District of South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Derrall Lanard Reed, a/k/a “Ric0,”35, of Columbia, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to five counts of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and four counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in early 2020, agents from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with local agencies, conducted an investigation into firearms within the Columbia area. During this investigation, undercover ATF agents were introduced to Reed, who during five transactions in February 2020 sold five handguns, many of which were loaded, and crack cocaine and cocaine to undercover ATF agents. During one of the transactions, the undercover agent tried to buy Reed’s personal firearm, but he refused, saying he didn’t want to be “naked” (without a gun). Reed was arrested on federal charges and detained without bond on March 12, 2020, when he showed up to sell another firearm to the undercover agents. A federal search warrant was executed on his home.  Inside the home, agents found his personal firearm, which had a high-capacity magazine, and various rounds of ammunition. Of the six handguns recovered by ATF during this investigation, three had previously been reported as having been stolen from residences or vehicles. Two were previously reported stolen in Richland County, and one, on which someone had attempted to obliterate the serial number, had previously been reported as having been stolen from a residence in Hoke County, North Carolina. Additionally, two of the firearms, including the one recovered in Reed’s home, were preliminarily linked through ballistics analysis as having been involved in ShotSpotter incidents and other shooting incidents in Columbia on July 2019, November 2019, December 2019, and March 2020. Reed has prior state convictions for possession of crack cocaine (2004), possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (2006), and assault and battery with intent to kill (2006, wherein he shot another person in the thigh).

United States District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Reed to a total of 144 months imprisonment to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This investigation by the ATF, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Midlands Gang Task Force was made possible by leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.

The technology known as “ShotSpotter” relies upon acoustic sensors to pinpoint where gunfire occurs. Information from the sensors is sent to officers of the Columbia Police Department and 9-1-1 dispatchers through real-time digital alerts.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Brian Leroy Watson, a/k/a “Lil B,” a/k/a “B,” 50, of Blythewood, has pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a minor and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of heroin.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in January and February 2016, Watson attempted to exploit a minor female victim in commercial sex.  In March 2016, the victim disclosed to law enforcement that Watson, a heroin and crack cocaine dealer, sexually assaulted her. Watson was interviewed by law enforcement, and he denied assaulting the victim and instead said he was prostituting her. 

Advertisements from Backpage.com linked to Watson’s cell phone number and e-mail address showed the minor victim was advertised for commercial sex.  Text messages from Watson’s phone also provided evidence that Watson knew the victim was a minor, and that he distributed heroin to and sexually exploited the minor victim.  Another purported victim of Watson’s also told FBI that Watson exploited the minor victim in commercial sex.  Numerous witnesses told FBI that Watson manipulated the withdraw symptoms and drug dependence of women to obtain commercial sex for his financial gain.

As for the heroin distribution conviction, Watson sold a quantity of heroin on August 29, 2016 to an undercover officer with the Richland County Sherriff’s Department.  Watson negotiated the sale of heroin with officer, which occurred at his residence, and Watson carried a pistol in his hand at the time of the drug sale.  The sale was audio and video recorded, and lab tests confirmed what Watson sold was heroin.

Watson faces up to Life in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution to all identifiable victims of his scheme, and a Life term of court-ordered supervision to follow any term of imprisonment.  He also must register as a sex offender upon any release from prison.  United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs accepted the guilty plea and the Court will sentence Watson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is prosecuting the case.

 

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Adair Ford Boroughs was officially sworn in today as United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. U.S. Attorney Boroughs was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on June 6, 2022, and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 21, 2022. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Boroughs in a ceremony at the federal courthouse in Charleston. An investiture ceremony will take place at a later date.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to return to the Department of Justice as the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Boroughs. “The team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office is incredibly talented, dedicated, and committed to the mission. I look forward to digging in and doing the work alongside them, as well as alongside our law enforcement partners and our communities, to protect and serve the citizens of the District of South Carolina and to seek fairness and justice in all that we do.”

U.S. Attorney Boroughs is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the District of South Carolina. She supervises an office of approximately 61 Assistant United States Attorneys, 75 support staff, and 13 contract support staff. The office prosecutes federal crimes affecting the district, including narcotics and firearms cases, gang violence, human trafficking, white-collar crime, securities fraud, public corruption, terrorism, and civil rights violations. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Prior to her confirmation as U.S. Attorney, Boroughs was a partner at Boroughs Bryant, LLC where she handled complex litigation and provided strategic counsel to clients. From 2017 to 2019, she served as Executive Director of Charleston Legal Access, a nonprofit, sliding-scale law firm that she helped found to address the justice gap in South Carolina. From 2013 to 2017, Boroughs clerked for Judge Gergel, where she worked on a number of high-profile cases including United States v. Dylan Roof, where the defendant was convicted of killing nine Black parishioners during a prayer meeting at the historic Charleston Emanuel AME church. Boroughs began her legal career in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. as part of the Attorney General’s Honors Program, serving from 2007 to 2013. While there, she handled complex civil ligation across the country, received awards for her trial work and mentorship of new attorneys, and served on the Assistant Attorney General’s Diversity Committee where she led the work on overhauling the Division’s hiring practices. Prior to law school, Boroughs taught high school mathematics in South Carolina’s public schools.

Boroughs received her J.D., with distinction, from Stanford Law School in 2007 and her B.S. in Mathematics, summa cum laude, from Furman University in 2002. She is a 2001 Harry S. Truman Scholar.

For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Archie Arsenio Caldwell, 33, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana.  He also plead guilty to distributing crack cocaine and money laundering.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Rock Hill Police Department began to investigate a group of defendants who were obtaining large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana from a distributor in Southern California.  Based upon the investigation, the police were able to determine that members of the group were flying to California and having the drugs shipped back to the Rock Hill and Charlotte, N.C. area. Specifically, Caldwell was a member of the group and helped other members obtain flights to California to purchase the illegal substances.  Caldwell also flew to California to purchase illegal substances for other members of the group and orchestrated shipping the packages back. After the drugs were shipped back to South Carolina, the group distributed the drugs to local dealers.  Later, the group began ordering fentanyl from California which they used to make fentanyl-laced pills which were sold to users in Rock Hill, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, Ga. This group shipped more than 255 packages from California and distributed more than five kilograms of cocaine, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, one kilogram or more of heroin, and more than a 1000 grams of marijuana.  Eighteen defendants were charged in this case.  Thirteen defendants have pled guilty, including Caldwell, to their involvement. Five defendants are awaiting trial.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Caldwell to 300 months imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Rock Hill Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), York County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, Elliott Daniels, Elle Klein, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

###

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A crime reduction operation in North Carolina and South Carolina has resulted in the apprehension of more than 91 individuals on charges of homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, child abuse, child sexual assault, drug distribution and gun crimes.

The enforcement operation announced today took place between July 5, 2022, and July 15, 2022, in Gaston County in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina, with special emphasis placed on communities within Gastonia, N.C. and Rock Hill, S.C.

Led by the U.S. Marshals Service, “Operation Washout” is a violent crime reduction initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement, and focuses on improving safety in local communities by identifying and removing fugitives, violent criminals, self-identified gang members, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and parole violators.

“Criminal activity impacts the well-being of our communities,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “I commend the law enforcement agencies that took part in this crime reduction initiative. As we work together to build stronger relationships with our communities, we must hold accountable those who continue to spread violence and pose a threat to our citizens’ safety.”

“Our commitment to strengthen, protect and safeguard our communities is showcased by the collaborative effort of all the agencies involved in this operation,” said Chris Edge, Acting U.S. Marshal of the U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of North Carolina. “It also serves as a somber reminder that if you commit a crime and think by fleeing the county or state the United States Marshals Service will find you, wherever you hide.”

Partnering agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service in North Carolina and South Carolina and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Gaston County Police Department, the City of Gastonia Police Department, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, the Rock Hill Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the York County Solicitor’s Office.

# # #

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Russell Lucius Laffitte with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, and misapplication of bank funds.

The indictment alleges that Laffitte conspired with a bank customer to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The indictment alleges that during the conspiracy, Laffitte served as an employee, officer, or director of the Palmetto State Bank (“PSB”), and the bank customer worked as a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Hampton, South Carolina. Laffitte and the bank customer engaged in a scheme to defraud the bank customer’s personal injury clients under materially false and fraudulent pretenses and by making materially false representations. Laffitte and the bank customer conspired to obtain money from the bank customer’s personal injury clients and the law firm, money which was held at PSB.

Specifically, the indictment alleges that Laffitte - while serving as conservator for the bank customer’s personal injury clients - extended $355,000 in personal loans to himself and $990,000 in personal loans to the bank customer from funds held at PSB and belonging to the personal injury clients. Laffitte knew that the funds loaned to the bank customer were used to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in overdraft on the bank customer’s personal account. The indictment further alleges that Laffitte knew that the bank customer used funds stolen from other personal injury clients to pay back the loans. Laffitte, as conservator or personal representative for the personal injury clients, received disbursement checks from the law firm, then negotiated and distributed the funds according to and at the bank customer’s direction. At the bank customer’s direction, Laffitte transferred the disbursed settlement funds into bank money orders, cash, and other wire transfers. The indictment alleges that Laffitte collected $391,781.07 in fees for serving as conservator and personal representative.  

