District of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kevin B. Marsh, former SCANA Corporation (SCANA) Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of its Board of Directors, is scheduled to plead guilty on Wednesday, February 24 in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.  The hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, before the Honorable Mary G. Lewis.

U.S. Attorney McCoy will be available for media questions after the hearing.

 

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Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that James Patrick Giannakos, Jr. of Gilbert has been charged with threatening a former Assistant United States Attorney, her family, and associates.  According to documents filed with the court, the threats came after multiple media platforms reported that the Government used information from Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, to prosecute approximately 13 individuals.

According to information provided to the court, Giannakos allegedly left a message on the former Assistant United States Attorney’s voicemail stating in part, “if anything happens to Mr. Enrique Tarrio, the same thing will happen to you and your family . . . If anything happens to him, I promise you and your associates will pay for it.”

The day after the voicemail was reported to the Miami office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), six additional threatening voicemails were left by the same telephone number on the answering machines of several offices of the firm that the former Assistant U.S. Attorney now works.  Documents filed with the court allege that parts of those voicemails included, “If anything happens to Mr. Tarrio or his family, the same thing will happen to you and your associates. Be safe.”  Another message allegedly included, “if anything happens to Enrique Tarrio . . . [the former Assistant United States Attorney’s] family is in danger and so are you.”

“Those who seek violent retribution on prosecutors, former prosecutors, other law enforcement officials and individuals who assist law enforcement will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.

Giannakos is charged with transmitting in interstate commerce any communication containing a threat to injure the person of another.  The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Elliott Daniels.

The United States Attorney stated all charges in this case are merely accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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affidavit_in_support_of_criminal_complaint.pdf

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Alicia Renee Coleman, 51, of Rock Hill, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty last fall to a felony charge of obstruction of justice.

“The integrity of our grand jury process is vital to our mission of protecting the people of South Carolina and upholding the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “As this case makes clear, if you violate the secrecy of grand jury proceedings, you will be prosecuted.”

Evidence presented to the court showed that in early June 2018, Coleman communicated secret federal grand jury information concerning an indictment and upcoming arrests in case involving a drug trafficking organization in the Rock Hill and Charlotte regions, United States v. Hemphill, et al.

Coleman learned the information in her capacity while serving as a federal grand juror and communicated the information to a family member in violation of a court order. Law enforcement quickly learned of the leak, which had made its way to targets of the investigation, and as a result changed the date of the upcoming takedown in the case. Investigators were able to track down the source of the leak and thereafter, Coleman was relieved of her duties as a federal grand juror and admitted to sharing the information with a family member.

United States District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Coleman, who had no prior record, to a 3-year term of probation.   The charge against Coleman was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes, after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

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Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that his office has resolved claims that FlavorPros, LLC; America’s Best Packaging, LLC; Artisan Foods, LLC; Charlene R. Brach; Richard B. Brach; and Richard C. Brach submitted false claims to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) between October 1, 2011, and December 31, 2018, for food product, particularly spices, that contained significant quantities of filler agents.  The food suppliers will pay $250,000 to resolve the claims.

In its complaint, filed November 1, 2019, the United States alleged that FlavorPros, LLC, contracted with the BOP to supply spices that were required by the contract to be in pure condition with no additives, extenders, foreign matter, or flow agents.  The United States alleged that FlavorPros sold spices to the BOP that were substantially comprised of filler agent for economic gain.  Thus, it was alleged that FlavorPros and its principal, Charlene Brach, submitted false claims for payment by the BOP for the spices that did not meet the purity requirements of the contract.  The United States also alleged that Charlene and Richard Brach created Artisan Foods to circumvent administrative suspension of FlavorPros and filed a false claim to the BOP for substandard food product.  

As part of the settlement reached today, FlavorPros, America’s Best Packaging, and Artisan Foods will pay the United States $170,000.  For their individual roles in the fraud, Charlene Brach will pay the United States $60,000; and Richard B. Brach and Richard C. Brach will each pay the United States $10,000.

“All federal contractors must use tax dollars responsibly and for their intended purpose,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “Today’s resolution illustrates the Department of Justice’s emphasis on combating fraud against the government.  If a federal contractor fraudulently obtains tax dollars paid by hard-working Americans, this office will act.”

“Contractors that are selected and paid by the government to supply food to inmates are expected to comply with contractual and other standards.  When they provide adulterated products, as the defendants allegedly did here, the government is cheated and the health and safety of inmates are placed at risk,” said Kenneth R. Dieffenbach, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Fraud Detection Office.   “The DOJ OIG is committed to rooting out this type of fraud.” 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General.  The civil settlement was reached for the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Warren and Stan Ragsdale, both of the Columbia office.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only.  There has been no determination of liability, and the food suppliers did not admit liability.

Anyone who suspects fraud against the Department of Justice or its components should report it at https://oig.justice.gov/hotline

 

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Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Casey C. Kohler, 36, and Anna E. Mason, 28, both of Aiken County, were each sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Evidence presented in court established that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of Kenneth Evans and Eddie Brockington, co-defendants in the case.  Through controlled purchases and other investigative techniques, agents learned that members of the conspiracy purchased and distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and heroin for Evans and Brockington.  Some of the individuals charged were responsible for transporting multi-kilogram amounts of methamphetamine and heroin into South Carolina and then distributing the drugs throughout the state.  Both Kohler and Mason were involved in purchasing and distributing methamphetamine in the Aiken County area for Evans.  Mason was also involved in collecting money owed on drug debts and forwarding the money to others on Evans’s behalf.

United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Kohler to 100 months in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release.  Mason was also sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by agents of the DEA and Aiken County Sheriff's Office.  Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.

        

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Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Fate Thomas McClurkin, Jr., 30, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

Evidence presented in court established that, through an investigation into Darryl Hemphill and Hemphill’s drug trafficking organization, federal agents learned that McClurkin was responsible for selling drugs obtained from Hemphill, including cocaine and clandestinely made pills that contained fentanyl.  It was further known that McClurkin had a close relationship with Hemphill related to trafficking voluminous amounts of drugs in the Rock Hill and Charlotte regions.  As a co-conspirator in Hemphill’s drug trafficking organization, McClurkin was fully aware the pills purchased and sold by him were fake Roxicodone pills that were made with fentanyl. 

