District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Summer Camps Must Reasonably Accommodate Children with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Rob Sneed (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina------With summer approaching, parents and camps alike are making plans for terrific, fun opportunities for young campers to learn new skills and grow in their confidence and abilities. The United States Attorney’s Office has taken the opportunity to increase the understanding of camp organizers and parents about the law that pertains to camps which ensures that all children are welcome, especially those with disabilities. To help ensure that children with disabilities are allowed the opportunity to attend summer camp, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently sent the attached flyer to hundreds of summer camps located within the District of South Carolina reminding them of their responsibilities and obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modification to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities. This generally means that children with disabilities are entitled to attend any camp or activity that non-disabled children attend, that camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis, and that camps must train their staff in the requirements of the ADA. Camps are obligated to pay for the cost of any reasonable modifications necessary for disabled children to participate in camp activities, and parents should not be charged any additional fee beyond standard camp enrollment costs.
“Summer camps – whether in a tent or a gym - present tremendous growth opportunities for our children. Camp is not only fun, but the camp experience offers the camper the opportunity to try new things, develop some independence, and gain self-confidence in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Drake. “All of our kids should have access to summer camps and in fact the law requires camps to provide equal opportunities to disabled children whose needs can be reasonably accommodated.”
Additional information about the ADA is available at www.ada.gov, or through contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Team at (803) 929-3000 or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/civil-rights.
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usao_sc_ada_camp_letter_flyer.pdfSouth Carolina Man Arrested for Attempting to Join ISISRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, SC –Zakaryia Abdin, 18, of Ladson, South Carolina, was indicted by the Federal Grand Jury sitting in Columbia, South Carolina. He was arrested by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force on Thursday evening, March 30, 2017. He made his initial appearance in the United States District Court the following day. Abdin was indicted for attempting to provide a material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terroirist orgnanization. The charge is based on Abdin’s alleged attempt to travel overseas to join the terrorist organization. Special Agents of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) took Abdin into custody at the Charleston International Airport before he boarded an outbound flight.
United States Attorney Beth Drake for the District of South Carolina and Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord made the announcement.
Charges are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Arraignment is scheduled to be held this Wednesday (April 5) at 1:30pm at the United States Courthouse in Charleston, South Carolina, located at 85 Broad Street.
This investigation is being handled by the FBI-JTTF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
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South Coast Reentry Job Fair & ExpoRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Joe Brewer, (864) 282-2121
Summerville, South Carolina– The United States Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; SC Works; SC Vocational Rehabilitation; SC Department of Social Services; and the US Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.
The First Annual South Coast Reentry Job Fair & Expo is being held Tuesday, May 9, 2017, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Dorchester County Adult Ed Center, located at 1325 A Boonehill Road, Summerville, SC 29483.
This fair, which targets the Lowcountry, is part of a series of fairs, including Florence, the Upstate, and the Midlands, anticipated annually. The partner organizations hope that a tailored expo for people with a criminal background will provide some focused help for the particular obstacles individuals face after returning home.
“A critical component in the transition from prison to a law-abiding life is a job. We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognize that our state partners - S.C. Works, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation, SC Department of Social Services, and S.C. Probation, Pardon and Parole – do terrific work in preparing our fellow South Carolinians for the work force and in aligning our workers with jobs to which they are suited. It is our privilege to learn from the many years’ experience of those in these State agencies as we develop events specifically for individuals with a criminal background,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake. “We are excited to connect citizens not simply to employment opportunities but to other critical resources like GED programs that facilitate the transition from prison to employment and a law-abiding life.”
The fair and expo will include area employers and other organizations who participate with, and provide resources for, returning citizens. Any interested employers or vendors should inquire with Diana Goldwire at (864) 315-9751 or [email protected]. In their hiring initiatives and practice, John Hopkins Hospital has demonstrated that returning citizens are some of the most loyal and productive talent pools available to an employer.
“Ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals have stable jobs and lives, and thereby making them less likely to reoffend, is as important to crime prevention and community safety as our efforts in prosecution,” said Ms. Drake.
Professional dress is required. Discounted SLED criminal background checks will be provided on site. And, the event will also feature workshops on how to seek expungements and pardons of prior criminal convictions. Some transportation arrangements may be available. Please inquire with Marcos Barahona of the US Probation Office at [email protected] or George Whitehead at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258 or [email protected].
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Central Reentry Job Fair & ExpoRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Joe Brewer (864) 282-2121
Columbia, South Carolina-------The United States Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; SC Works; SC Vocational Rehabilitation; SC Department of Social Services; and the US Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.
The First Annual Central Reentry Job Fair & Expo is being held Wednesday, May 3, 2017, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Dutch Square Mall, located at 421 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.
This fair, which targets the Midlands, is part of a series of fairs, including Florence, the Upstate, and the Lowcountry, anticipated annually. The partner organizations hope that a tailored expo for people with a criminal background will provide some focused help for the particular obstacles individuals face after returning home.
“A critical component in the transition from prison to a law-abiding life is a job. We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognize that our state partners - S.C. Works, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation , SC Department of Social Services, and S.C. Probation, Pardon and Parole – do terrific work in preparing our fellow South Carolinians for the work force and in aligning our workers with jobs to which they are suited. It is our privilege to learn from the many years’ experience of those in these State agencies as we develop events specifically for individuals with a criminal background,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake. “We are excited to connect citizens not simply to employment opportunities but to other critical resources like GED programs that facilitate the transition from prison to employment and a law-abiding life.”The fair and expo will include area employers and other organizations who participate with, and provide resources for, returning citizens. Any interested employers or vendors should inquire with Diana Goldwire at (864) 315-9751 or [email protected]. In their hiring initiatives and practice, John Hopkins Hospital has demonstrated that returning citizens are some of the most loyal and productive talent pools available to an employer.
“Ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals have stable jobs and lives, and thereby making them less likely to reoffend, is as important to crime prevention and community safety as our efforts in prosecution,” said Ms. Drake.
