District of South Carolina

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Charles Wright, 61, of Wellford, the former sheriff of Spartanburg County, has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain’s Benevolence Fund is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to SCSO deputies and their families during times of need, such as bereavement, financial difficulties, and traumatic line-of-duty events. Wright, in his capacity as sheriff, hired Amos Durham as the director of the Benevolence Fund. In that position, Durham was responsible for overseeing the fund.  Wright then directed Durham to withdraw cash and right checks to Wright, which Wright used for his own personal enrichment and not for deputies and their families in need. When one employee’s family approached the Benevolence Fund for help covering hospice bills, they were turned away because the fund was empty.  When another deputy asked for assistance with bills associated with a tree that fell on the deputy’s house, they were also turned away.  Around the same time, Wright took more than $89,000 donated cash from the Benevolence Fund for his private use.  Wright used for personal purchases and expenses, to include hotel rooms, food, and travel bills. Wright also charged more than $17,000 in personal expense on the county credit card, including for fitness programs, Apple products, online games, and streaming platform subscriptions.

Wright also employed and paid his cousin, Lawson Watson, at least $200,000 in taxpayer funds for a no-show job across a four-year period. In March 2005, Wright hired Watson as an employee of the SCSO. Watson received a full salary and benefits for work that he did not perform from at least January 2021 through March 2025. Wright knew that his cousin was not working and he allowed Watson to continue to fraudulently receive a paycheck and benefits for work that he did not perform. Wright further provided his cousin the use of a county vehicle and county phone for the cousin to use at a private job. 

Wright also obtained controlled substances under false pretenses. Wright repeatedly obtained oxycodone and hydrocodone pills fraudulently by misleading numerous employees and members of the public, seeking them out to turn over prescription pills over to Wright for what he claimed was part of the SCSO “take back” narcotic disposal program. In truth, Wright obtained the narcotics for his own personal use. He targeted many at SCSO and in his community who were suffering loss and medical hardship—including at funerals, at church, and following surgery—whom he knew would have pills. Wright, while in uniform, badge on chest and service weapon on his hip, purchased drugs from a street-level pill dealer on several occasions in the SCSO parking lot.

“Wright’s abuses represent a grave violation of public trust. He let down the people who elected him to serve,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate public corruption and hold those who abuse their positions of power accountable.”

“Today’s sentencing reaffirms that honor and integrity remain core traits of wearing a law enforcement badge,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “There is a real cost for tarnishing the badge and the trust it represents, and former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright will now face that consequence. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to ensure elected officials are held accountable for crimes—especially when their actions erode the public’s trust.”

“My office was proud to partner with law enforcement at SLED and the FBI who investigated this matter as well as our counterparts at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute this case and ensure that justice was done,” stated 10th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black. “Public trust in our institutions cannot be undermined, and today’s sentence should send a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated.”

Chief United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Wright to 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Wright’s two co-defendants, Amos Durham and Lawson Watson, are scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, July 9.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lothrop Morris and Criminal Chief Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr., 69, of Charleston, has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).*

In summer 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigations received a CyberTip from PayPal that showed payments made from PayPal accounts belonging to James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr. to a known CSAM vendor. Based upon that information, agents obtained a federal search warrant for Gosnell’s residence, which they executed on Sept. 16, 2025.

During the execution of the search warrant, Gosnell confessed to possessing CSAM, and gave agents a flash drive that he admitted contained hundreds of CSAM videos. Agents seized more than a dozen additional electronic devices and flash drives. Forensic analysis confirmed that Gosnell possessed thousands of CSAM files. 

Further investigation revealed that in December 2023, Gosnell began communicating with a man in Florida named John Thorpe via text message and encrypted apps. Gosnell and Thorpe discussed their shared sexual preference for minors, primarily the violent sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. In the summer of 2024, Gosnell traveled to Thorpe’s home in Florida, where Gosnell distributed and shared a flash drive containing CSAM. Gosnell left the thumb drive of CSAM with Thorpe, who later sent it back to Gosnell in Charleston via FedEx.

“Gosnell, a public official and judicial officer, was a man entrusted with carrying out justice in the Charleston community yet was doing exactly the opposite,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Thank you to our partners at HSI for their tireless pursuit of accountability in this case. And thank you to our community who came forward with tips and information to assist in protecting our children.”

“The evil actions uncovered in this case represent the worst form of criminal behavior—targeting the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Carolinas. “Homeland Security Investigations will relentlessly pursue those who engage in the exploitation of children, no matter their status or profession. Our commitment is unwavering: we will use every resource at our disposal to protect children, bring offenders to justice, and ensure they face the full consequences of their crimes.”

Gosnell faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and up to a lifetime of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. He will be required to register as a sex offender for life. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Gosnell after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Orville and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case. 

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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tah’Kel Ar’Key Wilson, 21, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for robbing a federal informant at gunpoint during a firearms and narcotics investigation.  

Evidence presented in court revealed that on Aug.9, 2024, federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives utilized a confidential informant to coordinate the purchase of a firearm and cocaine from an identified target. When the victim arrived at the agreed‑upon location, Wilson approached the victim’s vehicle, introduced himself, and directed the victim to drive to a secluded area to pick up additional items.

There, Wilson removed a firearm equipped with a Glock switch from his waistband, pointed it at the victim, and threatened to “switch” the informant if he/she did not comply. Wilson then stole approximately $3,400 in documented funds and two cell phones from the victim before fleeing on foot.

ATF agents who had been stationed approximately 50 yards away conducting surveillance immediately responded. Wilson was observed fleeing toward a wooded area and was apprehended a short time later after agents located him hiding inside a backyard shed. Investigators recovered the loaded firearm equipped with the machine‑gun conversion device, the stolen funds, and both cell phones. The robbery was captured on audio and video recording.

At the time of the offense, Wilson was on state bond for murder and was wearing a GPS monitoring device.

United States District Judge Sherri Lydon sentenced Wilson to 192 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Four more defendants charged in a North Charleston public corruption scheme have been sentenced. 

• Jerome Sydney Heyward, 63, a former North Charleston City Councilmember, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for extortion, bribery, and money laundering.  
• Mike A. Brown, 47, former North Charleston City Council Member, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for accepting a bribe from Aaron Hicks in exchange for his support of a rezoning application.
• Michelle Stent-Hilton, 58, of North Charleston, and Donavan Laval Moten, 48, founder of Core4Success Foundation, were each sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for paying Heyward $20,000 kickbacks in exchange for his support of their applications for grant funds.

“These defendants, who broke the public trust, have been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Thank you to our law enforcement partners at the FBI and SLED for thoroughly investigating these instances of public corruption.”

“Public corruption undermines the trust that citizens place in people with power and tarnishes the goodwill of those who use their positions to act in good faith,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “The FBI and our partners are committed to rooting out public corruption and bringing accountability to the bodies of government and organizations meant to serve the people.”

“Pay to play politics is an egregious abuse of the public’s trust,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “Elected officials should be serving the community – not lining their own pockets. SLED is proud to work together with our state and federal partners to bring those who unlawfully profit off their positions to justice.”

Heyward was charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle taxpayer funds from North Charleston. Heyward agreed to support Moten and Stent-Hilton’s applications, submitted on behalf of their non-profits, for violence reduction grants. In exchange, Moten and Stent-Hilton each agreed to pay Heyward $20,000.  Thereafter, Heyward conspired with Rose Lorenzo to launder the funds to conceal the nature and source of the kickbacks.

Previously, co-defendants Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks and Hason Fields were sentenced. Rose Lorenzo pleaded guilty for her role in the conspiracy, and her sentencing will be scheduled at a future date.  

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Heyward to 72 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. He was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution. 

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging two people in a $550,000 bribery scheme involving an SCDC corrections officer and two SCDC inmates and their family members and acquaintances. Five others have waived indictment and agreed to plead guilty to their roles in the in the scheme. 

The following individuals were charged in the Indictment: 

• Courtney Briggs, 39, of Sumter County, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
• Larry Williamson, 51, a former inmate incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, five counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of using an interstate facility to facilitate bribery, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana.

The following individuals were charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty: 

• Lowanda Atkinson, 52, of Kershaw County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Atkinson served as a corrections officer in SCDC and was assigned to Lee Correctional Institution.
• Jason Brown, 43, an SCDC inmate, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
• Adriana Conyers, 37, of Sumter County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
• Christopher Hickman, 46, of Richland County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
• Mary Ann Hickman-Brown, 64, of Clarendon County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.