On May 25, 2018, agents determined that Hemphill coordinated a drug deal with McClurkin for 13,000 fentanyl pills.  Evidence in the case also showed that, after completing this transaction, McClurkin purchased 25,000 more fentanyl-based pills from Hemphill during this conspiracy.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McClurkin to 144 months in federal prison, to be followed by an eight-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, T. DeWayne Pearson, and Elliot Daniels, all of the Columbia office, prosecuted the case.

          

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Columbia, South Carolina----United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that a federal judge has accepted a guilty plea by Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate Richard Robert Gilbert for a murder-for-hire and retaliation plot against an Assistant United States Attorney and a confidential informant.  The plea calls for Gilbert to serve 262 months, consecutive to the 130-month sentence for which he was already in federal prison.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to hold accountable those who seek violent retribution against law enforcement officers and those who assist the government,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “We stand united with our law enforcement partners.  We are undeterred by bad actors and will ensure the rule of law is upheld.”

Evidence presented in the court showed that Gilbert was serving time at a federal prison in Edgefield for trafficking methamphetamine in Bowling Green, Kentucky, when he sought to hire a hitman to kill the federal prosecutor and a key witness from his Kentucky case.  Using a contraband cell phone in prison, Gilbert communicated with an undercover task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who was posing as a hitman.  Following multiple recorded phone calls, Gilbert sent the undercover officer a $2,000 check from his prison canteen account as a down payment for the retaliatory murder-for-hire.  Masking the true purpose of this payment, Gilbert attempted to mislead BOP officials by misrepresenting the payment as being for an “investment firm.”

Evidence presented also showed that Gilbert drew maps of where he believed the witness from Kentucky lived and provided directions to the undercover officer, posing as the hitman, on how to avoid detection by nearby surveillance cameras.  The evidence also showed how Gilbert planned to use income from two of his rental properties to facilitate the attempted murder-for-hire and retaliation plot.  He also planned to use the value of his ownership stake in other land to pay for the murder of the federal prosecutor from Kentucky.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the BOP Special Investigative Services Team and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May, Justin Holloway, and Will Jordan.

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Columbia, South Carolina -- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Natalie Michelle Quarles, 45, of Lexington, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  The charges followed a traffic stop in which Quarles possessed a loaded firearm; approximately $1,400.00 in cash; marijuana, oxycodone and acetaminophen pills; hydrocodone and acetaminophen pills; amphetamine pills; and methamphetamine.

Evidence presented in court established that on July 3, 2018, a deputy with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for failure to maintain its lane.  Quarles was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. When the deputy asked for her driver’s license, Quarles admitted that her license was under suspension and that she had been deemed a habitual traffic offender by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.  The deputy verified the information through dispatch. While placing her under arrest for driving under suspension, Quarles stated that she had a gun as well as some marijuana and pills in the vehicle.  In the vehicle, the deputy located a loaded firearm; approximately $1,400.00 in cash; marijuana, oxycodone and acetaminophen pills; hydrocodone and acetaminophen pills; amphetamine pills; and methamphetamine.  Quarles admitted to the deputy that she knew she was prohibited from possessing the firearm.

Quarles is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon her prior state convictions.  Specifically, in 2008, she received concurrent sentences for the following convictions: five years for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature; four years for grand larceny; one year for receiving stolen goods greater than $5000; two years for burglary second degree non-violent; and two years for strong arm robbery.  Following her release from prison, she was convicted in 2014 of false information and driving under suspension.  In 2015, she was convicted of possession of methamphetamine and shoplifting, sentenced to 18 months, and placed on state probation for 18 months.  Approximately one year later, Quarles violated her probation and it was revoked.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Quarles to 108 months in federal prison, 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 (ATF) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case. 

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

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Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced that Rafael Salas, Jr., 52, of Columbia, was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison after pleading guilty to failing to pay to the government taxes he withheld from his employees’ paychecks. Salas spent the funds for personal expenses and entertainment, including on a boat and at a strip club.

Evidence presented in court established that, from January 2014 through August 2016, Salas owned and operated Moonshiner's Patio Bar and Grill in Lexington, and employed approximately 20 employees during each tax period.  While failing to file Moonshiner’s quarterly tax returns and failing to fully pay the company’s employment taxes, Salas withheld trust fund taxes from his employees’ wages.  Salas used the withholdings to pay personal expenses including $36,000 for his personal dwelling, $11,000 for a boat and trailer, and expenses of roughly $10,000 at a local strip club.

Salas was also on probation for a 2016 federal conviction for conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce at the time of this offense.

“I am thankful for the partnership of the IRS and our U.S. Attorney’s Office to see justice on this case,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “We stand ready to continue protecting taxpayers from criminal activity.”

"Employers have a legal obligation to withhold and pay the appropriate amount of taxes for their employees," said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office.  "The defendant’s federal prison sentencing is clear recognition of the serious consequences awaiting those who skirt this obligation."

United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Salas to 18 months in federal prison, 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 Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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Columbia, South Carolina --- With the national Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Saturday, U.S. Attorney Peter McCoy announced today the launch of his office’s “Thank a Law Enforcement Officer” campaign.  The campaign encourages the public to send thank you notes to the law enforcement offices in their area.

“Each and every day, our law enforcement officers put on their uniforms and leave the safety of their homes and the comfort of their families to protect and serve our communities,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “Some days on the job, they are put in extremely dangerous situations; and, unfortunately, some give their lives to protect ours.  This campaign ensures our law enforcement officers know how much we appreciate their sacrifice.  We stand with them as they work to make our communities safer.” 

Due to COVID-19, U.S. Attorney McCoy encourages the public to mail the thank you notes to the law enforcement offices, instead of dropping them off in person.  Additionally, the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Lori Vernali, can help distribute the thank you notes.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office cannot complete the work it does without the support of our law enforcement partners,” said Vernali.  “Should the public have any trouble determining the offices that have jurisdiction in their area, we are here to help deliver the messages to the appropriate agencies for them.”

Those wishing to participate should send a note to any law enforcement agency in their area or to the following for delivery by the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

 

United States Attorney’s Office

Attn: Law Enforcement Coordinator

1441 Main Street, Suite 500

Columbia, SC 29201

Lori.Vernali@usdoj.gov

 

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Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that, due to logistics, the plea by Kevin B. Marsh, former SCANA Corporation (SCANA) Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of its Board of Directors, that was originally set for Tuesday, December 29 will be rescheduled.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will announce the rescheduled plea date, when it is available.

