potential penalty is a term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of 3 years and a special assessment of $100.00. For a violation of 16 U.S.C. § 37022(a) (the Archeological Resources Protection Act), the potential penalty is a term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $20,000.00, a term of supervised release of 3 years and a special assessment of $100.
Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the case and Special Agent Chris Schrader, from the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service, is the lead investigator.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Denmark Man Sentenced for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Sidney Davis, age 46, of Denmark, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and possession of a stolen firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j). United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Davis to 45 months incarceration followed by 2 years of supervised release and a special assessment of $200.00.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 13, 2014, a 2-year old child died as a result of a single gunshot wound to his chest. The child was shot at Davis’ home. According to Davis, several children had entered his home through the unlocked back door. Davis stated he often provided food for the children that live nearby so they were frequently in and out of his home. The victim turned on the water faucet where the washing machine would have been. The other children left the home but the victim stayed behind. Davis was cleaning up the water on the floor when he heard a shot. He ran to the back bedroom and found the victim lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest. Davis had left a stolen .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol on his bed. Davis picked up the child and ran next door where the child lived. Davis believed the pistol was stolen and kept it for protection. Davis had prior convictions for burglary and arson, which prevented him from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Bamberg County Sheriff's Department and Denmark Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.
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Florence Man Sentenced for Defrauding Farm Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Tyrone Goodrum, age 45, of Florence, has been sentenced to 46 months imprisonment for Conspiracy, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. He also was ordered to pay over $146,000 in restitution to the federal government. Goodrum was convicted by a jury on November 8, 2016. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence presided over the case. Goodrum’s wife Roselyn was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment in February 2017.
Evidence presented at the trial established that Roselyn Goodrum was in charge of the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Florence office from 2006 through 2014. In February 2014, Winter Storm Pax caused extensive damage to farms in the Pee Dee. As a result, farmers could make claims to the FSA for financial assistance to clean up their land. Tyrone Goodrum conspired with his wife to file an application for payment, fraudulently representing that he was entitled to disaster benefits for a farm to which he had no connection. As a result, $18,500 in federal money was diverted to satisfy Tyrone Goodrum’s outstanding child support debt. Overall, Roselyn Goodrum filed multiple false applications and illegally obtained just over $146,000, an amount for which Tyrone Goodrum, as a co-conspirator, is also responsible.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston Holliday, of the Columbia Office, prosecuted the case.
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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that, a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Greenville County Resident Indicted on Federal Gun Charges. Zee Zee Zelazurro, age 35, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and (g)(9). The maximum penalty Zelazurro could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Greenville Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen of the Greenville office.
Pickens County Woman Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Jennifer Lynne Jackson, age 25, of Liberty, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Jackson could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Anderson City Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen of the Greenville office.
Boiling Springs Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Bryan Devonar Tate, age 30, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Tate could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Spartanburg Police Department and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Simpsonville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Herbert Daniel Fitch, age 48, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person previously charged with a criminal domestic violence conviction, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9). The maximum penalty Fitch could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Greenville Man and Woman Indicted on Federal Drug Charges. Theodore Vitaliy Khleborod, age 28, and Ana Milena Barrero, age 24, were charged in a three-count indictment. Count One charged the defendants with participating in a drug conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute U-47700, a schedule I substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and Barrero has been charged in Counts Two and Three with using the U.S. Mail on April 24 and 25, 2017, to facilitate a drug felony in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b). The maximum penalty Khleborod and Barrero could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years. This case is being investigated by Special Agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andy Moorman of the Greenville office is prosecuting the case.
Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Courtney Eugene Harris, age 38, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Harris could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Probation Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office.
Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Dustin Gregory Martin, age 46, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Martin could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office.
Walhalla Man Indicted on Illegal Re-Entry into the United States. Jose Rolando Vasquez-Serrano, age 40, is charged in a one count indictment with illegal re-entry to the United States, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326. The maximum penalty he could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 2 years. The case was investigated by agents with ICE- Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville Office.
Gaffney Man Indicted on Illegal Re-Entry into the United States. Homero Guerra-Jiminez, age 33, is charged in a one count indictment with illegal re-entry to the United States, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326. The maximum penalty he could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 2 years. The case was investigated by agents with ICE- Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville Office.
Greenville Man Indicted on Illegal Re-Entry into the United States. Roberto Arreola-Villa, age 49, is charged in a one count indictment with illegal re-entry to the United States by a convicted felon, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326. The maximum penalty he could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. The case was investigated by agents with ICE- Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville Office.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Armed Bank Robbery Charge. John Paul Snelgrove, age 47, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with armed bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and 2113(d). The maximum penalty Snelgrove could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 25 years. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Greenville Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Simpsonville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Paul Glen Helsel, age 50, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Helsel could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Simpsonville Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Anderson Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Andre Chanquil Mayfield, age 26, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Mayfield could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Greenwood Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Colby Teon Brown, age 29, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Brown could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Greenwood Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Greenwood Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Marcus Fitzgerald Woods, JR., age 22, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Woods could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Greenwood Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Greenwood Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Zykius Maurice Frazier, age 29, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The maximum penalty Frazier could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Greenwood Drug Enforcement Unit and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Notice of Court ProceedingsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
David Jerome Butler to make initial appearance tomorrow morning in federal court pursuant to a federal arrest warrant obtained by ATF on Friday, May 5, 2017COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – United States Attorney Beth Drake announced this afternoon that an initial appearance has been scheduled for David Jerome Butler tomorrow morning at 10am at the Federal Courthouse in Greenville, South Carolina.
WHEN:Wednesday, May 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:Clement F. Haynsworth Federal Building
Courtroom #4
300 East Washington Street
Greenville, SC 29601#####
Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following, and the defendants have since been arrested:
Hartsville Men Arrested Following a Federal Indictment for Possessing a Gun after being Convicted of a Felony, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Eddie Terrell McCoy, age 28, and Antonio Darnell Rivers, age 41, both of Hartsville, were charged in an eleven-count indictment. McCoy was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), the maximum penalty of which is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years; Rivers was charged with possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), the maximum possible penalty of which is, a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 15 years to Life; possession with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(A)(1), the maximum penalty of which is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 40 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), the maximum penalty of which is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 5 years consecutive to any other sentence received and twenty-five years to life for any second or subsequent 924(c)(1)(A) conviction.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Hartsville Police Department and Darlington Police Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
Darlington Men Arrested Following a Federal Indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Trevor Jarad Davis, age 27, and Daniel Jamal Gavins, age 25, both of Darlington, were charged in an eight-count indictment. Davis was charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), the maximum penalty of which is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years; Gavins was charged with possession with intent to distribute and distributing crack cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(A)(1), the maximum penalty of which is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 40 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), the maximum penalty of which is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 5 years consecutive to any other sentence.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Hartsville Police Department and Darlington Police Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
Hartsville Man Arrested Following a Federal Indictment for Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine. Quinten Lonnel Richardson, age 28, of Hartsville, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The maximum possible penalty Richardson could receive is a maximum fine of $5,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 40 years to Life. Richardson was arrested on April 3, 2017.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Hartsville Police Department and Darlington Police Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
Two Darlington County Men Arrested following a Federal Indictment for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Kenneth Eric Coe, Jr., age 23, of Timmonsville, and Jaquan Latrel Samuel, age 30, of Hartsville, were charged in a five-count indictment. Both Coe and Samuel were charged with possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), the maximum penalty of which is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or 7 years to life consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Samuel, was additionally charged with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), the maximum penalty of which is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or 10 years to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Hartsville Police Department and Darlington Police Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Hummel, of the Florence office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these Indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
#####42-Count Federal Indictment UnsealedRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a 42-count federal indictment was unsealed against nine defendants, all from the Columbia area. The nine individuals indicted include: Christopher Donnell Brown, age 38 , Delvaron Mufeed Jonel Thomas, age 34, Brian Lamark Gunter, age 26, Frederick Raheem Gunter, age 24, Meldrick Leon Owens, age 27, Ernest Gerod Sims, age 43, Reginald Yvon Jones, age 52, Stacey Andre George, age 32, and Warren Spruill, Jr., age 32. All the defendants are in custody except Brian Gunter and Frederick Raheem Gunter, who are fugitives and are being sought by law enforcement.
