District of South Carolina
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Florence 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 Henry Quaysean Thomas, age 40, of Florence, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine, 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 May 18, 2016, members of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on a room at local Florence hotel. Thomas was arrested and officers seized 78 grams of marijuana, 7 grams of crack cocaine, and $930 in cash. The search warrant was based on previous controlled buys of illegal narcotics from Thomas at that location. Thomas later admitted to law enforcement that he was selling illegal drugs from that location.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty defendants can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.
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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that on February 28, 2017, a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Conway Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Benjamin Thomas Samuel McDowell, age 30, of Conway, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum possible penalty McDowell could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Myrtle Beach Police Department and Horry County Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.
Illegal Alien Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. William Rodriguez-Alarcon, age 39, of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(A)(1). The maximum penalty Rodriguez-Alarcon could receive for each count is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 40 years. The case was investigated by agents of the ICE - Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr. of the Florence office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these Indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Dillon 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 Florwer Carlin Lizano, age 31, of Dillon, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(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 on August 5, 2016, an officer with the Dillon Police Department found Lizano asleep in a vehicle at 5:00am. When the officer approached the vehicle, he observed a hand gun in Lizano’s waist band. It was determined that Lizano was a previously convicted felon and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. The firearm was a 9mm pistol which had previously traveled in interstate commerce which gave federal agents jurisdiction over the case.Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant faces is imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by officers with the Dillon Police Department and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.
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Bishopville 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 Eric Holloway, age 42, of Bishopville, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(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 prior to the March 8, 2016 offense date, ATF agents, based on information that Holloway was involved in illegal gun sales, was able to introduce an undercover informant to Holloway. On March 8, 2016, in Hartsville, South Carolina, the undercover informant met with Holloway and purchased a 9mm Taurus pistol and 22 rounds of ammo from Holloway. The sale was recorded on audio and video. Holloway is a convicted felon and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The firearm had previously travelled in interstate commerce which gave federal agents jurisdiction over the offense.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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.
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Marion Fireworks Company Pleads Guilty to SmugglingRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Winston David Holliday, Jr. (803) 920-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Atlas Importers, Inc., a fireworks company based in Marion, pled guilty in federal court in Florence on Tuesday to Smuggling, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 545. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will sentence the company at a later date.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that between November 2013 and late 2016, Atlas Importers repeatedly imported unapproved fireworks for sale in the United States. These fireworks were omitted from invoices to conceal their presence in shipping containers. Many of the fireworks had been modified to change the powder ratios from what had been approved. Essentially, the effect powders were increased and the launch powders decreased.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and supervised release of five years.
The case was investigated by agents of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Transportation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Laurens Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Local StoreRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Iquill Wayne Morrison, age 22, of Laurens, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville to obstruction of commerce by robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951; and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Morrison faces a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence in federal prison. Morrison was arrested on the federal charges on November 28, 2016, and has remained in jail since that time.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 25, 2016, Morrison entered the Drug-Lo Pharmacy in Laurens and robbed the employees of money while he was brandishing a firearm.
Agents from the Laurens City Police Department, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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Ladson Man Arrested on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Robert Mansfield, 60, of Ladson, South Carolina, has been arrested on federal charges of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl. Mansfield made an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon and a detention hearing and preliminary hearing have been scheduled for 11 a.m. on March 3, 2017.
The case is being investigated by Special Agents with 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun-Related ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brandon Neal Hart, age 27, of Greenville, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville to making a false statement in the purchase of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6). United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Hart faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 28, 2015, Hart, in connection with his acquisition of a .380 caliber pistol, and a 9mm caliber pistol, knowingly made a false statement intended to deceive the firearms dealer with respect to a fact material to the lawfulness of sale in that Hart represented on the purchase form that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms, when in fact, he was purchasing the pistols for another individual who is not allowed to possess firearms.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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21 Defendants Plead Guilty to Racketeering Related to Murphy VillageRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Hannah Carroll, Rose M. Mulholland, Kim Mulholland, Caroline Sherlock, Catherine Carroll, Anthony Carroll, Johnny M. Sherlock, Mary Rita Sherlock, Jimmy Gorman, Leslie Gorman, Leslie Ann Sherlock, Jimmy J. Carroll, Mary Costello, Mary Gorman Carroll, Renee Carroll, Rose S. Mulholland, Susan Sherlock, Tommy Sherlock, William Carroll, and Johnny Mack, all of North Augusta, South Carolina, as well as Angela Askew, of Augusta, Georgia, have entered guilty pleas in federal court in Columbia, to Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (RICO), a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d). United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia accepted the guilty pleas and will impose sentences after she has reviewed the presentence reports which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the defendants and others agreed, that a criminal enterprise operated in and around North Augusta, South Carolina. This criminal enterprise consists of both residents of an insular group known as Travelers, as well as outsiders that helped those residents. The Travelers live in a defined geographic location of North Augusta that is commonly known as Murphy Village. The Travelers have a particular lifestyle, including a unique language called “Cant,” and are funded largely by illegal schemes. The Travelers and certain outsiders (like car salesmen, insurance agents, and tax preparers) agreed to commit numerous racketeering activities that included mail and wire fraud related to life insurance applications, loan applications, as well as fraud related to government benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and tax refunds. Additionally, when the fraud was successful and money came into the group the money was laundered through numerous channels to include structured deposits and withdrawals to avoid reporting requirements.
Ms. Drake stated, “This cooperative investigation between federal, state and local authorities has effectively dismantled a significant component of the complex criminal element operating out of Murphy Village. However, the investigation continues. We want to recognize the tremendous commitment by the local, state and federal authorities to investigate the wide-spread fraud.” United States Attorney Drake thanked the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, the USDA Office of Inspector General-Investigations, the Postal Inspector’s Office, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, the Second Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Department of Social Services for all the work their agencies did in the investigation and prosecution.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Alphonso Norris stated: “Today’s pleas go a long way in dismantling a criminal organization that has affected citizens in several states. This was made possible with the cooperation of our federal, state and local partners.”
Kelvin Washington, U.S. Marshal for the District of South Carolina, stated: “Working with numerous federal and local agencies on this case has shown again how cooperation and dedication to protecting the citizens of South Carolina speaks volumes about our judicial system. This case produced many assets which will be forfeited and sold so the victims may receive payment for the fraud they endured. It is with immense appreciation to our partners for the success of this case, the U.S. Marshals are only a small piece of this case, but we know we can all work together to serve the citizens of South Carolina.”
South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson stated “I am pleased with this outcome, but this is certainly not the end. We will continue to work closely with authorities at the local, state and federal levels to bring these individuals to justice and expose this extensive criminal enterprise.”
“Today’s pleas are another example of IRS-CI’s dedication to bringing individuals to justice who engage in helping taxpayers evade their tax obligations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Daniels. “We will continue to vigorously pursue both taxpayers who avoid paying their fair share and the unscrupulous professionals who facilitate their actions.”