Professional dress is required. Discounted SLED criminal background checks will be provided on site. And, the event will also feature workshops on how to seek expungements and pardons of prior criminal convictions. Some transportation arrangements may be available. Please inquire with Marcos Barahona of the US Probation Office at [email protected] or George Whitehead at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258 or [email protected].
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South Carolina Man Arrested for Attempting to Join ISISRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, SC –Zakaryia Abdin, 18, of Ladson, South Carolina, appeared in federal court this morning in Charleston, South Carolina, following his arrest by the FBI last night. Abdin was arrested for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charge is based on Abdin’s alleged attempt to travel overseas to join the terrorist organization. Special Agents of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) took Abdin into custody at the Charleston International Airport before he boarded an outbound flight.
United States Attorney Beth Drake for the District of South Carolina and Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord made the announcement.
Charges are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being handled by the FBI-JTTF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
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South Carolina Man Arrested for Attempting to Join ISISRead the Press Release
Zakaryia Abdin, 18, of Ladson, South Carolina, appeared in federal court this morning in Charleston, South Carolina, following his arrest by the FBI last night. Abdin was arrested for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charge is based on Abdin’s alleged attempt to travel overseas to join the terrorist organization. Special Agents of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) took Abdin into custody at the Charleston International Airport before he boarded an outbound flight.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord and U.S. Attorney Beth Drake for the District of South Carolina made the announcement.
Charges are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being handled by the FBI-JTTF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Partner with the Community to Launch Greenville Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the Greenville Police Department, along with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole & Pardon Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and New Mind Health and Care, Inc., in a local, state, and federal violence reduction initiative, a collaboration dubbed, “Greenville Safe Neighborhoods.” The first meeting with the stakeholders, partners, as well as the first eight participating individuals, all of whom are currently on state probation, was held on Monday evening (March 27).
Greenville Safe Neighborhoods is a unified, proactive police and community collaboration that engages, educates and empowers repeat serious offenders to obtain assistance, change behavior, make healthy life choices or suffer consequences of unified police/prosecutorial focus and priority. Predicated on the work of Professor David M. Kennedy of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, this focused-deterrence model aligns intervention and prosecutorial resources to create an appropriate mix of legal and ethical pressure to change offender behavior, reduce recidivism and severity, and reduce victimization. The Greenville Police Department has been working with its core partners for several months in planning, developing and resourcing the pilot program.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves as a partner in similar iterations across the state, to include Aiken Safe Communities, Hartsville Safe Communities, Ceasefire Columbia, and most recently, Home Front--the focused-deterrence model focusing on domestic violence in Spartanburg County.
The Greenville Safe Neighborhoods initiative identifies participants based upon their present and past criminal conduct. Participants attend a meeting with local, state and federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as well as with service providers, family and affected community members. In the meeting, participants have meaningful access to a host of services or contacts to help them address physical or psychological needs.
GPD Chief Ken Miller, who anchored the first meeting on Monday evening, brought the program’s core partners together to make this initiative a reality. “The Greenville Police Department is committed to working with our community and our program participants and stakeholders to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe.”
During the meeting, the participants observed the unified commitment to this effort between law enforcement and the community. The goal the stakeholders hope to achieve is engaging a participant to address his or her needs, make meaningful strides, and avoid re-offending, thereby making the Greenville community safer. Also underscored during the meeting--the commitment between all levels of law enforcement and prosecution. Should a participant disregard this opportunity and re-offend, new offenses will be identified in “real time” and they will be brought to justice swiftly--in state court or federal court.
Solicitor Walt Wilkins has dedicated prosecutors to this effort and will be working closely with federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “We are excited about this partnership and the promise that Greenville Safe Neighborhoods holds for effective communication between the community and local, state, and federal law enforcement.”
U.S. Attorney Drake thanked Chief Miller, Solicitor Wilkins, and the other agencies for their leadership and for bringing the stakeholders together. “These young South Carolinians have some important choices to make in terms of changing their path in life. The resources and community commitment are there.”
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Federal Indictment Unsealed in Horry County Illegal Distribution of Oxycodone Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dennis Heilman, Jeffrey Heilman, Joyce Hendricks, and Becky Hendricks, all of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were arrested this week and appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Florence, South Carolina for an arraignment hearing.
All defendants are charged in an indictment with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute oxycodone in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. Dennis Heilman faces several additional counts of possessing with intent to distribute and distributing oxycodone, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is assigned to the case.
U.S. Attorney Drake stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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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:
Longs Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Lecephrus Pierce, age 24, of Longs, 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 and distribution of crack 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).
Pierce faces a statutory, mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ATF Horry County Task Force, and Myrtle Beach Police. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
North Carolina Man Indicted for Possessing a Gun After Being Convicted of a Felony. James Franklin Badgett, age 56, of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm. Possession of a Firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Badgett could receive is a statutory, mandatory minimum of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ATF Horry County Task Force, and Myrtle Beach Police. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
Kingstree Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Jamon Gerald Canty, age 33, of Kingstree, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Canty could receive is a statutory, mandatory minimum of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ATF Horry County Task Force, and Myrtle Beach Police. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
Timmonsville Man Indicted for Possessing a Gun After Being Convicted of a Felony. Jabari Durvall Sellers, age 36, of Timmonsville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Sellers could receive is a statutory, mandatory minimum of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, and the Timmonsville Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.
Myrtle Beach Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry Into the United States. Eloy Altamirano-Diaz, age 36, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with Illegal Re-entry into the U.S. after being previously deported, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). The maximum possible penalty Altamirano-Diaz could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 2 years. The case was investigated by agents of the Immigration and Custom Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
Another Myrtle Beach Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry Into the United States. Edgar Benjamin Lopez-Morales, age 29, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with Illegal Re-entry into the U.S. after being previously deported, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). The maximum possible penalty Lopez-Morales could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 2 years. The case was investigated by agents of the Immigration and Custom Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
Three Galivants Ferry Men Indicted for Immigration and Drug Charges. Epifanio Castillo-Pacheco, age 43, Isidro Camacho-Castillo, age 29, and Samuel Zepeda-Gonzalez, age 59, all of Galivants Ferry, South Carolina, were charged in a six-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); Illegal Re-entry into the United States after being previously deported, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a); possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A); 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 possible penalty Castillo-Pacheco and Zepeda-Gonzalez could receive is imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of $1,000,000. The maximum possible penalty Camacho-Castillo could receive is imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 5 years to life. The case was investigated by agents of the ICE- Homeland Security Investigations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these Indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
#####Lancaster County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Straw Purchase a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact Person: (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Adam Tyler Shrader, age 22, of Lancaster, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia to conspiracy to straw purchase a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report that will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 21, 2014, a Lancaster County deputy met with Lillie Mae Govea about her pistol being stolen. According to Govea, someone had stolen her pistol out of the trunk of her car. She indicated that the only person who had been in the trunk of the car was her boyfriend, Adam Tyler Shrader.