The indictment further alleges that on two occasions, Laffitte, as an officer and director of PSB, willfully misapplied bank funds. Specifically, on October 28, 2021, Laffitte paid the law firm $680,000 without notice to or consent from PSB, knowing that he had fraudulently transferred the money to the bank customer. Last, the indictment alleges that on July 15, 2021, Laffitte willfully misapplied $750,000 of bank funds by extending a commercial loan to the bank customer knowing that the loan was essentially unsecured and that the loan proceeds would be and were used to pay an attorney and to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in overdraft on the bank customer’s personal account. Laffitte faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on all charges.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”), and South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting this case.

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

laffitte_indictment_.pdf

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — James Edwards Phillips, 64, of McBee, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Evidence presented to the Court showed that, on the afternoon of December 6, 2019, a Deputy with Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an argument at a residence in Hartsville.  Upon arrival, the Deputy saw Mr. Phillips holding a firearm and advancing towards another individual.  The Deputy detained Phillips and recovered a loaded .22 caliber revolver from Phillips’s person.  At the time of the incident, Phillips was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to his prior federal and state felony convictions.

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Phillips to 96 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Hartsville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.

###

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA --- David Crosby, 29, of Ladson, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography.

Evidence presented to the Court demonstrated that an individual in Canada traded child pornography with Crosby through an instant messaging application for smartphones. Investigators located Crosby through the IP address he used to access the instant messaging application. Following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, investigators located 398 images and 20 videos of child pornography on Crosby’s devices, including images of prepubescent minors having sex with adults.

United States District Judge Margaret Seymour sentenced Crosby to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Seymour also ordered Crosby to pay $3,000 in restitution to a victim identified in the case.

This sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Ralph Allison Pitt, Jr., 46, of Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that, on December 6, 2017, federal agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (ACHIDTA) and investigators with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and Richland County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on a hotel room shared by Pitt and a co-defendant, who were targets in a drug operation.  Law enforcement located various controlled substances including approximately 179 grams of pure methamphetamine in a substance that weighed more than 380 grams and recovered a Smith & Wesson Model “669” 9mm pistol inside a duffle bag with a luggage tag bearing Pitt’s name.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Pitt to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This prosecution is part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA) investigation. HIDTA is a grant program purposed with improving public safety and well-being by disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organizations through intelligence-driven multi-jurisdictional operations; enhancing the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement operations through training; and improving communication and information sharing among criminal justice, drug prevention, and drug treatment professionals in support of the objectives as administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.  Additional information can be found at https://www.achidta.org/, https://www.dea.gov/operations/hidta, and https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/.

This case was investigated by the Columbia’s DEA ACHIDTA, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Bales is prosecuting the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Don Everett Peters, III, a/k/a “Pop,” 21, and Shylik Lamont Smalls, a/k/a “Mitch,” 22, both of Columbia, and Elijah Rasue Dewayne Ellis, a/k/a “Smoke,” a/k/a “Black,” 21, of Valdosta, Georgia, all appeared in federal court in Columbia for their first appearance on federal complaints charging them with conspiracy to commit armed robbery of a postal carrier, armed robbery of a postal carrier, and theft/possession of a postal arrow key.

The charges stem from an incident in Columbia on March 17, 2022, where a United States Postal carrier was robbed at gunpoint.

All three face a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment on the armed robbery charge, five years on the conspiracy charge, and 10 years on the theft/possession of the arrow key charge. They are all currently detained.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall are prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA —Brodus Bernard Gregg, 68, of Conway, South Carolina, was convicted following a two-day jury trial in federal court for participating in an interstate cocaine trafficking conspiracy that operated for several years in the Pee Dee.

“Brodus Gregg and his co-conspirators brought large quantities of cocaine from other states into South Carolina, and a jury has now held him accountable for his conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “We are grateful to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office for their work in disrupting and dismantling this criminal enterprise.  Alongside our federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to prioritize the prosecution of those who profit off the lethal drugs they pedal into our communities.”

“The mission of DEA is unwavering--we relentlessly pursue drug traffickers who distribute dangerous drugs like cocaine in our communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “These drugs cause immeasurable damage. DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting and serving these communities.”

“We are so appreciative of the partnerships that we have with State and Federal agencies which resulted in a conviction for this case.  We are grateful to the deputies who initiated this investigation and for their exceptional work,” said Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt.  “We will continue to do what we can to stop the distribution of illegal narcotics by working with our law enforcement partners and our community.” 

Evidence presented by the Government at trial established that beginning around 2015, several drug dealers in the Conway and Myrtle Beach area began paying Gregg between $1,000 and $1,500 to pick up kilogram-quantities of cocaine and heroin from sources of supply in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Atlanta, Georgia, and drive the drugs back to South Carolina, where they were broken down for further distribution. 

The existence of the conspiracy came to light during a court-authorized wiretap conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration during the summer of 2020, which intercepted communications from three target telephones that were in contact with dozens of drug dealers in the Pee Dee.  Further investigation into the inner workings of the criminal enterprise led agents to piece together that Gregg had previously been caught during a traffic stop carrying ½ kilogram of cocaine from Atlanta to Conway while on a drug resupply run for the organization. 

The evidence showed that on October 9, 2019, at 8:19 p.m., two deputies from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office Interdiction Unit stopped Gregg on the shoulder of Interstate 20 near Aiken based on a window tint violation.  The dash and body cameras from the stop showed that upon entering the Gregg’s identifying information into a car-mounted computer, deputies learned that he had an outstanding warrant for an unrelated crime from Georgetown County.  Deputies also walked a drug detection canine around Gregg’s vehicle during the stop, and the canine indicated a positive alert for narcotics. 

When deputies attempted to detain Gregg to search his vehicle, he ran and tried to reenter his vehicle to flee.  A roadside struggle ensued for more than five minutes as dozens of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks zoomed past them at highway speeds less than five feet away.  During this scuffle, the video captured Gregg telling the deputies that they will “have to kill him” to detain him.  

After Gregg was detained, the deputies searched his vehicle and located 500.9 grams of cocaine.  After being checked out by EMS roadside, Gregg admitted that he was delivering the cocaine from an individual in Atlanta to another individual in Conway.  In the months that followed, he also admitted his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy to DEA agents.

At trial, Gregg testified that he did not know what he was transporting, and that he thought on an earlier occasion he had transported beauty supplies for a co-conspirator’s wife’s beauty salon.  He stated that he fought the deputies because he felt intimidated during the traffic stop and accused agents of lying about the statements he gave during his interviews.  Several other members of the conspiracy who had previously pled guilty testified as witnesses.  They each said that Gregg knew that he was transporting cocaine, and that he had been doing so for them for several years.  They said the ½ kilogram of cocaine Gregg was transporting was worth approximately $25,000. 

The jury quickly returned a verdict of guilty.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon presided over the trial and will sentence Gregg after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report that will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.  Gregg faces a penalty of 5 to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of $1,000,000.  He also faces at least four years of court-ordered supervision after prison.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Everett McMillian, Lead Task Force Attorney for the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), and Katie Stoughton, who serves as the Chief of the Office’s Appellate Division, prosecuted the case.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Alice Felder-Lucas, 58, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for false claims against the United States and theft of governmental funds.

According to evidence presented during the defendant’s trial, Felder-Lucas filed fraudulent IRS Form 1040 tax returns petitioning for a tax refund of $708,190.00. As support, Felder-Lucas provided false IRS Form 1099 claiming millions of dollars of income and withholdings. Felder-Lucas’s tax return was flagged by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for potential fraud. However, the funds were erroneously released to her. Although the IRS was able to claw back approximately $30,000 of the refund once the fraud was discovered, Felder-Lucas had transferred most of the ill-gotten funds to other bank accounts. She used the funds to purchase a new house and car. During her case, Felder-Lucas filed several documents with the Court alleging she was a “sovereign citizen”. The sovereign citizen movement is a broad term applying to a loose association of tax protesters, financial scheme promoters, and conspiracy theorists. Typically, adherents of the theory claim to be answerable only to their view of law and to not be subject to any government statutes, rules, or proceedings. The Court rejected these claims.

“To steal from the Government is to steal from every taxpaying citizen in America," said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “The Defendant here stole from the American people and spent that money on luxuries for herself. She deserves to go to prison, and I appreciate our partners with the IRS for making this case possible.”

“Those who might consider preparing false tax returns should be aware of the extremely negative consequences as evidenced today," said Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS’s Charlotte Field Office. "Today's sentencing emphasizes that the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who would attempt to defraud America's tax system."

United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Felder-Lucas to 41 months imprisonment for each count to run concurrently, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Felder-Lucas was also ordered to pay all outstanding tax balances to the IRS and ordered to pay $678,486.97 in restitution. 

The case was investigated by the IRS and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson, who also serves as the Office’s Criminal Chief.

###

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Dan Howard Spivey, Jr., 42, of Conway, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and Jasmine McKenith, 32, of Nichols, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances. 

Evidence presented to the Court showed that Spivey and McKenith were involved in a multi-year conspiracy to distribute drugs in and around Horry County.  Spivey and McKenith both served as distributors for their co-defendant in the case, Darryl Lamont McKenith.  During the course of the conspiracy, Spivey was held accountable for more than one kilogram of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.  Jasmine McKenith was attributable to more than six kilograms of heroin during the conspiracy. 