The indictment charged all the defendants with being in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. The maximum penalty for this charge is life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $20,000,000.00. All the defendants are also charged with multiple counts of use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b). The maximum penalty for this offense is 8 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.
Brown is also charged with eleven counts of distribution of crack cocaine on different days, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The maximum penalty for these charges is life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $20,000,000.00.
Sims is also charged in additional counts for distribution of crack cocaine, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1); and, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The maximum penalty for these charges is life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00.
The United States Attorney stated all charges in the Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Richland County Sheriff's Office and City of Columbia Police Department and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office for prosecution.
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UPDATED - Former North Charleston, South Carolina, Police Officer Michael Slager Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007
WASHINGTON – Former North Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department (NCPD) Officer Michael Slager, 35, pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense for his fatal shooting of Walter Scott, Jr. on April 4, 2015.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Beth Drake of the District of South Carolina, Special Agent in Charge Alphonse “Jody” Norris of the FBI’s Columbia Division, Solicitor Scarlett A. Wilson of the Ninth Judicial Circuit and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced today’s guilty plea, which took place in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The plea will resolve both the federal and the state cases pending against Michael Slager. Prior to entry of the guilty plea, jury selection in the federal trial had been scheduled to begin on May 9, and a state trial had been set for August.
According to documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, Michael Slager, while acting as an NCPD Officer, willfully used deadly force on Walter Scott even though it was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances. Slager had stopped Scott’s vehicle after observing that a brake light was not working. During the stop, Scott fled on foot and Slager pursued him. During the foot chase, Slager deployed his Taser and Scott fell to the ground. Scott managed to get off of the ground and again run away. Scott was unarmed and running away when Scott fired eight shots at him from his department-issued firearm. Five shots hit Scott, with all of the bullets entering from behind. Scott died as a result of the injuries from Slager’s gunshots.
“The Department of Justice will hold accountable any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of our citizens by using excessive force,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Such failures of duty not only harm the individual victims of these crimes; they harm our country, by eroding trust in law enforcement and undermining the good work of the vast majority of honorable and honest police officers. As our Department works to support the courageous and professional law enforcement personnel who risk their lives every day to protect us, we will also ensure that police officers who abuse their sacred trust are made to answer for their misconduct.”
“Our hearts are with the Scott family today. They have persevered in their quest for justice for their loved one, and I hope that today brings them a measure of closure,” said U.S. Attorney Drake. “I also want to thank both Solicitor Wilson of the Ninth Judicial Circuit and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel for their efforts to secure justice in this matter.”
“The resolution of this investigation protects the integrity of law enforcement, maintains the confidence of the community, and ensures justice is served in a fair and impartial manner,” said Special Agent in Charge Norris. “The cooperation between the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Charleston County Solicitor's Office, the Civil Rights Division, and the FBI Columbia Division was paramount in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
“This conviction is prime example of the strong results we can get when federal and state authorities work together,” said Solicitor Wilson. “We are grateful for the Department of Justice for their role in obtaining justice for the Scotts with this conviction and in moving our community forward through their hard work.”
“SLED’s role in any criminal investigation is to discover the facts of the case and report them,” said Chief Keel. “For the men and women of SLED, working closely with our partners in the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, today’s plea is the culmination of our collaboration.”
“This disposition is the product of the excellent work of state and local law enforcement. I am proud of the leadership of U.S. Attorney Beth Drake and the critical work of the FBI. The teamwork in this case represents the best in law enforcement,” added Attorney General Sessions.
Slager faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the federal civil rights violation, as well as a potential $250,000 fine. Both federal prosecutors and Solicitor Wilson will have the opportunity to address the Court at sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia Division and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Klumb and Alyssa Richardson of the District of South Carolina and Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman and Trial Attorney Rose Gibson of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. The state case is being prosecuted by Scarlett A. Wilson and the Office of the Solicitor of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
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Former North Charleston, South Carolina, Police Officer Michael Slager Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
Former North Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department (NCPD) Officer Michael Slager, 35, pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense for his fatal shooting of Walter Scott, Jr. on April 4, 2015.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Beth Drake of the District of South Carolina, Special Agent in Charge Alphonse “Jody” Norris of the FBI’s Columbia Division, Solicitor Scarlett A. Wilson of the Ninth Judicial Circuit and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced today’s guilty plea, which took place in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The plea will resolve both the federal and the state cases pending against Michael Slager. Prior to entry of the guilty plea, jury selection in the federal trial had been scheduled to begin on May 9, and a state trial had been set for August.
According to documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, Michael Slager, while acting as an NCPD Officer, willfully used deadly force on Walter Scott even though it was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances. Slager had stopped Scott’s vehicle after observing that a brake light was not working. During the stop, Scott fled on foot and Slager pursued him. During the foot chase, Slager deployed his Taser and Scott fell to the ground. Scott managed to get off of the ground and again run away. Scott was unarmed and running away when Scott fired eight shots at him from his department-issued firearm. Five shots hit Scott, with all of the bullets entering from behind. Scott died as a result of the injuries from Slager’s gunshots.
“The Department of Justice will hold accountable any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of our citizens by using excessive force,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Such failures of duty not only harm the individual victims of these crimes; they harm our country, by eroding trust in law enforcement and undermining the good work of the vast majority of honorable and honest police officers. As our Department works to support the courageous and professional law enforcement personnel who risk their lives every day to protect us, we will also ensure that police officers who abuse their sacred trust are made to answer for their misconduct.”
“Our hearts are with the Scott family today. They have persevered in their quest for justice for their loved one, and I hope that today brings them a measure of closure,” said U.S. Attorney Drake. “I also want to thank both Solicitor Wilson of the Ninth Judicial Circuit and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel for their efforts to secure justice in this matter.”