According to court documents, Lowanda Atkinson worked as a corrections officer at SCDC from 2007 until 2023.  At the time of her resignation, she held the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the property room at Lee Correctional Institution (Lee), where she was entrusted to maintain inmate property, search the property for contraband, and enforce contraband laws and policy. 

Atkinson is alleged to have accepted more than $550,000 in bribes from inmates Jason Brown and Williamson, and Jason Brown’s family and associates in exchange for smuggling contraband. Atkinson allegedly smuggled phones, phone accessories, tobacco, and marijuana into Lee so that Jason Brown and Williamson could sell and distribute the contraband to other inmates.  Atkinson is alleged to have received a portion of the cash proceeds from the contraband sales and bribes through Cash App, Zelle, and Apple Cash. It is alleged that Atkinson spent the money on a luxury SUV, designer purchases, and thousands of dollars in cosmetic procedures.

Each of the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.  

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Samantha Usher are prosecuting the case.  

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Leonard Bernard Gregory, 40, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a federal drug trafficking offense involving methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Evidence presented in court showed that on Oct. 29, 2024, investigators conducting surveillance in Charleston County stopped a vehicle Gregory was riding in. During the stop, officers found Gregory carrying bagged quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine, along with more than $2,000 in cash. Gregory repeatedly attempted to destroy the drugs as officers took him into custody.

That same day, investigators searched a residence Gregory used on Bonaparte Street in North Charleston. Inside, they found additional methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine on top of the kitchen cabinets, a mechanical pill press and molds used to manufacture drugs, digital scales, and additional cash. Officers also recovered three firearms concealed in a duffel bag in the residence.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Gregory to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by four years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Charleston Police Department, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, and the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Demetrius McIlwain, 52, of Williston, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to a location looking for a suspect alleged to have committed domestic violence. During their investigation, deputies found McIlwain in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle and a woman in the passenger seat. The deputy attempted to identify McIlwain to determine if he was involved in the incident, but McIlwain refused to cooperate. When deputies asked McIlwain to step out of the vehicle, he told them that there was a shotgun in the vehicle, then he immediately drove away. After McIlwain tried to evade the deputies, he wrecked his truck and ran.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies found an AR style pistol in the front seat, a shotgun in the back seat, and a third firearm in a toolbox in the vehicle. Deputies also found a small amount of fentanyl in the driver’s side cupholder. The passenger later identified McIlwain as the driver, and deputies further connected him to the vehicle from paperwork found inside of the truck.  McIlwain was later arrested and admitted he was the driver of the vehicle.

McIlwain was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior criminal convictions for grand larceny, burglary, criminal sexual conduct, malicious injury to personal property, and assault and battery with intent to kill. 

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McIlwain to 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — David Omar Echevarria, 41, of Richland County has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug conspiracy.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the FBI learned that Echevarria was receiving cocaine shipments from Puerto Rico to North and South Carolina. Once the packages were received, Echevarria would distribute both small and large amounts of cocaine to local dealers. During their investigation, the FBI made several purchases of cocaine from Echevarria.  In total, the FBI estimates that Echevarria distributed more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.

United States District Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Echevarria to 120 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case. 

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a single-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Jeremiah Antwon Tyleek Drawhorn, 23, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

According to statements made in court, on June 27, 2025, Drawhorn fired multiple rounds at a group of individuals in the Colony Apartments. When arrested on warrants for charges stemming from that incident, Drawhorn had a 9 mm pistol and ammunition in the car he was driving. Further investigation revealed that Drawhorn’s girlfriend had recently purchased the firearm and that the firearm had been used in the June 27 shooting. 

Drawhorn has prior convictions for domestic violence, unlawful carrying of a firearm, assault and battery, among other offenses. His criminal history prohibits Drawhorn from possessing a firearm or ammunition. 

Drawhorn faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. Drawhorn is currently detained pending trial.

Drawhorn also participated in the April 2025 Ceasefire program hosted by the City of Columbia Police Department. The Ceasefire program identifies prior offenders who are at risk of future firearms offenses and introduces them to community resources such as substance abuse treatment and employment services. During participation in the program, law enforcement emphasizes the likelihood of future state and federal prosecution if participants, like Drawhorn, reoffend.

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Columbia Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Timmons is prosecuting the case.  

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Quentin Raymar Price, 32, of Longs, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl and possession of firearms by a felon.

In late 2024 and early 2025, the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) conducted three controlled purchases of fentanyl from Price during a drug trafficking investigation. In total, Price sold 60 grams of fentanyl to the HCPD.

On March 24, 2025, members of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force went to an apartment on Polo Rd. in Columbia to arrest Price on warrants related to the HCPD investigation. While arresting Price, officers observed marijuana in the apartment and obtained a search warrant. During the search warrant, officers recovered two firearms, 53 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of crack cocaine, $7,250 in cash and personal items belonging to Price.

Price has a prior federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. During the investigation, the FBI determined Price was an active gang member.

United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Price to 80 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Price was also required to forfeit $7,250.00 in cash and over $90,000.00 worth of jewelry.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — De’Marionne Zaquann Miller, 22, of Lexington, has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing the firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on June 14, 2025, deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to an apartment after receiving reports of a domestic violence incident.

While deputies were on their way to the location, they learned that Miller had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation. As law enforcement arrived on scene, Miller ran out of the apartment with an AK-style rifle and a backpack. When deputies caught up with Miller, he did not have the rifle, but after arresting Miller, the deputies retraced his steps and located the AK-style firearm.

In the seized backpack, deputies located cash, numerous individual bags of marijuana, and two cellphones. A subsequent search of the apartment revealed a large vacuum sealed bag of marijuana, a digital drug scale, and ammunition.  Miller is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition based upon prior convictions for escape and unlawful carrying of a pistol. 

United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Miller to 111 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Demani Jawara Bosket, 51, of Saluda, South Carolina and his niece, Tanya Lashawn Bosket, 53, of Charlotte, North Carolina have been convicted by a federal jury following seven days of trial. Both Boskets were found guilty of one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Demani Bosket was found guilty of six separate counts of wire fraud, and Tanya Bosket was found guilty of four counts of wire fraud.

Evidence introduced at trial showed that foreign entities conducted a campaign of business email compromises (BECs) targeting companies across the United States. In these BEC frauds, the foreign entities would gain access to a business user’s email account. The foreign entities would monitor email communications in search of upcoming large transactions. Once they identified a large transaction, the foreign entities would send false email messages to the companies and direct payments to bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters. Multiple victims testified during the trial that a variety of real estate transactions, vendor payments, loan disbursements, and even an inheritance transfer were compromised and diverted away from the intended recipient.

The scheme was dependent on US-based bank accounts to receive the fraudulently obtained funds. Evidence produced during the trial showed that Demani Bosket was a US-based recruiter and manager of the fraud ring. Demani Bosket instructed other individuals, including Tanya Bosket, to register sham businesses with state authorities and then open business accounts at multiple banks. Once a business was targeted in a BEC scheme, the funds would be deposited or transferred into bank accounts controlled by the fraud ring. Demani Bosket would then direct the others to quickly drain the funds from the account by cash withdrawal and cashier’s checks. The funds would be transferred and withdrawn through multiple accounts to stymie the banks and victims of the fraud from recovering the funds. Demani Bosket and other members of the fraud ring would retain a portion of the funds before sending the funds overseas. Between 2020 and 2024, the scheme bilked over $25 million from individuals and businesses in the United States. The United States Secret Service was able to recover approximately $2.5 million to return to victims. 

“This case involved a sophisticated transnational fraud ring that stole more than $25 million from victims across the country – targeting everything from real estate closings to inheritance transfers,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “The jury saw through this scheme and rendered the right verdict. Our office will always prioritize protecting South Carolinians and all Americans from financial predators who exploit trust and technology for person gain.”

“This verdict underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting American businesses and individuals from complex, organized cyber enabled fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “The Boskets were part of a scheme that siphoned more than $25 million from victims across the country, exploiting trust, technology, and the financial system for personal gain. Thanks to the diligent work of IRS-CI special agents and our law enforcement partners, the perpetrators will be held accountable. We will continue to pursue those who engage in business email compromise schemes and ensure they face justice.”

The majority of those indicted in the conspiracy entered guilty pleas to wire fraud conspiracy for their roles in the fraud ring prior to the end of trial. Those defendants are Jahbir Rolando Fowle, 45, of Charlotte, North Carolina; Raymone Tyshay Scott Sr., 49, of Jacksonville, Florida; Michael Bevans-Silva, 39, of Savannah, Georgia; Carlise Roland, 33, of Auburn, Washington; Daniel Alexander Edwards, 52, of Jacksonville, Florida; Danny Heard, 42, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Jamian Butler, 36, of Jacksonville, Florida.