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Spivey to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision.  Judge Harwell sentenced Jasmine McKenith to 48 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision.  Judge Harwell previously sentenced McKenith and Spivey’s co-conspirators.  Darryl Lamont McKenith, 33, of Aynor, received a sentence of 132 months in federal prison, Scorpio Teriell Tisdale, 28, of Gallivants Ferry, received a sentence of 120 months in federal prison, Michael Keith McKenith, 32, of Aynor, received a sentence of 84 months in federal prison and Donna McKenith, 77, of Aynor, received a sentence of time served.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by Conway Police Department, Horry County Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office is observing National Postal Worker Day by recognizing the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), including those with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) who investigate crimes related to the mails.

“As we all know, the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service work rain, sleet, or shine to ensure the U.S. mail system continues to function. Their work is critical and, as we have seen in our own district with the senseless murder of Irene Pressley, can also be dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “I also want to thank our law enforcement partners within the USPS. These agents vigorously investigate crimes related to the mails - which include fraud, violence, and drug crimes - and protect the people of South Carolina and throughout the country.”

“The U.S. Postal Service serves 163.1 million addresses in the country — covering every state, city and town,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to enforcing the laws that defend the nation’s mail system from illegal and dangerous use, persevering the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and most importantly, providing a safe environment for Postal employees and the American Public. We value our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina for supporting our mission and all the employees of the U.S. Postal Service across the country.”

Here in South Carolina, 6,798 postal employees from 415 postal facilities work hard every day to deliver letters and parcels to nearly every residence and business in South Carolina. This includes correspondence from loved ones, shipping orders, and important business documents.

As the agencies who police this system, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigates crimes relating to the mails, while the USPS OIG focuses on internal USPS cases and fraud against USPS.

In September of 2019, the U.S. Postal Service lost one of their own, Ms. Irene Pressley, 64.  Ms. Pressley was brutally murdered while delivering mail on her route near Andrews.  Postal Inspectors from South Carolina and all over the nation converged to Williamsburg County to investigate her murder and bring her killers to justice. The trial for the remaining defendants in that case is scheduled for October of this year.

Together, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the USPS’s law enforcement components have investigated and prosecuted numerous other crimes, including recent investigations leading to multiple arrests in armed robbery and burglary cases here in Columbia, the destruction of postal facilities, financial scams, and major drug trafficking operations.

South Carolina is safer because of the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG. As America heads into its annual celebration of Independence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office especially thanks all the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service for the work they do for this country.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, July 1, 2022, at 10 a.m., at the U.S. Post Office on 1601 Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina 29201.

The purpose of the press conference is to recognize National Postal Worker Day, which will include a recognition of significant cases brought by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

Represented at the press conference will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and representatives of the U.S. Postal Service.

WHEN:        Friday, July 1, at 10 a.m.

WHERE:     U.S. Post Office

                        1601 Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina 29201

 

NOTE:  Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek A. Shoemake at 843-813-0982.  Members of the media wishing to attend should arrive at the Post Office fifteen minutes in advance.

 

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Rodney Ellis, 71, of Sumter County, has pleaded guilty to defrauding Sumter Behavioral Health Services (SBHS), a 501c3 non-profit.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Ellis, between 2013 and 2020, while employed by SBHS as its Financial Officer defrauded the non-profit out of at least $800,000 by diverting funds from SBHS banking accounts to his own personal banking accounts to which he was not entitled.

“This Office is committed to prosecuting economic crimes, especially those that take advantage of organizations that treat some of the most vulnerable in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “We appreciate the efforts of all state and federal agencies involved in this case.”

“Behavioral health organizations depend on every dollar allocated to treat those seeking help for their substance abuse challenges,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge, Susan Ferensic.  “It is inexcusable for someone with a high-ranking position, like Ellis, to steal the organization’s funds for personal benefit.  The FBI will continue to work jointly with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement partners to uncover the misuse of funds and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Ellis faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  Senior United States District Judge Terry Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Ellis after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.

###

WASHINGTON – A South Carolina man pleaded guilty today to two felony charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His and others’ actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

George Amos Tenney III, 35, of Anderson, South Carolina, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding. According to court documents, in December 2020, Tenney made plans to travel to Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. He sent a Facebook message on Dec. 28, 2020, that stated, among other things, “It’s starting to look like we may siege the capital building and congress if the electoral votes don’t go right.”

On Jan. 6, Tenney illegally entered the Capitol Building. He moved to the area inside the Rotunda Doors, arriving there at approximately 2:24 p.m. Rioters had amassed outside the doors and were struggling against the police officers attempting to secure the building. Tenney tried to open the Rotunda Doors to allow the rioters inside, and he had contact with multiple federal employees while doing so. He succeeded in opening one of the doors.  A police officer who was outside tried to push them closed, and Tenney resisted, pushing against the door to try to keep it open. An employee of the House Sergeant at Arms then ran towards Tenney, pushing him aside in an effort to close the door. Tenney grabbed the employee by the shoulder. He and other rioters surrounded the employee, and a heated conversation began. A rioter from outside the doors forced his way inside and pushed the employee of the House Sergeant at Arms away.

Tenney, meanwhile, continued to stand in the doorway, and locked arms with a Capitol Police officer who was just outside the doors. He and the officer moved inside, towards the Rotunda. Tenney pushed away the officer’s hand. While in the Rotunda, he yelled, “Stand up, Patriots, stand up!” He then returned to the Rotunda Doors, where he assisted rioters entering the building, patting them on the back and helping them move forward. When another Capitol Police officer entered the area, Tenney pushed him to the side. Tenney ultimately had to be pulled back inside so that the Rotunda Doors could be closed to keep other rioters from entering. He then retreated to the Rotunda and exited the Capitol through a window at approximately 2:32 p.m.

Tenney was arrested on June 29, 2021, in Anderson, South Carolina. He is to be sentenced on Oct. 20, 2022. He faces a statutory maximum of five years in prison in prison on the civil disorder charge and up to 20 years in prison on the obstruction charge. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.

The FBI’s Columbia, South Carolina Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department

In the 17 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 840 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 250 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.  

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov

###

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a 10-count indictment alleging charges related to wildlife trafficking and money laundering against five individuals:

• Bhagavan Mahamayavi Antle, a/k/a Kevin Antle, a/k/a Doc Antle, 62, of Myrtle Beach;
• Andrew Jon Sawyer a/k/a Omar Sawyer, 52, of Myrtle Beach;
• Meredith Bybee, a/k/a Moksha Bybee, 51, of Myrtle Beach;
• Charles Sammut, 61, of Salinas, California; and
• Jason Clay, 42, of Franklin, Texas

According to the indictment and other court records, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S), also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. Sawyer and Bybee are Antle’s employees and business associates.

Sammut is the owner and operator of Vision Quest Ranch, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests. Clay is the owner and operator of the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests.

The indictment alleges that Antle, at various times along with Bybee, Sammut, and Clay, illegally trafficked wildlife in violation of federal law, including the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act, and made false records regarding that wildlife. The animals involved included lemurs, cheetahs, and a chimpanzee.

The indictment and a previously-filed federal complaint in the case also allege that over the last several months, Antle and Sawyer laundered more than $500,000 in cash they believed to be the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. The filings allege that Antle had used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks, and that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by inflating tourist numbers at the Myrtle Beach Safari.

Antle and Sawyer each face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the charges related to money laundering, and up to five years in federal prison for the charges related to wildlife trafficking. Bybee, Sammut, and Clay each face up to five years in federal prison for the charges related to the wildlife trafficking. Antle and Sawyer were previously granted a bond by a federal magistrate judge as a result of the charges in the federal complaint, and Bybee, Sammut, and Clay are pending arraignment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The prosecutors on the case are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower, with the District of South Carolina, and DOJ Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan with DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

 

antle_indictment.pdf

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Shaheem Shaquille Williams, 50, of Columbia, was sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm after being convicted of a prior felony.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that on August 16, 2021, a Richland County deputy stopped Williams after determining the tag on the vehicle did not belong on the car he was driving.  After the deputy realized Williams did not possess a driver’s license, Williams ran from the traffic stop.  The deputy chased Williams and saw him throw down an object that was later determined to be a firearm.  After having to wrestle with Williams and tase him, another officer arrived and the two deputies were able to take Williams into custody.  After arresting Williams, the deputy retraced the path of the pursuit and found the firearm laying in the yard of a nearby home.

Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Williams to 43 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Edward Daniel Kimpton, Jr., 26, of Columbia, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and possession of stolen firearms. 

Evidence presented to the Court showed that from June 2018 through his arrest in April 2020, Kimpton operated an elaborate fraud scheme that included the use of 16 pseudonyms or names, 58 e-mail addresses, and several financial accounts in false and fraudulent names. 

During his scheme, Kimpton ordered high value products from individual sellers and retailers online and then diverted the packages mid-shipment, sometimes by posing as the seller or shipper.  After he took possession of the packages, Kimpton filed claims that he never received them, causing money to be reverted and allowing Kimpton to take both the shipments and the money he purportedly paid. Kimpton defrauded at least 27 victims in 17 states. 

During court-authorized searches in April 2020, ATF recovered from Kimpton what he amassed during the fraud – 94 firearms, including an illegal short-barreled shotgun and a .50 caliber rifle, as well as 7 illegal bump stocks, more than 23,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, tactical helmets, tactical clothing, firearm scopes, gas masks, gas mask filters, indoor chemical gas grenades, firearm accessories, medic kits, and luxury consumer goods. 