“The resolution of this investigation protects the integrity of law enforcement, maintains the confidence of the community, and ensures justice is served in a fair and impartial manner,” said Special Agent in Charge Norris. “The cooperation between the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Charleston County Solicitor's Office, the Civil Rights Division, and the FBI Columbia Division was paramount in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
“This conviction is prime example of the strong results we can get when federal and state authorities work together,” said Solicitor Wilson. “We are grateful for the Department of Justice for their role in obtaining justice for the Scotts with this conviction and in moving our community forward through their hard work.”
“SLED’s role in any criminal investigation is to discover the facts of the case and report them,” said Chief Keel. “For the men and women of SLED, working closely with our partners in the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, today’s plea is the culmination of our collaboration.”
“This disposition is the product of the excellent work of state and local law enforcement. I am proud of the leadership of U.S. Attorney Beth Drake and the critical work of the FBI. The teamwork in this case represents the best in law enforcement,” added Attorney General Sessions.
Slager faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the federal civil rights violation, as well as a potential $250,000 fine. Both federal prosecutors and Solicitor Wilson will have the opportunity to address the Court at sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia Division and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Klumb and Alyssa Richardson of the District of South Carolina and Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman and Trial Attorney Rose Gibson of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. The state case is being prosecuted by Scarlett A. Wilson and the Office of the Solicitor of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Dr. Jian Dong Sentenced to Seventy Months for Grant FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Eric Klumb (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dr. Jian Yun Dong, aka John Dong, was sentenced to seventy months imprisonment for multiple fraud-based convictions and ordered to pay over three million dollars in restitution. GenPhar Inc. and Vaxima Inc, corporations Dong founded, were fined a total of $12,846,399.32. Dr. Dong, GenPhar Inc., and Vaxima Inc. went to trial in federal court in June of 2015. All three were convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit grant fraud, wire fraud, theft of government property and providing false statements, theft of government funds, as well as twenty-two counts of wire fraud.
Testimony at trial established that federal grant money was obtained by GenPhar and Vaxima for purposes of biodefense research and vaccine development, but was used for other purposes, specifically to construct a commercial office building and pay lobbyists and others who were seeking to secure federal funding for the defendants. Testimony further established that a total of approximately $6 million dollars was spent on the construction, which included approximately at least $3 million dollars of improperly diverted grant money.
"Justice is finally served against Dr. John Dong and his companies with these sentences," stated Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. "Throughout this lengthy and extensive joint investigation with our law enforcement partners, DCIS steadfastly pursued recoupment of millions of dollars in stolen and diverted funds that were critically needed for research and development of vaccines against the world's most deadly diseases."
“Diverting funds meant for critical vaccine research is reprehensible and illegal,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) in Atlanta. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out all forms of waste, fraud, and abuse in federal grant programs."
Ms. Drake stated, “The real tragedy in this case is that millions of dollars intended for desperately needed vaccine research was diverted into a commercial real estate project. Most of the dedicated and accomplished scientists receiving these grants can be trusted to spend the funds on research, but those that seek to divert the funds to their own benefit need to know that we will pursue charges against them like any other fraudster.”
The conviction and sentence are the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Klumb and Nathan Williams of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Blood Testing Laboratory to Pay $6 Million to Settle Allegations of Kickbacks and Unnecessary TestingRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007
WASHINGTON – Quest Diagnostics Inc. has agreed to pay $6 million to resolve a lawsuit by the United States alleging that Berkeley HeartLab Inc., of Alameda, California, violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to physicians and patients to induce the use of Berkeley for blood testing services and by charging for medically unnecessary tests. Quest, which is headquartered in Madison, New Jersey, acquired Berkeley in 2011, and ended the conduct that gave rise to the settlement.
“We rely on doctors to provide honest, independent recommendations regarding clinical testing,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Companies that pay kickbacks to referring doctors corrupt those doctors’ independence, leaving patients vulnerable to expensive and unnecessary testing.”
Physicians refer their patients to independent laboratories like Berkeley to conduct tests on blood samples. According to the government’s complaint, Berkeley paid kickbacks to referring physicians disguised as “process and handling” fees. The complaint also alleged that Berkeley paid kickbacks to patients by routinely waiving copayments owed by certain patients who were legally required to pay for part of their tests. Allegedly, Berkeley paid the kickbacks to induce both the physicians and patients who received them to choose Berkeley over other laboratories. The government’s complaint further alleged that these illegal practices resulted in medically unnecessary cardiovascular tests being charged to federal healthcare programs.The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by federally funded programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that a physician’s medical judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient. The Anti-Kickback Statute also prohibits routinely waiving patient copayments to ensure that patients are appropriately incentivized to refuse unnecessary tests.
“The South Carolina U.S. Attorney’s Office has dedicated considerable resources to pursuing fraud cases that divert federal tax payer dollars from important programs, like health care and defense contracting,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake of the District of South Carolina. “The goal for our qui tam unit is to protect taxpayers, patients, and soldiers by ensuring that important decisions are made according to medical science and engineering, and not based on dollar signs.”
“This settlement is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address conduct that allows medical decisions to be influenced by money rather than the best interests of patients,” said U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia. “Our office is pleased to defend the integrity of our healthcare system and to demand the return of ill-gotten gains.”
“We will not allow laboratories to provide financial incentives to induce physicians to steer patients their way,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) in Atlanta. “The Office of Inspector General will continue to work aggressively to eliminate this type of behavior which ultimately drives up healthcare costs and eliminates fair competition.”
The lawsuit was initially filed by Dr. Michael Mayes under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. The act permits the United States to intervene in and take over a whistleblower suit. The United States partially intervened in this and two related actions on March 31, 2015, and is continuing to pursue claims against the remaining defendants: Latonya Mallory, the former CEO of Health Diagnostics Laboratory Inc., and marketing company BlueWave Healthcare Consultants Inc. and its owners, Floyd Calhoun Dent III and Robert Bradford Johnson. Dr. Mayes’ share of the settlement with Quest has not been determined.
On April 9, 2015, the United States announced settlements with two other laboratories - Health Diagnostics Laboratory Inc. of Richmond, Virginia, and Singulex Inc., of Alameda, California - for engaging in conduct similar to that resolved in the settlement with Quest.
The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of South Carolina and the District of Columbia, FBI’s Columbia Field Office and the FBI Healthcare Fraud Unit Major Provider Response Team (MPRT), HHS-OIG, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The cases is captioned United States ex rel. Mayes v. Berkeley HeartLab Inc., et al., Case No. 9:11-CV-01593-RMG (D.S.C.). The claims settled by these agreements and asserted against these companies and individuals are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Atlanta Man Convicted in Federal Court Jury Trial in Charleston for Jewelry Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Aquabeus Demond Moore, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted following a four-day jury trial in United States District Court in Charleston. The Honorable Richard M. Gergel presided over the case.
