District of South Carolina

ST. THOMAS, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Maurice Eugene Tucker, 35, of South Carolina, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller following his arrest on a warrant from Columbia, South Carolina. Tucker was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond and other conditions to allow him to return to South Carolina for further court proceedings.

According to court documents, on May 4, 2021, a South Carolina grand jury returned an indictment charging Tucker with being a felon in possession of a firearm. On May 15, 2022, Tucker was detained by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Cyril E. King Airport after he appeared for primary inspection before boarding a flight to the mainland. Thereafter, Tucker was arrested and taken into custody by officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department.

This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.

United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Florence, South Carolina --- A joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers have arrested 16 individuals who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The following defendants have been arrested and arraigned on their respective charges related to their alleged roles in the drug conspiracy, and are charged with 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and face a potential penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment: 

• Russell Maurice Moses, a/k/a “Hammer,” 33, of Lydia
• Jerry Glenn Brown, a/k/a “Glenn,” 51, of Hartsville
• Richard Bradley Caddell, a/k/a “Brad,” 31, of McBee
• Daniel Joseph Walters, a/k/a “Moonie,” 47, of Patrick
• Ricky Lee Johnson, Jr., a/k/a “Lee Champion,” 32, of Cheraw
• Ashley Lynn Griggs, 33, of Patrick
• Daniel Howard Dixon, a/k/a “DJ,” 27, of Bennettsville
• Russell Dwayne Gause, a/k/a “Rut,” 40, of Cheraw
• Walter Elliott Hodge, 39, of Chesterfield
• Don Edwards Jones, 41, of Hartsville
• Linda Dale Lett, a/k/a “Dale,” 40, of Patrick
• Bryan Drake Melton, a/k/a “Drake,” 38, of Cheraw

The following defendants are charged with 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and face a potential penalty of 5 years to 40 years imprisonment: 

• Ryan Cody Roberts, a/k/a “Tune G,” 31, of McBee
• Crystal Renee Dixon, 36, of Darlington
• Jessica Ashley Melton, 36, of Hartsville
• Garrett Tyler Gainey, 29, of McBee

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.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Chesterfield Police Department, Hartsville Police Department, and the Florence 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.

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Deontrae Clyde Smalls, 37, of North Charleston, has pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and no contest to possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Evidence presented to the Court revealed that Smalls was stopped by Charleston County Sheriff’s Office deputies after running a red light. Smalls was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and deputies immediately smelled marijuana when they approached the driver’s side window. After searching the vehicle, deputies found a loaded .40 caliber handgun and marijuana, packaged in 26 small bags, inside the dashboard of the vehicle. Smalls also had more than $1,000 in cash in his pocket at the time of arrest. Smalls is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior drug distribution conviction for which he served five years. During the stop, Smalls told deputies he knew he was not supposed to possess a gun.

Smalls 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 Bruce H. Hendricks accepted the plea and will sentence Smalls 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 Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”

“This is a somber week for everyone in the South Carolina law enforcement community, as we honor all those who have worn the uniform and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis. “These officers held the line to protect every man, woman, and child in South Carolina and we are forever in their debt. This week, and every week, we honor and lift up our law enforcement community. This office will also do everything it can to make the streets safer for these officers and the communities they patrol.”

U.S. Attorney Ellis noted the surge in violent crime, which has acutely impacted the South Carolina law enforcement community, is an issue that affects both officers and their communities. Accordingly, U.S. Attorney Ellis announced today that over the next several weeks the U.S. Attorney’s Office will host four meetings with state and local partners - one in each region of the state - in an effort to better address violent crime in South Carolina.

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021.  Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. Nine officers have died in the line of duty in the District of South Carolina since 2021.

Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents.  Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year.  In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting.  Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program. 

The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.

 

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Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.

 

[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender.  Source:  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Johnny Ricardo Thomas, a/k/a Rico, a/k/a Lulu, 34, of Durham, N.C., has been sentenced to more than 2o years in federal prison after pleading guilty to coercing minors to engage in prostitution in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina and elsewhere.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that the case began when officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department interviewed a 15-year-old runaway who reported she was the victim of human trafficking. Subsequent investigation by the Myrtle Beach Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that sometime in March 2019, Thomas, the 15-year-old minor victim, a second 16-year-old minor victim, and others, travelled from North Carolina to the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina and other places for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

Although Thomas knew the two victims were minors, he would take pictures of them, create online advertisements making the minors available for sex, and coerce or force the victims to engage in sexual acts for money. According to one of the minor victims, Thomas told her he would sell her to someone worse – who would do things like slice off her toes – if she did not perform commercial sex acts. In a statement from that minor victim provided to the Court at Thomas’s sentencing, the victim said she still had night terrors, looks over her shoulder everywhere she goes, and felt “disgusting, used, worthless, [and] empty.”

“Crimes against children are vile, indefensible, and can create lifelong victims,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “We are fortunate that our federal, state, and local partners share our commitment to thoroughly investigate these cases, provide services to the affected victims, and prosecute those who engage in this reprehensible conduct. These efforts are clear in this case, and are the reason that the Defendant - who victimized two minor children - will spend decades in prison and the rest of his life being monitored by the Court.”

“Over the last several years, this office has worked hand-in-hand with our federal counterparts to identify and address criminal activity across Horry and Georgetown Counties, specifically including human trafficking,” said Scott Hixson, Chief Deputy Solicitor for the 15th Judicial Circuit, who also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney on this matter. “The efforts in this case showcase the power of combining state and federal resources to make a serious impact in our community, and our hope is this plan of attack will ring successful in future prosecutions.”

“We are all thankful that this case has been resolved and the victims can now begin the healing process knowing that this predator will no longer be able to hurt them,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees HSI operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “HSI and its law enforcement partners prioritize the protection of our most vulnerable population, and this case is a warning to other would-be traffickers that we will find you and hold you accountable for your unconscionable actions.”

"We 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 Mr. Thomas to justice.”

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Thomas to 262 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Thomas was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims. According to information presented to the Court, the convicti0n was part of Thomas’s lengthy criminal history. Thomas’s record includes convictions for breaking and entering, felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, assault on a government official, and resisting arrest. A co-defendant in the case, Becca Mills, 25, of Whispering Pines, N.C., has pled guilty to a charge related to concealing Thomas’s crimes from law enforcement authorities. She will be sentenced at a later date.

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 HSI, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, and the Rockingham, N.C. Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Lauren Hummel, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, prosecuted the case. The case was originally prosecuted by the Solicitor’s Office for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, under the leadership of Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, and federally prosecuted as part of a collaborative effort by federal and state partners in the Myrtle Beach area to combat sex trafficking and child exploitation.

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a one-count indictment against Richard Terrell Smith, 32 of Conway, for felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that in June 2021, Smith possessed a 9mm pistol as well as a 20 gauge shotgun after having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.

Smith faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment followed by up to 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He 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 Horry County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Waller 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.

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Daniel Harrison Wallace, 29, of Florence, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

Evidence presented to the Court showed that on January 10, 2020, deputies with Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a camper in Hartsville to arrest an individual they believed resided there.  Upon approaching the camper, a deputy saw a firearm and suspected drugs through the camper’s open door.  Deputies removed the occupants of the camper, including Wallace, and searched the camper.  In the search, deputies discovered 112 grams of suspected marijuana, 165 grams of methamphetamine, $2,700 in cash, and four firearms.  In a subsequent statement, Wallace admitted that on January 9, 2020, he committed a robbery and used the proceeds of the robbery to purchase marijuana and methamphetamine, which he intended to sell.  He further stated that several of the firearms in the camper were his, and he had the firearms to prevent others from robbing him. 