At sentencing, the Court held Kimpton accountable for the possession of machineguns for possessing the 7 bump stocks, which are devices that allow a semiautomatic firearm to shoot a continuous firing cycle by harnessing the recoil energy of the firearm.  Bump stocks are illegal under federal law.

Senior United States District Judge Joe Anderson sentenced Kimpton to 5 years in prison, the maximum allowable under the plea agreement, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

At sentencing, the Court also ordered Kimpton to pay victims $44,317.15 in restitution.  Restitution will be paid from $73,636.03 seized from a Kimpton bank account as fraud proceeds, and the Court ordered the balance to be forfeited. 

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Norris L. Bond, 42, of Columbia, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and possessing a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking. 

Evidence presented to the Court showed that in July, 2019, Richland County Sheriff’s Department made a traffic stop on an Audi driven by Bond. In a subsequent search of the Audi, law enforcement found bags of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine, and a loaded 9mm pistol. Law enforcement arrested Bond and transported him to the detention center. While Bond was enroute, law enforcement noticed him moving around in the backseat of the patrol car. When Bond was removed from the patrol car, law enforcement discovered a torn bag of suspected cocaine where Bond had been sitting.  The suspected cocaine and crack cocaine lab tested as approximately 63 grams of cocaine and 30 grams of crack cocaine.

Further investigation revealed Bond had been engaged in a multi-year conspiracy to sell cocaine and crack cocaine in the Columbia area. Bond’s role in that conspiracy was as a source of supply to others. In a three-year period, Bond was accountable for more than 10 kilograms of cocaine and more than 750 grams of crack cocaine. 

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Bond to 144 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.

###

Charleston, South Carolina --- Lori Hammond, 53 of Summerville, Catherine (“Cassie”) Needham, 36, of Manning, Jontrell Wright, 35, of Holly Hill, and Christopher Conrad, 39, of Holly Hill, have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud, in connection with their roles in fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in PPP loans.  

Evidence presented to the Court showed that from in or around June 2020 through around January 2021, Lori Hammond caused multiple materially fraudulent PPP loan applications to be submitted to federally insured financial institutions on behalf of herself and her co-conspirators. In these loan applications, Hammond used the identity of a deceased individual, misrepresented the number of employees and payroll expenses of the entities seeking the loans, attached fraudulent tax documents, and made numerous other false and misleading statements. As part of the conspiracy, Hammond assisted Needham, Conrad, and Wright by filling out the loan application documents with materially false and fraudulent information and then submitting them to an individual in California. The individual in California would in turn submit the fraudulent loan applications to financial institutions in exchange for a fee. Based on the false representations and submissions in the applications, the approved PPP lenders funded the PPP loans. After the funds were deposited into the respective accounts, Hammond, Wright, Needham, and Conrad used the funds for non-qualifying, non-business-related purposes, including homes, property, cars, and other personal purchases.

In total, the members of the conspiracy fraudulently obtained $4,721,638.50 in PPP loan funds.

The defendants all face a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison. They also face a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and 3 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence the defendants after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 3-count indictment against Darius Antonio Pugh, 35, of West Columbia, for felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The indictment alleges that on April 9, 2022, after a traffic stop by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Pugh was found in possession of firearms and drugs. 

Pugh faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment on the felon in possession of firearms charge, a maximum of 30 years on the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years with maximum of life on the possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge. Pugh is currently detained pending trial.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 7 individuals on June 22, 2022, who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a gamecock fighting venture and illegal gambling operation that operated in and around Ridgeville.

These defendants have been charged by indictment with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture, and false statement to a federal law enforcement officer. The following defendants have been arrested:

• ROY MICHAEL LIMEHOUSE, 65, of Ridgeville, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.

• ROOSEVELT CURRY, 67, of North Augusta, South Carolina, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.

• JOEY LEVERANE BROWN, JR, a/k/a “Junior,” 41, of Warrenville, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.

• SHANNON HUBERT BAXLEY, 49, of Barnwell, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and false statement to a federal law enforcement officer.

• JAMES FRANKLIN ROUNDTREE, 51, of Barnwell, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.

• JEREMEY ALLEN BESSINGER, 40, of Fairfax, was charged with animal fighting venture, illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate animal fighting venture.

• BRANDON ISAIAH MCLAUGHLIN, 24, of Gloverville, was charged with animal fighting venture and illegal gambling operation.

If they are convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison for each count in the indictment.

Following the indictment, federal law enforcement officers placed a legal hold on the property where the illegal activity occurred. Federal law enforcement officers also seized cash and three vehicles used in relation to the animal fighting venture and illegal gambling operation. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Inspector General, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.

USDA Office of Inspector General Special Agent Dustin McPhillips led the federal investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

###

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a single-count indictment against Frederick De’Angello Bennett, Jr., 21, of Hartsville, for possessing a firearm which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

The indictment alleges that on or about May 10, 2021, Bennett possessed a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel length of less than 16 inches, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Bennett faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and is currently detained pending trial.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Four Defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for conduct related to a multi-state child sex trafficking and exploitation scheme.

Specifically, the following Defendants have been sentenced:

• Hart William Grow, 26, of Surprise, Arizona, has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for child sex trafficking and the sexual exploitation of a separate minor.

• Theodore Woolings Bye, III, 37, of Myrtle Beach, has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Sanadin Mohamed Elrayes, 28, of Surfside Beach, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for transferring obscene material – video of him having sexual intercourse with a minor.

• Charles Joseph Spillane, 44, of Myrtle Beach, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for transferring obscene material – video of him having sexual intercourse with a minor.

“Using the internet, these Defendants engineered and executed crimes that involved sexual acts against a child. This was vile behavior, and the children of South Carolina are safer with these predators off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis.  “I hope the victims can move forward with their lives, and this Office’s Victim Witness Coordinator remains available to aid in this healing. I commend the excellent work of our federal, state, and local partners. However, our work is one small part of what it takes to combat sexual exploitation of children. Parents and guardians need to be vigilant and monitor their children’s online activity. This case highlights that through technology, any child, anywhere, can become a victim.”

“This case underscores the importance of online safety; these predators used the internet to help them victimize innocent children. Thankfully, they are facing justice for their despicable actions,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees  HSI operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Protecting our most vulnerable populations from exploitation is one of HSI’s most important missions and we are fortunate to have great working relationships with our law enforcement partners that provide us invaluable assistance in these cases.”

“The success of this case was the result of many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together,” said South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Capt. Connie Sonnefeld, “These law enforcement officers are dedicated to fighting human trafficking in South Carolina and throughout the country.  SLED is proud to work with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to support survivors and ensure criminals who prey on our most vulnerable are brought to justice.”

"We as a community have no greater responsibility than to protect our children and law enforcement will always stand up for those that need help,” said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. “This case was a partnership built on that mission and we couldn't be more proud of the team that brought those charged and those sentenced to justice."

Evidence presented to the Court showed that Grow, from his home in Arizona and through the internet, misrepresented to various minors across the country that he was also a minor and was interested in a relationship.  A search of Grow’s electronic devices revealed images of, or sexual conversations with, at least 23 individuals confirmed to be minors, and hundreds of other images, videos, and contacts with individuals who appeared to be minors.  Further, at least one of the social media accounts from which Grow engineered his sexual exploitation of children was registered in 2016 from an address associated with Grow, and the account has been active since that time.

In this case, Grow allegedly claimed to the first minor victim that he was a 17-year-old female named “Hannah” living in Columbia, South Carolina. After gaining her trust and collecting sexually explicit videos, Grow forced the minor victim into sex trafficking. In sexually trafficking the minor victim and aware of her, Grow initially posted images on message boards offering the minor victim up to adult males for sex in exchange for the adult males actively engaging in the production of videos of the sexual acts, and ensuring those videos were sent to Grow.

Among the first customers was Bye, who became infatuated with the minor victim and began acting as the middleman for Grow. Although Bye knew the minor victim’s age, he would make sexually explicit videos of the minor victim. He would also arrange for men to have sex with her in exchange for the men agreeing to engage in the production of sexually explicit videos to be sent to Grow. The minor victim lived with her parents in Myrtle Beach, and Grow and Bye would traffic her while her parents were away or were asleep down the hall.

Both Elrayes and Spillane responded to Bye’s internet postings and, after communicating with Bye via social media and text messages, engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the minor victim, which was filmed and sent to Grow.

Additionally, in early 2021, after Grow had trafficked the first minor victim, he began communicating with a second minor victim in the Midlands area of South Carolina. Again, Grow used a false persona to build a relationship with the second minor victim, and ultimately forced her to produce sexually explicit videos for him until shortly before his arrest in Arizona. At Grow’s direction, the videos of the second minor victim were often unknowingly and covertly filmed near her parents or other family members.

According to Court records, the Defendants used social media applications, including Snapchat, Wattpad, and Kik to communicate with the victims and with each other. 

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Grow to 327 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision; Bye to 293 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision; Elrayes to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision; and Spillane to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Grow and Bye will be required to register as sex offenders for life and were also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), SLED, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower prosecuted the case.

###

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a single-count indictment against Victor Bernard Johnson, Jr., 31, of Florence, for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited felon.