Witness testimony and the evidence presented by the government during the trial established that Moore and others travelled from Atlanta to rob Sylvan Jewelers in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 19, 2015, and MP Demetre Jewelers in Charleston, South Carolina, on March 4, 2015. The jury convicted Moore of five separate counts, one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce, two counts of Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce, and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Violent Crime.
The conspiracy and robbery counts each carry up to twenty years imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a) and the gun charges carry a mandatory consecutive seven years plus twenty-five years imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
A federal jury previously convicted Charles Johnson, one of Moore’s co-conspirators, of the same charges. The Honorable Richard M. Gergel sentenced Johnson to thirty-two years and one day on April 10 of this year.
The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, City of Charleston Police Department and Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Emily Limehouse of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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United States Attorney’s Office Supports Advocacy Day for Access and IndependenceRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Rob Sneed (843) 266-1600
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that in its continued efforts to support the commitments in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Attorney’s Office participated in Advocacy Day for Access and Independence this week.
This annual event was led by Able SC, which is a Center for Independent Living organization whose mission includes empowering people with disabilities to live active and self-determined lives. There were several different disability advocacy and support groups from around the state participating and hundreds of people attended the event.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster earlier issued a proclamation naming April 26, 2017 as Advocacy Day for Independence throughout the state to “encourage all South Carolinians to work together to destroy the barriers that hinder individuals with disabilities from becoming fully independent participants in our communities.”
AUSA Sneed’s remarks focused on the Department of Justice’s unwavering support of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). AUSA Sneed referenced examples where the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice are opening gateways to full participation and opportunity for people with disabilities. This includes Project Civic Access, which is the DOJ’s wide-ranging effort to ensure that counties, cities, towns, and camps comply with the ADA by eliminating physical and communication barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community life.
U.S. Attorney Drake noted that, “The ADA has been described as ‘the Emancipation Proclamation for people with disabilities.’ Others have described this landmark law as a vehicle that “secures for people with disabilities the most fundamental of rights: the right to live in the world. It ensures they can go places and do things that other Americans take for granted. If a person can work, it is critical for so many reasons that we eliminate artificial barriers that can obstruct their ability to work.” Recognizing that work remains to be done to create free access to employment and services, U.S. Attorney Drake noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice will continue enforcement efforts until reaching the point so well-made nearly twenty-seven years ago by President George H.W. Bush, when he signed the ADA into law: “When every last shameful wall of exclusion for persons with disabilities finally comes tumbling down.”
#####Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Lewis Charles Landreth, age 32, of Greenville, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Landreth faces up to ten years in federal prison.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in December 2015, the United States Marshals Service Taskforce received a request to locate and arrest Landreth on outstanding warrants from North Carolina.On December 29, 2015, the USMS task force tracked Landreth to a motel in Anderson. A search warrant was obtained for the motel room and once law enforcement gained entry into the motel room, they found Landreth and his 6-year-old son along with a loaded, Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol on the nightstand in the room. Landreth was taken into custody and the weapon secured.
The case was investigated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Georgia Gang Member Sentenced on Federal Escape ChargeRead the Press Release
Conact Person: Stacey D. Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Santonio Dwayne Ramsey, age 26, of Appling, Georgia was sentenced in federal court after earlier pleading guilty to escape, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 751(a). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, of Columbia, sentenced Ramsey to 10 months imprisonment and a $100 special assessment fee.
Evidence presented in court during the earlier guilty plea hearing established that on the evening of July 19, 2016, the Alston Wilkes Society Residential Re-Entry Center, a contracted Federal Bureau of Prisons halfway house facility in Columbia, conducted a routine head count and found Ramsey absent. Ramsey, who had been transferred to the halfway house facility from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Williamsburg, South Carolina, was serving the remainder of a federal sentence stemming from a 2010 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm in the Southern District of Georgia. After determining that Ramsey was not in a local hospital or detention center, the Federal Bureau of Prisons declared him to be in escape status, notified the United States Marshals Service, and a federal escape charge was obtained. Ramsey, an admitted gang member, was arrested on state charges stemming from a domestic issue on November 2, 2016, in Columbia County, Georgia. After initially providing deputies a fake name, deputies determined Ramsey’s true identity and the outstanding federal escape charge from South Carolina.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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First Annual Community Partners AwardsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Joe Brewer (864) 282-2121
Columbia, South Carolina------ The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of South Carolina works with numerous state, federal, not-for-profit, and private entities on crime prevention and reentry. These groups and agencies are using their expertise and energy to eradicate crime before it happens.
To coincide with National Reentry Week, the USAO announces its First Annual Community Partner Awards for excellence in crime prevention and reentry work. “Reentry” is the coordinated process by which previously incarcerated citizens return to their communities and families in a way that is healthy, sustainable, and least likely to result in further engagement with the justice system. The following individuals have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to programs designed to meet the 21st Century demands of post-incarceration law-abiding citizenship. Contribution include, but are not limited to, reentry job fairs and expos, civil rights forums, job placement, education, reentry and drug court, and personal identification:
Diana Goldwire - SC Works
Corrine Davis - SC Works
Johnny-Lynn Crosby - SC Works
Steve Hand - Greenville Tech
Caroline Caldwell-Richmond - New Mind Health and Care, Inc.
Bobby Hager - Bureau of Prisons - FCI Williamsburg
Edith Grice-Peay - Bureau of Prisons - FCI Edgefield
Richard Boone - SC Department of Motor Vehicles
Peggy Fouty - SC Department of Motor Vehicles
Jodi Gallman - SC Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon
Jim Batson - SC Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon
Ginny Barr - SC Department of Corrections
Rosie Banks - Greater Employment Advocacy Association
Greg Russ - U.S. Probation Office
Katrina Robinson Curtis - U.S. Probation Office
Amy Barch - Turning Leaf
Jerry Blassingame - Soteria
Beth Templeton - Our Eyes Were OpenedThese individuals demonstrated exceptional contributions above and beyond the call of duty and are emblematic of the many dedicated public and private servants in this state with whom this office has the honor to work towards safer communities. Crime prevention and reentry are interdisciplinary problems and can only be resolved through the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, including members of the community.
U.S. Attorney Drake noted, “Crime prevention is smart policing. When engineers and architects are designing and building auditoriums, they consider how to eliminate foreseeable problems on the front end and design structures around those challenges. 21st Century law enforcement can and is doing the same thing. Data confirms that when one of our citizens is released from a term in jail, whether that sentence derives from a DUI, drugs or a violent crime, the initial challenges of rejoining our communities pose real challenges that can undermine a law abiding life. Addressing the seemingly ordinary challenges like obtaining a license, which is a pathway to a job, can be insurmountable without support from a Probation Officer and the Department of Motor Vehicles. These awards recognize innovative, collaborative work by both government agencies and non-government agencies to address the obstacles that can impede the path to a law-abiding life. Those who received the awards have worked on issues including drivers’ licenses, jobs, drug treatment, education, medical treatment/counseling, housing and more. Many thanks to our award winners and to our partners who have joined together to forge a more perfect union.”