The officer then contacted Shrader who told the officer that a friend of his named "Nick" had asked Govea to purchase a pistol for him. Nick gave Govea and Shrader the money and told them to make the purchase at a named local gun store. Govea and Shrader agreed.
Govea indicated that during the entire drive to the gun store, Shrader was on the telephone asking for directions. When they got to the store, Shrader showed her a picture of a specific pistol that had been previously advertised by the store. However, the store did not have the pistol in stock so they purchased a different pistol and ammunition instead.
On the way back home, Shrader was talking to someone on the telephone and told him they would be returning shortly. When they returned, a black male that Govea did not know approached them, gave her additional money for the pistol and took the pistol out of the car. Shrader told Govea to wait three (3) days to report the pistol stolen in case Nick did something "bad" with it. Govea waited less than one (1) day to report the pistol stolen. The pistol was later found in the possession of a convicted felon during a search by another police jurisdiction. Govea pled guilty and was recently sentenced on the same charge.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for this offense is imprisonment for 5 years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office is prosecuting 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 Pleads to Sex Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: William K. Witherspoon (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Alshura Tabil Annessa Frazier, age 36, of Columbia, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to sex trafficking of children, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1591(a) (1) and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report that will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that around Memorial Day in 2015, a minor female under the age of eighteen (18) left her family in North Carolina and met Frazier in Myrtle Beach. Following this encounter, Frazier and others had sex with the minor in exchange for providing her with the recreational drug “Molly” and shelter for the night. After leaving Myrtle Beach, Frazier brought the minor to Columbia, South Carolina, where Frazier recruited her to perform sexual acts on clients for money. Frazier posted the minor or had others post the minor on Backpage.com, a site known to be used for sex trafficking. Frazier transported her to and from North Carolina and to and from South Carolina on multiple occasions for the purpose of prostitution. Frazier received one-hundred (100%) percent of the profits made from the prostitution. The minor was sixteen (16) years of age at the time she began working as a prostitute for Frazier. During this time, Frazier knew that the minor was under the age of eighteen (18).
The minor also advised that she engaged in sexual intercourse with Frazier when she was sixteen (16) years of age. The minor stated that Frazier used one of his cell phones to video her and another prostitute with Frazier engaging in sexual activity when the minor was sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age.
In addition, on March 18, 2015, a Richland County deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a car for failing to give a turn signal. The car sped off and a chase took place. During the chase, the car pulled into a parking lot and a female, who was later identified as a prostitute working for Frazier, got out of the car and ran carrying a box. The officer was able to identify Frazier by his driver’s license photo. The car was registered to Frazier’s mother.
After the officer could not stop the car, he returned to the spot where the prostitute exited the car and ran. With the help of citizens, he found the female hiding in the woods. The female took the officer back to where she hid the box. In the box, officers located a 10mm Glock pistol, cocaine, crack cocaine, and suspected Molly. The female told the officer that the box belonged to Frazier who gave it to her and told her to run. Based upon this evidence, the gun was used and carried during and in relation to, and possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for the sex trafficking charge is life imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime is also life imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Springdale Police Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon and T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact Person: William K. Witherspoon (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Johnny Willie Jones, age 30, of Columbia, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia to felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report that will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on January 31, 2016, Jones was involved in a verbal altercation at a halfway house on Lady Street. Under the rules of the halfway house, females are not allowed in the males’ rooms. The manager of the home confronted Jones about having a female in his room. A verbal altercation turned physical between Jones, the manager, and her daughter. After it became physical, Jones stated, “I got something for you” and went up to his room and retrieved a sawed-off shotgun, went back downstairs, and shot in the direction of the two females. Both females were unharmed. Jones then left the halfway house after the police were called. The police found the shotgun in a lot behind the house. Jones fled the scene and was later arrested in Arizona. Jones had previously been convicted of kidnapping and two (2) counts of armed robbery and, therefore, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm in this case is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office is prosecuting 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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Three Convicted for Sex Trafficking Throughout the SoutheastRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Rhett DeHart (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Damon Jackson, age 24, of Columbia; Bakari McMillan, age 24 of Columbia; and Cory Miller, age 44, of Orangeburg; were convicted in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Sex Trafficking of Minors in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1591. United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston presided over the trial and will impose sentence at a later date.
Evidence presented at trial proved that Jackson, McMillan, and Miller participated in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. The defendants persuaded dozens of young women to work as prostitutes with fraudulent promises, and some of these victims were minors. The evidence showed that the defendants routinely raped and beat the victims to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts. The evidence further showed that many of the victims were drug addicts, and the defendants used heroin and crack cocaine to coerce the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. The defendants used the website Backpage.com to advertise sexual services throughout the Southeast. Seven of the defendants in the conspiracy pled guilty prior to the trial of Jackson, McMillan, and Miller.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake gave credit for the convictions to both the victims and witnesses who showed the courage and strength to testify, and to the terrific investigation by the local police who worked hand-in-hand with the federal agents at ICE-HSI. "The facts of this case are repugnant, and the victims - and the police officers who rescued them from the hell they were living - are nothing less than heroes."
The case was investigated by agents from the North Charleston Police Department and the ICE- Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Austin and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Simpsonville Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Barry David Bassett, age 41, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Bassett faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on November 9, 2016, South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole agents were conducting a home visit with Bassett and observed a Weatherby .257 caliber rifle and .257 caliber ammunition on the premises.