Demani Bosket faces a maximum penalty of 30 years, a fine of up to $50,000,000 and restitution. Tanya Bosket faces a maximum penalty of 20 years, a fine of up to $50,000,000 and restitution. U.S. District Judge Sherri Lydon presided over the trial and will sentence Demani and Tanya Bosket after receiving and reviewed a pre-sentence report from the U.S. Probation Office. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Agency for International Development – Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Columbia Field Office, and United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys T. DeWayne Pearson and A. Lothrop Morris prosecuted the case.  

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Ekam Monfum, 38, a legal permanent resident and non-citizen living in Rock Hill, for illegally voting as an alien.

The indictment alleges that Monfum came to the United States in December 2022 and obtained status as a legal permanent resident because he is married to a United States citizen. Despite not being a citizen, in August 2024, a registration to vote was submitted through the registration portal with the South Carolina Election Commission in Monfum’s name. The process requires the registrant to affirm that they are a United States citizen. Therefore, Monfum voted in the 2024 election. 

Monfum faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Monfum will have an arraignment scheduled in the next few weeks. 

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potterfield is prosecuting the case.  

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Christopher Kentrell Jones, 33, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted four controlled purchases of cocaine and two controlled purchases of firearms from Jones at a residence on Colleton St. in Columbia. During one of the purchases, Jones sold both a firearm and approximately one ounce of cocaine in a single transaction. A grand jury indicted Jones for charges related to the controlled purchase, and when members of the ATF and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jones on that indictment, he was found in possession of 125 oxycodone pills and approximately 1 ounce of crack cocaine.  

While Jones was in custody on his federal charges, he used phone calls and messages to recruit a coconspirator to continue to traffic cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana on his behalf from his residence in Columbia. ATF executed a search warrant on Jones’ residence and found approximately 1 ounce of crack cocaine, 5 ounces of cocaine, 22 ounces of marijuana, and five firearms.

Jones has prior convictions for possession of crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Christopher Jones to 148 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Damion Walker, 25, and Malcolm Price, 38, both of Columbia have been sentenced to federal prison for being felons in possession of firearms.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Nov. 18, 2022, Price and Walker were present on the campus of the University of South Carolina during a concert at the Colonial Life Arena. An officer with the University of South Carolina Police Department (USCPD) patrolled the area near the arena and saw Walker and Price near a vehicle with a broken window. The officer entered the parking lot to investigate, and Price and Walker left the parking lot with Price driving. USCPD officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and found Price and Walker in possession of four firearms, a window punch tool, and various personal effects stolen from multiple vehicles. Further investigation by USCPD found that Price, Walker, and a co-conspirator traveled to various parking lots around the Colonial Life Arena, broke into multiple vehicles, and stole firearms and other personal items belonging to attendees of the concert.

Price had prior convictions for strong arm robbery and domestic violence 2nd degree. Walker had prior convictions for failure to stop for a blue light and multiple convictions for breaking into motor vehicles and grand larceny of $10,000 or more. These convictions prevented them both from possessing firearms under federal law.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Damion Walker to 27 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Lydon sentenced Malcolm Price to 70 months imprisonment to be followed by a two-year term of court ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives., the University of South Carolina Police Department, and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted the case.

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A Georgia man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking.

According to court documents and proceedings, since at least 2021, Puquan Huang, 50, a Chinese national residing in Buford, Georgia, was a member of an international money laundering organization that engaged in a sophisticated trade-based money laundering scheme. 

Huang and his co-conspirators routinely traveled throughout the United States, including South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, to collect bulk cash generated from the sale of drugs in the United States, including fentanyl and cocaine, from drug traffickers and distributors. Due to the illicit nature of the transactions, Huang and his co-conspirators confirmed their authorization to collect drug cash not by using their names or personal details, but by presenting verification codes, which were oftentimes unique serial numbers taken from U.S. currency notes. To avoid detection by law enforcement, Huang and his co-conspirators met with drug trafficking representatives at odd hours in atypical locations, such as gas stations and parking lots, for very short periods, and refrained from using traditional banking systems, such as wire transfers. Pickups of drug cash were typically coordinated by and occurred at the direction of co-conspirators. 

Using aliases, Huang and his co-conspirators primarily communicated on encrypted platforms, such as WeChat, with co-conspirators located in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, and other foreign countries to arrange for the laundering of the drug proceeds by purchasing bulk electronics in the United States and exporting them to co-conspirators in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. 

Huang conspired to launder several millions of dollars of drug proceeds, with money pickups and exchanges typically ranging between approximately $80,000 and $200,000. As part of the conspiracy, law enforcement stopped Huang transporting approximately $272,000 in drug proceeds in North Carolina. 

Huang pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina, and Administrator Terrance C. “Terry” Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

The DEA’s Charleston, South Carolina Resident Office and Atlanta, Georgia Division Office, Homeland Security Task Force/959 Group is investigating the case with assistance from the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit; DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s office in Columbia, South Carolina; the FBI’s offices in Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina; the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations; and state and local law enforcement in South Carolina and North Carolina.

Trial Attorneys Jasmin Salehi Fashami and Stephanie Williamson of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett E. McMillian for the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. 

MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.

FLORENCE, S.C. – Federico Parra Lopez, 32, and Marcos Flores Aquino, 25, have been ordered to serve lengthy sentences in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin in the Myrtle Beach area. These sentencings follow those of their co-defendants, Miguel Angulo Perez, 22, and Omar Sanchez Aquino, 33, who were previously sentenced in this case.  All four men are from Mexico and were in the United States illegally.  

Evidence presented at the sentencing hearings showed that the men were part of a drug trafficking organization that originated in Mexico and operated in Myrtle Beach during 2023 and 2024.  After being sent to South Carolina from Mexico, Parra Lopez served as a manager of the operation here and was responsible for maintaining an apartment in Myrtle Beach were kilogram quantities of fentanyl and heroin were received for further distribution. Parra Lopez was also held accountable for possessing a firearm that was used to protect the drugs at the apartment. Flores Aquino, Angulo Perez, and Sanchez Aquino served as drivers who were responsible for repackaging and delivering the drugs at Parra Lopez’s direction and collecting drug proceeds to be sent back to Mexico.  The entire operation was shut down after a joint federal, state, and local investigation resulted in a federal indictment in October 2024.  

Parra Lopez was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, which includes a five-year sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  Flores Aquino and Angulo Perez were both sentenced to 46 months imprisonment, and Sanchez Aquino was sentenced to 37 months.  Each of the men will be deported upon completion of their prison sentences.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Horry County Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case. 

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FLORENCE, S.C. – Rafael Contreras Ramos, 40, of Mexico, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances in South Carolina. 

Evidence presented at his change of plea hearing showed that Contreras was a leader of an international drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing more than 40 kilograms of cocaine, 14 kilograms of fentanyl, and 1 kilogram of heroin into South Carolina for further distribution. The organization operated primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and had ties to Las Vegas, Nevada, Burlington, North Carolina, and Horry County, South Carolina. The organization was supplied with narcotics and support by a Mexican cartel.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation identified Contreras’ organization as a source of supply to a local drug network operating in and around Horry County during a joint investigation with local, state, and federal agencies in 2021. Thereafter, agents confirmed through multiple overt and covert investigative techniques and operations that Contreras and his associates had been trafficking narcotics into Horry County since at least 2016 until its operation was disrupted by federal charges in 2022. Contreras and his associates are also responsible for collecting more than $5 million in drug sale proceeds during this time.  

“With our Homeland Security Task Force partners, we are stopping the influx of dangerous, illegal narcotics at the source,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Dismantling drug organizations like this makes South Carolina safer.”

“The defendant played a direct role in flooding Horry County with illegal drugs, and the consequences were that of violence on our streets, addiction in our neighborhoods, and real harm to people,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are sending a strong message: we’re not only investigating individual dealers. We’re pursuing entire networks from local distribution all the way to the source, no matter their location.”

Contreras was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the United States for prosecution. He is currently detained awaiting sentencing. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson accepted his guilty plea and will sentence Contreras after a presentence report is prepared by the United States Probation Office. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life imprisonment. He will be deported to Mexico after serving his sentence.  

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, along with Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Myrtle Beach Police Department, and Horry County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case. 