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Charleston, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina collected over $56 million in criminal, civil and asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.

The office collected $53,839,927.39 in criminal and civil actions in FY 2020.  Of this amount, $49,000,580.36 was collected in civil actions and $4,839,347.03 was collected in criminal actions.

Working with partner agencies and divisions, the office also collected $2,544,402 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2020. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work of the consummate professionals in our U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “From our team’s work, we have been able to collect over $56 million this year – money that allows us to protect South Carolinians, seek justice for victims of crime, and seek harsh punishment for criminals.”

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

As a whole, the Justice Department collected more than $15.9 billion in civil and criminal actions in FY 2020.  This amount represents more than five times the approximately $3.2 billion appropriated budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.  The total includes all monies collected through Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements.  It includes more than $13.5 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $2.4 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kevin B. Marsh, former SCANA Corporation (SCANA) Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of its Board of Directors, is scheduled to plead guilty on Tuesday, December 29 in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.  The hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, before the Honorable Mary G. Lewis.

Following the plea in federal court, Marsh is scheduled for a hearing on a state charge at 12:00 pm at the Richland County Judicial Center, 1701 Main Street, Columbia, before the Honorable J. Mark Hayes, II.

U.S. Attorney McCoy and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson will be available for media questions as each hearing concludes.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Charleston, South Carolina --- With the Coronavirus vaccine being distributed across the country, United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. warns South Carolinians to be on high alert for fraudsters seeking to take advantage of the pandemic.

“Having already seen supply scams, provider scams, economic impact scams, phishing scams, and even charity scams related to COVID-19 across the country, every South Carolinian should be extra cautious for the possibility of phony websites and other outreach claiming early access to the vaccine,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “Everyone, particularly seniors and their caretakers, should be on high alert for fraudsters seeking to take advantage of their most vulnerable neighbors.”

At the beginning of December, it was reported that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had already received over 250,000 COVID-19 related consumer complaints, with two-thirds involving fraud or identity theft.

“Be it through robocalls, texts, emails or other means of communication, the potential for continued Coronavirus scams could be as rampant as the disease itself,” U.S. Attorney McCoy continued.  “Not only do these criminals victimize the recipient of the scam, they can also cast doubt for many others to trust the legitimate work being done by honest, reliable providers.”

U.S. Attorney McCoy wants South Carolinians to know that the best defense to Coronavirus scams is vigilance, knowing criminals have multiple methods to try to take advantage of others.  He urges all to:

• Know that you cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or to get early access to the vaccine.
• Know that no legitimate vaccine distribution site or heath care payer, like a private insurance company, will call asking for your Social Security, banking, or credit card numbers to sign you up to get the vaccine.
• Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus.  Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.
• Never send money or give out your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers and expiration dates to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
• Know that the IRS will never ask for your social or bank information over the phone.
• If you have become a victim, do not be too ashamed or afraid to report it.  Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

U.S. Attorney McCoy stressed his office’s commitment to stopping the criminals before more can become victims of their crimes.

“Along with law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office will work to identify, investigate, and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to defraud their neighbors during this pandemic,” concluded McCoy.

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U.S. Attorney McCoy is currently discussing the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to combat Coronavirus-related frauds and schemes with media members.  To schedule an interview with U.S. Attorney McCoy, please call the office’s Public Affairs Specialist, Michael Mule’ at 843-327-0882 or email him at Michael.Mule2@usdoj.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

A federal grand jury has returned a 147-count superseding indictment against 40 defendants across South Carolina in the largest federal racketeering conspiracy in South Carolina history.

The indictment alleges a sprawling criminal enterprise whereby inmates with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), often through the use of contraband cell phones, orchestrated murder, kidnapping, firearms distribution, and an international drug operation.

The grand jury returned an indictment charging the defendants with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, and several charges under the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) statute.  Of the 40 defendants, 24 defendants were charged in the initial indictment in this case for conduct related to their alleged roles in the drug trafficking organization.

“The defendants allegedly operated a violent and lucrative drug enterprise on behalf of the Insane Gangster Disciples while incarcerated,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “The department is committed to investigating and prosecuting gang-related crimes no matter where they occur, including holding those accountable who engage in criminal activity while in prison.”

“To anyone who would try to harm the people of South Carolina with violence, intimidation or extortion, we are coming after you wherever you are,” said U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy Jr. of the District of South Carolina.  “Neither pandemic nor prison walls will provide refuge from the full force of the federal government.  While the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina has a long and respected history of seeking justice for victims of crime, in the past year, my office has taken an even deeper look into the violence of organized crime and drug gangs.  As such, we have sought and received some of the harshest sentences of any U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.  Be it in jail or on the outside, organized crime organizations in South Carolina will be sought out as aggressively as the law allows.”

“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation aimed at taking down an alleged criminal operation of historic reach in our states,” said Special Agent in Charge Vince Pallozzi of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Charlotte Field Division.  “The brazen criminal acts charged fueled gun violence and drug trafficking in numerous counties and cities.  To shut down this alleged operation is a major win for public safety in South Carolina.”

“This alleged vast and brazen criminal enterprise only could have been dismantled by a united and dedicated team of law enforcement officers from across this state,” said Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic of the FBI’s Columbia Field Office.  “The FBI is proud to be part of that team.  We will see this investigation through and will remain vigilant to identify and arrest all those who try to destroy our communities through violence and drug trafficking.”

The case began in July 2017 as an investigation by a number of agencies, including ATF, the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, into methamphetamine trafficking and the illegal sale of firearms.  As the investigation grew, the evidence led law enforcement to focus on the Insane Gangster Disciples (IGD), a branch of the nationwide gang Folk Nation.