The maximum penalty for Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, the USDA Office of Inspector General-Investigations, the Postal Inspector’s Office, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, the Second Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Department of Social Services. Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Jay Richardson of Columbia and Rhett Dehart of Charleston are prosecuting the case.
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Teller Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Bamberg BankRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Winston David Holliday, Jr. (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jennifer Lyons Martin, age 34, of Ehrhardt, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to Theft by a Bank Employee, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 656. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will sentence her at a later date.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Jennifer Lyons Martin worked for South State Bank in the Bamberg Branch as a vault teller. During an audit in 2015, over $100,000 was discovered missing. Martin was approached and confessed to taking almost $300,000 beginning in 2013 and lasting through September 2015. She had two personal checking accounts and four savings accounts at South State that she funneled the money into. She spent almost all of it on restaurants, shopping, travel, and living expenses.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for this offense is imprisonment for thirty years and a fine of $1,000,000.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Notice of Court ProceedingsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---------Change of plea hearings have been scheduled for some 22 defendants who were previously indicted on racketeering charges arising from a criminal enterprise that operates in the North Augusta area of South Carolina.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., 12:00p.m. and 3p.m.
WHERE: Matthew J. Perry, Jr., Courthouse
901 Richland Street, Courtroom # 3
Columbia, SC 29201
#####Augusta Man Pleads Guilty to ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: John C. Potterfield (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake today announced that Phillip Thompson, age 67, of Augusta, Georgia, pled guilty to his role in a conspiracy involving theft of government funds. Thompson admitted that he and another man conspired to defraud the government by creating fraudulent invoices for payment of what appeared to be goods needed for work at the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savanah River Site. He further admitted that no goods were ever received and that the loss in the case was over $5,000,000.00.
The sentencing date will be set after the court reviews a pre-sentence report.
The case was investigated by Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Potterfield is prosecuting the case.
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Spartanburg Domestic Violence Initiative Leads to Three Federal Indictments in FebruaryRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
SPARTANBURG, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that three Spartanburg County residents were indicted last week by a federal grand jury sitting in Greenville, with firearms and other offenses.
Rodney Juan Baker, 56, of Spartanburg, was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9). This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Derrick Casey, 37, of Spartanburg, was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Hector Gonzalez, 31, of Spartanburg, was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). This case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
All charged individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Each of these cases are a direct result of “Home Front”, a focused deterrence-based initiative to combat domestic violence led by 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette. The initiative launched in December of 2016 and has the support and partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
These cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells, who is a 7th Circuit Assistant Solicitor specially designated by the United States Attorney’s Office to handle cases from the Seventh Circuit.
Modelled after a program started in High Point, North Carolina, members of the Home Front task force began earlier this fall, meeting with representatives from every police department in Spartanburg county as well as the Sheriff’s Office. The Spartanburg County State Probation office and victim’s advocate stalwart, SAFE Homes, also serve as critical partners in this effort.
Under the guidance of Solicitor Barnette and High Point (NC) Chief Marty Sumner, Home Front has quickly gone from concept to reality. High Point’s model and research suggests that early intervention is key in stopping the cycle of violence. The Home Front strategy identifies and focuses on offenders at the earliest stages of offending, before their violent conduct is entrenched and escalating.According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, domestic violence is a community crime problem that costs the United States over $5.8 billion every year. It is a major drain on law enforcement resources as domestic violence generates a high volume of calls and repeated calls to the same location. Domestic violence homicides make up 40–50 percent of all murders of women in the United States. Women who have experienced a history of domestic violence report more health problems than other women and they have a greater risk for substance abuse, unemployment, alcoholism, and suicide attempts.
Research shows that the repeat domestic violence offender tend to have a significant criminal history that includes a wide range of both domestic violence and non-domestic violence offenses. Most of these offenders are readily identified as they are known to the criminal justice system. The Home Front initiative exposes the repeat domestic violence offender to sanctions because of his pattern of criminal behavior.
According to the 2015 Violence Policy Center When Men Murder Women report, South Carolina led the nation in rates of women murdered by men. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the victims were killed with a firearm and ninety-six percent (96%) of women murdered were killed by someone they knew.
In Spartanburg County during the 2015 calendar year, SAFE Homes serviced 6726 victims of domestic violence. In the same time frame, the Spartanburg Police Department charged 907 domestic violence cases and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office charged 1068 domestic violence cases. There were fourteen (14) domestic related deaths in Spartanburg County in 2015.
Solicitor Barnette has had enough. “Domestic violence is violence, period. It continues to plague our community--so costly and harmful to families and children, persisting year after year. It is time for these offenders to get our best shot—our best efforts. That is Home Front.”
United States Attorney Beth Drake agrees. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) welcome the opportunity to partner with Solicitor Barnette and state law enforcement, and to use federal gun laws to pull violent offenders who are abusing their families and loved ones out of the community. The goal is simple – stop the abuse, or swift and sure, the full force of a coordinated law enforcement effort will come to bear to stop you from abusing. Home Front takes the burden of addressing abusers from the victims and shifts it to us – a very engaged group of local, state, and federal law enforcement.”
The Home Front task force began a thorough, eight-step implementation process in the fall. The steps included training officers, synchronizing the coding of calls among the law enforcement agencies to harmonize communication--to create a back stop of sorts so that no domestic calls or offenders slip through the cracks among the sixteen municipal law enforcement entities in Spartanburg County. Very early in the implementation process, the task force began creating a comprehensive list of domestic violence offenders from the previous twelve months of arrests in Spartanburg County for domestic-related incidents. Offenders were categorized from most dangerous (Class A), repeat offender (Class B), first time DV arrest (Class C), and any non-arrest domestic violence interface with law enforcement (Class D).
For the most serious or repeat offenders, pending cases are fast-tracked to ATF and the US Attorney’s Office for immediate federal prosecution or prioritized for expedited state prosecution. One of those fast-tracked offenders, James Lee Sarratt, Jr., age 49, of Spartanburg, was arrested on a federal gun charge by the ATF in October 2016 on conduct stemming from a domestic call in Spartanburg in late September 2016 where an individual had been shot. Sarratt was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2016 and entered a guilty plea at his first opportunity to do so on January 11, 2017 in federal court. Sarratt has been in custody, detained without bond, since his arrest and currently awaits sentencing. He faces up to ten years in federal prison.
See link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/spartanburg-initiative-combat-domestic-violence-results-first-guilty-plea
For updates follow us on Twitter @USAO_SC
This process incorporated by the Home Front task includes creating an enhanced system of tracking for offenders who are notified at any level or category. Custom notification letters, hand-delivered by law enforcement to offenders within 48 hours of the initial law enforcement contact, serve to alert offenders that they are on the Home Front radar going forward as well as detailing presumptive sentences for future acts of violence or prohibited behavior.