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Federal Agents Arrests Man and Woman on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Theodore Vitaliy Khleborod, age 28, and Ana Milena Barrero, age 24, have been arrested on federal charges of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of U47700, a Schedule I controlled substance, conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute U47700, and using the U.S. Mail to facilitate a drug trafficking crime.
Khleborod and Barrero are scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Greenville this morning at 11:30 am. A detention hearing and a preliminary hearing have been scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, May 1, 2017, at the federal courthouse in Greenville.
The case is being investigated by Special Agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.Assistant United States Attorneys Andy Moorman and Leesa Washington of the Greenville office are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Columbia Resident Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brian Zomelle Walker, a/k/a “Boss G,” age 27, of Columbia, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie of Columbia sentenced Walker to five years imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Walker was selling marijuana from his residence in Columbia, S.C.. A search warrant was executed at Walker's residence on May 2, 2016 resulting in marijuana and a loaded 9 mm handgun being seized.
The case was investigated by agents of the Midlands Gang Task Force (MGTF) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day II of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.
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Columbia Man Sentenced for Making Hoax Bomb ThreatRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Stacey D. Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Karry Max Taylor, III, age 21, of Columbia was sentenced in federal court for making a hoax bomb threat, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1038(a). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, of Columbia, sentenced Taylor to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Additionally, Taylor was ordered to make restitution to the Columbia Fire Department and the Columbia Police Department in the total amount of $1,487.77 to cover the cost of their response to the hoax bomb threat and pay a $100 special assessment fee to the court.
Evidence presented during the earlier guilty plea hearing established that on January 4, 2016, three individuals, two in South Carolina and one in New York, each received a text message from an unknown South Carolina telephone number advising them that someone had placed a bomb in the parking lot of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Garners Ferry Road. One of the texts stated, “Hey Montana, this is Sosa. Omar said he put a bomb in the parking lot or something…in the VA hospital on Garners Ferry Road. I am scared and I don’t know what to do.” The three individuals each notified law enforcement authorities, who were able to discern that the texts were referring to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Columbia. As a result, the Columbia Police Department, the Columbia Fire Department, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Police Department responded, placed the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in lock-down, and swept the parking area for explosives. Law enforcement were on the scene for three hours and ultimately determined that the texts were a hoax as no explosive was located. Thereafter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, through investigative means, was able to link the texts back to a cellular telephone and email account belonging to Taylor. Agents approached Taylor, a volunteer with the Columbia Fire Department, and he admitted to sending the texts to random numbers in an effort to draw other fire engines to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in hopes that his fire station would then be called to respond to any other calls that occurred during that time frame.
The case was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Columbia. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Greenville Man Receives 10 Years on Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Alton Davis, age 47, of Greenville, was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, for possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Davis to 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 14, 2015, an undercover officer downloaded from the defendant two child porn images using peer-to-peer software. Based on this download, law enforcement determined his IP address, street address, and obtained a search warrant.
On November 10, 2015, the warrant was executed at the defendant’s home. He was present and agreed to talk. He admitted to using his computer and the internet to search for pornography and using search terms associated with child pornography. He admitted to viewing images of child porn on his computer. Davis was previously convicted in 2004 of child pornography possession.
The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations. 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 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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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Scranton Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Justin Dewayne Barr, age 32, of Scranton, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Barr could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Lake City Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummell of the Florence office for prosecution.
Loris Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Brian O’Neal Knox, age 32, of Loris, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Knox could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County ATF Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these Indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Food Stamp MoneyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Winston David Holliday, Jr. (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Christopher O’Berry, age 42, of Columbia, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to Theft of Government Money, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 641. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will sentence him at a later date.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for the administration and regulation of the SNAP. SNAP, commonly known as the food stamp program, assists low-income families and individuals to purchase food.
Christopher O’Berry operated Cynthia’s Soul Food Deli (formerly Food World) in the Columbia area. The Deli served food, but was also registered to receive SNAP benefits as payment for food items. This arrangement posed two issues. First, SNAP does not pay for prepared food. Second, the Deli did not stock sufficient food to justify the purchases recorded under SNAP. O’Berry allowed beneficiaries to make small purchases through SNAP but processed them as much larger amounts. He would then pay some cash to the beneficiary and keep some for himself.
The investigation traced proceeds of the theft to a Woodforest National Bank account controlled by O’Berry. O’Berry deposited $956,006.90 between May 2011 and December 2014. He then withdrew $158,187 in cash and transferred $714,032 to his own accounts. The rest was used to make minimal purchases for the store.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty faced by O’Berry is imprisonment for ten years and a fine of $250,000.
The Richland County Sherriff’s Office and the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Co-Conspirator Sentenced to 27 Months for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Sharon Johnson, age 50, of Columbia, was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks, of Greenville, sentenced Johnson to 27 months imprisonment, ordered that she pay $385,425.75 in restitution, and placed her on three years of supervised release. Johnson, previously on bond, was taken into custody at the conclusion of the hearing.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Patricia Sullivan, who has pled guilty and is awaiting final sentencing, and Sharon Johnson were co-conspirators in a scheme and artifice to defraud various individuals. Sullivan is the former postmaster for Greenville, South Carolina. She also operated a company called HYPD Publishing (“HYPD”). In March 2009, HYPD published The Struggle of Love written by Sharon Denise Johnson.
Shortly after publication of Johnson’s book, Sullivan and Johnson began to spin a story that the producer Tyler Perry had bought the rights to The Struggle of Love and would be making a movie or reality TV show staring Johnson. Victims were told that Sullivan and Johnson were on the verge of great wealth, but needed bridge loans or some other form of financial assistance until the project with Perry reached fruition. Sullivan and Johnson promised the investors large returns in exchange for the loans and/or investments.
To make themselves look the part of successful individuals, Sullivan and Johnson squatted in several mansions, took photos, and posted them to Facebook. They also created fictitious documents from an accounting firm that “documented” the sale of the book and a huge payout to come as well as a bogus Wells Fargo statement that showed millions of dollars as pending.
Of course, there was no book deal with Tyler Perry and the victims lost the money loaned and/or invested.
The case was investigated by agents of United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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"Operation Real Time": Spartanburg Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Xavier Lee Gist, age 22, of Spartanburg, pled guilty 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, Section 924(c) and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on May 19, 2016, officers with the Spartanburg Police Department observed a silver Nissan Maxima with North Carolina tags fail to signal a left hand turn. Officers initiated a traffic stop but the vehicle failed to stop. Officers were able to identify the driver as Xavier Gist by sight during the pursuit based on prior interactions with Gist. Gist jumped from the vehicle and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Officers, with the vehicle, observed in plain sight a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun on the passenger seat. Prior to the vehicle being towed, officers recovered a silver whisk and a set of digital scales from the center console. Approximately 4.4 grams of cocaine base (crack) was located on the street where Gist jumped from the vehicle.Gist faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells, a 7th Circuit Assistant Solicitor designated by Solicitor Barry Barnette to identify and expedite state cases for federal prosecution, handled the case.