Prior to that date Bassett had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison and agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon nor had his rights restored to possess firearms or ammunition.
Bassett 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, Pardon, and Parole Services 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 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 approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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North Charleston Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years on Federal Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Nick Bianchi (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that William L. Dodson, age 43, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston sentenced Dodson to fifteen years imprisonment, to be followed by two years’ supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that officers with the North Charleston Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Dodson and Dodson fled on foot. As Dodson ran from law enforcement, he threw a loaded Beretta 9 mm handgun, along with marijuana and cocaine, which law enforcement recovered after Dodson was apprehended. Dodson has multiple prior felony convictions, including four prior convictions for possessing of narcotics with intent to distribute. Dodson is also awaiting sentencing on state charges of ill treatment of animals after pleading guilty in an unrelated matter in August 2016.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the North Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Anthony Devon Myrick, age 25, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. 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. Myrick faces a statutory maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on October 21, 2016, members of the Greenville Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), stopped to investigate a car stopped on the shoulder of the road. As a deputy approached the car, he observed two people in the back seat. As Myrick was exiting the vehicle, a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol fell from his pants.
Prior to that date, Myrick had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison. Agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon.
Myrick was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community.
In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Cornelius Trotoyal Wilson, age 38, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty in Federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Wilson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on September 15, 2016, officers with the Simpsonville Police Department responded to a local motel based on a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival at the location, officers made contact with several individuals including Wilson. During the investigation, officers recovered a loaded .25 caliber pistol from Wilson after he told the officers that he had a .25 caliber pistol in his pocket.
Prior to that date, Wilson had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison and agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon nor had his rights restored to possess firearms or ammunition.
The Simpsonville Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the United States Attorney’s Office in Greenville.
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Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Joshua Matthew Garrett, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. 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.
Garrett faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on November 15, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) made contact with Garrett in his vehicle.
As Garrett was approached by GCSO, Garrett opened the driver’s side door of the vehicle and an officer observed a handgun in the pocket of the driver’s door. GCSO seized the handgun which was identified as a loaded Harrington & Richardson .22 caliber revolver.
Prior to that date, Garrett had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison and agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon nor had his rights restored to possess firearms or ammunition.
Garrett was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community.
In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Drug Trafficker Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Richard Ryan Jones, age 39, of Gaffney, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A). United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Jones to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Judge Childs has already sentenced co-defendant Charlie Farris to 180 years imprisonment, co-defendant Bobby Spencer to 108 months imprisonment, and co-defendant Joy Nicole Spencer to 60 months imprisonment. Co-defendant Christopher O’Brien has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that in 2015 and 2016, Richard Ryan Jones was the supplier of methamphetamine to Bobby Spencer, a co-defendant, and others throughout the Upstate. Christopher O’Brien and Joy Nicole Spencer were couriers of methamphetamine for Jones and Bobby Spencer, respectively. Evidence demonstrated that Jones distributed over 20 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Upstate. Charley Farris and Bobby Spencer were also convicted of carrying firearms in relation to this drug trafficking conspiracy.
The case was investigated by agents of FBI, ATF, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Gaffney Police Department, and Spartanburg City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Katie Marie Reavely, age 26, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Greenville to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1349. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the guilty plea and will impose the sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on April 29, 2015, Reavely used counterfeit identification at a SunTrust Bank branch in Anderson to withdraw $9,000 in cash and $40,000 in checks made payable to co-conspirators from a bank account that did not belong to her. Shortly thereafter, co-conspirators entered other SunTrust Bank branches in upstate South Carolina to attempt to cash the checks.
On May 22, 2015, Reavely attempted to use counterfeit checks at a Cedartown, Georgia Suntrust Bank branch. On June 23, 2015, in East Ridge, Tennessee, Reavely again attempted to withdraw funds from a bank account that did not belong to her using counterfeit identification. Law enforcement apprehended Reavely, and she confessed to attempting to defraud banks on numerous occasions.
Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Reavely could receive is 30 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service, Anderson Police Department, Greenville City Police Department, Conyers Police Department, Cedartown Police Department, and East Ridge Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Westminster Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Vern McPherson, age 53, of Westminster, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to possession and transporting child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Bruce H. 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 law enforcement received an investigative lead from HSI Cyber Crimes Center that a server in Switzerland (which had been seized by the Swiss Federal Police) revealed McPherson’s IP address as having accessed child pornography from the server.
After reviewing material from the Swiss case, a federal search warrant was obtained for McPherson’s home. A forensic exam of his computer revealed 693 images and 2 videos of child pornography.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty McPherson can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security 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 Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Upstate Couple Sentenced for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Norman W. Jefferson, age 51, of Greenville, South Carolina, and Roshaundra A. Griffin, age 46, of Anderson, South Carolina were sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841. Jefferson was also sentenced for one count Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Jefferson to one day imprisonment and Griffin to five years’ probation on the drug conspiracy charge, and sentenced Jefferson to sixty months for Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in January and February of 2016, Griffin and Jefferson conducted multiple sales of crack cocaine from their residence. In March of 2016, Greenville Police Department obtained and executed a search of their residence. Officers located Jefferson in possession of a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol and both individuals in close proximity to crack cocaine. Drug paraphernalia was located throughout the house.
The case was investigated by agents of ATF and the Greenville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and SCDC Continue Partnership for "Real-Time Reentry"Read the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina-----The United States Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are continuing their partnership with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) to keep guns out of the hands of former offenders.
The project is called “Real-Time Reentry” and focuses on violent offenders and gang members who re-offend with firearms while still under SCDC’s Intensive Supervision Services after being released. Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and law enforcement officials visit with Youthful Offenders in prison to educate them about the opportunities and resources they have to lead productive and successfully rehabilitated lives upon release. If caught with a firearm or ammunition, however, the individual will be taken into custody immediately and their case will be referred to ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s office in “real time” for federal review and prosecution in federal court, where firearms-related sentences for repeat-offenders are more considerable.
AUSAs and representatives of SCDC were at Trenton Correctional Institution yesterday, Tuesday, March 21, at 11am, for their regularly scheduled “Real-Time Reentry” visit with Youthful Offenders.