The indictment alleges that on or about December 25, 2021, Johnson possessed a firearm and ammunition knowing that he had a prior conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and is currently detained pending trial.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Florence Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Brian Thomas Rogers, 53, of Anderson, owner of Rogers Environmental, LLC, was sentenced to three years of probation, to include the first six months on an overnight curfew, ordered to pay a $25,500 fine, and will perform 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to Making a False Statement in a Clean Air Act Document.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 1, 2018, Rogers Environmental was contracted to perform an asbestos building inspection at Pratt Hall on the campus of Anderson University, Anderson County, South Carolina.  Rogers' limited survey report stated that no asbestos containing material (ACM) was found in the materials sampled.  Based on the negative ACM survey, contractors commenced with demolition and renovation.

On June 20, 2018, while removing flooring from a bathroom, the sub-contractor encountered 9x9 floor tile and black mastic under the top layer of flooring, which it suspected to contain asbestos.

On June 21, 2018, Rogers was called back to the site and collected two additional samples. Rogers later provided the contractor, by email, with a lab report that showed the two additional samples did not contain asbestos. 

On June 22, 2018, after learning of Rogers’ negative asbestos report and doubting the result, the sub-contractor collected its own samples from the same room inspected by Rogers and sent the samples to the same lab for analysis. The lab report indicated that asbestos was present in the two samples.

Due to the discrepancies between Rogers Environmental and the subcontractor’s sampling reports, the sub-contractor notified the general contractor, who in turn brought in a new building inspection company to resample the entire building.

On June 25, 2018, the new company surveyed and collected samples from the entire site, which documented approximately 29 samples had positive asbestos results. The total amount of asbestos found was approximately 3,620 square feet. 

Investigators for DHEC later interviewed Rogers, who admitted changing the original lab results on one sample from 20% chrysotile (asbestos) to none detected.  Rogers also admitted that he emailed the manipulated false documents to the general contractor. 

United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., ordered the sentence, recommending that Rogers perform his community service at Anderson University. Rogers will satisfy the fine in payments of $750 per month for roughly three years.

This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigative Division, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., is prosecuting the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Tammy Hutson McDonald, 53, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about the production of fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on September 13, 2021, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control received a complaint that McDonald, who was then director of nursing at a PruittHealth skilled nursing facility, was providing false COVID-19 vaccine cards to others.

Further investigation revealed that on June 20, 2021, McDonald provided vaccination cards for various individuals. McDonald filled out the cards and was aware that the individuals to whom she provided vaccine cards did not, in fact, receive the vaccine as noted on the cards. One of the individuals who procured a card needed a replacement.  On July 28, 2021, McDonald filled out another card for him although she was aware that he had not received the vaccine as noted on his card.

On October 22, 2021, federal agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spoke to McDonald at work. Even after being told she was talking to federal agents, and that lying to a federal agent was a crime, she insisted she had never given anyone a false or incorrect vaccine card. Evidence presented to the Court showed that this was a materially false statement, and McDonald knew the statement was false, as she provided fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine cards to others.

“The Defendant created a direct risk to the people of South Carolina by creating false vaccine documents for others to use, and she compounded this wrongdoing by lying to federal agents,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “As a registered nurse, she knew better and owed more to her community. This felony conviction showcases that this office will continue to prosecute fraud related to the Coronavirus in all its forms.”

"Vaccination record cards play an integral part in efforts to address the public health emergency," said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles, with HHS-OIG. "HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable any providers who undermine public health measures and put the health of others at risk by distributing these cards to unvaccinated individuals."

“COVID-19 related fraud has severe consequences, no matter the chosen scheme,” said Susan Ferensic, the FBI Columbia field office’s Special Agent in Charge. “Our investigators will continue to work diligently to turn over every stone in search of the truth, and we will hold individuals accountable for their crimes.”

McDonald faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow any term of imprisonment.  Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence McDonald on September 20, 2022, after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

This case was investigated by Special Agent Ryan Schubert with HHS-OIG and the FBI, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek A. Shoemake, who also serves as the District’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, is prosecuting the case.

###

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a three-count indictment against Perry JaQuan Jackson, 23, of Summerville, South Carolina for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The indictment alleges that on March 3, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Perry Jackson for multiple outstanding arrest warrants. Officers searched Jackson’s vehicle and located a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun, $7,740 in cash, over 300 grams of marijuana, and three digital scales. Jackson is federally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

Jackson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted and is currently detained pending trial.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the North Charleston Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case. 

United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Daniel Glen Printz, 59, of Bostic, North Carolina, was sentenced to life without parole in federal prison after pleading guilty to killing a South Carolina woman after kidnapping her and crossing state lines.

“Printz is a monster who has a long history of targeting, kidnapping, and killing women - causing unimaginable loss to his victims and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis for the District of South Carolina.  “He has earned every day of his life sentence, and our communities are safer with him in a prison cell.  We are grateful that the Court delivered justice today and we hope it provides some measure of comfort for the victims’ families.”

“Printz’s day of reckoning arrived in a federal courtroom,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, whose office participated in the prosecution of this case. “This man is responsible for the deaths of multiple women and has caused inconceivable pain to their loved ones. A life behind bars is a just outcome.”

“Printz’s violence against women is reprehensible, and he earned the Court’s severe penalty for his crimes,” said Susan Ferensic, the FBI Columbia field office’s Special Agent in Charge. “The sentence will never bring back the victims, but it’s our hope that the victims’ friends and families find peace in the memories of their loved ones.”  

“This case is the model for how local, state and federal agencies should continuously work together for the purpose of bringing forth justice,” said Greenville County South Carolina Sheriff Hobart Lewis. “I firmly believe that if it weren’t for the collaborative efforts that this narcissistic man would have continued targeting and preying on innocent woman before taking them from their loved ones. I am so thankful for the men and women who worked tirelessly to get Mr. Printz out of society and behind bars for the rest of his life.”

“We are glad to see justice served today for these horrible crimes,” said Rutherford County North Carolina Sheriff Chris Francis, whose office also investigated this matter. “We are honored to have worked jointly with the FBI, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office during this investigation. I am proud of the work my Investigators did in seeking justice for the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.”

Evidence presented in Court showed that on the morning of August 27, 2021, Printz traveled from his North Carolina home to Travelers Rest, South Carolina, where he met 80-year Travelers Rest resident Edna Suttles. Printz met Suttles at the Food Lion grocery store located off of US-25, where Printz purchased a four-pack of yogurt before the two traveled back to Suttles’s residence. 

Later that afternoon, Printz and Suttles returned to the Food Lion parking lot, where Printz was captured on surveillance video moving a visibly sedated Suttles from her vehicle and into his. Printz then drove her vehicle a short distance to a nearby hotel parking lot, where he was seen on surveillance video wiping down the inside and outside of the vehicle. Printz then drove Suttles across state lines back to his residence in Bostic, North Carolina.

After Suttles did not show up to work the following day, concerned coworkers called the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and reported her missing. 

During a search of Printz’s residence, investigators found several personal items belonging to Suttles, including her keys, bank card, jewelry, and pocketbook, most of which were concealed in a box used for raising bees on a remote part of Printz’s property.  Investigators also found a yogurt cup—opened—and a forensic lab analysis determined the interior of the cup contained Lorazepam, Tramadol, and Cyclobenzaprine.

After being charged in federal court in the District of South Carolina, Printz cooperated with law enforcement. On May 16, 2022, he took authorities to Suttles’s body, which he had buried on a nearby property in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

During the investigation, agents also recovered evidence connecting Printz to the disappearance or death of three other women – Nancy Rego, Delores Sellers, and Leigh Goodman.  Printz admitted in Court that he had some responsibility for, or role in, their deaths or disappearances.

Printz’s criminal history includes a 1997 conviction from Michigan for kidnapping another woman, and he was sentenced to 13 to 30 years in state prison for that crime. He was released in 2009 and his parole was terminated in 2011.  He also has prior convictions for firearm possession and assault and battery.

United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins Jr. sentenced Printz to life imprisonment after accepting his guilty plea the same day. There is no parole in the federal system. Through his plea agreement, Printz waived any right to challenge his conviction or his sentence.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Greenville County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office, the Rutherford County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of North Carolina and the District of South Carolina.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin W. Holloway and Elliott B Daniels of the District of South Carolina prosecuted the case, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Gast of the Western District of North Carolina.

 

###

printz_-_complaint_and_complaint_affidavit.pdf

printz_-_information.pdf

printz_-_plea_agreement.pdf

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Charles “Chuck” Willys Mincey, Jr., 65, of Flora, Mississippi, Karl Henry Zerbst, Jr., 62, of Mount Pleasant,, and Brian Daniel Herndon, 46, of Summerville, were sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty for their roles in various kickback and bribery schemes involving federal housing grant programs in the Charleston area.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that from December of 2014 until at least March of 2019, Mincey and Zerbst participated in a scheme to unlawfully profit from their work on certain Affordable Housing Program grants disbursed by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta to low income households of United States Military veterans and spouses of veterans for house rehabilitation.

In 2014, Mincey approached Zerbst to be an intermediary for grants for which Mincey and his company, Palmettos at Folly, was the designated contractor. As an intermediary, it was Zerbst’s role to locate prospective program participants, hire and manage the contractors conducting the rehabilitative work, and hire and manage third-party inspectors to inspect the work and assess it for cost reasonableness. As part of their arrangement, Mincey and Zerbst agreed to split the profits they made from the grants 50/50. This agreement was in violation of the express rules of the grant program, which prohibited an intermediary from receiving more than 12% of the grant funds, and also prohibited any conflict of interests or appearance of a conflict of interest with any other party to the grant application.