Gist 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 Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, 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 some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 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, Firearms, and Explosives 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.”
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Upstate Residents Plead Guilty to Mail Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Nerissa A. Orr, age 42, of Simpsonville, and Craig A, Mann, age 21, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to a conspiracy to commit mail theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the defendants stole mail in and around Greenville County in an effort to obtain bank account numbers, routing numbers, and identification information. Once in possession of this material they would create counterfeit checks and negotiate them to obtain money for methamphetamine.On June 10, 2016, a search warrant was executed in connection with this investigation at the Greenville home of co-conspirator Cary L. Wright, age 38, who has already been sentenced to 51 months in the Bureau of Prisons for his participation in the offense. Items recovered from the residence included, but was not limited to, numerous pieces of mail belonging to others, checks stolen from the mail, financial transaction cards, blank check stock, counterfeit checks, and a computer used for check counterfeiting. Many of the counterfeit checks were made out to Mann and Orr, but had yet to be negotiated.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty defendants can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the Greenville City Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Operation "Real Time": Anderson Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Timothy Garrett Holmes, age 22, of Anderson, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on January 10, 2017, at approximately 5:30pm, Anderson City Police officers were attempting to conduct a traffic stop when they observed Holmes, the front seat passenger of the vehicle, open the passenger door while the vehicle was moving and discard an item which was later determined to be a blue glass pipe with methamphetamine residue.Once the vehicle stopped, officers observed Holmes remove an item from his person and throw it towards the driver as they approached. Officers were then able to observe in plain view a handgun in the floorboard at the driver’s feet. Holmes and the driver were then removed from the vehicle while officers secured the firearm, a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber. Officers also located a backpack containing additional ammunition and two pipe bombs in the vehicle.
After his arrest, Holmes, who was on state probation at the time, was interviewed at the Anderson Police Department by law enforcement. Holmes told the officers that he bought the gun off the streets for protection and that he knew he was not able to possess a firearm because he was a felon, which is why he took the firearm off and tossed it into the floor board at the driver’s feet. Regarding the pipe bombs, Holmes told the officers that they were given to him for protection. ATF later removed and detonated the pipe bombs.
Holmes faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the Anderson City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick handled the case.
Holmes 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 Anderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 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.”
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Mount Pleasant Woman Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Matt Austin (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Cynthia Cave, age 46, of Mount Pleasant, pled guilty in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, to three counts of Filing a False Tax Return, corresponding to tax years 2009-2011, in violation of 26 U.S.C. 7206(1). United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, presided over 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 in the case, which was collected through a joint investigation by agents of the IRS and FBI, established that Cave worked as the officer manager for Coastal Facial Plastic Surgery in Mt. Pleasant. As the office manager, she received various forms of compensation that she did not report to the IRS. In 2009, she underreported her income by at least $55,000. In 2010, she underreported her income by at least $68,000. In 2011, she underreported her income by at least $100,000. As a result, she owes the U.S. Treasury $105,276 in back taxes.
As part of her guilty plea, she also agreed to pay her employer, Dr. Thomas Funcik, $130,457, to settle claims that she received excess compensation.
The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Austin of the Charleston office and Winston Holliday of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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"Operation Real Time": Simpsonville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Rico Mandreil Sweeney, age 39, of Simpsonville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on January 12, 2017, Simpsonville police officers responded to an address on West Georgia Road in Simpsonville, to conduct a child welfare check. While investigating, the officers spoke with Sweeney and discovered that he had outstanding warrants from Greenville County. Sweeney was searched incident to his arrest on the outstanding warrants and a loaded .380 caliber pistol located in a holster on his hip was discovered.Sweeney faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the Simpsonville Police Department, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard handled the case.
Sweeney 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 Simpsonville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 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 some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 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, Firearms, and Explosives 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.”
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"Operation Real Time": Marietta Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Michael Wayne Capps, age 45, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on January 10, 2017, agents with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services and the Greenville County Sheriff Office (GCSO) arrived at Capps’ residence in Marietta, South Carolina, to conduct a probation visit. Capps is currently on probation for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Upon entering the residence, agents observed several people as well as what appeared to be a rifle and drug paraphernalia in plain view prompting GCSO to obtain a search warrant for the residence.A search of Capps’ bedroom revealed a loaded Sauer and Sohn .32 caliber pistol under the mattress. Agents also located over 70 rounds of additional .32 caliber ammunition in the bedroom. ATF agents responded and interviewed Capps. Capps admitted to selling narcotics out of the residence and acknowledged ownership of the Sauer and Sohn .32 caliber pistol.
Capps faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick handled the case.
Capps 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 South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the GCSO, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 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 some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 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.”
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"Operation Real Time": Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Travius Isaiah Mayer, age 26, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on June 20, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to the area of N. Watson Road and Wade Hampton Boulevard to a call about a man with a gun. Upon arrival, GCSO learned from witnesses that Mayer was involved in a single car accident, exited his vehicle with a gun, and fired the gun as a witness attempted to follow him. GCSO seized a Glock .40 caliber pistol and a spent .40 caliber shell casing from the scene.Mayer later told GCSO during an interview that he was the person driving the vehicle during the collision on N. Watson Rd. and further admitted he possessed the Glock pistol during the incident. Mayer stated he had just previously purchased the Glock pistol.
Mayer faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick handled the case.
Mayer 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 City Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 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 some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 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.”
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"Operation Real Time": Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Joshua Shane Verdin, age 32, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) as well as possession of a firearm and ammunition after a previous conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922g(9). United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on January 13, 2017, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) were attempting to locate two wanted persons at a residence in Landrum, South Carolina, when they encountered Verdin. Deputies observed Verdin placing his hands near his waistband prompting them to ask if Verdin had a gun. Verdin told the deputies that he had a pistol in his waistband. One of the responding deputies, who knew Verdin to be a prohibited felon from prior interaction with Verdin, removed the loaded 9mm pistol and placed Verdin in handcuffs.Verdin faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody.
The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick handled the case.
Verdin 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 GCSO, the SCSO, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 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.”
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Myrtle Beach Man Pleads Guilty on Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Roberto Yamil Velez-Garcia, age 30, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was part of an investigation conducted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina into the sale of heroin and other illegal drugs in the Horry County, South Carolina area. Velez-Garcia was identified as a heroin distributor. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that agents made a controlled purchase of a quantity of fentanyl from Velez-Garcia in December 2015. In May 2016, agents arranged a second controlled purchase of heroin from Velez-Garcia and a coconspirator. After the purchase was made, Velez-Garcia and the coconspirator were arrested. A search warrant was executed at an apartment Velez-Garcia shared with the coconspirator. Agents recovered approximately 95 grams of heroin and two firearms from the apartment.
Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Velez-Garcia could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Horry County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Emmanuel Lamar Bellamy, age 29, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base and oxycodone, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was part of an investigation into a heroin distribution organization operating in the Horry County, South Carolina area. Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) were investigating illegal drug activity in the Loris, South Carolina area. Agents believed that Bellamy was a distributor of illegal drugs. Evidence at the change of plea hearing established that in 2015, agents made two controlled purchases of cocaine base from Bellamy. In September 2016, Bellamy was arrested during a traffic stop and found in possession of a quantity of cocaine. A firearm was also recovered during the traffic stop. As a result of the arrest, a hotel room connected with Bellamy was searched and a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl was located in the room.
Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Bellamy could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department (HCPD). Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Seven People Plead Guilty to Marriage Fraud in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Sonia Santaella Vieira, age 55, Adalberto Viera, age 60, Claudia Santaella Ferreira, age 53, Sidnei Ferreira, age 58, all of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Amanda Santaella Ferreira, age 27, of Miami, Florida, and Colby Musser, age 31, of Murrells Inlet, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to Conspiracy to Commit Marriage Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Nathalia Santaella Ferreira, age 32, also of Miami, Florida, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to Procuring Citizenship Unlawfully, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1425(b). United States District Judge Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the pleas and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that the defendants were involved in a marriage fraud conspiracy involving a number of Brazilian aliens who were paying United States citizens to enter into fraudulent marriages with them in order to gain United States citizenship.In total, there were five (5) fraudulent marriages among these defendants. The U.S. citizen defendants were paid a total of more than $20,000.00 to enter into sham marriages. The purpose of all of these marriages was to obtain immigration benefits in the form of permanent residency and ultimately United States citizenship. In furtherance of the scheme, both the citizen spouses and Brazilian spouses submitted fraudulent forms and false affidavits to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in which each couple claimed under oath that they were residing together as husband and wife in legitimate marriages.
During live interviews with CIS officials, the couples repeated these false representations again under oath. In all but one of the sham marriages, the fraud was detected before the Brazilian aliens could obtain citizenship. Only Nathalia Ferreira managed to obtain full citizenship before the fraud was detected. However, her conviction of Procuring Citizenship Unlawfully will result in mandatory revocation of her citizenship.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty defendants can receive is imprisonment for 5 years, a fine of $250,000 and/or plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and the FDNS (Fraud Detection and National Security) Division of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Daniel James Crutchfield, age 27, from Myrtle Beach, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B)1326(a)(2). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Crutchfield to 120 months imprisonment followed by supervised release for life and restitution payment of $6,000.00. During his term of supervised release, Crutchfield will be required to register as a sex offender, attend sex offender treatment, refrain from contact with children or use the internet without approval, and submit to polygraph examinations.
Evidence presented at the change of plea on March 1, 2016 established that federal agents executed a search warrant at Crutchfield’s residence on July 1, 2015 based on information that he had been receiving child pornography on the Internet. During the search, agents found numerous videos of child pornography on Crutchfield’s Play Station 3 and on a flash storage device.
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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Illegal Alien Enters Guilty Plea in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Edgar Rolando Castro Soc, age 37, of Myrtle Beach, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 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.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on September 1, 2016, ICE-ERO Officers discovered Castro Soc while he was in custody in the Myrtle Beach City jail on state charges. The officers determined that he was an alien who was unlawfully in the United States.Records checks revealed that Castro Soc, a native and citizen of Guatemala, had previously been deported from the United States on five (5) occasions. Castro Soc has never received permission to enter or remain in the U.S.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is imprisonment for 2 years, a fine of $250,000 and a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-ERO Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Florence Man and Myrtle Beach Woman Enter Guilty Pleas in Federal Court on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Urban Oshea, II, age 48, of Florence, SC and Madgelyn Kirton, age 31, of Myrtle Beach, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Pass Counterfeit 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 August 2015 through January of 2016, Oshea, Kirton and others were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit securities (checks) of organizations.The co-conspirators would make counterfeit checks using genuine bank account and routing numbers they obtained from checks they stole 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 use the checks to purchase merchandise at one store, then they would go to another store in the same chain and exchange the merchandise for cash.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendants can receive is imprisonment for 5 years and/or a fine of $250,000, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Conway Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Rodolfo Sanchez-Marcia, age 47, from Conway, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Illegal re-entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a)(2). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Sanchez-Marcia to 15 months imprisonment.
Evidence presented at the change of plea on January 9, 2017 established that in September 2016, ICE-ERO Officers in Charleston, SC, discovered that Rodolfo Sanchez-Marcia had been arrested on November 1, 2015, by the Surfside Police Department for driving without a license, and was released. Records checks revealed that Sanchez-Marcia was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States on multiple occasions. Sanchez-Marcia has never received permission to enter or remain in the US.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-ERO. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Lexington Resident Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Scott Eric Fernquist, age 22, of Lexington, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Receiving Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2) and (b)(1). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Fernquist to 10 years imprisonment, $4,000 restitution, and 25 years of Supervised Release. During his term of supervised release, Fernquist will be required to register as a sex offender, attend sex offender treatment, refrain from contact with children or use the internet without supervision, and submit to random polygraph examinations.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Fernquist was trading child pornography on the internet in 2013 from April to June.
The case was investigated by agents of the Lexington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day II of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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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14th Annual Project Sentry Logo Contest Winners AnnouncedRead the Press Release
Contact Person: D. Josev Brewer (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today the winners of the United States Attorney’s Office 14th Annual Project Sentry Logo Contest. The winners are from the following schools:
K-2nd grade division winner: Ayden Downey, Ocean Drive Elementary, N. Myrtle Beach, SC
3rd-5th grade division winner: Natalie James, Slater Marietta Elementary, Marietta, SC
6th-8th grade division winner: Kyler Fleeman, West Oak Middle School, Westminster, SC
9th-12th grade division: Zandria Smith, Military Magnet Academy, N. Charleston, SC
Overall winner: Kyler Fleeman, West Oak Middle School, Westminster, SCThe winners were chosen from 285 entries from 13 schools across South Carolina. Each division winner will receive a $50.00 award, with the overall winner receiving an additional $50.00 award. All of the students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for logo submissions.
The statewide contest fosters an opportunity for South Carolina students to tell the entire state how they prevent gun violence in their school and focuses on deterrence of juvenile gun violence and ensuring secure school environments. The contest was open to students in all South Carolina schools.
The winning entries were selected by “The Insiders,” a select group of students from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, who travel throughout the state, encouraging troubled children and promoting community awareness of the prevalence and consequences of juvenile crime. The U.S. Attorney's Office coordinated with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Foundation (SCLEOA) to provide the cash awards to the winners.