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gregory Tischuk, 66, of York County, has pleaded guilty to straw purchasing firearms. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Baltimore Field Office learned that Gregory Tischuk was trafficking guns from Fort Mill to Baltimore, Maryland, through a gun trafficker operating in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

The gun trafficker could not legally own or purchase firearms. An undercover ATF agent began buying guns from the gun trafficker in Baltimore and Charlotte.  Over the course of their investigation, the undercover agent purchased approximately 106 guns, with many of the guns coming from North and South Carolina.  Six of the firearms purchased were traced back to Tischuk, a resident of Fort Mill.

In several text messages, the gun trafficker asked Tischuk for a Glock 27 pistol for the trafficker’s wife. Tischuk indicated that he did not have one but one could get one. The trafficker then agreed to sell the undercover agent a Glock 27 pistol. On March 21, 2024, the undercover agent bought 10 guns in Maryland from the gun trafficker, including a Glock 27. The Glock 27 was traced back to Tischuk. The trafficker purchased the gun from Tischuk on March 15, 2024 in Prosperity, South Carolina.

In April 2024, Tischuk agreed to sell the gun trafficker another Glock 27. Tischuk purchased another Glock 27 on April 4, 2024, as part of a multiple purchase of firearms.  It was later recovered by the ATF on April 30, 2024, in Baltimore. 

As evidenced by the text messages, Tischuk knew he was not buying the firearm for himself when he filled out the ATF Form 4473.  Tischuk made a false declaration when filling out the ATF Form 4473.

Investigators interviewed Tischuk after the execution of a search warrant at his home. Tischuk admitted he knew the gun trafficker and had sold him multiple firearms, specifically more than one Glock 27.  He admitted he straw purchased the Glock 27 with the intent to immediately sell it to the subject for profit. Investigators seized more than 100 firearms during the search of his home.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Brittany Nicole Miles, 37, of Lexington, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department utilized a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of methamphetamine and a firearm from Miles. Miles agreed to sell approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine and a firearm to the informant. 

Miles directed the informant to meet her at her public storage unit in West Columbia.  The informant arrived and Miles and her co-defendant arrived a short time later.  Upon arriving, Miles provided the informant with 2 ounces of methamphetamine and a gun.  

United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Miles to 60 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Miles will begin to serve her federal sentence after she is released from serving a state sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Van Lydell Starling, 48, of Kershaw, has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on July 20, 2023, investigators with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a home on Green Hill Road in Lugoff, which was the known residence of Starling.  

During the search, investigators found multiple guns, a box of sandwich bags with a razor blade, several digital scales with white residue on them, a clear container containing crack cocaine residue, a black notebook that appeared to be a drug ledger, Starling’s identification card, and crack cocaine located under the mattress in Starling’s bedroom. Based upon the amounts of drugs, the multiple digital scales, the sandwich bags, and the drug ledger, the police determined that the crack cocaine was intended to be distributed. 

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

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. 

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Hector Ivan Martinez, 20, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that in the summer of 2024, Martinez targeted a group of 10 and 11-year-old minor victims in the Charleston community. Martinez posed as a 15-year-old boy and targeted the minor victims on social media. Martinez engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minor victims and sent them sexually explicit videos and images of himself. He then manipulated the minor victims into producing and sending him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. A review of Martinez’s electronic devices showed that he had targeted at least 45 victims across the United States. Martinez was also found to have used an encrypted application to contact an individual in the Philippines to solicit livestreamed child sexual abuse, which he then recorded and saved on his devices. 

United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Martinez to 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Martinez will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes.

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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville prosecuted the case. 

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — United States Attorney Bryan P. Stirling announced today that the District of South Carolina entered multiple settlements with defendants for more than $7.9 million, resolving allegations that various companies violated the False Claims Act by providing false information to obtain over $5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which they were not eligible.

“These settlements reflect our commitment to protecting taxpayers and holding those accountable who disregard program requirements in order to obtain federal funds they are not entitled to,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our team secured these settlements in the first five months of 2026, and we’ll continue to aggressively pursue individuals or businesses who defraud our taxpayers.” 

Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secured Act (CARES Act) in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP, which the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) administered. The PPP provided for loans in two “draws”—first draw loans became available in March 2020, with a second draw announced in January 2021. To be eligible for PPP loans, businesses were required to certify on their loan applications that they met certain size standards based on, for example, the number of employees they, and their affiliated entities, collectively employed. In determining the number of employees, businesses generally were required to count all employees of U.S. and foreign affiliates. Businesses with more than 500 employees were not eligible for first draw loans, and businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans. 

The District of South Carolina has entered into settlement agreements with the following organizations to resolve allegations that they falsely certified eligibility for PPP loans by misrepresenting their total number of employees, including all affiliates, in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA).EuWe Eugen Wexler US Plastics Inc. is a company with a principal place of business in Williamston that specializes in the production of plastics parts used in automobiles. In 2021, EuWe Eugen US received a $1,627,947 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, EuWe Eugen US certified that it had 169 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its German parent company, EuWe Eugen Wexler Holdings GmbH & Co. KG, and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. EuWe Eugen US later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. EuWe Eugen US has agreed to pay $2,175,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. The settlement resolves allegations brought in the qui tam action in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. EuWe Eugen Wexler US Plastics, Inc., No. 8:24-cv-05297-DCC. Relator GNGH2 received $217,500 as a share of the settlement amount.

Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC is a company with a principal place of business in Charleston that specializes in industrial coating systems. In 2021, Mankiewicz Coatings received a $1,221,263 first draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, Mankiewicz Coatings certified that it had 80 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its German parent company, KG Erste Grau Vewaltungs-GmbH & Co., and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 500-employee cap. Mankiewicz Coatings later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. Mankiewicz Coatings has agreed to pay $1,850,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. 

Fukoku America, Inc. is a company with a principal place of business in Laurens that specializes in the production of rubber parts used in various vehicles and machines. In 2021, Fukoku America received a $1,212,950 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, Fukoku America certified that it had 157 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its Japanese parent company, Fukoku Co. Ltd., and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. Fukoku America later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. Fukoku America has agreed to pay $1,800,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. The settlement resolves allegations brought in the qui tam action in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina captioned United States ex rel. Blockquote, Inc. v. Fukoku America, Inc., No. 6:24-cv-01579-DCC. Relator Blockquote received $180,000 as a share of the settlement amount. 

AWL Automation, LLC is a company with a principal place of business in Spartanburg that specializes in the design and production of automated machines for use in manufacturing. In 2021, AWL Automation received a $741,185 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, AWL Automation certified that it had 32 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its parent company, Nobel Future B.V., which is located in the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. AWL Automation later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. AWL Automation has agreed to pay $1,100,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. 

Stoba USA Corp. is a company with a principal place of business in Charleston that specializes in high-precision metal components. In 2021, Stoba USA received a $683,695 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, Stoba USA certified that it had 39 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its German parent company, Stoba Holding GmbH Co Kg, and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. Stoba USA later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. Stoba USA has agreed to pay $993,784.86 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. The settlement resolves allegations brought in the qui tam action in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina captioned United States ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. Stoba USA Corporation, No. 2:25-cv-03884-RMG. Relator Verity will receive a share of the settlement amount. 

The government’s investigations were led by Assistant United States Attorneys Austin E. McCullough and James C. Leventis, Jr. The United States Attorney further wishes to commend attorney Kandace Zelaya of the SBA Office of the General Counsel for her assistance in the investigations. 

The claims resolved by civil settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — John Badger Thorpe, 69, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material and two counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in December 2023, Thorpe began communicating with former Charleston County Magistrate Judge James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr., via text message and encrypted apps. Thorpe and Gosnell discussed their shared sexual preference for minors, primarily the violent sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. In the summer of 2024, Gosnell traveled to Thorpe’s home in Florida with a flash drive containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Thorpe and Gosnell viewed the CSAM together, and then Gosnell left the thumb drive of CSAM with Thorpe, who then sent it back to Gosnell in Charleston via FedEx. In August and September of 2025, Thorpe distributed CSAM to Gosnell by sending him an explicit image of a toddler they discussed abusing. 

Thorpe faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and up to a lifetime of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Thorpe after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Orville and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case. 

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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.

NOTE: James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr. has pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of child sexual abuse material involving a prepubescent minor, three counts of receipt and attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material, conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material, and distribution of child sexual abuse material. He is scheduled for trial beginning Aug. 24, 2026.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Brian Justin Canty, 37, of Conway, was sentenced to nearly 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented in court showed that Canty possessed guns and drugs during two separate traffic stops in 2023.