During the relevant time period, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta sent the grant funds to community member banks, who then disbursed the funds to Zerbst’s company KHZ.  Zerbst retained his intermediary fees and then wrote checks for construction costs to Mincey’s company, Palmetto’s at Folly.  Mincey then funneled grant money back to Zerbst, by writing checks from Palmetto’s at Folly to Charleston Strategic Consultants LLC, a company controlled by Zerbst. In total, Mincey funneled at least $246,689.99 in unlawful kickbacks to Zerbst.

Evidence showed that Mincey also participated in a bribery scheme with a City of Charleston employee Brian Herndon in order to win construction bids for housing projects funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. As a Project Manager for housing rehabilitation at the Charleston Department of Housing and Community Development, Herndon had access to non-public information regarding cost estimates generated for each project grant, which he shared with Mincey in exchange for cash payments between $200 and $500. In total, Herndon accepted at least $15,000 in bribe money.

Senior United States District Court Judge Margaret B. Seymour sentenced all three individuals. Mincey was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, and ordered to pay $91,990 in restitution. Zerbst was sentenced to five years of probation, and paid $246,689.99 in restitution prior to his sentencing. Herndon was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by a year of court-ordered supervision. Judge Seymour also granted a money judgment against Herndon in the amount of $15,000, equal to the amount of bribe money that Herndon received from Mincey from 2014 to 2020. There is no parole in the federal system.

The two cases were investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allessandra Stewart prosecuted the cases.

###

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Terrance Darby, 41, of Philadelphia, PA, and Ontavious Plumer, 32, of Due West, South Carolina, were charged by Superseding Indictment with gun trafficking offenses in connection with their scheme to straw purchase and transport across state lines almost 60 firearms.

Specifically, the defendants were charged with unlicensed dealing and transport of firearms, and conspiracy to engage in unlicensed dealing of firearms and to make false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Darby was also charged with drug trafficking and gun possession stemming from his possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and unlawful possession of two firearms in his home in November 2021.

According to the Superseding Indictment, between November 2020 and February 2021, the defendants conspired with at least four other individuals to illegally straw-purchase almost 60 firearms from federally licensed gun shops in South Carolina, then transport these firearms via car into Philadelphia. Darby would allegedly place orders for firearms with Plumer, who would then direct co-conspirators to straw purchase firearms and transport them to Darby and his co-conspirator in Philadelphia.

This Superseding Indictment is the third set of charges brought by this Office in the last two months targeting the illegal trafficking of firearms from southern states into Philadelphia, a large northeastern city, a fact pattern which is known as the ‘iron pipeline.’ In April 2022, multiple defendants were Indicted in two federal cases involving the unlawful trafficking of approximately 400 firearms up the ‘iron pipeline’ into the city.

“Earlier this year, the Justice Department announced strategies to fight violent crime, including cracking down on firearms trafficking and the ‘iron pipeline,’ and our Office announced the indictment of fourteen people engaged in that that black-market business. With today’s charges, we have shut off yet another valve to stem the flow of guns into Philadelphia,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Our Office is working with urgency and determination to get guns off the streets of our city.”

“At a time when our communities have seen a spike in violent gun crime, it is more important now than ever that we hold those accountable for criminal actions,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “The diligence of our local, state, and federal partners prevented more guns from circulation into the community, as the indictment alleges.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Jeanette Kang.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

 

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Travis Stefenon Dequan Lawrence, 29, of Charleston, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that Lawrence was a felon and self-professed member of a dangerous street gang. When he was arrested, he was in possession of a stolen pistol with a magazine holding 17 rounds of hollow point ammunition. His record shows that he has been involved in criminal activity since he was 14 years old.

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Lawrence to 84 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell prosecuted the case in federal court in coordination with Assistant Solicitor Stephanie Linder of the Ninth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a four-count indictment against Kenneth Archie, 41, of Columbia, for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute.

The indictment alleges that Archie possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony on November 6, 2020. The indictment further alleges that Archie possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony, possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessed a quantity of marijuana with the intent to distribute on June 14, 2021.

Archie faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine and is currently detained.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and City of Columbia Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a five-count indictment against Erick Jonathan Stewart, 27, of Columbia, for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute various drugs, possessing of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that Stewart conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and tramadol. The indictment further alleges that Stewart possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony, possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessed a quantity of marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and tramadol with the intent to distribute on May 5, 2021. Lastly, the indictment alleges that Stewart possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony on June 20, 2021.

Stewart faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine and is currently detained.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and City of Columbia Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Former Orangeburg School District Employee David Cortez Marshall was sentenced today to almost three years for defrauding the Orangeburg County School District of over $550,000. 

“Fraud of any nature is illegal and wrong, but fraud against a public school – in the middle of a pandemic – is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Mr. Marshall’s prison sentence reflects the seriousness of his offense and our dedication to deterring public fraud.  His restitution order ensures that he’ll be obligated to pay back every penny he stole from the public.”

"Today, justice was served, and a criminal was held accountable,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Columbia Special Agent in Charge, Susan Ferensic. “Our work is not finished.  We will continue to hold perpetrators accountable and see that their crimes are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

Evidence presented to the Court showed that Marshall, a former media communications specialist employed by the Orangeburg County School District, created a scheme to defraud the district while purchasing remote learning cameras for school classrooms.  Through the use of shell companies, fabricated documents, forged signatures, and a false identity, Marshall steered the district’s purchasing contracts to companies he created and controlled, purchased the cameras, then sold them to the school at a substantial markup.  Marshall also received funds from the school district for the cameras that he never paid to the seller.  Through his scheme to defraud, Marshall received more than $550,000 in illegal proceeds.  His scheme was eventually discovered by other school district employees, who confronted Marshall and reported the matter to the FBI for further investigation.

United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Marshall to 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Marshall was also ordered to pay approximately $600,000 in restitution.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brook Andrews is prosecuting the case.

Alex Hart Raley Jr., who received millions from an individual subsequently found liable for violating the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks, has agreed to pay $2.3 million to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging that the transfer violated the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act. Raley was not involved in the kickback violations. 

Floyd Calhoun Dent III, along with two other individuals, was found liable by a South Carolina jury in 2018 for submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. A judgment was subsequently entered against these defendants jointly for $114 million. Prior to the judgment, but after Dent had been served with a Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General subpoena, Dent transferred several million dollars to Raley. Dent acknowledged that he received nothing in return for this payment, but contended that it was intended to fulfill a childhood promise.  

“Individuals who receive the proceeds of fraudulent activity must return them,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Recovering ill-gotten gains that have been transferred to third parties is an important component of the department’s commitment to combat fraudulent schemes involving taxpayer funds.”

“Justice requires that ill-gotten gains – regardless of whose hands ultimately hold them – are restored to their rightful owner, which in this case is the United States of America,” said U.S. Attorney Corey Ellis for the District of South Carolina. 

The settlement announced today resolves the United States’ allegations that Dent’s transfer to Raley was a fraudulent transfer. The settlement requires him to surrender any retained funds, as well as gold and silver coins that Raley purchased with a portion of the transferred funds, to the Department of Justice and the Liquidating Trustee for now bankrupt Health Diagnostic Laboratories Inc., which will split these assets pursuant to a bankruptcy court agreement. 

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Fraud and Corporate/Financial Litigation Sections, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. The matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Alicia J. Bentley and Trial Attorney Andrew Warner of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Leventis, Johanna Valenzuela, and Joanna Stroud. 

The case is United States v. AROC Enterprises, LLC, et al. (D.S.C. Case No. 9:19-cv-234 RMG).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Bhagavan Mahamayavi Antle a/k/a Doc Antle, 62, and Andrew Jon Sawyer a/k/a Omar Sawyer, 52, both of Myrtle Beach, have been charged in a federal complaint with money laundering crimes involving more than $500,000.

According to the complaint, which was unsealed today in a federal courtroom in Florence, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S), also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. Sawyer is Antle’s employee and business associate. The complaint alleges that over the last four months, Antle and Sawyer laundered $505,000 in cash they believed to be the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States.

Specifically, according to the complaint, Antle and Sawyer would launder the cash by providing checks from a business controlled by Antle and a business controlled by Sawyer. Those checks falsely claimed they were remitted for construction work being performed at the Myrtle Beach Safari, when in reality the checks were simply a means to allow the recipients to appear to have legitimate income. In exchange, Antle and Sawyer received a 15% fee of any amount laundered.

The complaint alleges that Antle discussed his plan to conceal the cash he received by inflating tourist numbers at the Myrtle Beach Safari, and that in the past he had used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks.

Antle and Sawyer each face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the charges in the complaint, and they are currently detained.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower are prosecuting the case.  

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

U.S. Attorney Confirms that Upstate School Threat Thwarted, Suspect in Custody

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jonathan Trent Patterson, 22, of Belton, has been charged in a federal complaint for electronically transmitting multiple shooting threats relating to several schools in Anderson County.

“I want to first let everyone in the Upstate know that we are not aware of any physical harm that occurred as a result of these threats, and the suspect is in custody and thus at this time does not pose a danger to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “While these charges speak for themselves, this office aggressively investigates and, where appropriate, prosecutes threats of violence and acts of violence. This is especially true when anyone threatens harm against our schools, and recent events confirm these threats must be taken seriously. Responding to these cases requires a team approach, and I especially want to thank our partners at the FBI and Sheriff Chad McBride and the rest of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.”