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Wallace to 181 months imprisonment, to be followed by an eight-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 Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Hartsville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a one-count indictment against Demetrice Trayvon Campbell, 28, of Conway, South Carolina, for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The indictment alleges that in January 2021, Campbell knowingly possessed a Colt .45 caliber pistol after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year. 

Smith faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment followed by up to 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He 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 Horry County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Waller 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.

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Four Jamaican nationals who resided in Myrtle Beach have been sentenced for their roles in a bogus lottery scam that targeted elderly victims around the country. Specifically, Fabian Gray, a/k/a “Mike Taylor,” 30, and Romaine Gordon, 30, were each sentenced to more than five years in federal prison; Avia Reid, 30, was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison; and Khalelah Powell, 20, was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) began this case with an investigation into individuals in the Myrtle Beach area who were operating a lottery telemarketing scam with domestic and international connections. According to evidence presented to the Court, as part of the scam, the Defendants would contact elderly victims via phone and mail, and falsely inform the victims they had won a sweepstakes.  The supposed prizes in these sweepstakes usually consisted of millions of dollars, a new vehicle, or other valuable items.  The Defendants told the victims they had to pay taxes and fees in order to receive their winnings.

Victims throughout the case mailed the Defendants prepaid cards, Postal Service money orders, bank money orders, cash, and personal checks to pay the phony taxes and fees. Victims also made deposits into the Defendants’ bank accounts and sent wire transfers to the Defendants. The Defendants received more than $300,000 from their targets. The funds were ultimately withdrawn by, or transferred to, co-conspirators in Jamaica, and the Defendants retained a 25% cut of the scamming proceeds. At least 67 victims, who were mostly elderly, suffered a loss as part of the scheme. Twenty-five of those victims were more than 80 years old, and several victims were targeted multiple times.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Gray to 63 months, Gordon to 63 months, Reid to 51 months, and Powell to 33 months. The Defendants were each sentenced to three years of court-ordered supervision to follow their federal prison sentences in the event they are not deported upon release. There is no parole in the federal system. The Defendants were also ordered to pay $349,433.75 in restitution to their victims.

This case was investigated by HSI and USPIS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek A. Shoemake prosecuted the case.

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Greenville, South Carolina ---Rashad Jamal Mack, 27, of Spartanburg, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented to the court showed officers responded to Oliver Street in Spartanburg in reference to a man with a gun.  Officers observed a man, later identified as Mack, who met the description provided to officers.  When officers approached Mack, he fled on foot and officers observed him toss a firearm as he fled which officers recovered shortly thereafter.  Officers detained Mack and located a .40 caliber magazine and .40 caliber ammunition on his person. The firearm which officers recovered was loaded with .40 caliber ammunition. The firearm had previously been reported as stolen.

United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III, sentenced Rashad Jamal Mack to 57 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Spartanburg 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Winston Marosek prosecuted the case.

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Columbia, South Carolina --- Darryl Hemphill, 34, of Rock Hill, pled guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established 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 their 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.  Based upon surveillance and other law enforcement techniques, the police learned that Hemphill was the leader of the group and helped introduce other members of the group to the California distributor.  After the drugs were shipped back to South Carolina, Hemphill and others 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. Based upon their investigation, this group shipped more than 255 packages from California and distributed more than 5 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.  Twelve defendants have pled guilty to their involvement with five defendants awaiting trial.  

 

Hemphill faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

 

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

 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, T. DeWayne Pearson, and Elliott Daniels are prosecuting the case.

 

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Florence, South Carolina --- Darryl Lamont McKenith, 33, of Aynor, was sentenced to eleven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl.   

Evidence presented to the Court showed that McKenith was involved in a multi-year conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Horry County.  McKenith served as a source of supply for co-conspirators, who would then distribute the drugs to users.  Over the course of the conspiracy, McKenith was accountable for more than 34 kilograms of heroin and 25 grams of fentanyl.  McKenith also reportedly pressured his grandmother into aiding in his drug distribution activities while he was detained on charges in his federal case.  

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced McKenith to 132 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.    Judge Harwell previously sentenced two of Mr. McKenith’s co-conspirators, both of whom served as distributors for Mr. McKenith.  Michael Keith McKenith, 32, of Aynor, received a sentence of 84 months in federal prison, and Scorpio Teriell Tisdale, 28, of Gallivants Ferry, received a sentence of 120 months in federal prison.  Two additional co-conspirators will be sentenced at a later date.

The case was investigated by the Horry County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a three-count indictment against Marcus Ray Goins, 29, of Ridgeville, for being a felon in possession of multiple stolen firearms.

Goins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years as to each count and was ordered 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, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and Berkely County Sheriff’s Office.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra Henderson 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.

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WASHINGTON – In an effort to save lives, DEA is proud to join “Song for Charlie” and many of our valued public health, non-profit, and law enforcement partners in recognizing the first ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day. This day is an effort to educate individuals around the dangerous threat that fentanyl poses to the safety, health, and national security of the American people.

To mark National Fentanyl Awareness Day, DEA released a video announcement from DEA Administrator Anne Milgram stressing the dangers of fentanyl and the need for urgent action.

“Fentanyl is killing Americans at unprecedented rates,” said Milgram. “On this first-ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day, please help save lives by making sure you talk with your friends and family about the dangers of this deadly drug.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.  It is inexpensive, widely available, and highly addictive. Drug traffickers are increasingly mixing fentanyl with other illicit drugs—in powder and pill form—to drive addiction and create repeat customers. Many people who are overdosing and dying don’t even know that they are taking fentanyl. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, nearly 107,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021. Sixty-six percent of overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

DEA has created a special exhibit for its museum, The Faces of Fentanyl, to commemorate the lives lost from fentanyl poisoning.  If you would like to submit a photo of a loved one lost to fentanyl, please submit their name and photo to fentanylawareness@dea.gov, or post a photo and their name to social media using the hashtag #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay.

For more information on the dangers of fentanyl, visit www.DEA.gov/fentanylawareness. 

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury returned a single count indictment against Dontrell Lamar Watson, age 33, of Charleston, for possessing a firearm and ammunition with a prior felony conviction.

The indictment alleges that on December 9, 2021, Dontrell Watson knowingly possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol and 9mm ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Additional evidence suggests Dontrell Watson knew he was federally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. 

Watson faces a maximum penalty of ten years for this charge. He 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).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow 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.

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury indicted Hasib Muqsit-Rivers, 21, of Charleston, for distributing fentanyl resulting in the death of another and four additional narcotics distributions on subsequent dates. Muqsit-Rivers has been detained following a contested bond hearing in federal court in Charleston.

The indictment follows an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Charleston Police Department. Charleston Police Department officers and DEA agents arrested Muqsit-Rivers, and he appeared in Court upon his request for a bond. After a contested hearing, United States Magistrate Judge Molly H. Cherry ordered Muqsit-Rivers detained without bond pending resolution of the federal charges against him.

During the hearing, a DEA special agent alleged that Muqsit-Rivers distributed a quantity of fentanyl on November 1, 2020 to a 24-year old woman in Charleston following a Halloween party. According to the special agent, the distribution was captured on home surveillance camera. The victim was later found deceased from an overdose with a blood toxicity analysis showing high levels of fentanyl. Subsequently, the special agent alleged that Muqsit-Rivers distributed crack cocaine and cocaine on four separate dates following the distribution that resulted in the death of the victim.