Solicitor Barnette is optimistic about the collaboration and is confident the focus and dedication of this task force will not waiver. “Securing our communities and ensuring that victims and children can feel safe in their own homes—breaking this horrific cycle of violence, that is our charge.”
Home Front Task Force:
City of Spartanburg Police Department
City of Campobello
City of Pacolet Police Department
City of Chesnee Police Department
City of Cowpens Police Department
City of Duncan Police Department
City of Greer Police Department
City of Inman Police Department
City of Landrum Police Department
City of Lyman Police Department
City of Wellford Police Department
City of Woodruff Police Department
Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Police Department
Victim Advocates
Victim Services Providers
Behavioral Health
SC Dept. of Probation, Pardon and Parole Services
U. S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Seventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office
SAFE Homes
Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, & Union
#####Lancaster County Woman Sentenced for Straw Purchase of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact Person: William Witherspoon (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Lillie Mae Govea, age 26, of Lancaster, South Carolina was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for straw purchasing a firearm. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Govea to 10 months in federal prison.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 21, 2014, a Lancaster County deputy met with 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.
The officer then contacted the boyfriend who told the officer that a friend of his named "Nick" had asked Govea to purchase a pistol for him. Nick gave Govea and the boyfriend money and told them to make the purchase at a named local gun store. Govea agreed. Govea indicated that during the entire drive to the gun store, her boyfriend was on the telephone asking for directions. When they got to the store, he 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 urchased a different pistol and ammunition instead.
On the way back home, the boyfriend was talking to someone on the telephone and told them they would be returning shortly. When they returned, a black male that she did not know approached them, gave her additional money for the pistol and took the pistol out of the car. The boyfriend 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.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.
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Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years on Stolen Firearm and Ammunition ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Stacey D. Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Anthony Leroy Doctor, a/k/a “Amp,” age 26, of Columbia, South Carolina was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment today after earlier pleading guilty in federal court to possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Doctor to 10 years’ imprisonment, which will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Evidence presented in court during the March 2016 guilty plea hearing established that shortly before midnight on June 7, 2015, Doctor and others became involved in a disturbance in the parking lot outside a nightclub located in a strip mall at Broad River Road and Rushmore Road in Columbia. Doctor was armed with a firearm and when confronted by club security, Doctor left the premises and discarded the firearm in some bushes along a parking lot behind a restaurant across from the club. Later, Doctor returned to the bushes and attempted to retrieve the firearm, but was asked to leave the premises by the restaurant security. Doctor continued to return to search the bushes and while Doctor was looking for the firearm in the bushes, a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrived in response to the restaurant’s call about a suspicious person in their parking lot. When asked what he was doing, Doctor, without turning around, replied that he was looking for his gun. Doctor then turned around and noticed that the security guard had been joined by the Richland County deputy. Doctor, who was intoxicated, was placed in investigative detention while deputies searched for the firearm. Deputies called a K-9 to the scene. The K-9 performed an article search and retrieved the firearm from the bushes where Doctor had been searching earlier. Doctor, an admitted gang member, was placed under arrest for state weapon charge and disorderly conduct. The firearm, a Taurus 9mm handgun, was loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition and had been reported stolen in 2014 from a vehicle in Aiken.
The case was referred to federal authorities for prosecution as Doctor, who was on state probation at the time, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior state felony convictions, which include carjacking, assault and battery with intent to kill, strong arm robbery, and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), 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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Federal Indictments Unsealed: 13 Defendants Arrested on Gun and Drug Charges After Two-Year Undercover Collaborative Law Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2140
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake, announced today that thirteen individuals have been arrested on federal charges for drug and firearms violations. A 35-count federal indictment was unsealed yesterday charging multiple defendants with federal violations. Thirteen defendants were arraigned on the indictment yesterday.
Beginning in 2014, the FBI Myrtle Beach Resident Agency and the DEA Florence Resident Office, working with several law enforcement partners, began an investigation of a large drug trafficking organization operating in the Myrtle Beach, Florence, and Charleston areas of South Carolina. The investigation targeted members of the Billie East Side Bloods, a set of the United Blood Nation, and others who formed an agreement to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana in South Carolina, and to traffic in and possess firearms for the purpose of advancing the drug conspiracy. During the course of the investigation, agents used surveillance, source information, and other techniques to establish the agreement between coconspirators to sell drugs and to possess and sell firearms.
This operation was a combined law enforcement effort between the FBI, the DEA, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, the 15th Circuit’s Drug Enforcement Unit, the Coastal Carolina University Police Department, and the Georgetown Police Department. The charges filed against the defendants in this operation are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Florence.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies and credited law enforcement. “This joint operation involving our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners signals our commitment to and emphasis on targeting significant criminal organizations operating in the Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Florence areas of South Carolina.”The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
#####State and Federal Indictments Unsealed: 21 Defendants Arrested on Gun and Drug Charges After Two-Year Undercover Collaborative Law Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
Contact Person: A. Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that 21 individuals have been arrested on state and federal charges for drug and firearms violations.
Beginning in October of 2014, the ATF Charlotte Field Division, working with several law enforcement partners, began an undercover investigation in North Charleston, launched as the North Charleston Violent Crime Community Impact Investigation. The investigation focused on drug trafficking activities as well as the illegal possession of firearms. This two-year investigation, which involved nearly 200 undercover operations, resulted in purchase of 58 firearms, over three and a half pounds of cocaine and crack cocaine, 80 grams of methamphetamine and 41 grams of heroin.
This operation was a combined law enforcement effort in the city of North Charleston and surrounding communities and included special agents from ATF, ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, as well as officers and deputies from the North Charleston Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office. The charges filed against the defendants in this operation are being prosecuted by the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charleston.
“ATF is extremely appreciative of our partners and this collaborative effort to make North Charleston and the surrounding area a safer place,” said Charlotte Field Division's Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman. “ATF has committed our resources to help tackle firearms trafficking, illegal criminal firearm possession and other violent crimes happening in the area. That commitment, combined with the cooperation of local law enforcement agencies, federal partners, the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has resulted in a very successful operation with a long-term impact on violent crime in this community.”
Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson echoed that sentiment. “This multi-agency partnership charted a proactive effort to secure our community by focusing on dangerous individuals who plague our streets with gun and drug driven violence.”
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies and thanked the agents and law enforcement officers for the work that went into bringing the state and federal charges. “We work best when we work together. This kind of community impact case, where federal authorities pick up gun and drug charges on repeat offenders and the State Solicitor prosecutes the dealers without a significant prior record, is the sort of collaboration that has real impact on the lives of the people living in the community. Community safety is what we are about.”The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
#####Multiple Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to Hold Press Conference in North Charleston on Wednesday, February 22, 2017Read the Press Release
Contact Person: A. Lance Crick (843) 282-2105
The press conference will be held at 4pm in the lobby of North Charleston’s City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, South Carolina 29406
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced this morning that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have conducted a joint enforcement operation today involving multiple defendants located in Charleston County and Dorchester County. A press conference will be held this afternoon (Wednesday, February 22, 2017) at 4:00pm in the lobby of North Charleston’s City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, South Carolina 29406.