According to the indictment, several IGD members ran a drug empire from SCDC with the use of contraband cellphones, assistance from individuals outside of prison, and other means.  Further, the indictment alleges that several incarcerated IGD members ordered violent retaliatory measures against those they believed were providing information to law enforcement and against individuals they believed had stolen drug proceeds or owed money to the gang.  It is alleged these violent acts, to include murder and kidnapping, were often carried out by IGD members outside the jails.  Additionally, the 101-page indictment alleges that to perpetuate the enterprise and to maintain and extend its power, members and associates of the gang committed, attempted to commit, and conspired to commit, additional acts such as armed robbery, extortion, arson, assault and battery, drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

The following defendants have been charged in the indictment for conduct related to their alleged roles in the RICO conspiracy and related crimes: 

• Matthew J. Ward, aka “Bones,” 36; Rebecca Martinez, 33; Cynthia Rooks, 52; Richard Ford, 62; Amber Hoffman, 26; Samuel Dexter Judy, 29; Montana Barefoot, 25; Benjamin Singleton, 46; Kayla Mattoni, 38; Alexia Youngblood, 38; Clifford Kyzer, 35; Mark Edward Slusher, 46; Aaron Michael Carrion, aka “Cap G,” 28; and Crystal Nicole Bright, 40, all of Lexington, South Carolina;
   
• Lisa Marie Costello, 43; Aaron Corey Sprouse, 29; James Robert Peterson, aka “Man Man,” 32; Catherine Amanda Ross, 28; Brandon Lee Phillips, aka “Lil B,” 36; Billy Wayne Ruppe, 55; and Windy Brooke George, 21, all of Gaffney, South Carolina;
   
• Arian Grace Jeane, 26; Heather Henderson Orrick, 33; Joshua Lee Scott Brown, 23; Alex Blake Payne, 28; Sally Williams Burgess, aka “Cricket,” 37; and Edward Gary Akridge, aka “G9,” “G9 the Don,” and “Eddie Boss,” 28, all of Greenville, South Carolina;
   
• John Johnson, 36, of Gaston, South Carolina;
   
• Kelly Still, 43, of Windsor, South Carolina;
   
• Kelly Jordan, 34, of Williamston, South Carolina;
   
• Robert Figueroa, 43, and Brian Bruce, 48, of West Columbia, South Carolina;
   
• Tiffanie Brooks, 36, of Columbia, South Carolina;
   
• Juan Rodriguez, aka “Fat Boy,” 40, of Woodruff, South Carolina;
   
• Jonathan Eugene Merchant, aka “Merck,” 27, of Laurens, South Carolina;
   
• Jennifer Sorgee, 36, of Easley, South Carolina;
   
• Brittney Shae Stephens, 32, of Anderson, South Carolina;
   
• Matthew Edward Clark, 41, of York, South Carolina;
   
• Virginia Ruth Ryall, 43, of Gastonia, North Carolina, and,
   
• Lisa Marie Bolton, 32, of Dallas, North Carolina.
   

Of these defendants, Ward, Peterson, Akridge, and Rodriguez were serving sentences in SCDC at the time the alleged crimes were committed.

In connection with the investigation, agents seized more than 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 130 firearms, and various quantities of heroin and fentanyl. 

An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case was investigated by the ATF, FBI, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, SCDC, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office also assisted with the case.

Trial Attorney Lisa Man and Principal Deputy Kim Dammers with the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Holloway and Brandi Hinton of the District of South Carolina, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Rankin with the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office are prosecuting the case.

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

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 147-count superseding indictment against 40 defendants across South Carolina in the largest federal racketeering conspiracy in South Carolina history. The indictment alleges a sprawling criminal enterprise whereby inmates with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), often by means of contraband cell phones, orchestrated murder, kidnapping, firearms distribution, and an international drug operation.

Specifically, the grand jury charged 17 of the defendants with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a statute designed to eliminate organized crime and prosecute the racketeering activities of these organizations. Several of the crimes alleged in the indictment were charged under the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) statute, which makes it a crime for a person to commit any of a list of violent crimes in return for, among other things, maintaining or increasing position within the enterprise. Of the 40 defendants, 24 defendants were charged in the initial indictment in this case for conduct related to their alleged roles in the enterprise’s drug trafficking organization.

“The defendants allegedly operated a violent and lucrative drug enterprise on behalf of the Insane Gangster Disciples while incarcerated,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “The department is committed to investigating and prosecuting gang-related crimes no matter where they occur, including holding those accountable who engage in criminal activity while in prison.”

“To anyone who would try to harm the people of South Carolina with violence, intimidation or extortion, we are coming after you wherever you are,” said United States Attorney McCoy. “Neither pandemic nor prison walls will provide refuge from the full force of the federal government.”

The case began in July 2017 as an investigation by a number of agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, into methamphetamine trafficking and the illegal sale of firearms. The investigation grew and began to focus on the Insane Gangster Disciples (IGD), a branch of the nationwide gang Folk Nation.

According to the indictment, several IGD members, while SCDC inmates and with the assistance of others on the outside, ran a drug empire from prison using contraband cell phones and other means.  Further, the indictment alleges that several IGD members in prison ordered violent retaliatory measures against those they believed were providing information to law enforcement and against individuals they believed had stolen drug proceeds or owed money to the gang.  It is alleged these violent acts, to include murder and kidnapping, were often carried out by IGD members outside the jails. Additionally, the 101-page indictment alleges that to perpetuate the enterprise and to maintain and extend its power, members and associates of the gang committed, attempted to commit, and conspired to commit, additional acts such as armed robbery, extortion, arson, assault and battery, drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

“While the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina has a long and respected history of seeking justice for victims of crime, in the past year, my office has taken an even deeper look into the violence of organized crime and drug gangs,” United States Attorney McCoy added.  “As such, we have sought and received some of the harshest sentences of any U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.  Be it in jail or on the outside, organized crime organizations in South Carolina will be sought out as aggressively as the law allows.”

“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation aimed at taking down an alleged criminal operation of historic reach in our states,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Vince Pallozzi.  “The brazen criminal acts charged fueled gun violence and drug trafficking in numerous counties and cities.  To shut down this alleged operation is a major win for public safety in South Carolina.”

“This alleged vast and brazen criminal enterprise only could have been dismantled by a united and dedicated team of law enforcement officers from across this state,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic.  “The FBI is proud to be part of that team.  We will see this investigation through and will remain vigilant to identify and arrest all those who try to destroy our communities through violence and drug trafficking.”

“As alleged in the indictments, illegal cell phones enabled these inmates to operate a sophisticated, international drug trafficking ring from inside prison walls,” said Bryan Stirling, Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections.  “We cannot ensure the public is safe from criminals until states are allowed to jam cell phone signals.  We need Congress to act on this pressing public safety issue and schedule a hearing on the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act.”

“This case is another example of how joint cooperation, sharing of information, and good communication between state, federal, and local agencies can be most productive for the cause of justice in South Carolina,” said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who thanked all the state, federal, and local agencies involved in this joint investigation, including the contributions of State Grand Jury Division staff.