According to information presented to the court, at the time of the arrest, Muqsit-Rivers was out on bond for a pending armed robbery state court charge. As a result of the federal charge, Muqsit-Rivers faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of $1,000,000, and court-ordered minimum term of supervision for three years to follow any term of imprisonment. 

The case was investigated by DEA and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Jane B. Taylor of the Columbia office are 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.

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Matthew Joshua Tolson, 33, of Bennettsville, was sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

“One of the largest threats to our community is firearms-related crime, and this office is dedicated to doing everything it can to protect the citizens of South Carolina from those who use firearms to break the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis.  “Our team, including our local and federal law enforcement partners, worked tirelessly to bring this defendant, an armed lifelong criminal, to justice.” 

“Recovering a firearm from a prohibited individual and putting a drug trafficker out of business is a double win for the community,” said Brian Mein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division.  “Through a collaborative effort, we’ve helped take a dangerous career criminal off the street.”

“Mr. Tolson has a violent history, and was involved in numerous firearms-related incidents,” said Chief David Lane of the City of Dillon Police Department.  “Bringing Mr. Tolson to justice will make the Dillon community safer.  My department is very thankful for the hard work of all the agencies involved.”

Evidence presented to the Court showed that, on the afternoon of July 20, 2021, officers with Dillon Police Department attempted to stop a purple Dodge Charger driven by Tolson.  Tolson did not stop, and instead led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through downtown Dillon.  The chase ended when Tolson drove his car onto the Dillon City and County Complex lawn, crashing into the Dillon Police Department sign.  When officers approached the Charger, they located a loaded .40 caliber Glock pistol with a 50-round drum magazine in Tolson’s lap.  In his pocket, Tolson had nearly 24 grams of crack cocaine, divided among several baggies, and approximately $300 in cash.  At the time of this incident, Tolson had multiple prior felony convictions, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm or ammunition. 

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Tolson to 226 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-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 ATF and the Dillon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.

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Columbia, South Carolina ---  Marcus Duran Singleton, 38, of Orangeburg, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and has been detained following a contested bond hearing in federal court in Columbia.

A federal Grand Jury in Columbia indicted Singleton following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the Norway Police Department (NPD), and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).  Singleton was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  ATF, with the assistance of NPD and SLED, arrested Singleton, and he appeared in Court upon his request for a bond. After a contested hearing, United States Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett ordered Singleton detained without bond pending resolution of the federal charge against him.

During the hearing, an ATF special agent testified that Singleton was allegedly involved in unlawfully pointing and presenting of a firearm at the employees of the fast-food establishment, Cook-Out, located in Orangeburg, on September 4, 2021.  As a result of the federal charge, Singleton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and court-ordered supervision to follow any term of imprisonment. 

The offense listed in the indictment is merely an allegation, and Singleton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, 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 Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Elliott B. Daniels of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.

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Florence, South Carolina --- Angel Luis Masdeu, 59, of Hartsville, has been sentenced to 6 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted bank robbery.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on February 25, 2021, Masdeu took a taxicab to a bank in Hartsville where he directed the taxi driver to enter the drive-thru line and place an envelope in the pneumatic tube. The bank teller received the envelope, which contained a torn, handwritten note demanding all money from all drawers and threatening to kill and/or blow up the bank. The teller activated the alarm, and officers with the Hartsville Police Department were dispatched to the bank. After arriving on scene, officers located the taxicab in the drive-thru line and detained Masdeu. Upon searching the taxicab, officers located several envelopes matching the envelope that was used to send the note and part of a torn paper matching the tear on the note. Officers determined the taxi driver was not involved in the attempted bank robbery.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Masdeu to 72 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Hartsville Police Department.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.

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Florence, South Carolina --- Julius Antwan Hicks, Jr., 38, of Georgetown has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on June 11, 2020, the Myrtle Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at Hicks’s residence in Myrtle Beach.  During the search, officers located a firearm with an extended magazine and rounds of ammunition in one of the bedrooms.  Hicks is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior convictions for Distribution of Crack Cocaine 1st Offense and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana 1st Offense.   

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Hicks to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a two-count indictment against Nicholas Vanover, 25, of Columbia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and simple possession of marijuana.

The indictment alleges that Vanover possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony and possessed a quantity of marijuana on January 30, 2020.

Vanover faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and is currently detained and has a detention hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Columbia Police Department. 

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 U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon 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.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 3-count indictment against David Bryant, III, 24, of Columbia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a stolen firearm, and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The indictment alleges that Bryant, possessed 3 firearms after having previously been convicted of a prior felony, possessed a stolen firearm, and possessed a firearm with an obliterated serial number all on January 28, 2020.

Bryant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine, and is currently detained pending trial.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Columbia Police Department.

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.

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.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 1-count indictment against Eric Grier, 54, of Columbia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that Grier possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a prior felony on October 10, 2020.

Grier faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine and is currently detained.

The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department.

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.

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.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 3-count indictment against Kendrick Mann, 36, of Columbia, for 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 Mann 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 all on July 5, 2020.

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department.

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.

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.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Tavius Cortez Wiggins, a/k/a “Black,” 30, of Columbia was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented in court showed that on July 30, 2019, an officer with the South Carolina Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for speeding on Interstate 95 in Florence County. Upon contact, the trooper noticed a strong odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle and determined the driver did not have a valid driver’s license.  Wiggins was a passenger.  The trooper separated the three occupants of the vehicle, and responses to the trooper’s questions led the officer to believe there was evidence of criminal conduct in the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle produced cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and three firearms, one of which was stolen, plus ammunition and extended ammunition magazines. The firearms included a loaded .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine, a loaded 9mm handgun, and a .22LR caliber firearm with a 125-round drum magazine attached. 

FBI received information that Wiggins was facilitating the commercial sexual exploitation of a female passenger in the vehicle, that he supplied her with drugs, and that prior to the traffic stop he pointed a firearm at her head multiple times.  The government presented other evidence at sentencing that Wiggins was involved in human trafficking: witnesses disclosed to the FBI that Wiggins prostituted women at hotels in the Columbia area, and that he did so by using physical violence, pointing firearms, and by withholding drugs causing “dope sickness.”  At sentencing, Wiggins contested that evidence but conceded that the Government had enough evidence to support a sentencing enhancement based on that conduct. 

Wiggins was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based on numerous prior felony convictions, including trafficking crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, two burglary convictions related to home invasions, escape from custody, identity fraud, and resisting arrest. Wiggins’s convictions began in 2008 and they also include multiple drug possession convictions.

United States District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Wiggins to 9 years in prison on a charge that carried a maximum of 10 years in prison, 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.

The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.

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Columbia, South Carolina --- Jordan Davis Williams, 31, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 4 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on December 17, 2020, an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made a controlled purchase of 27.687 grams of fentanyl from Williams at a location in Columbia.    

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Williams to 48 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by ATF and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA --- United States Attorney Corey F. Ellis announced today the winners of the United States Attorney’s Office’s 19th Annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Logo Contest, which was open to all South Carolina grade school students.

The theme of this year’s contest was “Preventing Gun Violence in Our Schools.”  Judges sought logos that demonstrated a successful collaboration between schools, communities, and law enforcement to reflect (1) warning signs that students should be looking for related to gun violence; (2) resources to help students who have concerns about gun violence; and (3) general messages to prevent gun violence in South Carolina schools.

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is the Department of Justice’s flagship effort in the fight against gun violence in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis.  “This contest empowers tomorrow’s leaders to express their ideas and concerns about a troublesome topic that impacts all of society.  Thanks to this year’s participants – it was a great competition.” 