“Because of their criminal records, Youthful Offenders in the state system have created future exposure for themselves, in the federal system, if they are ever found in possession of a firearm,” said Beth Drake, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. USA Drake further observed, “We want these young South Carolinians to know that they are prohibited as felons from possessing firearms, and to further incentivize good choices and lawful behavior.”
The “Real-Time Reentry” partnership, which began in December 2015, is an iteration of Project Real Time, an initiative launched in the upstate in August 2015 under the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Project Cease Fire program. Project Cease Fire brings together local, state, and federal law enforcement with the community. The collective efforts of this partnership encourage cooperation in a shared goal to make South Carolina safer by reducing gun violence, arrests, and incarceration.
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Owner of Solid Designs Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kevin Ray Stephenson, age 44, of Greenville, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A. Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville sentenced Stephenson to 18 months imprisonment, $5,100.00 special assessment, and 5 years supervised release. Stephenson will be required to register as a sex offender.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Stephenson used a child pornography website to access child pornography. The FBI conducted a search of Stephenson’s business, Solid Designs, and located numerous images of child pornography on Stephenson’s computer.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Moore Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Harold Blackwell, age 40, of Moore, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Bruce H. 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 undercover law enforcement agents engaging in child exploitation investigations were approached by Blackwell on a “KIK” messaging application. Blackwell sent an undercover officer videos and images of child pornography. Blackwell was approached by law enforcement and admitted to sending child pornography using his cell phone.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Blackwell can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Mauldin Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that David Specyalski, age 47, of Mauldin, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Greenville 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 law enforcement conducted a proactive investigation involving a file-sharing network used by individuals with an interest in child pornography. An undercover officer downloaded a video that Specyalski had available for sharing.A federal search warrant was obtained and executed. A forensic exam of his computer revealed twelve videos of child pornography. Specyalski has a prior state child pornography possession conviction.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Specyalski can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for not less than 10 years and no more than 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents with ICE - Homeland Security 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 Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Local Restaurant Owner Pleads to Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Stacey D. Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Nigel Michael Sandiford, a/k/a “Marvin H. Rogers,” a/k/a “Cecil Price,” age 43, of Columbia, plead guilty in federal court today to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court during the guilty plea hearing established that July 18, 2016, federal agents executed a search warrant at Sandiford’s Montego Bay restaurant on Parklane Road in Columbia. Inside the restaurant, agents located a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, a Glock .45 caliber handgun, as well as a high capacity magazine, and assorted rounds of 12 gauge shotgun shells, .40 caliber ammunition, .45 caliber ammunition, and 9mm ammunition. Sandiford admitted to possessing the firearms and ammunition and to having a prior Richland County drug conviction under the alias “Marvin H. Rogers.” Sandiford is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior state conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Sandiford faces a maximum of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge. Sandiford, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, is also currently facing deportation proceedings.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Felon Sentenced for Counterfeit Charges and Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Nakeo Tawian Vance, age 41, of Greenville, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for two counts Uttering Counterfeit Securities and one count Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 472 and 922(g). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Vance to thirty months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in May of 2015, law enforcement stopped Vance and found him in possession of ninety-eight counterfeit bills. Vance claimed he had received the money from a drug deal and had already used $600 to pay off drug debts. In May of 2016, the Greenville Police Department responded to a call concerning suspicious activity at a hotel. When law enforcement arrived, they observed Vance standing outside a vehicle, and upon their approach, the officers saw Vance shove something into a backpack and throw the backpack in the car. The officers frisked Vance and located a Butler Associate Incorporated, Model Single Shot, .22 short caliber pistol. The firearm was loaded with one round of .22 short ammunition. Vance fled, but the officers apprehended him shortly thereafter. Law enforcement recovered more counterfeit bills from Vance at that time. Greenville Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant for the car and located a General Precision Corporation, Model 60, .22 short caliber revolver, in the backpack Vance had been holding, along with other drug paraphernalia. The firearm was loaded with five rounds of .22 short ammunition. Vance has prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time.
The case was investigated by agents of ATF and the Greenville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Daughter of Deceased VA Beneficiary Sentenced for Theft of VA BenefitsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Pamela Bullington, age 28, of Cowpens, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Bullington to probation and to pay restitution of $12,552.50.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Bullington used her mother’s ATM card to withdraw her mother’s veteran benefits after her mother died. The Office of Veterans Affairs had not been informed of the death of Bullington’s mother, and therefore continued to deposit VA benefits into the account. Bullington admitted that she knew these funds were from the VA. Bullington also allowed another person to use the ATM card to make withdrawals from her deceased mother’s account.
The case was investigated by agents of the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Two Kershaw County Men Plead to Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Yancey Kevon Wilson, age 23, and Randy Jones, Jr., age 23, both of Kershaw County plead guilty in federal court today to various charges stemming from the June 23, 2015, armed robbery of Sandhills Bank in Bethune, South Carolina. Wilson plead guilty to armed bank robbery, use/possession/discharge of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(c), 2113(a), and 2113(d). Jones plead guilty to conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use/possession/discharge of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 924(c). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty pleas and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court during the guilty plea hearing established that on the early morning hours of June 23, 2015, Wilson, while armed with a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun and wearing a white hoodie, sunglasses, and gloves, approached a bank employee outside the bank and forced her at gunpoint to get him inside the locked bank building. Once inside the bank, Wilson brandished the firearm and demanded money. After obtaining money, Wilson fled from the bank and discharged the firearm twice outside the bank. Witnesses heard the shots fired and observed a dark colored vehicle, later determined to be driven by Jones, with paper tags pick up Wilson and flee the scene. On June 25, 2015, deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department located Jones and Wilson, along with another individual with a vehicle fitting the description of the get-away vehicle at a carwash in Lugoff. Further investigation lead to the discarded clothes worn by the bank robber, Wilson, and the empty bank bag from Sandhills Bank, all of which was found on the side of a road where Jones told investigators they left them. DNA analysis revealed Wilson’s DNA on the discarded white hoodie. Additionally, the two fired .40 caliber shell casings recovered from the scene of the bank robbery were matched to a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber firearm purchased by Jones in February 2015. Finally, text messages were recovered from a cell phone showing that Wilson and Jones planned the bank robbery in advance. Wilson is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition by virtue of his prior state convictions for strong arm robbery and assault and battery 1st degree.