“It goes without saying that the success of this case would not have materialized if it weren’t for the intentional open line of communication between all the agencies involved,” said Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis. “The tremendous collaboration between agencies and their willingness to put the success of the investigation above all else is a testament to the professionalism in our state and I am so proud to be a part of this law enforcement family.”

“I’m proud of the cooperation of law enforcement involved in this case and the officers from our agency,” said Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller.  “The criminals who desire to prey on our citizens should know we stand ready to pursue them relentlessly using all available resources at the local, state and federal level to hold them accountable for violating the law.”

“This case is a result of hard work and long hours,” said Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds.  “I’m proud of the hard work by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.  I’m also glad for the team effort of all involved to achieve these results.”

“We are proud to have worked with all the participating local, state and federal agencies to get a high volume of drugs and guns off the street,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon.  “Communities are safer because of all the cooperation between agencies.  With strong relationships in place, we can really make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”

“Criminals will realize that law enforcement agencies work together,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.  “And even if they try to take advantage of jurisdictional lines, they will not get away with their misdeeds.  No matter how long it takes, we will get them.”

“The interagency partnership in this case was unprecedented and has increased the safety of not only our community but those throughout the state as well,” said Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride.

“Once again, we see the tremendous cooperation of law enforcement in South Carolina,” said Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark.  “Our professional narcotics agents across the state work tirelessly to make these arrests and fight the war on drugs in our communities.”

The following defendants have been charged in the indictment for conduct related to their alleged roles in the RICO conspiracy and/or related crimes: 

• Matthew J. Ward, a/k/a “Bones,” 36, of Lexington;
• Rebecca Martinez, 33, of Lexington;
• Cynthia Rooks, 52, of Lexington;
• Richard Ford, 62, of Lexington;
• Amber Hoffman, 26, of Lexington;
• Samuel Dexter Judy, 29, of Lexington;
• Brian Bruce, 48, of West Columbia;
• Montana Barefoot, 25, of Lexington;
• John Johnson, 36, of Gaston;
• Kelly Still, 43, of Windsor;
• Benjamin Singleton, 46, of Lexington;
• Kayla Mattoni, 38, of Lexington;
• Alexia Youngblood, 38, of Lexington;
• Clifford Kyzer, 35, of Lexington;
• Kelly Jordan, 34, of Williamston;
• Mark Edward Slusher, 46, of Lexington;
• Robert Figueroa, 43, of West Columbia;
• Tiffanie Brooks, 36, of Columbia;
• Crystal Nicole Bright, 40, of Lexington;
• Brittney Shae Stephens, 32, of Anderson;
• Arian Grace Jeane, 26, of Greenville;
• Lisa Marie Costello, 43, of Gaffney;
• Aaron Corey Sprouse, 29, of Gaffney;
• Matthew Edward Clark, 41, of York;
• James Robert Peterson, a/k/a/ “Man Man,” 32, of Gaffney;
• Edward Gary Akridge, a/k/a “G9,” a/k/a “G9 the Don,” a/k/a/ “Eddie Boss,” 28, of Greenville;
• Aaron Michael Carrion, a/k/a “Cap G,” 28, of Lexington;
• Heather Henderson Orrick, 33, of Greenville;
• Virginia Ruth Ryall, 43, of Gastonia, North Carolina;
• Lisa Marie Bolton, 32, of Dallas, North Carolina;
• Catherine Amanda Ross, 28, of Gaffney;
• Brandon Lee Phillips, a/k/a “Lil B,” 36, of Gaffney;
• Billy Wayne Ruppe, 55, of Gaffney;
• Windy Brooke George, 21, of Gaffney;
• Juan Rodriguez, a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 40, of Woodruff;
• Jonathan Eugene Merchant, a/k/a/ “Merck,” 27, of Laurens;
• Joshua Lee Scott Brown, 23, of Greenville;
• Jennifer Sorgee, 36, of Easley;
• Alex Blake Payne, 28, of Greenville; and
• Sally Williams Burgess, a/k/a “Cricket,” 37, of Greenville.

 

Of these defendants, Ward, Peterson, Akridge, and Rodriguez were serving sentences in SCDC at the time the alleged crimes were committed.

Every defendant charged in the RICO conspiracy faces the potential penalty of life in prison due to sentencing enhancements through IGD’s involvement in murders and significant drug trafficking. Additionally, the defendants charged with murder in aid of racketeering and kidnapping in aid of racketeering also face life imprisonment. There are additional penalties for those charged with firearms crimes, drug crimes, robbery, and assault.

In connection with the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 130 firearms, and various quantities of heroin and fentanyl. 

The case was investigated by the ATF, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, SCDC, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Seventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office also assisted with the case.

The prosecutors on the case are Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Holloway and Brandi Hinton, of the Greenville office, Special Assistant United States Attorney Casey Rankin with the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Department of Justice (DOJ) Trial Attorney Lisa Man, and Principal Deputy Kim Dammers with DOJ’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

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

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

#####

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

 

igd_-_rico_vicar_-_dsc_-_indictment.pdf

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, December 10, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., at the South Carolina Department of Corrections Headquarters, located at 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

Represented at the press conference will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC); South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED); Anderson County Sheriff’s Office; Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; Greenville County Sheriff’s Office; Laurens County Sheriff’s Office; Lexington County Sheriff’s Department; and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

WHEN:      Tomorrow, Thursday, December 10, 2020, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:    South Carolina Department of Corrections Headquarters

                       4444 Broad River Road

                       Columbia, SC 29210

NOTES:       Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Derek A. Shoemake, 843-813-0982. 

Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather in the SCDC Recruiting Office parking lot (also located at 4444 Broad River Road) at 1:30 p.m., 30 minutes in advance of the press conference. 

Additionally, due to security protocols at the location, while not required to attend, it is asked that each outlet provide name(s) of the journalists coming to the press conference by 11:00 a.m. EST tomorrow, Thursday, December 10, by email to Michael.Mule2@usdoj.gov.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kerry Trent Kinard, 49, of Bamberg, South Carolina, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint and charged with making material false statements in connection to the attempted acquisition of a firearm.

Kinard had his initial appearance on the federal charge before United States Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges, where the court scheduled a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing for Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 10:00am. At this time, Kinard remains in custody. 