On March 1, 2023, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a vehicle in Georgetown. Canty was in the front passenger seat. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found a red backpack beneath Canty’s feet. The backpack contained a loaded 9mm pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition, packaged marijuana, and a digital scale. 

On April 28, 2023, less than two months later, the South Carolina Highway Patrol stopped another vehicle in Myrtle Beach. Canty was again in the front passenger seat. Officers found a stolen pistol under Canty’s seat. They also found approximately 133 grams of marijuana, 100 dosage units of MDMA, and a hydrocodone pill. 

Canty is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has previous felony convictions, including multiple drug distribution offenses and firearms offenses.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Canty to 141 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow prosecuted the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Levi Phillip Miles, 48, of Goose Creek, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycontin, and distribution of fentanyl, resulting in the death of a local lawyer.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that from at least January 2022 to January 2023, Miles regularly distributed prescription pain pills to his employer and cousin, David Aylor.  By the summer of 2022, Miles could no longer obtain legitimate prescription pain pills from his suppliers. Nevertheless, in December 2022, the victim continued to request pain pills, causing Miles to seek pills for an alternate source.

On Jan. 1, 2023, Miles obtained what he believed to be legitimate pain pills but were illicit pills laced with fentanyl. Miles distributed the pills to Aylor that afternoon. The victim was found dead in his home on Jan. 2, 2023. An autopsy of the victim revealed the presence of fentanyl in his system, and subsequent investigation confirmed that the fentanyl was present in the pills the victim received from Miles on Jan. 1. As part of his guilty plea, Miles agreed not to contest the fact that the victim’s death was caused by the controlled substances that he distributed.
 

“This case is yet another example of the tragic realities of fentanyl in our communities. Let this be a reminder that one pill can kill,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who funnel this poison into our communities. We send our condolences to the loved ones of Mr. Aylor and hope this sentence brings a sense of closure.”

United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Miles to 60 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. The court also imposed a $40,000 fine.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a two-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging John Alexander Bellue, 32, of Rock Hill, for threatening the President of the United States and for interstate communication of a threat to injure.

The indictment alleges that on Sept. 7, 2025, Bellue posted the following threat to the President on the social media platform X: “@realDonaldTrump you have the right to remain silent, I’m gonna kill you in the most brutal way possible.”

Bellue faces a maximum penalty of not more than five years’ imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $250,000.  His arraignment date has not been scheduled yet.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry McTigue is prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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OLUMBIA, S.C. — Micaiah Green, 31, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for drug trafficking. 

Evidence presented in court established that agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Green as a significant supplier of narcotics in the Columbia area. Investigators learned through multiple sources that Green used various hotel rooms to store and distribute controlled substances. Between April and June 2024, Green distributed more than 2,000 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of fentanyl, and 900 grams of marijuana in the Columbia area.

Green has an extensive criminal history that includes prior convictions for burglary, first-degree assault and battery, attempted armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon, trafficking methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. Green was on state bond at the time of the offense conduct in this case.

United States District Judge Sherri Lydon sentenced Green to 200 months in prison, to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging 14 individuals with trafficking narcotics, including cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. This indictment is part of a years-long drug trafficking investigation, spanning South Carolina and extending into Georgia and Mexico. To date, 26 people have been charged for their roles in the conspiracy, and eight of those defendants have pleaded guilty. 

The following charges were unsealed this morning, according to court documents:

• Shawntez Gailliard, 33, of North Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine
  • Two counts of distributing cocaine
  • Distributing meth
  • If convicted, Gailliard faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
• Harold Alvin Champaigne, 50, of North Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine
  • Distributing more than 500 grams of cocaine
  • If convicted, Champaigne faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
• Odilon Reynoso Albaran, 60, of Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Albaran faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison.
• Dominic Jaquan Mack, 45, of North Charleston.
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Mack faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
• Brandon Derrick Brown, 31, of North Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Brown faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
• Anthony Lee Smalls, 50, of Ravenel
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Smalls faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison.
• Travis Richardson, 28, of North Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Richardson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison.
• Anthony Lorenzo Joyner, 47, of North Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Joyner faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
• Damein Rashane Waterman, 45, of Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Waterman faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
• Scott Alexander Bolger, 40, of Summerville
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Bolger faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
• Levi Levante Kajana Cohen, IV., 31, of Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Cohen faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
• Scott Clayton Hollins, 56, of North Charleston
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine.
  • Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of fentanyl.
  • Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
  • If convicted, Hollins faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison.
• Christopher Obrian Millhouse, 40
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine.
  • Distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Millhouse faces a mandatory minimum of 1o years to life in prison.
• Keno Rahmaund Sherman, 48, of Summerville
  • Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than a quantity of cocaine.
  • If convicted, Sherman faces up to 30 years in prison.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in 2017, the FBI and local law enforcement partners investigated street gangs operating in North Charleston including Gangster Disciples and the Fruit Town Piru, a sect of the Bloods.  The investigation uncovered a layered drug-trafficking network that extended beyond South Carolina and included supply connections in Atlanta and Mexico. At the street level, gang members and others distributed cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine throughout Charleston County. Investigators then worked up the supply chain and identified the wholesale suppliers responsible for obtaining and distributing the largest quantities of drugs. Those suppliers were ultimately arrested and indicted.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 61 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, 24 pounds of marijuana, 600 grams of fentanyl, 500 grams of heroin and thousands of narcotics pills, as well as 12 firearms.

Several defendants previously indicted in this case have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing including Bernard Garland Gregory, Sharon T. Carter, Mary Nelly Ayala, Quentin Rambert, Jabari Cortez Lee, Marchevis Jefferson, Meri Elizabeth Sottile, and Amanda Danielle Forth. 

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. 

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Secret Service, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, City of Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, North Charleston Police Department, Summerville Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Charleston Aviation Authority and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

GREENVILLE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Greenville returned a 10-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Elisa Marie Rosario, 33, and  Jeremy Todd Lark, a/k/a “Jeremy Abdul Wakil Jones,” 42, both of Roebuck, and Kezayvian Lee Campbell, 19, of Greenville, with robbery affecting commerce and conspiracy to do the same, kidnapping resulting in death and conspiracy to do the same, use of a firearm during a crime of violence to cause death, obstruction of justice, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, destruction of the vehicle, by fire, to prevent its search and seizure by law enforcement and providing false statements to federal agents.

The indictment alleges that beginning on or about June 16, 2025, a Spartanburg County couple and a third man executed a scheme to kidnap and rob M.B.G., a person engaged in a business and activities affecting interstate commerce, of money, jewelry, a cell phone, and a 2025 Hyundai Genesis he rented from Enterprise. The defendants are alleged to have enticed M.B.G. to travel from South Carolina to Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina under the pretense of a date with Rosario. In preparation for their trip to North Carolina, the defendants were in possession of two firearms and other materials they planned to use in the commission of the charged crimes, including latex gloves and masks. 

The indictment also alleges that in the early morning hours of June 17, shortly after he arrived at the casino, Rosario urged the victim to leave. Rosario and the victim then took a quick trip to a nearby convenience store. After a few minutes inside the store, Rosario drove the victim away from the store parking lot and then pulled the car over at a location where Campbell exited Lark’s car and entered the victim’s car. The three defendants, traveling in two cars, then held and transported the victim 12 miles away into Sylva, North Carolina to rob him. According to the indictment, during the robbery, the defendants shot the victim with a firearm, resulting in his death. While traveling, the defendants discarded the victim’s property. Later that evening, authorities in Spartanburg located the victim’s body and his burning rental car in a wooded area near the intersection of Woodburn Road and Pinecrest Road. The victim’s jewelry was found in the defendants’ Roebuck residence.

“The alleged actions of these defendants show a dark and devious scheme that crossed states lines and ultimately resulted in death,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones as we take this step toward justice.”

"This alleged conduct was callous and showed a deliberate disregard for human life," said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. "This multi-count indictment is the result of a thorough, data-driven, and forensically supported investigation conducted jointly by the FBI and the Spartanburg Police Department. The collaboration was instrumental in identifying, building a case against, and apprehending the defendants. We will continue to use every available investigative and judicial resource to pursue justice and ensure that those who commit such crimes are held fully accountable.”

“This case represents the strength and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies working together toward a common goal,” said Major Art Littlejohn of the Spartanburg Police Department. “Through the coordinated efforts of investigators, local, state, and federal partners, justice was pursued for the victim and his family. I want to commend every agency for their dedication and commitment throughout this complex investigation.” 