Project Sentry, which is part of the district’s Project Safe Neighborhoods/Project CeaseFire program, is a vital step in strengthening our ability to prevent gun crimes among our young people and to ensure a safe learning atmosphere for our children. For more information on the Project Sentry program and to view this year’s winning submissions as well as winning logos over the years, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc/programs/logowinners.html
US Attorney Beth Drake commended the students and their engagement on helping foster this very important dialogue. "Thanks to all of the students who participated and congratulations to our winners! The students demonstrated some real wisdom we can all learn from."
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced on Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Julio Santiago, age 23, from Holyoke, Massachusetts was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Burgess to 84 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised released.
Evidence presented at the change of plea on November 29, 2016 and sentencing hearing established that in early 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina were investigating a heroin distribution organization in the Horry County, South Carolina area. As part of that investigation, agents arranged a controlled buy of a quantity of heroin from Santiago in March 2016. On May 20, 2016, a second controlled purchase of heroin was made from Santiago, who was arrested shortly thereafter. Several thousand dollars were seized from Santiago at the time of his arrest. Agents executed a search warrant at an apartment where Santiago lived. Agents seized a quantity of heroin and a firearm in the apartment.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Kingstree Man Sentenced on Weapons ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brian Burgess, age 41, from Kingstree was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Possession of a Stolen Firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Burgess to 108 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised released.
Evidence presented at the change of plea on November 28, 2016 and sentencing hearing established that on November 4, 2015, officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) responded to a hotel in Myrtle Beach as part of a heroin overdose investigation. MBPD searched a room in the hotel pursuant to a search warrant. Burgess and several others were inside the room. A stolen 9mm firearm was located in the hotel room. Burgess claimed possession of the pistol. Burgess was previously convicted of a felony offense and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by agents of the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie Lea Schoen (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Otis Macklin, age 27, of Greenville, SC entered a guilty plea in federal court in Anderson to Possessing a Firearm after Receiving a Felony Conviction, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson accepted the guilty plea and will impose the 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 June 26, 2016, a woman called 911 and stated that Otis Macklin had threatened to kill her and her young son, and had assaulted her with a gun. The woman related that she was only able to escape the house after Macklin fell asleep. When law enforcement arrived at the house, Macklin fled, but was eventually restrained by a K-9. During the execution of a search warrant at the house, law enforcement located a black 9mm semiautomatic firearm, matching the woman’s description of the gun used to assault her. Macklin denied harming the woman, threatening her, or even possessing the firearm that day, but admitted at the guilty plea that he had possessed the firearm at some point around that time. Macklin has a prior felony conviction for which he could have received more than one year in prison and has not received a pardon.
Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Macklin could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 dollars. The case was investigated by agents of the ATF and the Greenville City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Conway Man Sentenced on Drug Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Quentin Bernard Myers, age 42, from Conway, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Possession with Intent to Distribute and to Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin and a Quantity of Cocaine Base in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Myers to 46 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised released.
Evidence presented at the change of plea on November 29, 2016 and sentencing hearing established that in early 2015, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina were investigating cocaine base and heroin distribution in the Horry County and Georgetown County area of South Carolina. As part of that investigation, agents learned that Myers was involved in the sale of illegal drugs. Agents arranged a controlled buy of a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine base from Myers in March 2015. Agents made additional controlled buys of heroin and cocaine base from Myers in May 2015 and June 2015.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Mount Pleasant Speech Pathologist Charged in Health Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake today announced that a Charleston Grand Jury has returned a six-count indictment charging Gena C. Randolph of Mt. Pleasant , South Carolina, with health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements relating to health care matters. The indictment alleges that Randolph was barred from submitting Medicaid and Medicare claims in 2012 and 2013, respectively, but that she continued to do so under other provider’s names or companies in which she had a hidden interest. The indictment also alleges that Randolph submitted false claims for services that had not been provided, including for patient beneficiaries who had died. The fraud charge carries a maximum prison term of ten years; the false statement charges carry a maximum 5 years in prison; and the aggravated identity theft a mandatory two years in prison. Each count carries a fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and investigators for the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of the Attorney General, State of South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Klumb and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Cote, a Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General in South Carolina’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that the charges alleged in the Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Greensboro Man Sentenced on Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: John C. Potterfield (803) 929-3000
Florence, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Michael Lane Prevette, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment in federal court. In October of 2016, Prevette pled guilty to count one of an indictment, which charged Conspiracy to Commit Application Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. After Prevette completes the term of imprisonment, he will be on federal supervised release for 3 years and has been ordered to pay $886,749.02 in restitution. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence imposed the sentence.
Prevette was involved in a scheme in which mortgage lenders were misled when members of the conspiracy caused fraudulent loan packages to be submitted to the lenders. These packages included inflated real estate appraisals which were prepared at Prevette’s direction. These properties were located in the Myrtle Beach area.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney John C. Potterfield of the Columbia United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury Finds Greenville Man Guilty in Firearms Trial in AndersonRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that a jury returned a guilty verdict following a two-day jury trial in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina, finding Carlton Tyrone Nash, age 37, of Greenville, guilty of possession by a firearm and ammunition by a felon. The trial wrapped up yesterday afternoon and was held before United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson. Judge Cain will impose a sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The government presented multiple witnesses during the course of the trial. Witness testimony and the evidence presented by the government at trial established that in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 22, 2016, the defendant, Carlton Tyrone Nash, while wearing a Hillary Clinton mask, forced entry into a residence and fired a shot from the .25 caliber pistol he obtained earlier that day. The shot barely missed one of the residents of the house. Nash then dragged that resident from the home at gunpoint into the street where a fight ensued. While Nash and his initial victim were fighting, the victim’s roommate exited the house with a baseball bat, striking Nash in the head with the bat. After a blow to the head from the bat, Nash removed his now bloodied mask revealing his identity to the victims. Nash dropped the gun during the scuffle in the street and left his mask behind as he fled the scene.
After receiving a 911 call from the initial victim, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded within minutes. A forensic technician from the Greenville County Forensic Division arrived shortly thereafter to process the scene and collect evidence. Experts from the Greenville County Forensics Division were able to match Nash’s DNA to the blood in the recovered mask. Based on their investigation, GCSO investigators were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Nash and arrested him just days after the offense.
Working in concert with GCSO through the multi-agency initiative “Operation Real Time”, Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) served a federal arrest warrant on Nash shortly after his state arrest. Nash, after being advised of his Miranda rights, admitted to ATF agents that he had the mask and the gun. Nash has been detained since this incident and remains in custody.
Again, this case was expedited for federal investigation and prosecution through “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 some 90 defendants and seizure of over 125 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort. "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."
“ATF is extremely appreciative of our partners and this collaborative effort to make our communities safer,” said Charlotte Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman. “ATF has committed our resources to help tackle illegal firearms possession and violent crime. That commitment, combined with the cooperation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, our federal partners, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has resulted in a very successful effort with a long-term impact on violent crime in the upstate and beyond.”
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 case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Forensic Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins and First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick prosecuted the case.
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