According to the complaint, on November 5, 2020, a Bamberg County Grand Jury returned seven felony indictments against Kinard related to the sexual abuse of children over the course of numerous years, as alleged in those indictments. The complaint further alleges Kinard was on notice that he was under felony indictment as a result of the presiding South Carolina Court of General Sessions judge’s initial denial of bond citing the “unreasonable danger to the community” Kinard’s release would then represent, as a result of Kinard’s participation in numerous hearings on the state felony charges, and as a result of Governor Henry McMaster’s suspension of Kinard from service on the Bamberg County Council following the indictments.

As further alleged in the complaint, on October 27, 2020, after finding that Kinard represented a credible threat to the physical safety of a petitioner and that Kinard used or threatened to use physical force expected to cause bodily injury, a presiding South Carolina Family Court judge entered a protective order restraining Kinard from threatening or using physical force against the petitioner.  The complaint alleges Kinard was also on notice that he was subject to such an order as a result of his participation in the hearing on the protective order.

The complaint alleges that, while out on bond, under seven felony indictments, and subject to a protective order, Kinard entered a federally licensed firearms dealer and made two false statements material to the lawfulness of the sale in an attempt to acquire a firearm.  On December 3, 2020, Kinard attempted to acquire a Taurus, Model G3 9mm pistol from a firearm dealer in Columbia.  In the course of doing so, the complaint alleges Kinard made two false statements in violation of federal law: Kinard falsely claimed he was not under felony indictment and Kinard claimed he was not subject to a protective order.  The complaint alleges that both false statements were material in that if he had answered truthfully, the sale would have been unlawful and therefore denied.

The maximum penalty for this offense is ten years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who brought the federal criminal complaint, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels of the Columbia Office.

United States Attorney McCoy stated that all charges in this case are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

#####

 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

kinard-_unsealed_complaint.pdf

 

Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Eric Martin Scott, Jr., 25, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On March 21, 2017, Scott was pulled over for a traffic offense, and a 9mm pistol was located in his car.  At the time, Scott was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.  It was also established that Scott was an Armed Career Criminal because he had at least three prior serious drug felonies. This subjected him to a sentence of at least 15 years of imprisonment, and up to life.

“Keeping our communities safe is a top priority of our office,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “Mount Pleasant, the Lowcountry, and our State are safer knowing that this career armed criminal will remain behind bars for the foreseeable future.  Our office will continue to seek harsh punishments for those with a blatant disregard for the law and who consistently put our law enforcement officers and neighbors in danger.”

United States District Court Judge David C. Norton sentenced Scott to 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Williams of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

#####

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that federal, state, and local law enforcement officers charged 16 individuals in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that operated out of the Midlands region of South Carolina.  An additional defendant was charged in a related case with violations of federal firearms laws. Charges against the 17 follow federal charges against five additional defendants in related cases, four of whom have been convicted. 

A joint team of more than 55 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers made eight arrests in the case today.  Four defendants were already in custody, and five defendants remain at large.  The arrested defendants were arraigned before the Honorable Shiva V. Hodges, United States Magistrate Judge, in Columbia.

The charges follow a more than two-year long investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement into a fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine distribution ring in the Lancaster area. The investigation resulted in the seizure of various quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, 16 firearms, and ammunition. 

“Operations like these leave our communities safer and more stable than they were before; the people of South Carolina deserve nothing less,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “We will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle large-scale, organized drug-dealing organizations, which cause untold levels of harm to end users, their families, and their communities.”

“This focused and collaborative effort was designed to make a long-lasting impact on the level of gun violence and criminal activity in Lancaster County,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Vince Pallozzi. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we have taken a number of violent individuals out of the community throughout this investigation and made significant progress in on-going efforts to decrease gun violence.”

“Today was a good day in Lancaster County,” said Sheriff Barry S. Faile. “Our Drug Task Force agents, along with agents from several of our state and federal partners, have been working for many months on investigating this alleged wide-ranging conspiracy. I appreciate the help we got from all quarters in bringing this operation to a close.”

The indictment charges 47 counts alleging violations of federal narcotics, firearm, and counterfeit laws for conduct spanning from February 2017 to present.  Specifically, the indictment returned by a federal Grand Jury alleges defendants distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, and that some defendants violated federal firearms laws including by possessing or using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. 

The following defendants have been charged in the Indictment for conduct related to their alleged roles in the drug trafficking organization: 

• Clarence Grover Kirk III, 38, of Rock Hill;
• William Earl Belk, 29, of Lancaster;
• Celeste Allen Pardue, 47, of Lancaster;
• Rachell Nichole House, 32, of Lancaster;
• Berry Allen McIlwain Jr., 30, of Lancaster;
• Richard Hopkins, 30, of Lancaster;
• Christopher Lynn Love, 44, of Lancaster;
• Scott Charles Catledge Jr., 27, of Lancaster;
• Dustin Robert Barton, 33, of Lancaster;
• Ezekiel T. Williams, 23, of Lancaster; and
• Larry Christopher Craig, 50, of Lancaster.

In a related case, Dennis Lee Williams, 29, of Lancaster, was charged with violating federal firearms laws.

The case was a joint investigation by the ATF and Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, who were assisted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Lancaster Police Department, and the Sixth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin B. Holloway, Elliott B. Daniels, Winston I. Marosek, and Michael O’Mara of the Columbia and Greenville offices are prosecuting the case.

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

#####

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that SCANA Corp. and its subsidiary SCE&G have agreed to settle the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit charging them with defrauding investors by making false and misleading statements about the nuclear plant expansion that was ultimately abandoned.  The proposed settlement, which remains subject to court approval, would require SCANA to pay a $25 million penalty and require SCANA and SCE&G to pay $112.5 million in disgorgement plus prejudgment interest.

“Shareholders were deceived by SCANA and robbed of millions upon millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy.  “I am hopeful that, along with the criminal charges brought forward by our office, this multimillion dollar civil fine and penalty shows that no person or organization is above the law.”

The SEC’s complaint filed in February 2020 alleged that SCANA, SCE&G, and two former senior executives misled investors by claiming that a project to build two nuclear units would qualify the company for more than $1 billion in tax credits when they knew the project was far behind schedule and therefore unlikely to qualify for the tax credits.  The complaint alleged that the false statements and omissions boosted SCANA’s stock price and enabled it to raise rates on customers and sell more than $1 billion in bonds.  In mid-2017, SCANA announced it was scrapping the project and, according to the complaint, investors lost hundreds of millions of dollars when the truth was revealed.