Participating in the press conference will be member(s) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the North Charleston Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Multiple Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to Hold Press Conference in Conway on Thursday Morning, February 23, 2017Read the Press Release
Contact Person: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2140
The press conference will be held at 9:30am at the M.L. Brown Building, located at 2560 Main Street, Conway, South Carolina 29526
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced that federal and state law enforcement agencies have conducted a joint enforcement operation today involving multiple defendants located in Horry County, Florence County, and Charleston County. A press conference will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 9:30 A.M. at the M.L. Brown Building, located at 2560 Main Street, Conway, South Carolina 29526.
Participating in the press conference will be member(s) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, the 15th Circuit’s Drug Enforcement Unit, the Georgetown Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Ridgeland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Nick Bianchi (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brandon James Williams, age 32, of Ridgeland, 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 David C. Norton of Charleston sentenced Williams to six-years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that the Ridgeland Police Department was called to the Econo Lodge on James Taylor Drive to conduct a welfare check. Upon arriving, officers made contact with Williams and another individual in one of the rooms and could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the room. Upon executing a search warrant for the room, officers found a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun in a jacket belonging to Williams and a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun in a dresser drawer. Williams has multiple prior felony convictions.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Ridgeland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: A. Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that on February 15, 2017, a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Spartanburg Man Indicted for Threatening President and President-elect. Kipper Ken King, age 30, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment with making threats on the lives of the President of the United States and the President-elect, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871. The maximum possible penalty King could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 5 years. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and the Spartanburg County Detention Center. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Texas Resident Charged with Wire Fraud. Theresa Lopez Santos, age 65, of Lytle, Texas, was charged in a three-count indictment with wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. The maximum penalty Santos could receive for each count is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years. The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Greenville Resident Indicted on VA Theft. Hughlyn Zimmerman, age 72, of Greenville, South 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 Zimmerman could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. The 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.
Easley Resident Indicted on Defrauding Local Company. Janna B. Shelby, age 54, of Easley, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and mail fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. The maximum penalty Shelby could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Xavier Lee Gist, age 22, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm 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 Gist could face is a fine of $1,750,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 45 years. The case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Drug Charges. Damaris Ray Hill, age 27, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The maximum penalty Hill could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years. The case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Fountain Inn Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Demetrice Ricole Fruster, age 39, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with possession of a firearm 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) and a quantity of hydrocodone, 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 Fruster could face is a fine of $1,500,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 35 years. The case was investigated by the Greer Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Rodney Juan Baker, age 56, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9). The maximum penalty Baker 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.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Derrick Lorenzo Casey, age 37, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Casey 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.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Hector Tavoris Gonzalez, age 31, of Spartanburg, 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 Gonzalez could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Marietta Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Michael Wayne Capps, age 45, of Marietta, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Capps could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.
Oconee County Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Howard Eugene Johnson, age 50, of Oconee County, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Johnson could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.
Anderson Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge and Destructive Device Charge. Timothy Garrett Holmes, age 22, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), and possession of destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871. The maximum penalty Holmes could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Anderson City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.
Landrum Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Joshua Shane Verdin, age 32, of Landrum, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9). The maximum penalty Verdin 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 First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.
Upstate Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Steven Ray Garner, age 33, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Garner could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.
Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Travius Isaiah Mayer, age 27, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Mayer could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.
Taylors Man Indicted on Hobbs Act Robbery and Federal Gun Charges. Delmar Deshion Jackson, age 39, of Taylors, South Carolina, was charged in a thirteen-count indictment with conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery and attempted robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section1951(a); conspiracy to use and possess a firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); obstruction of commerce by robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section1951(a); and the use, carry, and possession of a firearm and aiding and abetting the brandishing of the firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). The maximum penalty Jackson could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This 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.
Greer Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges. Leslie Earle Alverson, age 50, of Greer, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B); receipt of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2); and advertising visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(d)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Alverson could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office. This case is being 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.
Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Darius Jacoby Brown, age 27, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Brown could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This 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 Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Anderson Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Matthew Gregory Aldrich, age 31, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Aldrich could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. 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 Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Simpsonville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Rico Mandreil Sweeney, age 39, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Sweeney could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Simpsonville 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 Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Justin Rashad Spencer, age 26, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was charged in a six-count indictment with possession of firearms by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); use and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The maximum penalty Spencer could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.
Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Napoleon Isaac Mansell, age 34, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Mansell could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office 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.#####
Conway Man Arrested by the FBI on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Benjamin Thomas Samuel McDowell, age 29, of Conway, South Carolina, appeared before a federal magistrate judge this morning in Florence, South Carolina, for an initial appearance following his arrest last night in Myrtle Beach by the FBI. McDowell was arrested for a violation of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
A preliminary hearing and a detention hearing for McDowell have been calendared for Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 2:30pm at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence, South Carolina. McDowell remains in custody. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Horry County Police Department, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Drake stated that all charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Twentieth Lottery Scam Defendant SentencedRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Marvin Songlin, age 32, of Myrtle Beach, SC, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Florence for his role in a bogus lottery scam that targeted elderly victims across the country. He had previously pled guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Songlin to four years in federal prison, and ordered to pay restitution to the victims. Nineteen defendants involved in the scam have previously been convicted and sentenced by Judge Harwell.
Evidence presented at Songlin’s guilty plea hearing established that he served as a “money mule” for a group that convinced more than 150 victims that they had to pre-pay taxes or fees in order to receive lottery or sweepstakes winnings. The victims, mostly elderly, sent more than $1 million in fees or taxes to Songlin and other money mules, who in turn transmitted the funds to co-conspirators in Jamaica.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (UPIS). Assistant United States Attorneys Eric J. Klumb of the Charleston office and A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Greenville Man Sentenced in Access Device Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dalvin Michael Davenport, Jr., age 23, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and restitution of $30,857.89, after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and money laundering, violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029 and 1956. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson sentenced Davenport on February 9, 2017.
At an earlier guilty plea hearing, Assistant U. S. Attorney Jeanne Howard, established that Davenport, along with other members of the conspiracy, recruited cashiers at various businesses to credit funds onto Green Dot, Visa and other prepaid cards without receiving payment. Immediately after obtaining the prepaid cards, members of the conspiracy activated and depleted the cards of the fraudulently loaded funds. In total, the conspiracy resulted in a loss of over $264,000.00, to several businesses in South Carolina and Georgia.