Wilson faces a maximum of twenty-five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the armed bank robbery charge, as well as a maximum of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge. Jones faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy charge. Additionally, both Wilson and Jones face a statutory mandatory minimum ten years imprisonment with a maximum of life imprisonment, which will be served consecutively to the other terms of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release on the use/possession/discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence charge. Both Wilson and Jones will also be required to make restitution to the bank.
The case was investigated by the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department, the Bethune Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Lexington Man Sentenced for Misprision of a Felony and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Joseph Carlton Meek, 22, of Lexington, South Carolina, was sentenced to 27 months for Misprision of a Felony and Making False Statements in connection with Dylann Storm Roof’s racist assault on parishioners at Mother Emanuel AME Church.
More than a week prior to Roof’s June 17 attack, Roof told Meek that Roof was going to shoot people during Wednesday night bible study at an AME Church in Charleston. Roof also explained that he had been planning the attack for more than six months and that he intended the attack to serve as a catalyst for a race war.
As the initial news reports were released on the night of June 17, Meek knew that Roof had committed the attack based on Roof’s prior statements. Meek told friends and family that he knew Roof had committed the attack but took active steps to stop them from contacting law enforcement on the night of June 17 as well as the morning of June 18. Only after learning that a friend had already called the FBI on June 18 did Meek then call law enforcement. When the FBI first interviewed Meek on June 18, Meek repeatedly lied about his advance knowledge of the details of Roof’s plans to attack the church.
United States Attorney Beth Drake explained, “Meek’s actions in concealing Roof’s involvement and his false statements to the FBI impacted law enforcement’s efforts to capture and investigate Roof who had escaped with a loaded .45 Glock. Separate and apart from the murders, his actions are serious criminal violations.” U.S. Attorney Drake credited the cooperative relationship between the many law enforcement agencies supported by tips from private citizens for the quick capture of Roof. “This was excellent policing with the support of the community.”
According to Alphonso Norris, FBI Special Agent in Charge, “This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to bring justice to all those who played a part in this horrific crime. This successful prosecution was the result of coordinated efforts with our state, local and federal partners. We are proud to be part of such a professional team that also obtained justice for the victims, families and communities that were forever changed by the cowardly acts of Dylan Roof and Joey Meeks.”
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), City of Charleston Police Department, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant United States Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Nathan Williams are prosecuting the case.
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Former Postal Worker Convicted of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: DeWayne Pearson (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ----- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Lawrence Singleton, age 60, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with the administration of tax laws in violation of Title 26, United States Code Section 7212(a). Facts presented in court indicate that Singleton is a former United States Postal Employee with ties to the “sovereign citizen” movement. “Sovereign citizens” are U.S. citizens who claim not to recognize the authority of federal, state or local governments. Typically, they argue that they do not have an obligation to adhere to the laws, policies or regulations created by the government.
According to facts presented during the hearing, Singleton fraudulently filed an identity theft affidavit with the Internal Revenue Service claiming that his identity had been stolen and that it changed his tax liability. Singleton then attempted to pay a $72,000 tax bill using a fraudulent check. Facts presented in court also showed that Singleton attempted to deposit a fraudulent check purportedly worth hundreds of thousands of dollars’ into a bank account and that he used a similar bogus check in an attempt to purchase an automobile. Sentencing in the case has not yet been scheduled but Singleton faces a possible sentence of 3 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $5,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service. “The refutation of frivolous arguments through enforcement helps maintain the integrity of the tax laws of this nation by making sure all citizens are treated equally and pay their fair share,” said acting IRS Special Agent in Charge Michael Daniels. This investigation and conviction were pursued in furtherance of the FBI’s national strategy aimed at disrupting the criminal activity of individuals claiming to be sovereign citizens and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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Former Cashier Sentenced for Defrauding WalmartRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jamie Schoen (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kianna Kateri Spurgeon, age 25, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina, for Access Device Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson, sentenced Spurgeon to three years’ probation, community service, and repayment of restitution.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that when Spurgeon worked as a cashier, she loaded $10,900.00 of Walmart’s money onto cards possessed by a co-defendant. Spurgeon performed the transactions without receiving any payment for the money credited on the cards.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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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 Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
North Carolina Resident Indicted on VA Theft. Nikki M. Williamson, age 44, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with theft of government funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. The maximum penalty Williamson could receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Illegal Alien Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Mario Josue Hernandez-Padilla, age 24, of Honduras, 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)(5). The maximum penalty Hernandez-Padilla could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Jamarr Shavarya Brown, age 26, of Spartanburg, 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 the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Brown could face is a fine of $1,500,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 35 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Boiling Springs Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Shantrese Demarkeds Young, age 25, 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 Young could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Cowpens Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Adam Noel Cobb, age 37, of Cowpens, 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)(9). The maximum penalty Cobb could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Greer Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Tyrone Chadrick Grady, age 32, of Greer, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment with possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The maximum penalty Grady could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years. The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Travis Lee Nixon, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a person after being convicted of a federal offense, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Nixon could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Cleveland Harris Watkins, II, age 34, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a five-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 the intent to distribute heroin, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Watkins could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of life. This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Anderson Group Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Shemika Alfrida Parson Williams, age 35, Kevin Lynn Hargraves, age 32, and Johnny Lee Smith, age 26, all of Anderson, South Carolina, were charged in a four-count indictment with possession of firearms by prohibited persons, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); conspiracy possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846; 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 they could face is a fine of $10,000,000.00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life. This case was investigated by the Anderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Walhalla Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Matthew Vinson Leopard, age 38, of Walhalla, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with possession of firearms by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Leopard could face is a fine of $5,000,000.00 00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of life. This case was investigated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Two Norcross, Georgia Men and A Greenville Man and Woman Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Diego Javier Beltran, age 35, and Savannah Rose Schwarz , age 19, both of Greenville, South Carolina, and Fermin Mata-Bustos, age 29, and Manuel De Jesus Gordillo-Escandon, age 23, both of Norcross, Georgia, were charged in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). Beltran, Mata-Bustos, and Gordillo-Escandon were also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Beltran, Mata-Bustos, and Gordillo-Escandon could face is a fine of $5,000,000.00 00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of life. The maximum penalty Schwarz could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years. This case was investigated by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and ICE–Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Kinards Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. James Andrew Gardner, age 27, of Kinards, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Gardner could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office.