“The securities laws require public companies and their senior executives to speak truthfully in their statements to investors,” said Justin Jeffries, Associate Director of the SEC’s Atlanta Regional Office.  “This settlement holds SCANA and SCE&G accountable for their alleged fraud and reinforces that companies must not deceive investors.”

The SEC’s complaint, filed in federal court in South Carolina, charged SCANA, SCE&G, SCANA’s former CEO Kevin Marsh and former executive vice president Stephen Byrne with violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws.  The complaint charged SCANA, SCE&G and Marsh with reporting violations.  Without admitting or denying the allegations, SCANA and SCE&G agreed to a permanent injunction and to pay $112.5 million in disgorgement plus prejudgment interest, which will be deemed satisfied by SCANA and SCE&G’s settlement payments and related rate payer and shareholder litigation.  SCANA also agreed to pay a $25 million penalty. The litigation against Marsh and Byrne is still ongoing.

The case was handled in the District of South Carolina by Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Warren and James Leventis, while Justin Jeffries, Graham Loomis, Natalie Brunson, H.B. Robson, and John O’Halloran of the Atlanta Regional Office handled the litigation for the SEC.

#####

 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a joint team of more than 85 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 18 individuals who have been charged in federal court for their roles in an interstate drug trafficking organization that operated out of Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Florence, South Carolina. Three other defendants were already in custody on related charges. Five additional defendants remain at large.

These arrests mark the first in Operation New Optix, the latest iteration in a series of joint federal/local investigations targeting drugs and violent crime in Myrtle Beach and the greater Pee Dee region.  This multi-year operation specifically targeted members of this drug trafficking organization based on their interstate importation of large quantities of cocaine and cocaine base (commonly referred to as “crack cocaine”) into South Carolina, and their use of firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes.

“As this office has made clear time and again, violent criminals will find no safe harbor in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “More than 80 federal, state, and local agents stepped into harm’s way this morning. This type of selflessness and cooperation is why we have been successful in charging hundreds of individuals for major drug trafficking crimes or serious firearms offenses in the last several months alone. These types of operations specifically target entire criminal organizations, which in turn allow us to protect communities in the Pee Dee region and across South Carolina.”

“Citizens in Myrtle Beach, Conway and Florence are safer when violent cocaine traffickers can no longer peddle poison in their communities,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “While the charges in this case speak for themselves, dangerous drug trafficking organizations using firearms to protect their operations needlessly endanger the public. DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting communities from violent drug traffickers.”

“The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has a long and proud history of working with state, local and federal partners to keep illegal narcotics off of our streets and we will continue to support those efforts,” said Florence County Sheriff Billy Barnes.  “We are pleased to have been a part of this most successful operation.” 

“I want to thank our officers and our law enforcement partners for their hard work,” said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. “Here in Myrtle Beach, the local, state and federal partners are committed to keeping our community safe. This case demonstrates that commitment and the strength of the partnerships we have as a law enforcement community.”

The following defendants are in custody: 

• Shackeel Coleman, 29, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment. 

 

• Kimo Felton, 41, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment. 

 

• Harry Bellamy, 41, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 28 grams of cocaine base, and a quantity of marijuana.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment. 

 

• Steven Jeffcoat, 30, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 28 grams of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to Life imprisonment. 

 

• Lenard Hemingway, 53, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Yenitza Coleman, 27, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Jasamine Mitchell, 32, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Timothy McCray, 31, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment

 

• Henry Boyd, 39, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Timothy Lee, 27, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Jacqueline Strickland, 59, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Venson Strickland, 29, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• James Graham, 30, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

 

• Alonzo Lee Pierce, 37, of Galivants Ferry is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Gary Jackson, 30, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Alton Brown, 41, of Florence is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

 

• Joshua Darby, 32, of Murrells Inlet is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

 

• Travis Rogers, 40, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Kevin Linnen, 33, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

 

• Mario Williams, 41, of Florence is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

 

• Robert Hooker, 40, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

 

The following defendants are still at large:

• Bradley Adams, 26, of Myrtle Beach is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment. 

 

• Brandon Prawl, 35, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.  

 

• Quentin Smith, 29, of Conway is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.  This charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment.  He is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime which carries a potential penalty of 5 years consecutive to any other penalty imposed. 

 

• Curtis McArthur, 35, of Longs is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 
   
• Ernest Smalls Jr, 38, of Little River is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine.  This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. 

 

This operation builds on years of successful efforts to target violent crime in the area.  In 2017, Operation Silver Sunset targeted 29 associates of the Billy Bloods street gang, a subset of the United Blood Nation.  In 2018, Operation Rise and Shine targeted 33 associates of G-Shine/SMG, another subset of the Bloods.  Earlier in 2020, Operation Broken Branch targeted 31 members of a drug trafficking organization in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County.  Today’s arrests mark the latest, but not the last, investigation targeting violent crime in this area. 

During the course of this investigation, agents interdicted multiple kilograms of cocaine before it was distributed.  Agents also seized additional drugs and firearms in connection with today’s arrests.

Agents of the Florence Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led this investigation with significant participation from the following agencies: Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, North Myrtle Beach Police Department, Florence County Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations Group, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Conway Police Department, and Horry County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case in coordination with the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Operation New Optix is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, December, 1, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., at the Myrtle Beach Emergency Operations Center / Myrtle Beach Fire Station 4 at 1170 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach SC 29577

Represented at the press conference will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina; Myrtle Beach Police Department; North Myrtle Beach Police Department; Horry County Police Department; and Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

WHEN:          Tomorrow, December 1, in Myrtle Beach, 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:       Myrtle Beach Emergency Operations/Myrtle Beach Fire Station 4

                         1170 Howard Avenue

                         Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

 NOTE:  Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Derek A. Shoemake, 843-813-0982.  Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather outside the Myrtle Beach Police Department Annex at 2 p.m., 30 minutes in advance.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Marcus Dwayne Grissett, 37, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute and distributing heroin. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 28, 2019, officers from the Myrtle Beach Police Department Street Crimes Unit used a confidential informant to make a controlled drug purchase from Grissett.  After being provided with police funds to make the purchase, the informant traveled to a parking lot and waited for Grissett’s arrival.  After a short phone conversation with the informant, Grissett arrived and entered the informant’s vehicle.  The informant then exchanged police funds for a tan powdery substance in a plastic bag and a tan powdery substance in 60 individually packaged wax slips, all of which were later confirmed by a chemist to contain heroin. 