Other members of the conspiracy who previously entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced include the following: Vincenzo Mikkel Byers, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 36 months imprisonment; Cierra Andreous James, age 24, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Brandon Christopher Davis, age 26, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Tony Christopher Robinson, age 24, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, sentenced to 18 months imprisonment; Davario Rashad Clinkscale, age 23, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Eric Ross Wilson, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Terrance Justin Davis, age 27, of Mauldin, South Carolina, sentenced to 21 months imprisonment; Quentin Nathaniel McClinton, age 25, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to time served; and, Adam Isaiah Posley, age 21, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 3 years’ probation.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI Upstate Gang Task Force and the U. S. Treasury Department, IRS Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Two Members of Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced on ThursdayRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced that two members of a large, multi-state drug trafficking organization were sentenced on Thursday, February 9, 2017, in federal district court. Mister T. Crocker, age 36 from Columbia, and Lashaun Fair, age 37 from Anderson, were members of a drug trafficking organization that operated for approximately 13 years in multiple states, including South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. During the course of the conspiracy, members of the conspiracy distributed millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, lead Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Attorney, was the lead prosecutor. OCDETF is a program administered by the Department of Justice that targets large scale, multi-state drug trafficking organizations.
Moorman told the Court during proceedings involving Crocker and Fair about their respective roles in the conspiracy. According to Moorman, Crocker was arrested on July 1, 2014, with co-defendant Kelvin Fulton after purchasing approximately 180 grams of cocaine from co-defendant Walter Lee in Anderson, South Carolina. Fair was a significant cocaine distributor in Anderson, South Carolina, whom federal agents observed leaving a home in Anderson on November 3, 2014, after purchasing a kilogram of cocaine from the organization’s source of supply, who lived in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Court sentenced Crocker to 30 months imprisonment and Fair to 60 months imprisonment for their respective roles in this organization.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Department of Public Safety, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison on Federal 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 Thurmond Lowery, Jr., age 36, of Cheraw, SC, was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court in Florence on multiple gun and drug charges to include felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Lowery to 150 months in federal prison.
Evidence presented at Lowery’s guilty plea hearing established that on April 19, 2015, an officer with the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Lowery. Lowery was placed under arrest for driving under suspension. During a search of the vehicle a loaded .40 caliber handgun was found. Lowery was prohibited from possessing a handgun because he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. During August 2015, officers with the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were investigating drug activity in the Myrtle Beach area. As part of that investigation, on August 4, 2015, DEU and FBI agents made a controlled buy of a quantity of heroin from Lowery. The next day, agents made a second controlled buy of a quantity of cocaine from Lowery.
The case was investigated by agents of the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Florence Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Farm Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Winston Holliday, Jr. (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Roselyn Goodrum, age 47, of Florence, has been sentenced to 27 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to Conspiracy, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, regarding the administration of farm-related disaster benefits. She also was ordered to pay over $146,000 in restitution to the federal government. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence presided over the hearing. Goodrum pled guilty September 1, 2016.
Evidence presented to the court established that Roselyn Goodrum was in charge of the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Florence office from 2006 through 2014. In February 2014, Ice Storm Pax caused extensive damage to farms in the Pee Dee. As a result, farmers could make claims to the FSA for financial assistance to clean up their land. Goodrum filed multiple false applications in the names of family members who were not entitled to these benefits, enriching herself and others. After FSA employees discovered the theft and suspended her, Goodrum surreptitiously re-entered the office and shredded incriminating documents. Overall, she illegally obtained $146,401 that she was not entitled to in fraudulent benefits.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Department of Agriculture and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Winston Holliday.
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Salem Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake, announced today that Justin David Crenshaw, age 31, of Salem, entered a guilty plea in federal court this morning in Greenville on charges stemming from his possession and discharge of a firearm last fall at a residence in Oconee County. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McDonald accepted the plea. Crenshaw will be sentenced after a presentence investigation report is prepared by United States Probation.
Crenshaw was previously indicted on December 13, 2016, by a federal grand jury for felon in possession of ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Prior to his indictment, Crenshaw, whose conduct at the time of the offense was being supervised by United States Probation following his summertime release from the Bureau of Prisons, was arrested on federal arrest warrants in early December for the offense and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since that date.
The facts presented by the government at the guilty plea hearing this morning established that on October 25, 2016, Crenshaw and a colleague entered a residence in Oconee County and initiated a physical assault on a male located in the residence. The male ran outside the house followed by Crenshaw who then fired two rounds during the altercation. Deputies recovered two 9mm ammunition casings from the site of the incident. When interviewed, Crenshaw admitted firing the shots.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance and cooperation of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. The case has been assigned to First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick for prosecution.
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Leesville Woman Sentenced for Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Winston Holliday (803) 929-3079
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Darlene Henderson, age 60, of Leesville, South Carolina, pled guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in South Carolina, for Wire Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia sentenced Henderson to eight months of home confinement, to be followed by five years of probation. Henderson also was ordered to pay almost $130,000 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Evidence presented at the hearing established that between November 2011 and December 2013, Henderson assisted Michael Yant, who previously pled guilty to the same scheme and was sentenced to five months incarceration, commit mortgage fraud on a number of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. Specifically, Yant engaged in a prohibited rent-to-own scheme, and Henderson used her position at the bank to approve these loans, despite suspicious borrower information being relayed to her. A number of these loans are now delinquent or in default.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston Holliday of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Charlotte Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court to Simpsonville Gun Shop RobberyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick, (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake, announced today that Juran Maghi Witherspoon, age 18, of Charlotte, North Carolina, entered a guilty on a charge stemming from his involvement in the pre-dawn break-in and theft of firearms from The Gun Shop in Simpsonville in October of 2016.
Witherspoon was previously indicted on December 13, 2016, by a federal grand jury. Prior to his indictment, Witherspoon was arrested on federal arrest warrants in early November for the offense and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since that date.
The facts presented by AUSA Bill Watkins at the guilty plea hearing this morning established that on October 13, 2016, at approximately 2:52 a.m., a burglary occurred at The Gun Shop and Indoor Range, a federal firearms licensee, located at 622 NE Main Street, Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681. Surveillance camera footage from the store depicted a minivan driving though the front of the store and then three subjects (one of which was Witherspoon), wearing hooded sweatshirts, gloves and carrying bags, entering the store. Witherspoon and his associates used a sledge hammer and a baseball bat to break the glass from display cases containing firearms before loading handguns into the bags. The three men were in the store for just under one minute before they fled in a getaway car and abandoned the van at the scene. A subsequent inventory of the missing guns revealed that a total of forty-three (43) handguns had been stolen to include various models of Auto Ordnance, Bersa, Glock, Ruger, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory and Taurus firearms. The van was identified as a white Chrysler Town & Country which had been reported stolen from Denver, North Carolina.
Ms. Drake said that the maximum penalty Witherspoon faces is 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, supervised release of 3 years, and a special assessment fee of $100.
Ms. Drake also thanked law enforcement for the excellent police work: “The Simpsonville and Charlotte police, ATF and the Lincoln County Sheriff, they pulled together to solve this one. Working together for safer communities is what it’s about.”