The overall winning logo will be used in publications distributed statewide and displayed on the United States Attorney’s Office website.  The winner from each grade division and overall winner are named below:

 

Winner K–2nd grade Division

Mason Cordona, Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science,

Winnsboro, SC

 

Winner 3rd–5th grade Division/ OVERALL WINNER

Layla McMillan, Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science,

Winnsboro, SC

 

Winner 6th–8th grade Division

Jasmine Lucas, William J. Clark Middle School, Orangeburg, SC

 

Winner 9th–12th grade Division

Laila Saddler, C. A. Johnson High School, Columbia, SC

 

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.  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association and the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association will provide $50.00 awards to each division winner; and the overall winner, Layla McMillan, will receive an additional $50.00 award.  All students who participated will receive 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 --- Shannon Alexis Woodham, 40, of Hartsville has been sentenced to nearly 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on August 5, 2020, an officer with the Hartsville Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a car driven by Woodham.  Upon approaching the car, the officer noticed an open Coors Light container in the car’s cup holder.  Another officer who arrived on scene to assist, removed the container and noticed several small clear bags containing suspected drugs as well as what appeared to be alcohol inside the container.  Several officers on scene also noticed the odor of marijuana while standing beside the car.  During a search of the car, officers located a firearm with an extended magazine loaded with rounds of 9mm ammunition.  During a search of Woodham’s person, an officer located a single 9mm bullet.  Woodham is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior convictions for Possession of Cocaine 3rd Offense, Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.   

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Woodham to 92 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartsville Police Department.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.

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Florence, South Carolina --- Dominic Rakim Ellison, 34, of Florence, has been sentenced to over 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 1, 2020, a deputy with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a car driven by Ellison.  Upon approaching the car, the deputy noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the car and saw a plastic bag protruding from Ellison’s left pocket.  The deputy searched the car and located a firearm loaded with 6 rounds of ammunition under the driver’s seat.  Ellison is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior convictions for Burglary Second Degree and Armed Robbery.   

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Ellison to 63 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.

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Florence, South Carolina --- Cory Dewayne McNeal, 39, of Darlington, has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute those substances.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on April 17, 2020, a deputy with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office approached a car in the parking lot of a hotel in Florence, South Carolina.  Cory McNeal was sitting in the driver’s seat.  Upon approaching the car, the deputy noticed an odor of marijuana and saw marijuana remnants on McNeal’s pants.  The deputy also saw a clear plastic bag that appeared to contain marijuana near the center console.  Deputies searched the car and located a firearm, a digital scale, 0.44 gram of cocaine, 3.36 grams of crack cocaine, 4.44 grams of marijuana, 10 grams of fentanyl, 21.61 grams of heroin, 97 tablets containing 23.25 grams of methamphetamine, and an additional 5.04 grams of methamphetamine.  

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced McNeal to 151 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Two felons who shot towards, police – Phillip Michael King, 35, of Barnwell, and Anthony Lafayette Legette, a/k/a “Amp Legette,” 37, of Columbia – were collectively sentenced to nearly 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal firearms violations.

“As recent events in our state have shown us, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis.  “We will not tolerate violence against the police in South Carolina, and I want to thank the law enforcement agencies that responded and prioritized these cases.”

“Violent individuals in possession of firearms illegally are a threat to our communities and a threat to the brave men and women working to keep our streets safe,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Mein. “ATF is proud to join our local, state, and federal partners in bringing these individuals to justice.”

"These cases are examples of how local law enforcement work in partnership with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney to arrest and prosecute prolific violent offenders,” said Columbia Chief of Police W. H. “Skip” Holbrook. “Cases like these remove the ‘trigger pullers’ from neighborhoods in our cities."

King pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition – his second such conviction in federal court. Evidence presented in court showed that on September 22, 2018, an officer with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety attempted a traffic stop near downtown Orangeburg because the vehicle was reported as stolen.  The vehicle failed to stop for blue lights, sirens, or marked patrol cars, and took the police on a car chase through the city.  King leaned out of the rear passenger window during the pursuit and discharged two rounds from a pistol in the direction of the police car behind him.  The vehicles came to a stop and King fled on foot.  A loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol was recovered in the path of King’s flight on foot.  King later confessed to the shooting and to hoping that during it he would be shot and killed by the police.  Shell casings collected from the area of the shooting were forensically matched by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to the firearm recovered, and ATF determined the firearm was stolen. 

Legette also pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  Evidence presented in court showed that on November 3, 2017, Legette was driving under the influence when he was in a car accident with an off-duty Columbia Police Department officer near downtown Columbia.  When the vehicles came to a stop, the off-duty officer approached Legette, identified himself as an officer with the Columbia Police Department, and showed his law enforcement credentials.  Legette then failed to follow commands and appeared to reach for a firearm.  The off-duty officer brandished his service weapon, and Legette fled the scene in his vehicle to an apartment complex in Columbia.   Legette walked inside, retrieved a pistol, told a resident that an officer was following him, came outside and announced, “there goes that [explicative] right there.” Legette pointed his firearm in the air in the direction of the officer and discharged one round.  Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the residence, recovered a loaded Cobra Industries, .38 caliber Derringer pistol with one spent casing inside the revolver. Legette later admitted to the shooting.

King was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based on numerous prior felony convictions, including assault with intent to kill in an incident related to a prior shooting, arson,  and a federal felon in possession of a firearm conviction.  King’s convictions began in 2003 and they also include unlawful carrying of a pistol, simple assault and battery, and failure to stop for blue lights.

Legette was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based on numerous prior felony convictions, including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature in a matter related to an assault that was a part of a gang ritual, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and assault and battery 2nd degree.  Legette’s convictions began in 2002 and they also include driving under the influence, drunkenness, drug possession, simple assault and battery, and failure to comply with a police command.

Senior United States District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced King to a total of 114 months in federal prison. Senior United States District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Legette to 63 months in federal prison. Both sentences will be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, and there is no parole in the federal system.

King’s case was made possible by investigative 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.

Both cases were 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 cases were investigated by the ATF, SLED, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, and Columbia Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the cases.

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COLUMBIA, SC– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, which includes the state of South Carolina, will host its 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on NEXT Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This bi-annual event offers free, anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

During DEA’s last Rx Drug Take Back Day, which was held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, South Carolinians turned in 9,663 pounds of unneeded, unwanted or expired prescription medications.

The event will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.

A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to April 30 collection sites.

Year-round receptacles are available at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and business. Additionally, with the passage of the DUMP Opioids Act in 2021, the public may now use drop boxes at Veterans Administration medical centers to dispose of controlled substance prescription medications. Check with your local VA health facility for more information.  With more than 13,000 year-round drop-off locations in the United States, every day can be Take Back day.

“Prescription drug abuse driven by the use of synthetic opioids, continues to be a major threat to our public safety,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division. “Removing one pill out of circulation could potentially save a life. Join us on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10 am to 2 pm at DEA’s 22nd national prescription drug Take Back event. It’s free and anonymous, no questions asked.”

Drug overdose deaths are up 16 percent in the last year, claiming more than 290 lives every day.  According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 106,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021, marking the most drug-related deaths ever recorded, with opioid-related deaths accounting for 75 percent of all overdose deaths.

For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 15 million pounds of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the overdose epidemic in the United States.

The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov . Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv.

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence has returned an indictment in connection with drug-related charges against two former correctional officers with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC).

Specifically, Joseph Corey Bailey, Jr., 29, and Xavier Kaseem Capers, 28, both of Ridgeland, were charged with conspiring to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. Bailey and Capers were correctional officers at SCDC’s Ridgeland Correctional Institution when SCDC staff located approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine inside the prison located in a bag previously handled by the two men.