Patterson will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin at 2:30 p.m. today (June 3, 2022) at the Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Max Cauthen and Everett E. McMillian are prosecuting the case.  

U.S. Attorney Ellis stated that all charges in the complaint are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Raymond Huffman, 61, of Varnville, has pleaded guilty to stealing funds from 10 military veterans.

According to information presented to the Court, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) provides and cares for United States military veterans. Among its many programs, the VA administers a fiduciary program designed to protect veterans. Huffman was appointed to be a fiduciary to receive payments on behalf of veterans who, as a result of wars, injury, disease, or infirmities of advanced age, could not manage their VA benefits. Instead, Huffman stole money from these veterans.

“Stealing funds meant for a veteran is a despicable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “We owe it to our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this country, to ensure they are not victimized when they most need assistance. I am grateful for the hard work from our federal and local partners.”

"Today's plea should send a clear message that the VA Office of Inspector General will vigorously investigate those who steal from our nation's veterans," said VA Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kim Lampkins. “The VA OIG will continue to ensure that veterans and other beneficiaries who rely on the critical financial services of VA-appointed fiduciaries are not exploited by greed for financial gain."

“This case is an example of what happens when we all work together - the Sheriff’s office, members of our community and other law enforcement agencies in our area,” said Dorchester County Sheriff L.C. Knight. “No veteran should ever have to worry about having benefits being stolen from them. When something like this happens, we want to make sure the crime is investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent.” 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Huffman misused funds intended for at least 10 of his VA clients through his company, Huffman Fiduciary Services. The victims included the estate of a veteran who had passed away in 2018. Huffman admitted to misusing and stealing money from some of his VA clients. In all Huffman stole at least $304,413.75, and also received fees in excess of $10,000.

Williams faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and 30 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Huffman after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General, specifically Special Agent Robert Breunig, with assistance from Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, specifically, Sgt. Chaz Easterlin Easterlin, and the Office of the Solicitor for the First Judicial Circuit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the case in federal court and Assistant Solicitor Shannon N. Elliott of the First Circuit Solicitor's Office prosecuted the case in state court.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Quinnton Jamar Henderson, 32, of Orangeburg, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence revealed that on December 31, 2019, members of the United States Marshals Carolina Regional Task Force were looking for Henderson, who was wanted on an outstanding state court bench warrant, when they located him sleeping inside his vehicle in the driveway of his Orangeburg residence. When officers attempted to wake Henderson up to arrest him, he drove off and fled the scene. A short time later, officers located Henderson in his vehicle on an unpaved roadway off Highway 210 in Branchville. During a search of the area surrounding Henderson’s vehicle, officers located a .380 caliber handgun.

The firearm was preliminarily linked through ballistics analysis as having been involved in a shooting incident in Cayce on December 22, 2019. The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.

Henderson’s prior state convictions include the following: possession of stolen firearm (2009), failure to stop for blue light and siren (2009), possession of crack cocaine (2009), possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2009), assault and battery 3rd degree (2012), pointing and presenting a firearm (2012), two counts of failure to stop for a blue light and siren (2017), and two counts of grand larceny (2017).

Henderson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Henderson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),  United States Marshals Carolina Regional Task Force, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cayce Police Department as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Rankin Smith is prosecuting the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Alexander Lee Dickerson, 32, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on February 7, 2020, Columbia Police Department officers responded to a report that Dickerson had rammed the car he was driving into a car driven by Nikka Darby. Dickerson pointed a firearm at Darby and then drove away from the scene.  An officer soon located Dickerson and attempted to stop him. Dickerson refused to stop, leading police on a high speed chase for approximately two miles before finally ending on Colonial Drive. After Dickerson was taken into custody, police searched his car and located a loaded 9mm pistol. Dickerson was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior convictions for aggravated assault, attempted armed robbery and kidnapping.

Dickerson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Dickerson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.

###

Columbia, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis will be at Fairfield Magnet School for Science and Math this Friday, May 27, 2022, at 8:30am, for their Awards Day program in order to present awards to the 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest Overall Winner/3rd-5th grade category winner, along with the winner in the K-2nd grade division and several honorable mentions all from that school.  He’ll be accompanied by John “JJ” Jones, Executive Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) and the South Carolina Chiefs Association.

Award winners from Fairfield Magnet School for Science and Math are:

 

Winner K–2nd grade Division

Mason Cordona

Winner 3rd–5th grade Division/ OVERALL WINNER

Layla McMillan

 

Honorable Mentions

K-2nd grade Division

Kyngston Turner

3rd – 5th grade Division

Zedrick Curabo

Brianna Lanier

6th – 8th grade Division

Christon Simons

 

The winning entries were chosen by a select group of young leaders at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice who act as role models for the other youth throughout the entire department.  SCLEOA and the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association provided $50.00 awards to each division winner; and the overall winner received an additional $50.00 award.  Awards have already been presented to the other age category winners. All students who participated received a Certificate of Appreciation for their submissions.

The annual logo contest is a long-running part of the district’s PSN program and an important prevention initiative that has proven to be an effective way to engage our students in meaningful conversation about preventing gun crimes amongst our young people and ensuring a safe learning atmosphere for our children.  PSN focuses on reducing violent crime in our communities through prevention, enforcement, and reentry initiatives. 

View this year’s winning submissions and learn more about the contest at http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc/programs/logowinners.html.

 

###

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Twelve Defendants across seven construction-related companies have been sentenced for employment tax fraud felonies and crimes related to hiring unauthorized aliens in the largest criminal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operation in the history of the Pee Dee region.

The convictions are the first to come from an expansive multi-year undercover investigation in the Myrtle Beach area and throughout the South Carolina coast led by the IRS and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The operation targeted those in the construction industry who used unlicensed check cashers to facilitate under-the-table cash payments to employees, many of whom were unauthorized aliens. The check cashers would also provide certificates of insurance falsely stating that the employees were covered under workers’ compensation insurance. These off-the-book payments defrauded the United States out of applicable employment taxes on the employees. At least $15 million in checks were cashed by these Defendants, resulting in millions of dollars of total losses to the Government. Based on the investigation, at least tens of millions of dollars of tax losses have occurred throughout the South Carolina coast because of similar schemes.

“These Defendants stole money from South Carolina taxpayers, they stole opportunities from those in the construction industry who did the right thing, and they stole safety from the workers who labored on jobsites without insurance,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This successful prosecution was only possible because of the tireless and dedicated investigative efforts of IRS and HSI, as well as the work of our local partners. The Defendants in this case, none of whom had criminal records before this investigation, are all now convicted felons. Several face potential deportation, several have lost their homes and face financial ruin, and many will never be able to return to the work they spent their lives pursuing. This case should be a message to businesses and individuals who try to get ahead by breaking the law: it is not worth it because we are watching you and we will prosecute you.”

“Unscrupulous businesses who willfully skirt their tax and legal workforce obligations must be held to account,” said IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins. “Employers who deliberately deflect these obligations undermine what is owed to the U.S. Government in payroll taxes and other fees, in addition to creating an unfair economic advantage over law-abiding business owners who play by the rules.” 

“Criminals that exploit U.S. labor and tax laws for profit take advantage of not only the workers, but they also steal revenue from the Government, while also creating an unfair business advantage over their competitors,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees HSI operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Thanks to the great work done by our agents along with our state, local and federal partners we were able to stop this criminal organization from defrauding the Government and hurting the local economy.” 

Evidence presented to the court showed that beginning around late 2018, IRS and HSI began jointly investigating the practice of illegal check cashing within the construction industry in the Myrtle Beach area and in other regions along the South Carolina coast. In approximately 2019, various IRS undercover agents embedded themselves in the Myrtle Beach area and recorded multiple interactions with the various defendants’ companies.

Specifically, certain construction companies would use check cashers so that they could hire unauthorized aliens and avoid paying employment taxes on their workers. To facilitate the scheme, a member of the construction company would meet with an unlicensed check casher in places like parking lots for retail stores or coffee shops. The construction company would give the check casher a business check in a certain amount made out to a company the check casher had created, and the check casher would give the construction company representative a bag of cash that would be used to pay the employees. In exchange for their services, the check casher held back a fee of approximately three percent.

To make it appear like the employees had valid insurance on job sites, the check casher would also provide a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance that was not actually valid for any of the construction company’s employees. The parties agreed that the check casher would, on paper, claim to be a subcontractor who provided the employees and provided insurance. However, the parties knew that the check casher provided no other services or employees to the construction company. The check casher only provided a way to hide the true nature of the scheme, to allow the construction company to hire unauthorized aliens, and to pay workers with untaxed cash.