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance and cooperation of the Simpsonville Police Department, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and the Lincoln County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins and First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick, both of the Greenville office, for prosecution.
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Indictment Unsealed Charging 14 from Sumter in Midlands Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force (CVGTF), of which the City of Sumter is a member, arrested several defendants who are charged in an indictment with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in the midlands of South Carolina. All defendants who were arrested this week will appear for bond hearings at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse in Columbia, South Carolina, tomorrow at 10:00 am before the Honorable Shiva V. Hodges, United States Magistrate Judge.
The arrests this week mark the next step in the CVGTF’s efforts to combat violent crime linked to drug trafficking in the Sumter and Columbia areas of South Carolina.
The investigation began in 2015 when FBI, DEA, and City of Sumter Task Force Officers targeted the cocaine sources of supply who were selling cocaine to the defendants referenced above. Agents and Task Force Officers previously conducted arrest operations in May 2016, October 2015, August 2015, and June 2015. To date, this investigation has resulted in the convictions of fifty defendants for drug trafficking conspiracy charges and/or money laundering offenses.
Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in this case, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Sumter City Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Columbia Police Department.
This case represents another example of the collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Batesburg-Leesville Man Convicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: William K. Witherspoon (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that John Timothy Cannon, a/k/a “Mr. JT.,” age 63, of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, was convicted Monday by a federal jury in Columbia, of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1). Cannon was also convicted of four (4) counts of using a telephone to arrange drug deals, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b). United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia, presided over the trial and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the trial established that in 2011, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a violent street gang operating in Columbia, SC. They obtained wiretaps on a number of telephones and determined these gang members were involved in selling cocaine and crack cocaine. The FBI then tapped the telephone of the gang’s cocaine suppliers, which ultimately led to a major cocaine distributor in Batesburg, SC. The FBI then tapped the distributor’s telephone and learned that this supplier, starting in 2008, began to supply Cannon with cocaine for resale to local drug dealers. This arrangement continued until the Batesburg distributor was arrested, pled guilty and sentenced to federal prison in 2012. Thereafter, Cannon found another distributor and continued his sale of large amounts of cocaine to persons in Batesburg-Leesville, Columbia and surrounding areas. The evidence presented at trial included wiretap calls on which Cannon was overheard ordering three (3) ounces of cocaine multiple times a week during a sixty (60) day time period of the wiretaps. The evidence also included testimony from persons who purchased cocaine from Cannon.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for these offenses is Life imprisonment and a fine of $8,000,000.
The case was investigated by the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Columbia Police Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon and Jane B. Taylor of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Associate of Wildboys Gang Pleads Guilty to Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
An associate of the Wildboys street gang in South Carolina has pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for his role in a gang-related shooting.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Captain Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division made the announcement.
Brian Manigo, aka B-Nasty, 25, of Green Pond, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity. Sentencing will be set before U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel of South Carolina.According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Manigo was an associate in the Wildboys, a violent criminal street gang based in South Carolina, with members operating in various South Carolina cities, including Summerville and Walterboro. The defendant further admitted that Wildboys members and associates have committed a wide range of racketeering activity, including assault with dangerous weapons, murder, robbery and narcotics trafficking.
As part of his plea agreement, Manigo admitted his involvement in a shooting on May 14, 2011, at a car wash in Walterboro. Another Wildboys associate drove the vehicle, allowing Manigo to shoot multiple times at an associate of the rival Cowboys gang in retaliation for an earlier shooting. One individual was struck by the gunfire and sustained serious bodily injury.
Manigo and other alleged members or associates of the Wildboys were charged in an indictment with attempted murder in aid of racketeering and firearms offenses on Feb. 9, 2016.
Separately, also on Feb. 9, 2016, nine members and associates of the Cowboys gang were charged in an indictment with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses. The indictment further alleges that, for a period of time, the Cowboys were aligned with the Wildboys. To date, multiple members and associates of the Cowboys have pleaded guilty to charges in the indictment, including racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ATF, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, the Walterboro Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department and the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office are investigating the cases. The Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section is prosecuting the cases in partnership with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Associate of Wild Boys Gang Pleads Guilty to Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007
WASHINGTON – An associate of the Wildboys street gang in South Carolina has pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for his role in a gang-related shooting.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Captain Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division made the announcement.
Brian Manigo, aka B-Nasty, 25, of Green Pond, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity. Sentencing will be set before U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel of South Carolina.According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Manigo was an associate in the Wildboys, a violent criminal street gang based in South Carolina, with members operating in various South Carolina cities, including Summerville and Walterboro. The defendant further admitted that Wildboys members and associates have committed a wide range of racketeering activity, including assault with dangerous weapons, murder, robbery and narcotics trafficking.
As part of his plea agreement, Manigo admitted his involvement in a shooting on May 14, 2011, at a car wash in Walterboro. Another Wildboys associate drove the vehicle, allowing Manigo to shoot multiple times at an associate of the rival Cowboys gang in retaliation for an earlier shooting. One individual was struck by the gunfire and sustained serious bodily injury.
Manigo and other alleged members or associates of the Wildboys were charged in an indictment with attempted murder in aid of racketeering and firearms offenses on Feb. 9, 2016.
Separately, also on Feb. 9, 2016, nine members and associates of the Cowboys gang were charged in an indictment with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses. The indictment further alleges that, for a period of time, the Cowboys were aligned with the Wildboys. To date, multiple members and associates of the Cowboys have pleaded guilty to charges in the indictment, including racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ATF, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, the Walterboro Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department and the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office are investigating the cases. The Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section is prosecuting the cases in partnership with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
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United States Attorney Hosts Meeting with South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community to Plan TrainingRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Rob Sneed (843) 266-1600
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that the United States Attorney’s Office is working to uphold the commitments in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted a meeting that included the Department of Justice Community Relations Service, the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to coordinate training for law enforcement on practical ways to communicate and serve the hard of hearing and deaf community.
U.S. Attorney Drake stated that, “Twenty-six years ago, Congress passed, and President George H. W. Bush signed, the ADA, ushering in a new era of civil rights for people with disabilities in this country.” She further stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in collaboration with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division enforces the ADA to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn, vote, and play in their own communities – free from discrimination and able to participate in the mainstream of American life. Title II of the ADA has an Effective Communications requirement, where certain public entities, including law enforcement, must take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are “as effective” as communications with others. This includes providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary.
Attending the meeting were: two members of the South Carolina Association of the Deaf: Anita Steichen-McDaniel, Executive Director and Joy Hill, Administrative Assistant; Roger C. Williams, who is the Director of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the South Carolina Department of Mental Health; Walter Atkinson, who is a Senior Conciliation Specialist with the Department of Justice Community Relations Service; and Wayne C. Harris, a senior training official at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Also attending from the U.S. Attorney’s Office were U.S. Attorney Beth Drake, Civil Division Chief Barbara Bowens, Affirmative Civil Rights Coordinator Rob Sneed, Criminal Civil Rights coordinator Alyssa Richardson, and Law Enforcement Coordinator Becky Plyer.