“We work routinely with our partners at SCDC and DEA to ensure that there is no safe harbor for those violating federal laws in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This office will investigate and prosecute federal crimes regardless of who commits those crimes.”

“Correctional officers who break the public trust need to be held accountable,” said Bryan Stirling, Director of SCDC. “We are grateful to our partners for their hard work in this case.”

“Correctional officers are held to a higher standard and are entrusted to ensure a safe environment by supervising inmate behavior and enforcing regulations such as keeping contraband - in this case “meth” - out of prisons,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “It is alleged that these officers chose to violate their oath by allowing illicit drugs to enter a prison. If so, they will be held accountable for their actions. DEA would like to thank its law enforcement partners who made this case a success.”   

Bailey and Capers each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

The case was investigated by the DEA and SCDC. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Holloway is prosecuting the case.

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

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA —Quinae Shamyra Stephens, 41, of Douglasville, Georgia, was convicted following a jury trial in federal court for multiple charges relating to a multi-state identity theft and fraud ring she was running with her son, who previously pled guilty to a wire and bank fraud conspiracy. Stephens’s trial marked the first federal criminal jury trial in the Pee Dee region since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Identity theft is a crime that impacts every American and can create lifelong victims. This office will vigorously prosecute criminals who steal from hardworking taxpayers to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Stephens enlisted her son in a sophisticated scheme that involved using the dark web, among other resources, to steal the identities and credit card information of numerous individuals across the country. Stephens, who had at least two felony convictions, committed part of her scheme from a stolen van and while carrying a loaded firearm. I appreciate the quick work of our local partners with the Latta Police Department, and the thorough investigative work of the U.S. Secret Service. This case would not have been possible without them.”

“The primary investigative mission of the U.S. Secret Service is to protect the financial infrastructure of the United States by investigating complex, often cyber-enabled, financial crimes,” said John Hirt, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia Field Office for the U.S. Secret Service. “The Secret Service is also home to expert forensic analysts who employ advanced investigative and technological capabilities in support of this integrated mission along with our law enforcement partners.  This case is an excellent example of the success of teamwork amongst the Latta Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Secret Service, utilizing our combined expertise to bring criminals to justice for committing a variety of complex financial crimes which are the focus of the Secret Service’s investigative work.”

“On behalf of the Latta Police Department and the citizens of our town, we give the utmost appreciation to our federal partners in this conviction,” said Josh Holt, Chief of the Latta Police Department. “Financial crimes cover all demographics and identity fraud affects so many unknowing victims.  Even in a small town like ours, crime doesn't pay.”

Evidence presented by the Government at trial established that Stephens and her son, Deandre Copes, 23, also of Douglasville, were travelling from New Jersey to Florida in a stolen rental van when they drew the attention of law enforcement officers in Latta because they were going back and forth from a bank to a local retail store. A search of the van ultimately revealed more than a dozen identification documents – including several with Stephens’s picture in various names, a device for re-encoding credit cards with different account information, and more than 25 debit and credit cards, most in the name of individuals other than Stephens or her son.

Further forensics investigation by the Secret Service revealed that Stephens would download instructional material from the dark web related to credit card fraud and identity theft, and used software form the dark web to procure personally identifiable information. The laptop also contained instructional material and files that could be used to create fake banking websites to steal account information.

Evidence also showed that Stephens possessed a loaded semi-automatic handgun. Stephens is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition based upon at least two prior felony convictions in Georgia.

More than 120 exhibits were entered into evidence during the trial, and more than a dozen witnesses and victims travelled from California, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to testify. The jury ultimately convicted Stephens on all six charges brought against her, including conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon presided over the trial and will sentence Stephens and her son after receiving and reviewing pre-sentence reports prepared by the United States Probation Office.  Stephens and her son each face a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, and a fine of $1,000,000, for conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud. Stephens also faces a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Latta Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Everett McMillian prosecuted the case.

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — David James Allison, 33, of Bluffton, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that on January 4, 2020, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding the alleged sexual assault of a 22-month-old by David James Allison.  Allison admitted to assaulting the victim approximately five times between September 2019 and December 2019, and live streaming these assaults over Skype. 

Investigators determined that Skype communications were tied to an IP address in Littlehampton, West Sussex, United Kingdom. Subsequent investigation by the Sussex Police identified Andrew McPherson-Young, 52, of West Sussex, United Kingdom, as a subject in this matter.  McPherson-Young admitted to Sussex Police that he directed Allison on how to sexually assault the victim while McPherson-Young watched the assaults over Skype.  McPherson-Young is currently being prosecuted in the United Kingdom.

United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Allison to 360 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor 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.

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - George Junior Hall, 50, an inmate in the federal Bureau of Prisons, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after a federal jury found him guilty in November 2021 of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause injury and assault resulting in serious injuries.

At the time of the offense, Hall was an inmate finishing a sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Estill, South Carolina. Evidence presented to the jury, including graphic video footage, showed Hall attacking another inmate from behind with a prison weapon known as a “lock-in-a-sock,” a nylon belt attached to a metal combination lock slipped inside of a sock. Hall struck the victim in the back of the head and knocked him to the ground, then stood over him beating him repeatedly with the weapon until he fled. Prison officials found the victim bleeding in his cell after following a trail of blood from the scene of the attack. The victim survived but was hospitalized with numerous lacerations, a fractured skull, and a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and he suffered temporary hearing loss and permanent scarring.

Hall has a long history of violence, including a 1993 Florida conviction for aggravated battery arising from an incident where he shot his own brother. At the time of the prison assault, Hall was serving a twenty-year sentence on federal convictions for attempted murder and assault on a United States Postal carrier arising from a 1996 incident where he shot a mail carrier while attempting to steal welfare checks. Disciplinary records presented to the Court showed that Hall continued this pattern of violence while incarcerated, assaulting a cellmate with hot grits, striking a prison guard with a lock-in-a-sock, and trying to smother another inmate with a mattress, beating him, and biting off a part of his ear.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel granted the Government’s motion for an “upward departure,” increasing the sentencing guidelines to account for Hall’s history of violence while incarcerated. The Court observed that “[t]he record firmly establishes a persistent pattern of extreme violence over the entirety of [Hall’s] adult life.”

The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the United States Bureau of Prisons. Former Acting United States Attorney Rhett DeHart and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen tried the case on behalf of the United States.

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Charleston, South Carolina --- Alouis Levorge Taylor, 37, of North Charleston, was sentenced to thirteen years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to possessing cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 1, 2018, officers with the Charleston Police Department were on patrol in the Bridgeview apartment complex and approached a parked car running without lights. Taylor was sitting alone in the car, and officers could smell marijuana and see a bag of white powder in plain view. Instead of stepping out as requested, Taylor reversed and almost struck an officer with his driver-side door. He then attempted to drive away, plowing into a parked car, and driving erratically through the parking lot before fleeing on foot. Officers discovered Taylor’s abandoned vehicle nearby with a broken axel. There was a bag of cocaine in the cupholder and a loaded gun hidden behind a panel near the door. Officers also found five pounds of marijuana abandoned nearby and discovered that Taylor’s vehicle had been modified to install a secret compartment in the passenger seat.        

Taylor, who was already on federal supervision for a previous offense involving guns and drugs, was arrested soon thereafter. He was charged federally and pled guilty on November 19, 2021. Taylor has a long criminal history, which includes multiple prior convictions for gun and drug offenses and for assaulting police.        

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Taylor to 156 months in federal prison, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Charleston Police Department.   

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Attorneys Chris Schoen and Whit Sowards prosecuted the case.