Each of the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and are currently detained pending a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McDonald.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Spartanburg Police Department, and the Spartanburg Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leesa Washington is prosecuting the case.  

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Gerald Larson, II, 52, of Greer, has been sentenced to nearly 12 and a half years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On Oct. 7, 2024, Larson drove from his residence in Greer with kilograms of cocaine. North Carolina Highway Patrol stopped Larson, and a K-9 alerted to the scent of drugs in his vehicle. Law enforcement searched Larson’s car and found a suitcase containing 15 kilograms of cocaine. Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations obtained a search warrant for Larson’s residence and located over $419,000 and an additional 43 kilograms of cocaine. Larson already had numerous prior state convictions out of California for cocaine trafficking and firearms related charges. 

United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Larson to 151 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville City Police Department, Greenville County Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen is prosecuting the case.

###

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Mohammad Ebrahim Torki Harchegani, 40, a legal permanent resident of the United States and Iranian citizen, has been convicted by a federal jury following a three-day trial. Harchegani was found guilty on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

Evidence introduced at trial showed that on Dec. 3-4, 2024, multiple agencies with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force participated in an online chat operation targeting child sex offenders where an officer posed as a 14-year-old girl. Harchegani met the undercover officer on an online dating application and began messaging with her. Shortly thereafter, he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the alleged 14-year-old girl over the course of multiple days. Harchegani used the name “Alex Shaw,” along with at least two other aliases, in an effort to disguise his identity. Harchegani ultimately traveled to the residence where he believed the girl was home alone to engage in sexual activities with her. He was arrested thereafter.

Harchegani was a researcher at the University of South Carolina at the time of the chat. Upon his arrest, his employment was suspended and his contract with the university was not renewed.

“Those who target children in our state will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “I’d like to thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI, South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and our prosecution team for bringing this defendant to justice.”

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect children from those who exploit them,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “This verdict marks a victory in the fight to safeguard children. We applaud the jury for delivering justice and commend the investigative team and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to ensure this outcome.”

Harchegani faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the trial and will sentence Harchegani after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report from the U.S. Probation Office. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

The FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department participated in the online chat operation and investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.

###

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a 23-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, 48, of Hanahan, for sex trafficking of a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor, production, distribution, receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material and attempted production of child sexual abuse material.*

The indictment alleges from at least December 2021 through his arrest on federal charges in April 2026, Hedgpeth targeted, recruited, and sexually exploited children using the internet. Hedgpeth used social media apps to contact children—including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Telegram and X—where he posed as a minor himself. Through those apps, he pressured and often paid minors to record sex acts with other minors, including with some of their own family members.  He then saved the files in password-protected folders accessible on his phone. He named the folders after the actual names of victims. Hedgpeth distributed those files to others over the internet—including to minors—without victim consent.  Hedgpeth used the files to pose as a minor and to entice victims into producing additional content.  

Hedgpeth exploited at least 19 children during the scheme, 13 girls and six boys, ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old. Most victims were in South Carolina, and some lived in his local community. During the scheme, Hedgpeth was a public official, serving as a City Councilman and as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Hanahan.

Hedgpeth faces up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, supervision by the United States Probation Office for a term of lifetime following any term of imprisonment, restitution payable to victims, and additional financial assessments. He will remain detained pending trial.

“The grand jury has charged Kevin Hedgpeth with a depraved, predatory criminal scheme through which he targeted the most vulnerable among us,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We look forward to holding Hedgpeth accountable to the fullest extent, and we will continue to dedicate every resource to defend children in our state.” 

“The charges in this indictment are deeply disturbing and represent a profound betrayal of trust, especially by someone who held positions of public responsibility. No one—regardless of their title or status—is above the law,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina. “Our commitment is unwavering: we will pursue justice for every victim and ensure that those who exploit their authority to harm children are held fully accountable. The gravity of these crimes demands a strong response, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.” 

Investigators continue to seek the public’s help to identify possible victims. If you have relevant information to report, please contact HSI at Charleston_exploitationtips@hsi.dhs.gov, by telephone at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423), or through the online tip form at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dean H. Secor and Elliott B. Daniels are prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

###

* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. 

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bobby Tyrell Davis, 41, of Simpsonville, originally from Detroit, Michigan, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana, distribution of fentanyl and marijuana, laundering drug proceeds, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

Davis was released from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in September of 2017 after serving a sentence for trafficking heroin. Within that same year, Davis resumed his drug trafficking operation. In the Fall of 2024, Davis was obtaining fentanyl and heroin from Detroit and distributing it in the Upstate. He also used a co-defendant, Zachary Goosby, to conduct hand-to-hand sales for him. Davis laundered drug proceeds to make his crimes more difficult to detect. On Sept. 17, 2025, law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Davis’s residence and found multiple loaded firearms. Davis was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony conviction. 

United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Davis to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Goosby pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl and is awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Greenville Drug Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Johnathan Nathaniel Allen, 27, of Chattanooga Tenn., has pleaded guilty to production of child sexual abuse material.* 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in September 2024 Allen used accounts on Reddit and Text Me to contact a 13-year-old girl in South Carolina. 

Allen posed as a 14-year-old boy named “Josh” on the applications and pressured the minor to produce sexually explicit material at his request. At the time, Allen was 25 years old and had been a deputy with a county sheriff’s office in Tennessee since 2021.  

On Reddit, Allen navigated to a forum that referenced teenagers in the title. He started a conversation with one of the minors and then directed the conversation to text messages. There, Allen used a virtual phone number he obtained through the TextMe platform. The minor showed Allen pictures of her stuffed animals and he “begged,” according to evidence, for pictures of the minor. He told the minor she could trust him and that he would not share the files. Allen caused the production of sexually explicit content depicting the minor. Allen told the victim that he was proud of her, and that she learned something new she could do.  He requested additional sex acts, and he told her to delete the messages so no one else would see them.

When agents searched Allen’s home, they found a phone with Reddit, Text Me, and the fake “Josh” identity. Agents also found 19 communications on Allens’ phone with the minor, including numerous calls to the minor after law enforcement had seized the minor’s phone. Data from the Reddit and Text Me account, including pictures shared by the user, all resolved to Allen. Agents also found clothes in Allen’s bedroom that “Josh” was wearing when it shared sexually explicit images on the platform.  One of the pictures shared by the Reddit user when posing as a teenager was a picture of Allen when he was younger.

“This outrageous criminal conduct, especially from someone sworn to protect society’s most vulnerable, its children, will be met with the full force of the federal government,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’re grateful to the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the York County Sheriff’s Office and the Hamilton County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office for their work to bring this defendant to justice.”

Allen faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender, he faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and a term of up to lifetime supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Allen after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the York County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Hamilton County, TN Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is prosecuting the case.

###

* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. 

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Angela Upchurch, 38, of Gaffney, has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for her role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Upchurch conspired with Mikayluh and Mikenzi Walker, Jonathan Sarratt, and others to distribute methamphetamine throughout the Upstate. Sarratt coordinated the distribution of drugs while serving a sentence at the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and the Walker twins funneled the drugs to sub-distributors, including Upchurch. Upchurch was held accountable for distributing 15 pounds of methamphetamine from 2023 through 2024. Upchurch has a prior conviction for accessory after the fact to trafficking from 2017. 

“This drug conspiracy funneled pounds upon pounds of dangerous methamphetamine into the Upstate,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our office is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to remove these drug dealers from our streets and keep our community safe.”

“Methamphetamine trafficking devastates families and communities, fueling addiction and violence across our nation,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina. “This sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of HSI and our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal networks and protect the homeland. Through collaboration and determination, we are holding traffickers accountable and making our communities safer.”

United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Angela Upchurch to 130 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Coggins had previously sentenced Jonathan Sarratt to 300 months imprisonment, Mikayluh Walker to 276 months, and Mikenzi Walker to 180 months.

This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Greenville comprises agents and officers from state, local, and federal agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville Police Department, Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General, and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen is prosecuting the case.

###

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Mayo Pickens, 47, of Anderson, has been sentenced to almost 15 years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking. 

On June 26, 2025, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office executed a federal search warrant at Pickens’s residence in Anderson. Law enforcement found approximately 76 kilograms of cocaine and multiple firearms inside the house, including multiple pistols and a rifle. Agents seized more than $75,000 in cash. 