The group discussed issues facing South Carolina’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community when interacting with law enforcement. They also discussed training programs and opportunities for law enforcement through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, the SC Association of the Deaf, and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health were eager to partner in the immediate future in additional training for law enforcement in order to enhance communication between law enforcement and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
According to U.S. Attorney Beth Drake, collaborative efforts such as this are a “win-win” situation for South Carolina. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing community can impart invaluable training and experience to law enforcement; and the law enforcement community will be better prepared to protect and serve persons hard of hearing or deaf. “The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy does terrific work with the resources it has to prepare our officers for the challenges on the streets. This meeting this week is just another example of how the Criminal Justice Academy leans in to the real life challenges that officers face on the street. Every dollar spent in training our officers at the CJA saves lives.”
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North Charleston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Nick Bianchi (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Neko Andre Tisdale, age 33, 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 Tisdale to ten years imprisonment, to be followed by two years’ supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that Tisdale was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by City of Charleston Police Department officers on June 12, 2014. After officers smelled the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle, they search the vehicle and found a Bersa Firestorm pistol under a child seat. Tisdale admitted that the firearm belonged to him. Tisdale was later arrested by City of Charleston Police on January 31, 2015, with another firearm by City of Charleston Police on January 31, 2015, days after being released on bond from his June 12, 2014, arrest.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the City of Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to 360 months for Aggravated Sexual Assault on a ChildRead the Press Release
Contact Person: J.D. Rowell (803) 929-3036
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ricardo Favela (age 44) was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for two counts of aggravated sexual abuse on a child and one count of abusive sexual contact with a child. Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie of Columbia sentenced Favela to 360 months (30 years) incarceration. The defendant was also sentenced to a term of supervised release, sex offender rehabilitation, and will be required to register with the South Carolina Sex Offender register upon his release.
Evidence presented at the trial established that beginning sometime in early 2015 through April of 2016, Favela was the primary care taker of the child. Trial testimony included a videotaped confession conducted by the FBI, wherein Favela admitted to allowing the child to perform sexual acts on himself multiple times from early 2015 through 2016. Favela was convicted in October of 2016 on three of the four counts contained in his indictment.
United States Attorney Beth Drake noted that the US Attorney’s Office prosecutes sexual assault cases when they occur in areas of federal jurisdiction (military bases, national parks, etc.), and that the sexual assault cases receive the full focus of the capable investigators and prosecutors that work them. “This sentence reflects the repugnant nature of the offense and serves as a significant deterrent to all sex offenders.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fort Jackson Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys JD Rowell and Jay Richardson of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Hoax Bomb ThreatRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Stacey D. Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Karry Max Taylor, III, age 21, of Columbia plead guilty in federal court yesterday to making a hoax bomb threat, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1038(a). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie of Columbia 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 in court established that on January 4, 2016, three individuals, two in South Carolina and one in New York, each received a text message from an unknown South Carolina telephone number advising them that someone had placed a bomb in the parking lot of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Garners Ferry Road. One of the texts stated, “Hey Montana, this is Sosa. Omar said he put a bomb in the parking lot or something…in the VA hospital on Garners Ferry Road. I am scared and I don’t know what to do.” The three individuals each notified law enforcement authorities, who were able to discern that the texts were referring to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Columbia. As a result, the Columbia Police Department, the Columbia Fire Department, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Police Department responded and placed the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in lock-down and swept the parking area for explosives. Law enforcement was on the scene for three hours and ultimately determined that the texts were a hoax as no explosive was located. Thereafter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, through investigative means, was able to link the texts back to a cellular telephone and email account belonging to Taylor. Agents approached Taylor, a volunteer with the Columbia Fire Department, and he admitted to sending the texts to random numbers in an effort to draw other fire engines to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in hopes that his fire station would then be called to respond to any other calls that occurred during that time frame.
Taylor faces a statutory maximum of five years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000, in addition to three years of supervised release. The statute also requires that Taylor reimburse the state and local agencies who responded to the incident on January 4, 2016. The case was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Columbia. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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South Carolina Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Dealing, Shooting Police OfficerRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Nick Bianchi (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Tray Jabari Graves, age 29, of Garnett, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour of Charleston sentenced Graves to twenty-eight years imprisonment, to be followed by ten years supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that law enforcement conducted multiple undercover crack and cocaine purchases from Graves and other co-conspirators. On June 17, 2015, federal agents executed search warrants at Graves’ residence, as well as his mother’s residence which Graves used to conduct drug trafficking. When the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team made entry into Graves’ residence, Graves shot Sgt. Mark Cobb of the SWAT team in the shoulder as officers opened Graves’ bedroom door. After Graves was apprehended, agents recovered approximately 33 grams of crack cocaine, a kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, a drum magazine loaded with eighty-one rounds of ammunition, a money counter and over $6,500 from Graves’ bedroom. Agents also recovered approximately 73 grams of crack cocaine, 214 grams of cocaine and 4 firearms from Graves’ mother’s residence.
Following Graves’ sentencing, United States Attorney Beth Drake stated, “Drug dealers armed with firearms put our community and our officers at risk as this case demonstrates. Fortunately, Sgt. Cobb has recovered physically. We extend our most sincere thanks to the officers who protect and serve, most particularly Sgt. Cobb and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team that made the arrest in this case.” Jason Sandoval, Resident Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Charleston Office added, “violence in our community is often perpetrated by the same organizations distributing drugs. The Tray Graves case is a telling and unfortunate example of a young man who made a choice to be a violent criminal. Most disturbing among his felonious actions, Mr. Graves’ conduct could have cost a dedicated and honorable law enforcement officer his life. Rule of law and justice have prevailed, however. As a consequence, Mr. Graves will spend most of the next three decades in federal prison for violence and poison sown by his hand in the community.”
The case was investigated by agents of the DEA and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Two Associates of Wildboys Gang Plead Guilty to Charges Involving Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007
WASHINGTON – Two associates of the Wildboys street gang in South Carolina have pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in gang-related shootings.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Captain Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division made the announcement.
Joshua Manigault, aka J-Rizzle and Rizzle Back, 30, and Damien Robinson, aka Sacked Up, 20, of Green Pond, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity. Sentencing will be set before U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel of South Carolina.
According to admissions made in connection with the pleas, Manigault and Robinson were associates in the Wildboys, a violent criminal street gang based in South Carolina, with members operating in various South Carolina cities, including Summerville and Walterboro. Manigault and Robinson admitted that Wildboys members and associates have committed a wide range of racketeering activity, including assault with dangerous weapons, murder, robbery and narcotics trafficking.