 

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Chad Horst Kramolowski, 35, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 16, 2018, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) section received a CyberTipline Report from Facebook, Inc., who discovered evidence of alleged criminal activity on their servers. The CyberTipline Report showed that a Facebook user received an image of a minor appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity. ICAC officers tracked the Facebook user’s IP address to Kramolowski’s residence in Mount Pleasant. On March 6, 2019, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Kramolowski’s residence and found at least 20 images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors, on one of Kramolowski’s cell phones.  The investigation also revealed that Kramolowski was previously convicted in federal court for possession of child pornography and was sentenced in 2008 to 30 months in federal prison.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Kramolowski to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor 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.

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Columbia, South Carolina – Angela Marie Gantt, age 37, of Lexington, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia imposed the sentence. After her release from prison, Gantt will remain under court-ordered supervision for an additional 3 years. There is no parole in the federal system. 

Evidence presented in court established that on June 29, 2020, an officer with the South Congaree Police Department responded to an accident in South Congaree where it was reported that a driver, later identified as Gantt, had struck a tree on private property and was attempting to leave the scene. The officer made contact with Gantt and learned she was driving under suspension.  A K-9 Officer responded to the scene, and the K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the car.  A search of the car recovered approximately 118 grams of methamphetamine and a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol.

Federal law prohibits Gantt from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon multiple prior state convictions.  Gantt’s prior state record includes possession of methamphetamine in 2006, manufacturing methamphetamine in 2007, possession of methamphetamine in 2010, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in 2012, and possession of methamphetamine in 2014 and 2015.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, South Congaree Police Department, and Pine Ridge Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 United States Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case.

 

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Prisma Health Midlands (“Prisma”) has agreed to pay a record $1 million to resolve allegations that it committed recordkeeping and dispensing violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These requirements are designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances.

This civil settlement includes a memorandum of agreement and is the culmination of a joint Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation that began in November of 2018 when two Prisma patients were arrested for distributing drugs, some of which, the United States alleges, they were able to receive through Prisma’s pharmacy. This marks the largest settlement involving allegations of CSA violations in the state of South Carolina.

“Pharmacists must comply with their responsibilities to issue controlled substances only for legitimate medical purposes and in the usual course of their professional practice,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “When pharmacists ignore or disregard red flags, their actions allow controlled substance prescriptions to be diverted for illegitimate and dangerous purposes.”

“The mission of DEA’s Division of Diversion Control is to prevent, detect and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “In this case, DEA Diversion Investigators did an outstanding job of uncovering recordkeeping discrepancies for the controlled substances Prisma purchased, maintained and dispensed. The DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to making sure healthcare providers are abiding by these important mandates.”

The United States alleges that Prisma failed to notify the DEA within one business day regarding thefts or significant losses of controlled substances over a three-year time period. As a DEA registrant, Prisma has certain recordkeeping and reporting obligations and one of these is to promptly notify the DEA whenever a theft or significant loss occurs.

The United States further alleges that Prisma violated the CSA by filling prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose for two patients who have now pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution charges.

The conduct outlined in the settlement agreement is merely alleged; the agreement does not constitute an admission of liability by Prisma.

A main objective of the CSA is controlling illegitimate traffic of controlled substances.  To prevent the diversion of controlled substances, the CSA regulates persons, companies and other entities that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances.  With more than 100,000 Americans dying last year from drug overdose, the Justice Department and the DEA are committed to using every resource available to prevent overdose deaths and hold accountable those responsible for the opioid crisis.  The government’s rigorous investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s ongoing dedication to stem the prescription opioid crisis by ensuring that opioids are not diverted and abused.

This matter was investigated by the DEA Group Supervisor Adam Roberson, DEA Investigator Kelli Capehart, and DEA Investigator Sai Rivera along with Civil Division Chief James Leventis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Johanna Valenzuela of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.

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Charleston, South Carolina --- Karen Rhett, 59, of Mt. Pleasant, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and false statements on tax documents. Rhett formerly served as the bookkeeper for Simmons Realty Company (“SRC”) and related business entities. 

Evidence presented to the Court showed that over two and a half decades, Rhett stole more than a million dollars from the Simmons’ business entities. As the bookkeeper, Rhett was in a position of trust to maintain accounting and business records. Rhett devised a complex scheme to defraud the businesses through various means, including by embezzling funds through unrecorded general ledger deposits that she would transfer to herself. As part of the scheme, Rhett often transferred funds between the related business entities before transferring the funds to herself. Rhett also created false business expenses through fabricated invoices then wrote checks to herself for the same amount, recording the payments as legitimate business expenses. 

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Rhett to 36 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. This sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Christopher Douglas Williams, 60, of Langley, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the United States of over $230,000 in taxes owed. 

“I appreciate the work of the Internal Revenue Service in bringing this defendant to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This office will continue to prosecute those who fail to pay their fair share of taxes, who cheat their fellow citizens, and who undermine the funding and functioning of our institutions.”

“Tax evasion is not a victimless crime," said Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office. "Honest taxpayers need to be reassured that everyone is paying their fair share.  The IRS Criminal Investigation Division, together with the Department of Justice, will investigate and prosecute those who violate our tax system.”

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Williams filed for bankruptcy in January 2016. Over the course of two bankruptcy hearings, the trustee discovered that Williams had concealed income and failed to report his interest in five parcels of property. By filing false returns in 2015 and 2016, Williams avoided paying $230,044 to the United States that was rightfully owed.

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

This case was investigated by the IRS and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday.

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GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Keowsha Golden, 36, of Greenville, was sentenced to more than 1o years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that Golden obtained prescription paper and then forged physician information to write prescriptions for 30 milligram oxycodone tablets.  The prescriptions were passed at various pharmacies in the upstate of South Carolina and in western North Carolina. Golden used drug addicts and homeless persons to pass the prescriptions. She provided the prescription passers with the money to pick up the prescriptions as well as fraudulent identification documents.  Golden sold the bottles of oxycodone tablets to others at the wholesale rate of $2,800 to $3,500 per bottle.   

During the execution of a search warrant at Golden’s residence, law enforcement officers seized her personal telephone and laptop which revealed fraudulent prescription templates, physician information, and copies of driver’s licenses used by prescription passers at various pharmacies. 

United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Golden to 130 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Laurens Police Department, and Greenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — On Friday, March 18, 2022, U.S. District Court Judge David C. Norton of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina approved a consent decree that resolves alleged violations of the Clean Water Act by Defendant, Paul Edward Mashni, and several of his related entities that impacted wetlands on property near the Kiawah River, located on Johns Island, South Carolina. The complaint was brought in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, on referral from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District (Corps).

The Clean Water Act generally requires any person who plans to fill federally protected wetlands to receive a permit from the Corps. The complaint alleged that Mr. Mashni and his associated companies violated the Clean Water Act by filling wetlands without a permit. This case stems from development activities the defendants conducted on land they owned and land nearby that the defendants did not own. During the defendants’ ownership of the Johns Island property at issue, evidence shows that the defendants operated earthmoving equipment through at least 11 acres of the property. Mr. Mashni and the other defendants’ conduct in this case contributed to the destruction and/or significant degradation of wetlands at the site. The consent decree approved today secures a significant penalty and mitigation to resolve the alleged Clean Water Act violations, while ensuring fairness for developers who comply with the Clean Water Act by obtaining a permit from the Corps before undertaking regulated work in wetlands.

Under the consent decree, the defendants are required to pay $525,000 in civil penalties; purchase seventy freshwater wetland restoration or enhancement mitigation credits to offset the environmental impact of their activity; and be subject to a prohibition of certain new activities in waters or wetlands at the property at issue absent pre-clearance from the Corps. In total, the approximate cost of the defendants’ total obligations under the settlement is over $1,000,000.