Pickens was arrested in his vehicle with a loaded revolver. The investigation revealed that Pickens was also responsible for another 24 kilograms of cocaine that he intended to traffic. 

Pickens previously received a 292-month sentence following federal convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering. Pickens was released from federal custody in 2021.

United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Pickens to 176 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen is prosecuting the case.

###

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Olundi Uhuru Anderson, 52, of Lexington, has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented in court showed that on the evening of Jan. 7, 2025, a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department attempted to stop a vehicle near the intersection of Broad River Road and Bush River Road after the driver ran a red light. Anderson was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Although he initially pulled over, Anderson fled the scene, leading deputies on a brief pursuit that ended when the vehicle struck a curb.

After his arrest, a search of the vehicle revealed an open container of alcohol, crack cocaine, and a loaded pistol.

Anderson has prior convictions for robbery, grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, burglary, attempted aggravated battery, obstruction of justice, and failure to stop for blue lights. Due to these prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

United States District Judge Joseph Anderson sentenced Anderson to 41 months in prison, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

###

COLUMBIA, S.C. — David Lynn Wells, 32, of Anderson, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for making and distributing child sexual abuse material.* 

According to court documents and statements made in court, this case originated from an investigation in the United Kingdom. British authorities arrested a man suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material and reviewed his electronic devices. They located a recording of a 2020 video call in which an adult male was sexually abusing a baby boy. The name “David Wells” was visible on the screen. Investigators identified Wells after locating a prior mugshot for Wells in Anderson County, South Carolina. British authorities contacted Homeland Security Investigations.  

HSI investigators were able to locate the victim’s mother and established that she knew Wells, that they lived in the same apartment complex at one time, and that Wells did watch her minor child from time to time when she ran errands. Agents showed the mother sanitized images of the video, and she identified Wells, the child, and Wells’ apartment.  

“The depraved conduct in this case is truly unfathomable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “My office will remain dedicated to prosecuting and punishing those who harm children and create vile material to be distributed across the internet.”  

“This action sends a powerful message: those who exploit children will face the full force of the law,” said Mark M. Zito Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Homeland Security Investigations is unwavering in our commitment to protect children from predators. We will relentlessly pursue offenders wherever they operate and ensure they are brought to justice. Our partnerships with local, national, and international agencies are vital in this fight, and together we will hold those responsible for these horrific crimes fully accountable.”

United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Wells to 360 months imprisonment, to be followed by lifetime supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Wells is currently serving an eight-year sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for sexual battery involving two other children.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case. 

###

* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.
 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 13-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging five individuals with wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and destruction of records related to PPP loans.

• Joshua Maiden, 42, an inmate currently incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections
• Julie Connelly, 36, of Milford, Delaware
• Crystal Adams, 48, of Harrington, Delaware
• Jillian Brooks, 38, of Dover, Delaware
• Tessa Hess, 43, of Murrells Inlet, S.C.

The indictment alleges that from January to December 2021, the defendants engaged in a scheme to apply for PPP loans pursuant to the CARES Act, a program through which taxpayers provided relief to businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic. In applying for the loans, Maiden, Connelly, Adams, and Brooks each falsely represented that they owned businesses that were eligible for PPP loans and subsequent loan forgiveness. However, the investigation revealed the defendants did not own the businesses they claimed in their PPP applications, and the documentation submitted in support of the loans was fraudulent. Maiden falsely claimed that he owned a landscaping business through which he earned more than $84,000 in revenue the previous year, and he collected a portion of his co-defendant’s fraudulent loans, all while being a state prisoner. The indictment further alleges that Hess possessed identification-making equipment used in the scheme and attempted to destroy the equipment when the FBI requested that she surrender it to authorities.

In total, the defendants are alleged to have applied for fraudulent PPP loans totaling $1,182,832.

Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment per count of conviction. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned before the Honorable Thomas E. Rogers, III on May 5.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews is prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

FLORENCE, S.C. - Kayla Tisdale, 37, of Little River, has pleaded guilty to misprision of felony based on her concealment of a scheme to launder assets purchased with funds that she knew were derived from drug trafficking.  

Evidence presented during her change of plea hearing demonstrated that Tisdale was formerly in a relationship with a large-scale drug trafficker who distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine, among other drugs.  She admitted to assisting her paramour in laundering at least $750,000 in assets that were illegally obtained using the proceeds from the drug trafficking business.  She did so by depositing funds across different banks, trading cryptocurrency, and even purchasing gold bullion, all in an attempt to obscure the source of the funds.  Much of this evidence was uncovered after Tisdale’s accomplice was arrested on drug trafficking charges. Agents obtained recorded jail calls during which the drug trafficker instructed Tisdale to hide certain assets to conceal them from authorities. Rather than notify authorities of the ongoing illegal conduct, she took steps to conceal the crimes. 

Tisdale faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, potential restitution orders, and a year of court supervision to follow her term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Joseph Dawson accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Tisdale after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report that will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case.

###

FLORENCE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a two-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Worden Evander Butler, 31, formerly of Conway, for interfering with the housing rights of his Black neighbors and using fire to commit a federal felony.

The indictment alleges that on Nov. 24, 2023, Butler made a series of Facebook posts about his next-door neighbors, including that he would give “his racist neighbors . . . a good scare for the health. With a cross in the lawn.” Butler uploaded photos of the victims’ home, vehicles, and mailbox to his social media.

Butler then set up a cross in his backyard and set it on fire.

“Every family in America has a right to feel safe in their own homes,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Defendant Butler’s actions threatened this fundamental right.  This office will continue to protect South Carolinians' fundamental rights.”

“Racial animosity has no place in our community,” said FBI Columbia Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jose Charriez. “This indictment reflects the serious nature of the alleged crimes and our dedication to ensuring the victims see a just resolution.”

Butler faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Butler was arrested in California and will make an initial appearance on April 22 in the Eastern District of California. Butler will be arraigned in the District of South Carolina on May 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence, S.C.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and Horry County Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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FLORENCE, S.C. - Samual Earl Ramu, age 34, of Johnsonville, S.C., has been ordered to serve nearly 22 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine from inside the walls of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.  

Evidence presented in court demonstrated that Ramu was the leader of a drug trafficking organization while in SCDC. Ramu used others outside prison to conduct transactions on his behalf using a contraband cell phone. Ramu attempted to have others use drones to drop contraband inside the prison.  In total, Ramu was held accountable for conspiring to distribute 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with quantities of fentanyl and marijuana.

“We are very grateful for our local, state, and federal law enforcements partners to include the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as we continue to quickly respond, disrupt, and dismantle the efforts of those who attempt to poison our communities with fentanyl or methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “The use of contraband cell phones and drones to advance criminal activity will continue to be met with the full force of federal investigation and prosecution in South Carolina.”

“Drug traffickers who threaten our communities with deadly substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine cannot hide from Homeland Security Investigations—even behind prison walls. Our work protects the public by ensuring that those who endanger our neighborhoods are held accountable, no matter where they operate. This case is a testament to the power of our partnership with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and our unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Ramu has prior convictions for several drug trafficking offenses and was serving a 15-year state sentence for possession with intent to distribute heroin and trafficking methamphetamine during the commission of this offense.  Ramu was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of 5 years.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, and the S.C. Department of Corrections.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Timothy Markee Gayton, 34, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in two drug trafficking schemes.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed in January 2018, Gayton operated industrial-scale clandestine drug labs in the Rock Hill area, where fentanyl was pressed into pills designed to look like prescription drugs. Gayton then supplied these fentanyl-laced pills to drug dealers in South Carolina.

In February 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gayton’s residence and seized fentanyl, amphetamine, marijuana, four firearms, nine firearm magazines, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and $23,000 in cash.  He was arrested and released on bond, but seven days later, he sold a kilogram of fentanyl to a law enforcement source.   

Between 2018 and 2022, Gayton imported pill presses, pill binder, and fentanyl powder from China and Mexico, set up clandestine laboratories in the York County area, and manufactured hundreds of thousands of illegal fentanyl pills.  During the search of one of Gayton’s one drug labs, agents found $53,000 in cash, handguns, 7 pill presses, 150,000 pills made to look like Roxicodone, 30 kilograms of fentanyl, pill stamps, pill binder, Narcan, a money counter, and a vacuum sealer. Gayton’s identical twin brother, Timario Gayton, was convicted for his role in this drug lab and sentenced to 180 months.