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced each of the Defendants to five years’ probation, with all but one sentenced to home confinement. Further, the Court ordered each Defendant to pay restitution as a result of the tax losses they caused the Government. The Court imposed the probation sentences largely because the Defendants admitted guilt early, agreed to assist authorities, paid collectively nearly a million dollars toward the approximately $3 million dollars owed to the IRS in restitution, and agreed as a condition of probation to make monthly payments – in most cases substantial payments – until the IRS is made whole. The following Defendants from the respective companies were sentenced in the case:

Daniel Lavoie Construction Services (4:21-cr-00585)

• Daniel A. Lavoie, 49, of Conway: Five years’ probation, 18 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $293,402.50 in restitution

• Enrique R. Reyes, 48, of Conway: Five years’ probation, 18 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $293,402.50 in restitution

 

Duran Masonry (4:21-cr-00584)

• Walter A. Duran, 45, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 21 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $976,076.08 in restitution

• Lisa Caulley Sellers, 57, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, eight months home confinement with location monitoring, and $488,038.04 in restitution

 

Extreme Siding (4:21-cr-00595)

• Ming Xue Nan, 52, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 14 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $173,712.43 in restitution

• Katherine L. Welker, 39, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, eight months home confinement with location monitoring, and $173,712.43 in restitution

 

Master Homes Calabash (4:21-cr-00581)

• Josafa P. Neto, 43, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 18 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $209,847.07 in restitution

• Marylany Hardman Levino, 36, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation and $209,847.07 in restitution

 

Metro Concrete Finishers (4:21-cr-00594)

• Saul Prieto, 56, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, nine months home confinement with location monitoring, and $74,868.50 in restitution

• Martha E. Zarate, a/k/a Martha E. Prieto, 54, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, nine months home confinement with location monitoring, and $74,868.50 in restitution

 

Master Homes Design Center (4:21-cr-00582)

• Marcos Caetano De Almeida, 45, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 21 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $298,816.52 in restitution

 

Paint By Numbers (4:21-cr-00583)

• Johanna A. Carpio, 38, of Myrtle Beach: Five years’ probation, 14 months home confinement with location monitoring, and $131,449.69 in restitution

 

Each of the twelve Defendants previously pleaded guilty to an Information charging them with one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one misdemeanor count of unlawful employment of aliens.

This case was investigated by IRS and HSI, with assistance from the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Carrie Fisher prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is enhancing its violent crime reduction efforts and strengthening its coordination with state and local partners to identify and disrupt the drivers of violent crime throughout South Carolina.

“Gun violence erupted across the state again last weekend, continuing an unwelcome upward trend of violent crime in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “Unfortunately, no place in our state is immune from this violence, whether it be a school, a shopping mall, or a kids’ baseball game. In response, we are adapting our already robust efforts to address violent crime in South Carolina.  We will continue to work diligently with our state and local law enforcement agencies and with federal partners to identify and bring to justice those who commit violent acts.”

To that end, U.S. Attorney Ellis met yesterday with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials from 20 agencies throughout the Midlands. This was the first of what will be at least four meetings through June 14 in the Midlands, the Upstate, the Lowcountry, and the Pee Dee Regions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal partners are intensifying collaboration with state and local law enforcement, seeking to pinpoint and disrupt violent offenders in their respective communities.

As part of this effort, U.S. Attorney Ellis also announced that the Office is adapting its violent crime intake strategy to prioritize holding accountable those responsible for violence across the state. Specifically, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will focus its efforts on those offenders who

• have recent violent felony or domestic violence convictions;
• have recently been released from custody or were on state bond for a violent crime;
• have serious drug convictions;
• have ties to gang activity; or
• are engaged in trafficking firearms.

U.S. Attorney Ellis noted this is not an exhaustive list, and the Office will continue its ongoing work with law enforcement partners to focus on those who commit gun violence. The Office’s flurry of recent violent crime and gun-related prosecutions includes having indicted more than two dozen cases in the Pee Dee Region yesterday. In addition to those two dozen cases, the following cases were indicted, pled, or sentenced in the last 30 days alone:

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms and Drugs to ATF

St. Matthews Man With History of Violence Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Methamphetamine Possession

Wagener Man Indicted on 15 Counts of Firearm Possession and Narcotics Distribution

Columbia Man with Robbery and Drug Trafficking Record Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge

North Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Florence Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics and Firearms Crimes

Horry County Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

Conway Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person

North Carolina Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Forcing Minors into Prostitution

Charleston Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Rock Hill Man Pleads Guilty in Large Drug Trafficking Case

Charleston Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in the Death, Detained After Contested Bond Hearing

Bennettsville Man Sentenced to More than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Crime

Spartanburg County Man Sentenced to Prison for Gun Charge

Federal Indictment Returned for Felon in Possession of Firearm

Columbia Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearm

Georgetown Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison on Gun Charge

Orangeburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charges Detained After Contested Bond Hearing

Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm and Marijuana

Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm

Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm and Marijuana

Federal Indictment Returned for Columbia Man For Possessing a Firearm

Hartsville Man Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Federal Prison on Gun Charge

Florence Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Federal Prison on Gun Charge

Orangeburg and Columbia Men Who Shot Towards Police Sentenced to Federal Prison

 

###

 

Members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies joined U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis to discuss how the U.S. Attorney’s Office can enhance its violent crime reduction efforts and identify and disrupt the drivers of violent crime throughout South Carolina.

 

Columbia, South Carolina — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 15-count indictment charging Anthony Tyrone Whitfield, 44, of Wagener, for possessing firearms and ammunition as a prohibited felon, for distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, and for possessing and using firearms in connection with his drug distribution activities.

The indictment alleges that on nine occasions between December 2018 and September 2021 Whitfield distributed, attempted to distribute, or was in possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, including at least 50 grams of methamphetamine on two occasions.  The indictment also alleges that he was in possession of six firearms and various rounds of ammunition on three different dates, and that he possessed or used firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activity also on three occasions.

The indictment also alleges that Whitfield is subject to an enhanced sentence by virtue of a conviction for a serious drug felony offense in South Carolina state court in 2017. 

Whitfield faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on numerous charges, and a mandatory five years consecutive to any other term of imprisonment on charges related to the possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. Whitfield is currently detained on state charges and his arraignment in federal court is scheduled for May 31, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, and the Salley Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jerry Jarell McKnight, Jr., 28, of St. Matthews, was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence presented in court showed that on January 6, 2019, around 11:00 P.M., an officer with the Santee Police Department observed a vehicle travelling on US-15 in Santee speeding and committing various traffic violations.  The officer conducted a traffic stop, and upon approaching the vehicle noticed the smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.  The officer conducted a search and recovered from McKnight, a passenger in the vehicle, methamphetamine packaged in numerous types of packaging consistent with distribution, a digital scale, and a loaded Springfield Armory .40 caliber pistol.  An analysis conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) determined that McKnight’s DNA was on the firearm and its magazine, and McKnight appeared to make admissions related to the firearm and drug distribution on recorded jail calls.

Evidence presented also indicated that McKnight had numerous prior felony convictions, including two related to homicides and one related to an additional shooting, to include a 10-year sentence for assault and battery 1st degree (in which a person was shot in Orangeburg County), accessory after the fact of a felony (in which a person was shot and killed in Orangeburg County), and accessory after the fact of a felony (in which a person was shot and killed in Orangeburg County), as well as convictions related to drug possession, burglary, and shoplifting.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McKnight to 77 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of court ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.  The Court revoked McKnight’s credit for acceptance of responsibility for conduct following his guilty plea, including numerous frivolous court filings and making claims inconsistent with acceptance of responsibility.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Santee Police Department, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and SLED. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Taurus Jermaine Dotson, 38, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on December 7, 2020, Dotson was stopped for a traffic violation while driving in Richland County. During the stop, police obtained consent from Dotson to search the car he was driving. The search uncovered drugs and a 9mm pistol in the trunk. The pistol was loaded with an extended ammunition magazine which contained 17 rounds of ammunition. Dotson was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior robbery and drug trafficking convictions.

Dotson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Dotson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor is prosecuting the case.

###

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Derrall Lanard Reed, a/k/a “Ric0,”35, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to five counts of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and four counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in early 2020, agents from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with local agencies, conducted an investigation into firearms within the Columbia area. During this investigation, undercover ATF agents were introduced to Reed, who during five transactions in February 2020 sold five handguns, many of which were loaded, and crack cocaine and cocaine to undercover ATF agents. During one of the transactions, the undercover agent tried to buy Reed’s personal firearm, but he refused, saying he didn’t want to be “naked” (without a gun). Reed was arrested on federal charges and detained without bond on March 12, 2020, when he showed up to sell another firearm to the undercover agents. A federal search warrant was executed on his home.  Inside the home, agents found his personal firearm, which had a high capacity magazine, and various rounds of ammunition. Of the six handguns recovered by ATF during this investigation, three had previously been reported as having been stolen from residences or vehicles. Two were previously reported stolen in Richland County (August 2019 and October 2019) and one, which someone had attempted to obliterate the serial number, had previously been reported as having been stolen from a residence in Hoke County, North Carolina (November 2016). Additionally, two of the firearms, including the one recovered in Reed’s home, were preliminarily linked through ballistics analysis as having been involved in ShotSpotter incidents and other shooting incidents in Columbia on July 2019, November 2019, December 2019, and March 11, 2020.

Reed has prior state convictions for: possession of crack cocaine from 2004, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine from 2006, and assault and battery with intent to kill from 2006, where he shot another person in the thigh.

On the firearm charges, Reed faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. On the drug charges, Reed faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000, and six years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Reed after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

This investigation by the ATF, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Midlands Gang Task Force was made possible by leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.

The technology known as “ShotSpotter” relies upon acoustic sensors to pinpoint where gunfire occurs. Information from the sensors is sent to officers of the Columbia Police Department and 9-1-1 dispatchers through real-time digital alerts.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes prosecuted the case.

###