“This is a substantial penalty,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Corey F. Ellis.   “It serves two purposes:  to restore the integrity of the waters of the United States and to deter others from polluting those waters.”

Compliance and enforcement are important components of the Corps’ Regulatory program.  The Corps’ Charleston District has an active enforcement program throughout the State of South Carolina that is often aided by state and federal agencies, as well as by groups and individuals who report suspected violations. To address violations, the Corps is authorized to prescribe corrective action, impose administrative fines and prescribe removal of unauthorized fill, work or structures.

“The objective of the Clean Water Act is to ‘restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters,’” said Travis Hughes, the Regulatory Division Chief of the Corps’ Charleston District.  “Because filling and destroying wetlands is not easily undone, the Corps is committed to holding all responsible parties accountable when regulated work in wetlands is undertaken without a permit from the Corps.” 

For more information on Charleston District and the Corps’ Regulatory program, visit: https://www.sac.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/.

This case was handled by Corps counsel James Choate and Jonathan Jellema; Civil Division Chief James Leventis and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johanna Valenzuela and Sheria Clarke for the District of South Carolina; and Martha Mann and Andrew J. Doyle of the Environmental Defense Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Gary Garland, 54, and Shannon Garland, 49, both of Anderson, were sentenced to 35 years and 26 and a half years respectively for their roles in conspiracies to sex traffic minors and to produce child pornography.

Patrons of the Garland’s sex trafficking operation were also sentenced as follows: Johnny Wells, 58, was sentenced to 13 and a half years; Kianna Daily, 41, was sentenced to five years; Glenn Whitcomb, 69, was sentenced to a year and a half; Michael Skelton, 33, was sentenced to just over a year; and John Towery, 63, and Duwone Allen, 30, were sentenced to five years probation with house arrest.

“This office and its law enforcement partners work daily to protect our country’s most valuable assets, its children. We will seek swift justice for those who exploit our young people,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This case marks an important turning point in the fight against those who seek to exploit children by putting all would be buyers of sex on notice: law enforcement will go after not just the traffickers who force the minor victims into sexual servitude, but also those who patronize and solicit such sexual encounters.”       

“The lengthy sentences received by each of these defendants holds them accountable for their heinous crimes and ensures they will be unable to abuse and traffic another child,” said Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for North and South Carolina. “HSI is grateful for the collaborative effort between our office and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and we will continue to jointly and aggressively investigate anyone who seeks to exploit children.”

“I want to thank my detectives for their hard work and commitment to this investigation,” said Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride. “I also want to thank our federal law enforcement partners that helped us put these evildoers away for a long time.”

Evidence presented to the Court showed that the Garlands engaged in a conspiracy to force two minor victims to engage in no less than 300 sexual encounters with themselves and other patrons for the benefit of the Garlands.  The Garlands rendered the minors totally dependent on them for survival and provided illicit drugs to the minors to force their participation in the sexual acts.  The Garlands solicited and advertised for the sexual encounters on the internet. Wells, Daily, Whitcomb, Skelton, and Towery responded to these sexual solicitation postings and engaged in criminal sexual acts with one of the minors.  The Garlands recruited Allen, a hotel employee, to participate in the sexual exploitation of one of the minors.  Gary Garland directed all of the sexual acts and required that the patrons consent to video recordings of the sexual encounters with the minor and themselves. Gary Garland subsequently shared these recordings with his co-defendants. 

United States District Donald C. Coggins, Jr. imposed the federal prison sentences, which will be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered restitution and forfeiture of the Garlands’ home, and the Defendants will have to register as sex offenders after release.

The case was investigated HSI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Fisher Sherard and Winston Marosek 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.

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MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA — Less than twenty months after 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach-area drug traffickers were indicted based on a federal wiretap investigation into narcotics and violence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court. 

Evidence presented in court filings reflects that the Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization was an interstate conspiracy that was involved in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms.  The organization was based in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County, and had ties across the state line into North Carolina.  Its members were supplied with controlled substances from multiple interstate sources of supply, including one with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)  from Jalisco, Mexico.  This organization was identified by local law enforcement as a priority target in connection with violent crime and overdoses in the area.  The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy. 

Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to one of two indictments that collectively contained 72 counts of violations of federal law ranging from drug conspiracy and firearms violations to using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.  Each has now also been sentenced, with several of the organization’s leaders and suppliers receiving sentences of ten years or more in federal prison, as follows:

• Teontric Jackson, 30, of Loris – 180 months
• Darrell Jackson, 48, of Myrtle Beach – 120 months
• Lisa Garcia, 50, of Delano, CA – 120 months
• Byron Jackson, 29, of Loris – 120 months
• Angelo Jackson, 25, of Loris – 108 months
• Timothy Long, 40, of Tabor City, NC – 100 months
• Leon Green, 33, of Longs – 87 months
• Winferd Sherman, 24, of Loris – 72 months
• Antra Gore, 38, of Loris – 72 months
• Shaquan Hemingway, 23, of Loris – 70 months
• Carl Green, 45, of Loris – 63 months
• Phillip Johnson, 29, of Loris – 57 months
• Tyshon Clifton, 21, of Loris – 46 months
• Tremayne Green, 25, of Loris – 46 months
• Mark Jackson, 26, of Loris – 37 months
• Devante Squires, 27, of Loris – 36 months
• Teraine Green, 30, of Loris – 26 months
• Alfredo Gore, 43, of Tabor City, NC – 24 months
• Bradley Griffin, 36, of Longwood, NC – 22 months
• Monrail Miller, 35, of Loris – 21 months
• James Myers, 33, of Loris – 20 months
• Anthony Nealey, 48, of Longs – 18 months
• Tyruss Hemingway, 21, of Loris – 15 months
• James Riggins, 44, of Tabor City, NC – 12 months
• Lateice Griffin, 30, of Longwood, NC, Montel Hyppolite, 23, of Loris, Robert Attaway, 37, of Myrtle Beach, Mildred Mann, 44, of Little River, Billie Lee Green, 60, of Loris, and Kenneth Nobles, 31, of Loris, all received sentences under a year

“This operation dismantled a violent criminal enterprise, put its members behind bars, and made communities in South Carolina safer,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “This case illustrates the results that are possible when federal, state, and local agencies work together toward a common goal.”

The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several agencies including the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.  The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation:

FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic

“This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners who all played a vital role in bringing this case to a successful closure.  Let this case serve as an example to those introducing drugs in Horry County that this criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

Loris Police Department Chief Gary Buley

“With our continued support we continue to battle the drugs and make a big difference in our community.  Thank you for all the hard work and dedication by all to make this difference in our communities.”

Myrtle Beach Police Department Chief Amy Prock

“As we said before, Myrtle Beach is not a safe haven for criminals. The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe.”

15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Dean Bishop

“This demonstrates how the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, along with our partners, will serve our communities by focusing on violent drug traffickers.”

Coastal Carolina University Police Department Chief David Roper

“Due to the complex nature of large-scale drug operations, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies work together to combat such organizations.  Each agency brings unique assets to the table that enhances their ability for success.  These operations require technology, experience, and boots on the ground in order to gather enough information to arrest and successfully prosecute participants in the drug trade.  These types of successful operations allow us to maintain a safe community.  They also make the criminal aware that law enforcement will always pursue illegal operations that effect the safety of our citizens.  Coastal Carolina University Department of Public Safety is pleased to have been involved with this important investigation.”

Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Phillip Thompson

“We are grateful for the partnerships we share with federal law enforcement, state and local agencies in the combined efforts to fight the surge of drugs in our communities.  Operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales.”

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. The case was prosecuted by OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney Everett McMillian, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, who also serves as Deputy Solicitor for 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Additional information can be found on the docket of the United States District Court, Criminal Case Numbers 4:20-CR-189 and 4:20-CR-490. The initial press releases about this matter is available here.

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FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Scorpio Teriell Tisdale, 28, of Gallivants Ferry, and Michael Keith McKenith, 32, of Aynor, were sentenced to 10 years and 7 years respectively after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that both men were involved in a multi-year conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Aynor area of South Carolina.  Both Tisdale and McKenith served as middlemen in the drug trafficking, receiving heroin and fentanyl from sources of supply and distributing those drugs to others.  During the course of the conspiracy, Tisdale was held accountable for nearly 15 kilograms of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl; McKenith was held accountable for 2.5 kilograms of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl. 

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Tisdale to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  Judge Harwell sentenced McKenith to 84 months in federal prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Two additional co-conspirators have pled guilty in the case and will be sentenced at a later date.

The case was investigated by the Horry County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S.  Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.

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MOX Services LLC, formerly known as CB&I AREVA MOX Services LLC (MOX), located in South Carolina, has agreed to pay $10 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) false and fraudulent invoices for non-existent materials and receiving improper kickbacks.

MOX was the prime contractor for the construction of the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the DOE Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. The United States alleged that MOX was obligated to confirm receipt and acceptance from subcontractors of any materials before MOX approved and submitted claims to DOE for those materials. One of those subcontractors — Wise Services Inc. (Wise) — submitted to MOX hundreds of invoices charging millions of dollars for materials that did not exist. MOX presented those false invoices to DOE. The United States alleged that by knowingly failing to follow its own policies and procedures, MOX violated its obligation to uncover that the Wise invoices were for non-existent materials. The United States also alleged that MOX employees received kickbacks from Wise employees involved in the scheme.

“It is vital that contractors on federally funded projects provide sufficient oversight of the companies they hire to ensure that the government is billed only for legitimate goods and services,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will pursue those who knowingly fail to prevent the submission of false claims.”

“Federal contractors cannot charge for non-existent materials and accept kickbacks in connection with federal contracts,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis for the District of South Carolina. “To do so is to defraud the American taxpayer. The District of South Carolina will use all available remedies to hold those contractors accountable.”

“Contractors to the Department of Energy cannot turn a blind eye to the fraudulent behavior of their subcontractors,” said Inspector General Teri L. Donaldson Department of Energy. “These behaviors undermine the Department of Energy’s programs and operations. The Inspector General’s office will continue to work with our partners at the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices to hold those who defraud the government accountable.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims against MOX brought under the False Claims Act by the United States in the case captioned United States v. CB&I AREVA MOX Services LLC and Wise Services Inc., No. 19-cv-444 (D.S.C.).

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from the DOE Office of Inspector General and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Don Williamson and Rory Skaggs and Civil Division Chief James Leventis and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johanna Valenzuela and Sheria Clarke with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.

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

GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA — A joint team of federal and local law enforcement officers recently arrested three individuals who have been charged in federal court in connection with a drug trafficking organization that operated in and around Pawley’s Island.  Two others charged remain at large. 

The recently unsealed indictment charges each of these defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Additionally, several defendants are charged with specific instances of drug distribution and one of the defendants has been charged with various firearms offenses.  The following defendants have been arrested:

• ANDREW CLIFFORD WEST, JR., a/k/a “Drew,” 36, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.  If convicted, West faces between 5 and 40 years in prison. 

• MAKEON JALIK HOLMES, a/k/a “Keon,” 22, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.  If convicted, Holmes faces up to 20 years in prison.

• BRADFORD DALE ROGERSON, a/k/a “Furley,” 47, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine.  Rogerson is also charged with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  If convicted, Rogerson faces between 5 years and Life Imprisonment. 

Two defendants are currently fugitives: ERNEST ARTHUR BRYANT, III, 35, of Pawleys Island, and DAVID MIKLE SYNDAB, 62, of Pawleys Island. 

“This case showcases this office’s continuing effort to protect the people of South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Along with our federal, state, and local partners, we ae committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting organizations that traffic in dangerous narcotics. It is especially dangerous when these drug trafficking organizations use firearms.”

“Heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine are dangerous drugs that pose a clear and present danger to the community,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the collective law enforcement efforts, these poly-drug traffickers were arrested. This case is a shining example of what can be achieved when DEA and its law enforcement partners present a united front to protect our communities from the scourge of drug abuse.”

During the investigation into this drug trafficking organization, agents seized thousands of dollars’ worth of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and several firearms.

The case was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office and the Horry County Police Department.

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

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A joint team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 12 individuals today who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that operated in and around North Charleston.

These defendants have been charged by indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Additionally, some of the defendants have been charged with various firearms offenses.  The following defendants have been arrested:

• FREDRICK WENDELL MCCRAY, a/k/a “Dub,” 41, of North Charleston was charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and a quantity of heroin, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

• TYRONE COX, a/k/a “T-Player,” 41, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of ammunition. 

• TYRONE WILSON, a/k/a “Mooch,” 60, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of ammunition. 

• LAJUSTIN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Smurf,” 39, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of marijuana. 

• TERRELL KURT MYERS, a/k/a “Relly Boy,” a/k/a “Nut,” 40, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana. 

• KEVIN WILLIAM DUKES, a/k/a “KD,” 36, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of heroin. 

• DEMETRIC GANTT, a/k/a “Meech,” 42, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine. 

• TRAVIS WRIGHT, a/k/a “Beno,” 41, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine. 

• KENNETH ROGER BROWN, a/k/a “Kenny G,” a/k/a “Three,” 31, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine. 

• CORNELIUS WALKER, a/k/a “Lil Black,” 19, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana, as well as possession of a machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a machine gun. 

• KENDRICK SMALLS, a/k/a “Ken Lo,” 31, of North Charleston, was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and unlawful possession of a machine gun. 

CLAYTON THOMAS, a/k/a “CJ,” 22, of North Charleston, was charged by separate indictment with multiple counts of knowingly making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of the firearms.

Agents are still searching for a fugitive in the case who has also been charged in the conspiracy.

Several defendants also are charged with one or more counts of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.  If they are convicted the defendants face various penalties, with some facing up to life in prison. 

During the investigation into these drug trafficking organizations, agents have seized substantial amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and firearms, some of which were illegally modified to operate as fully automatic machine guns.

“Drug organizations, especially those using firearms, are a serious and direct threat to the communities they invade, and this office will always stand with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the South Carolinians that call these places home,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “In addition to our many partners who assisted in this operation, I want to especially thank the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way this morning to safely and professionally execute the takedown in this case.”

“Today’s arrests demonstrate our commitment to taking drug offenders off the street,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic. “The FBI’s reach is far and wide and we, along with our law enforcement partners, are dedicated to using the necessary measures to aggressively investigate and root out those who are at the core of these problems in our South Carolina communities.”

“Today’s operation should send a very clear message to criminal organizations:  intimidation, violence, and their associated crimes will not be tolerated in our community,” said Special Agent In Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “HSI Charleston proudly collaborates with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the safety of the public and I am confident that the success achieved during this interagency partnership will only continue to grow in future efforts.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Lowcountry Violent Crime Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, North Charleston Police Department, Charleston Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Summerville Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the Charleston County Aviation Authority.

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. Assistant United States Attorneys Allessandra Stewart, Chris Lietzow, and Everett McMillian are 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.

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