During a search of Gayton’s house the same day, agents found $4,000 in cash, 4 rifles, extended magazines, a kilogram press, packaging material with fentanyl inside, and fentanyl.  Gayton also distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine during the course of the conspiracy. 

In January 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Gayton for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.  While awaiting trial and in federal custody, Gayton arranged for the distribution of over a kilogram of fentanyl from jail on several occasions.  He was again federally indicted for conspiracy and two counts of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.  He also bribed a jail guard, who was charged and convicted for the conduct. Gayton was responsible for getting illegal drugs and contraband cell phones inside the jail, all while in federal custody. 

“The expanse of Gayton’s drug trafficking network was immense, from Rock Hill, across the nation, and over international borders to reach his cartel supply networks.  Gayton is now closed for business and will assume a new residence within the highly secure confines of the United States Bureau of Prisons for the next 25 years, with no parole,” said U.S Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This investigation and prosecution is yet another example of how responsive and effective our local, state, and federal law enforcement partnerships remain in South Carolina.  Specifically, I would like to thank the Rock Hill Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, as well the DEA, FBI, ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Office.”

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Gayton to 300 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (YCMDEU), the Rock Hill Police Department, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Columbia Police Department, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Elizabeth Major prosecuted the case. 

Columbia, S.C. — Carlos Antwon Lewis, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 4, 2025, a Richland County Sheriff’s deputy observed an SUV committing a traffic offense.  The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the SUV and made contact with the driver.  Lewis was the front passenger.  The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana, which the occupants admitted to smoking before leaving their residence.  The deputy asked both occupants to step out and asked Lewis if he had any firearms or narcotics on his person.  Lewis stated that he had a firearm in his waistband.  The deputy recovered a loaded 9mm pistol from Lewis’s waistband.  Upon further inspection of the firearm, the firearm was equipped with a silver Glock switch.

Lewis is prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon prior convictions for arson/attempts to burn, willful & malicious, burglary, criminal domestic violence 1st offense, criminal domestic violence 2nd offense, unlawful carrying a firearm, possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance near a school, distribution of methamphetamine or cocaine base, and arson.  

Lewis faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.  He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and 3 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.   United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Lewis after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 38, of North Charleston, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for his role in two schemes to bribe North Charleston City Councilmen.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in early 2024, Sea Fox Boat Company hired Hicks as a consultant. Sea Fox had proposed a new boat manufacturing facility in North Charleston, but its plans required a zoning change to the subject property. Amid strong community opposition to the project, Sea Fox hired Hicks to garner community support and help ensure that North Charleston City Council would vote in favor of the zoning change. Sea Fox hired Hicks based on the recommendation of two members of North Charleston City Council—Jerome Heyward and Mike A. Brown. Hicks accepted $30,000 in consulting fees from Sea Fox between February and June 2024.

Hicks agreed to pay Heyward and Brown a portion of his consulting fees in exchange for their influence and official action with respect to Sea Fox’s proposal. Hicks paid Heyward $5,000, including $2,500 in cash on the date of City Council’s vote on the rezoning application. Hicks paid Brown at least $1,000 in cash.

Further evidence revealed that Hicks was involved in a second scheme to bribe Sandino Moses, who was a member of North Charleston City Council at the time. Hicks was present during a meeting on April 26, 2024, during which Tory Fields agreed to bribe Moses to gain his support of Sea Fox’s rezoning efforts. Thereafter, Fields paid Moses two bribes to convince him to support the Sea Fox plant, and Hicks knew that Fields had done so.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Hicks to 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 2-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Hicks was also ordered to forfeit $30,000, representing the consulting fees and ill-gotten gains of his crimes.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Sandino Savalas Moses, 51, a former North Charleston City Councilmember, has been sentenced to two years of probation for misprision of a felony.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Moses was a city councilmember when Sea Fox Boat Company’s application for a zoning change was presented to North Charleston City Council. Sea Fox had hired two consultants, Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks and Hason Tatorian Fields, to help generate support for the project. After Moses moved to table the matter when it was presented for a first reading, Hicks and Fields met with members of the Sea Fox team to discuss a path forward. Fields expressed that Moses was susceptible to a bribe because of personal difficulties. After the meeting, but before the matter was re-presented to North Charleston City Council, Fields paid two bribes to Moses. When Moses realized that Fields was trying to bribe him in exchange for his support of the Sea Fox project, Moses repaid the bribes but never reported Fields to law enforcement.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Moses to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, 48, former City of Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem and member of City Council, appeared this morning for a scheduled detention hearing in United States Magistrate Court in Charleston.  Hedgpeth, represented by counsel, waived his right to the hearing and will remain in federal custody pending trial. Arrested on federal warrants last Thursday, Hedgpeth has been charged with possession and production of child sexual abuse material.*

According to the charging document, which was authorized by United States Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker, an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified Hedgpeth as a member of a forum on social media that was facilitating the sale of child sexual abuse material.

Further investigation revealed that Hedgpeth has paid numerous minors who have been identified as likely victims of child sex abuse in CyberTips submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. From December 2021 to present, Hedgpeth’s Cash App and PayPal accounts paid 47 accounts that were either associated with minors or suspected of selling content. The accounts Hedgpeth paid include minors in the Charleston, South Carolina area.

Further investigation revealed that videos and images depicting child sexual abuse were stored in an iCloud account registered to Hedgpeth’s personal e-mail address, his cellular phone, and his home address, and that the account had been accessed frequently from his home internet router.  Hedgpeth used his iCloud account and social media to communicate with children, to direct them to produce sexually explicit photographs and videos, and to send these videos to him in exchange for money. One victim was 12 years old when the communication began. Hedgpeth paid that minor for child sex abuse videos, and he pressured that minor to produce content with the minor’s 15-year-old brother. At times, Hedgpeth pretended to be a minor, and at others, he distributed child sexual abuse videos to minors to entice them to produce and sell similar content to him.

Hedgpeth faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison, a maximum of 30 years, lifetime supervision by the U.S. Probation Office, plus sex offender registration requirements.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify possible victims.  If you have relevant information to report, please contact HSI at Charleston_exploitationtips@hsi.dhs.gov, by telephone at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423), or through the online tip form at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dean H. Secor and Elliott B. Daniels are prosecuting the case.

All charges in the complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.

NOTE:The unsealed criminal complaint is attached. Please use discretion in reading and sharing with your audiences.

COLUMBIA, S.C. Desmond Levon Brown, 29, of Orangeburg, has pleaded guilty to animal crushing, which includes burning, under the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT Act). This is the first known PACT Act Conviction in South Carolina.  

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Dec. 18, 2024, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a Facebook Live video showing Brown throwing a puppy into a fire that day. Deputies discovered the deceased puppy in a wooded area near the incident location. Federal law enforcement obtained the Facebook video, which showed Brown holding the puppy above the fire, dropping it into the fire, and repeatedly kicking the puppy into the fire, burning it alive. Further evidence showed that the fire, which was started by Brown’s associate, was made using a brand of rum that was imported from the Caribbean and bottled in Kentucky. After his arrest, Brown was recorded on jail calls admitting to burning the puppy.

“Brown’s gruesome torture of a puppy was heinous,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina.  “He showed no mercy in his crime, and we look forward to his sentencing.  Our office will lead the fight to protect the welfare of animals in South Carolina.”

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

If you know of suspected animal fighting or other animal welfare violations, please report them at https://www.justice.gov/enrd/webform/animal-welfare/report-suspected-animal-welfare-violation

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Derrick Jameel Joye, 24, and Jalen Shaprie Rutherford, 24, both of Lexington, have been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. 

Evidence obtained during the investigation revealed that on June 4, 2024, officers with the West Columbia Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle. During the stop, a front-seat passenger, identified as Joye, exited the vehicle and ran through a nearby apartment complex while carrying an AR-15–style pistol. Despite multiple commands from pursuing officers to stop, Joye failed to comply, continued running, and discarded the firearm before he was apprehended. Officers detained Joye and recovered a loaded semiautomatic pistol with a round in the chamber.

Officers also detained the driver, identified as Rutherford, who admitted to possessing a firearm located in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded semiautomatic 9mm pistol from the glove compartment, along with an extended magazine and additional ammunition.

Rutherford had prior felony convictions for involuntary manslaughter, unlawful possession of a firearm, second-degree domestic violence, and receiving stolen goods. Joye had a prior felony conviction for second-degree assault and battery. At the time of the offense, Rutherford was out on bond, faces state charges for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. As convicted felons, both Rutherford and Joye were prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Joye to 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. Rutherford was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is a violent crime reduction strategy based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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