Further, as part of their plea agreements, Manigault and Robinson admitted their involvement in a drive-by shooting in Walterboro on April 7, 2015. Robinson drove past a residence where members of the rival Dooley Hill gang were believed to reside while Manigault and another associate of the Wildboys fired multiple shots. One individual inside the home was hit by the gunfire and sustained serious bodily injury.
Manigault and Robinson were charged in an indictment with attempted murder in aid of racketeering and firearms offenses on Feb. 9, 2016.
Separately, also on Feb. 9, 2016, nine members and associates of the Cowboys gang were charged in an indictment with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses. The indictment further alleges that, for a period of time, the Cowboys were aligned with the Wildboys. To date, multiple members and associates of the Cowboys have pleaded guilty to charges in the indictment, including racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ATF, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, the Walterboro Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department and the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office are investigating the cases. The Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section is prosecuting the cases in partnership with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
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Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Richard Wallace Heald, III, age 26, of Greenville, pled guilty Wednesday in federal court in Anderson, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that child exploitation investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office downloaded, using a peer-to-peer filing sharing system, two child pornography videos from an IP address associated with the Defendant’s residence.
Based on this download, a search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence. A computer was seized from the Defendant’s room. An analysis of the hard drive revealed a user name of “Ricky Heald.” The account appeared to be password protected, but agents were able to access the device. Over 120 child pornography videos were found on the computer.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Heald can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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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Pickens Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court for Possession of a Pipe BombRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Matthew Joseph Kelley, age 28, of Pickens, pled guilty this morning in federal court in Anderson for possession of a destructive device, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Kelley faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Kelley was arrested on federal firearms charges on August 23, 2016, and has remained in custody since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on that August 19, 2016, members of the United States Marshals Task Force and deputies from the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, while attempting to serve an arrest warrant for an individual believed to be at a residence in Easley, came into contact with Kelley. When deputies arrived at the residence, several people were present and the owner allowed deputies to search the home. Deputies then received consent to search the belongings of other individuals at the home. When deputies searched a bag belonging to Kelley, they located a pipe bomb.
The United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Pickens County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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Operation “REAL-TIME”: Spartanburg Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Frederick Jermaine Porter, age 27, of Spartanburg, pled guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Anderson to a felon in possession of a firearm indictment. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Porter, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Porter was arrested on federal firearms charges on September 19, 2016, and has remained in custody since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 15, 2016, Spartanburg Police Department Investigators approached Porter as he walked down the street based on a tip that he would be in possession of a pistol inside a book bag. During the encounter, officers discovered a marijuana cigarette located on the ground by Porter and arrested him. Once arrested, officers searched the book bag and found a loaded .38 caliber revolver.
Porter 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.
Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort. "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."
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 Spartanburg Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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Operation "Real-Time": Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Giovonni Dequese Cecil, age 23, of Greenville, pled guilty this morning in federal court in Anderson to a felon in possession of a firearm indictment. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Cecil, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Cecil was arrested on federal firearms charges on June 16, 2016, and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on June 14, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office responded to a call placed by Cecil from a local hotel room. Cecil relayed to a dispatcher that he was a convicted felon who had guns and drugs in his room and wanted a ride to another hotel. When the GCSO arrived at the hotel, Cecil invited them into his hotel room. Inside the room, responding deputies observed a shotgun and a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the room and during their search located a 12-gauge shotgun, a .270 caliber rifle along with .40 caliber ammunition, .270 caliber ammunition, 12-gauge shotgun shells, .9mm ammunition, and a quantity of drugs.
Cecil 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.
Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort. "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."
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. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.
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Operation "Real-Time": Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Michael Lee Westbrook, age 40, of Greenville, pled guilty this morning in federal court in Anderson to a felon in possession of a firearm indictment. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Westbrook, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Westbrook was arrested on federal firearms charges on September 7, 2016, and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 3, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office responded to a local residence in an attempt to locate Westbrook for a state probation violation. Upon their arrival, deputies located Westbrook located in the back yard and recovered a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol from his back pocket.
Westbrook was arrested federally as a part of "Operation Real-Time." The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate 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.
Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort. "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."
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. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.
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Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court for Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Benjamin Marcel Wright, age 23, of Greenville, pled guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Anderson for possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Wright faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Wright was arrested on federal firearms charges on September 15, 2016, and has remained in custody since his federal arrest. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 11, 2016, Greenville Police Officers were conducting foot patrol at a closed city park when they encountered Wright and a female engaged in physical activity. When officers conducted a search of Wright, they recovered a loaded .9mm pistol from his pants, and drugs from a nearby vehicle.
The Greenville Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court for Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Benjamin Marcel Wright, age 23, of Greenville, pled guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Anderson for possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Wright faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Wright was arrested on federal firearms charges on September 15, 2016, and has remained in custody since his federal arrest. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 11, 2016, Greenville Police Officers were conducting foot patrol at a closed city park when they encountered Wright and a female engaged in physical activity. When officers conducted a search of Wright, they recovered a loaded .9mm pistol from his pants, and drugs from a nearby vehicle.
The Greenville Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.
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Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Escape ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Santonio Dwayne Ramsey, age 26, of Appling, Georgia, plead guilty in federal court to escape, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 751(a). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie of Columbia accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on the evening of July 19, 2016, the Alston Wilkes Society Residential Re-Entry Center, a contracted Federal Bureau of Prisons halfway house facility in Columbia, conducted a routine head count and found Ramsey absent. Ramsey, who had recently been transferred to the halfway house facility from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Williamsburg, South Carolina, was serving the remainder of a federal sentence stemming from a 2010 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm in the Southern District of Georgia. After determining that Ramsey was not in a local hospital or detention center, the Federal Bureau of Prisons declared him to be in escape status, notified the United States Marshals Service, and a federal escape charge was obtained. Ramsey was arrested on state charges stemming from a domestic issue on November 2, 2016, in Columbia County, Georgia. After initially providing deputies a fake name, deputies determined Ramsey's true identity and the outstanding federal escape charge from South Carolina.
Ramsey faces a statutory maximum of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 on the escape charge. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Gaffney Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court to Charges of Using Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jeffrey Dean Daily, age 44, of Gaffney, pled guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Anderson to use of an explosive device to damage a building, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i). United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Daily faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 1, 2014, Daily used an explosive device to damage the Chesnee Car Wash, and on July 6, 2015, he used an explosive device to damage the Oasis Car Wash in Gaffney. On July 17, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Daily’s residence and found components like those used in the two explosions at the carwashes. Agents also recovered an intact homemade explosive device located in his truck.
The Chesnee Police Department, Gaffney Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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Fountain Inn Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Christopher Taggart, age 56, of Fountain Inn, pled guilty today in federal court in Anderson, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that law enforcement received a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited that Taggart had attempted to download two images that contained child pornography. Taggart was approached by law enforcement and his computer was searched. A forensic exam of his computer revealed 136 images and two videos of child pornography.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Taggart can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 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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