Piedmont Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Tarrance Dieon Albert, age 42, of Piedmont, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Albert could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Travelers Rest Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Billy Raymond Emery, age 48, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of firearms, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Emery could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Westminster Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Matthew Blake Sosby, age 43, of Westminster, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Sosby could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Inman Man Indicted on Bank Robbery Charge. Justin Ashley Bott, age 45, of Inman, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113. The maximum possible penalty Bott could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Lyman Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Honea Path Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Edisto Hulon Patton, age 36, of Honea Path, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty Patton could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Anderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Greenwood Man and Mother Indicted on Federal Drug Charges. Demetris Antwon Goode, age 32, and his mother, Malissa Ann Goode, age 53, of Greenwood, South Carolina, were charged in a four-count indictment alleging one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and three counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). Demetris Goode is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of $10,000,000.00. The maximum penalty Malissa Ann Goode could face is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000.00. This case was investigated by the Greenwood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Greenwood Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Winston Dennis Hill, Jr., age 32, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was charged in a six count indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); two counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances including, cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). Hill is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000.00. This case was investigated by the Greenwood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.#####
Federal Grand Jury IndictmentRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Charleston, South Carolina, returned an Indictment against the following:
Ladson Man Indicted on Drug Charges. Robert Bryan Mansfield, age 60, of Ladson, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The maximum penalty Mansfield could face is a fine of $10,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment for life. The case was investigated by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Sumter Drug Traffickers Sentenced over Two Days in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Contact Person: JD Rowell (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Shan Hill, age 36, of Sumter, SC; Tywon Blackwell, age 35, of Alcolu, SC; George “Tech” McDowell, age 45, of Sumter, SC; Shawn Green, age 38, of Sumter, SC; Quanta Lewis, age 23, of Sumter, SC; and Keenan McDowell-Gregg, age 22, of Sumter, SC; were sentenced yesterday and today in federal court in Columbia for conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and/or cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia sentenced the defendants to the following terms of imprisonment and supervised release:
• Shan Hill: 56 months imprisonment followed by 6 years supervised release;
• Tywon Blackwell: 192 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release;
• George “Tech” McDowell: 130 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release;
• Shawn Green: 188 months imprisonment followed by 4 years supervised release;
• Quanta Lewis: 60 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release; and
• Keenan McDowell-Gregg: 32 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.Evidence presented at each defendant’s guilty plea and sentencing hearing established that the defendants were members of a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy that was operating in Sumter from 2013 through the summer of 2015. These six defendants were charged along with over fifty others in connection with the investigation into armed drug trafficking in Sumter. The case was based largely on evidence obtained via court-authorized wiretaps that ran from late 2014 through the summer of 2015. Evidence presented at plea and sentencing hearings showed that the above defendants dealt in quantities that ranged from multi-kilograms of cocaine down to street-level crack sale quantities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sumter Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Hartsville Man Sentenced to 95 Months in Prison on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Tavares Lamore Wingate, age 33, of Hartsville, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence for conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Wingate to 95 months in federal prison.
Evidence presented at Wingate’s guilty plea hearing established that Wingate and others in the Florence County and Darlington County area were subjects in an ongoing drug distribution conspiracy investigation dating back to 2005 conducted by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. As part of that investigation, in June 2015, agents arranged a controlled buy of a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base from Wingate and a coconspirator.
The case was investigated by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Florence Man Sentenced to over 11 Years on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Cederic Sharnard Bruce, age 31, of Florence, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Bruce to 140 months in federal prison.
Evidence presented at Bruce’s guilty plea hearing established that Bruce and others in the Florence County and Darlington County area were subjects in an ongoing drug distribution conspiracy investigation dating back to 2005 conducted by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the Florence Police Department (FPD), the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. As part of that investigation, in July 2013, a Florence Police Department officer stopped a vehicle in which Bruce and others were traveling. Police officers ultimately searched the car, and found a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base hidden in the car.
The case was investigated by agents Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), Florence Police Department, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Darlington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Firearm Charge in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Justin Martin Jackson, age 29, of Darlington, South Carolina, pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Florence to drug conspiracy and firearms charges. Specifically, Jackson pled guilty to three counts: conspiracy to violate the drug laws of the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; using a communication device to facilitate the commission of a felony under the Controlled Substances Act, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b); and, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(ii)(A). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed a presentence investigation report which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea established that, in 2005, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force, began an investigation into cocaine and cocaine-base distribution activities in the Hartsville area. As part of that investigation, in February 2015, Jackson was found in possession of a quantity of ethylone (a drug also known as MDMA or “Molly”) during a traffic stop. In December 2015, Jackson was arrested at a home in Darlington on a federal arrest warrant. At that home, law enforcement found three firearms, over a kilogram of powder cocaine, and 54 grams of cocaine-base in the home. Officers also recovered two cellular telephones, which Jackson had used in December 2015 to transact illegal drug activity.
Ms. Drake stated that the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison.
The case was investigated by agents of the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.
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Mableton, Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Passing CounterfeitRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Tasha Ajibogun, age 35, of Mabelton, Georgia, pled guilty today in federal court in Florence, to passing counterfeit $50.00 Federal Reserve Notes, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472. United States District Judge Bruce H. 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.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on December 4, 2014, Ajibogun entered the Dollar General Store on South Van Lingle Mungo Boulevard in Pageland where she purchased merchandise with a counterfeit $50.00 bill. The next day, on December 5, an officer with the Pageland Police Department located Ajibogun and discovered 22 additional counterfeit $50.00 bills in her possession.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and the Pageland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Mount Pleasant Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Rhett DeHart (843) 266-1672
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Chandler Carter, age 60, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Carter to 36-months imprisonment to be followed by Supervised Release for life during which Carter will be required to obtain sex offender treatment; register as a sex offender; participate in a computer monitoring program; not have any unsupervised contact with minors; and take random polygraph examinations.
Evidence presented in this case established that a federal search warrant was executed at Carter’s residence in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, on September 2, 2015. The search warrant was obtained after agents received information from authorities in Kent, England that Carter emailed an undercover officer in England and expressed an interest in trading child pornography. These emails were traced to Carter’s house in Mt. Pleasant, which triggered the search warrant.
During the search, agents seized two laptop computers and four thumb-drives from Carter’s residence. A forensic examination of his computers found approximately 25 videos and 80 images of child pornography. The videos and images depicted prepubescent girls having sex with adult men. Carter confessed to trading and possessing child pornography at the conclusion of the search.
The case was investigated by agents from ICE - Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Columbia Sex Offender Sentenced for Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Christopher Lee Holton, age 29, of West Columbia, South Carolina was sentenced Thursday, March 2, 2017, in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Holton to one year imprisonment to be followed by five years of Supervised Release.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that Holton was convicted and sentenced for Molesting a Child and Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in Indiana. Holton's conviction resulted in his being required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORNA). SORNA requires sex offenders to register with law enforcement agencies by providing contact information such as their address and to notify the agencies if they intend to move or the information changes. Holton registered as a sex offender in Indiana when he was released from prison in January 2015 but in August 2015 the Whitley County Sheriff's Office (Indiana) discovered that Holton had moved without notifying them. Holton was located and arrested in West Columbia in August 2016. The investigation revealed that Holton had been living in South Carolina for approximately eight months but did not register, when he arrived in South Carolina, as a sex offender as required by SORNA.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Marshal Service (USMS) and Whitley County Sheriff's Office (Indiana). Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day II of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Myrtle Beach Man Enters Guilty Plea 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 Howard Dillon, age 49, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday 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 R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that during the period from August 2015 through January of 2016, Dillon and others were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit securities (checks) of organizations.The 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 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Marion 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 Willis Terrance Dorsey, age 30, of Marion, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on February 2, 2016, officers with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Department initiated a traffic stop on Dorsey on Interstate 20 in Darlington, South Carolina. After determining that Dorsey did not have a valid driver’s license, officers found 26 grams of crack cocaine on Dorsey's person and a 9mm Keltec pistol in the vehicle. Dorsey subsequently told the officers that he had been selling crack cocaine. Individuals who sell illegal drugs while armed with a firearm are subject to prosecution pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) because of the inherent danger of violence created by the presence of a firearm.Ms. Drake stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison on the firearms charge.
The case was investigated by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.
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Loris Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Norad Arcane McCullough, age 24, of Loris, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute heroin, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 21, 2016, a Conway car dealership notified the Horry County Police Department that they had located a backpack in a car they had repossessed which contained a firearm and what appeared to be heroin. Shortly after officers arrived at the scene, McCullough called the dealership and stated that his backpack had been left in the car that was repossessed and that he was coming to pick it up. When McCullough arrived and claimed the backpack, he was arrested. McCullough admitted that the firearm and the 90 bundles of heroin belonged to him. McCullough also told law enforcement that he had been distributing the heroin. Individuals who sell illegal drugs while armed with a firearm are subject to prosecution under Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) due to the inherent danger of violence created by the presence of the firearm.Ms. Drake stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison on the firearms charge.
The case was investigated by agents of the Horry County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.
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Loris Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Christian Alexander Gause, age 29, of Loris, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute heroin, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base, and Alprazolam, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on March 31, 2016, narcotics agents with Horry County Police Department executed a search warrant at Gause's home in Loris, South Carolina. Gause was arrested and agents seized 40 grams of heroin, 11 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, and 54 Alprazolam tablets. The search was based on previous purchases of illegal narcotics from Gause at that location. At the time of his arrest, Gause was on federal supervised release for a prior offense for a federal gun violation.Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Horry County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.
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Laurens Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Marriage Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jason Bolt, age 39, of Laurens, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to Conspiracy to Commit Marriage Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that Bolt was involved in a marriage fraud conspiracy involving a number of Brazilian aliens who were paying US citizens to enter into fraudulent marriages with them in order to gain United States citizenship.Bolt was paid between $9,000 and $10,000 to enter into a fraudulent marriage with one of the Brazilian defendants who was eventually successful in obtaining United States citizenship through this fraud.
Staged photographs of Bolt and this Brazilian defendant were taken, and fraudulent affidavits falsely claiming that Bolt and this Brazilian defendant lived together were submitted, all for the purpose of corroborating this sham marriage.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant 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 ICE-Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Johnsonville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Charges of Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kenneth Andrew Generette, age 30, of Johnsonville, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted an investigation of individuals distributing heroin in the Hemingway and Johnsonville areas of South Carolina. During the investigation, Generette was identified as a heroin supplier in the area. As part of the investigation, FCSO investigators made two controlled purchases of a quantity of heroin from Generette. In October 2016, Generette was arrested on a federal arrest warrant. During his arrest, officers found an additional quantity of heroin in the home where Generette was residing.Ms. Drake stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of $5,000,000.
The case was investigated by agents with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Chris Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.
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Illegal Alien 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 Jose Hernandez Guerrero, age 38, of Pamplico, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a)(2). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on October 19, 2016, ICE-ERO Officers discovered that Jose Guerrero, a native and citizen of Mexico, had been arrested by the SC Highway Patrol for DUI and Driving Without a License.
In 2004 Guerrero was deported from the United States back to Mexico after having been convicted of felony charges in Texas in 2003.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-ERO Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Illegal Alien 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 Efran Bautista-Ayala, age 44, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a)(2). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on November 9, 2016, ICE-ERO Officers discovered that Efran Bautista-Ayala, a native and citizen of Mexico, had been arrested by state law enforcement for DUI and Driving Without a License.In 2006, Bautista-Ayala was deported from the United States back to Mexico after having been convicted of felony charges in California in 2005.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty this defendant can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-ERO Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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