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Grissett to 144 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Trent Jerrod Daniels, 33, of Columbia, was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 8, 2018, deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department were conducting surveillance on Abbott Road after receiving information about drug dealing in the area. Deputies observed what they believed to be drug deals between an individual in a vehicle and others in the roadway. Thereafter, deputies attempted a traffic stop on the driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Daniels. A high-speed chase ensued, and officers saw Daniels throwing a bag out of the car window. Ultimately, the vehicle was stopped on Shop Road and South Beltline Boulevard. Deputies recovered the bag and found inside a loaded Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun, marijuana, and digital scales. A small quantity of crack cocaine was found in the vehicle, and counterfeit money was found in Daniels’ pocket. Daniels admitted to distributing marijuana and crack cocaine earlier on Abbott Road and to throwing the bag containing the marijuana and loaded gun out of the car during the chase. Daniels also admitted to purchasing the firearm off the street as he knew he was prohibited from possessing one.

Daniels, who was on state parole at the time of the instant offense, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree (two separate counts), use of a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission, grand larceny (two separate counts), strong arm robbery, and distribution of crack cocaine.

United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Daniels to 130 months in federal prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

A ballistics analysis through National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) revealed that the Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun was linked to shell casings recovered at an unsolved December 2017 burglary in Richland County. NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin .

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the prosecution.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Brandon Thompson, 33, of Columbia, was sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on the early morning hours of December 30, 2017, deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call referencing a home invasion on Maple View Drive. Upon approaching the residence, deputies noticed the door open, entered the home, and found two armed men, Brandon Thompson and his co-defendant Quintrell Morris. After detaining both Thompson and Morris, deputies located a female, who had been tied up, and her children, one of whom had called 911. The female advised that they had forced her to open a safe and give them the money from it. Deputies seized a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun from Thompson and a loaded Bushmaster AR-15 .223 caliber assault rifle from Morris. A ballistic vest was also seized from Thompson’s vehicle, which was located nearby. The investigation revealed that Thompson and Morris went to this home in an effort to rob the homeowners of proceeds from various businesses they operated.

Thompson was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for armed robbery, assault with intent to kill, and carjacking. At the time of the federal offense, Thompson had just been released from state prison nine months earlier after serving a 14-year sentence.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Thompson to 262 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Co-defendant Morris previously plead guilty to his role and was sentenced to 272 months imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Joshua Aaron Spencer, 34, of Columbia, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that during the early morning hours of August 18, 2018, Spencer broke into Decker Jewelry and Pawn on Decker Boulevard in Columbia and stole 16 firearms. Evidence recovered at the scene, including DNA evidence, implicated Spencer in the crime. Three of the stolen firearms have since been recovered, one in Washington, D.C., and the other two in Richland County. 

Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, Spencer faced a guidelines range of 46 to 57 months imprisonment. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Spencer to 48 months in federal prison to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, and $9,600 in restitution.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the prosecution.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- A federal jury sitting in Asheville, North Carolina, has convicted Siva K. Durbesula, 28, of India, of abusive sexual contact aboard an airplane, in a jointly prosecuted case that began in the District of South Carolina and culminated in the Western District of North Carolina, announced Peter M. McCoy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, and R. Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

“Every person deserves to feel safe when they travel, and that someone would violate that safety through sexual assault is reprehensible. Those who engage in this type of behavior will be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I applaud the courage of the witnesses in the case to step forward. I also appreciate the great work by U.S. Attorney Murray and his team to ensure the defendant’s conviction.”

According to filed court documents, witness testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Durbesula was a passenger aboard Spirit Airlines Flight NK843 from Chicago O’Hare to Myrtle Beach International Airport on June 23, 2019, when he sexually assaulted the 22-year-old woman seated next to him. Specifically, the victim testified that Durbesula repeatedly pulled her toward him and rubbed her breast. After the flight crew separated Durbesula from his victim, he asked to return to his former seat so he could speak to her again. Witnesses to the events aboard the airplane included the lead flight attendant and an unaccompanied minor sitting next to the victim.

The jury also heard from a previous victim of Durbesula. She testified that on March 21, 2019, aboard a subway train in New York City, Durbesula sat immediately next to her although there were empty seats throughout the train car. The previous victim, who was pregnant at the time, testified that shortly after he sat down, Durbesula began groping her breast. She was able to record cell phone video of Durbesula exiting the train after the assault, which was admitted at trial.

The case was a particularly challenging logistical feat, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally indicted in the District of South Carolina, the case was transferred to the Western District of North Carolina for trial after Durbesula agreed that the plane travelled over North Carolina and venue was appropriate in that state. Witnesses in the case came from North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, and Arkansas to testify.

Durbesula is currently in custody. At sentencing, the charge carries a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison, and Durbesula faces deportation.

In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorneys McCoy and Murray thanked the Horry County Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their work in investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina in Asheville, and Derek A. Shoemake, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina in Florence, are prosecuting the case. Victim-Witness Coordinators Lynne Crout, with the Western District of North Carolina, and Clarissa Whaley, with the District of South Carolina, provided assistance for the two victims and witnesses across six states.    

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

 

 

Greenville, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate Richard Gilbert in connection with a murder-for-hire plot.  According to the indictment, Gilbert, who was serving time at a federal prison in Edgefield for trafficking methamphetamine in Bowling Green, Kentucky, sought to hire a hitman to kill the federal prosecutor and a key witness from his Kentucky case.

The charges stem from an undercover operation during which Gilbert, from a contraband cell phone in prison, communicated with an undercover task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who was posing as a hitman.  According to the indictment, following multiple recorded phone calls, Gilbert sent the undercover officer a $2,000 check from his prison canteen account as a down payment for the retaliatory murder-for-hire.  Masking the true purpose of this payment, Gilbert attempted to mislead BOP officials by misrepresenting the payment as being for an “investment firm.”

“Those who seek violent retribution on law enforcement and individuals who assist law enforcement will held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Violence is a plague on our society that can only be cured with the faithful commitment of dedicated law enforcement officers and prosecutors. We must remember that they put their lives on the line every day to ensure the laws of our society are applied.”

Gilbert is charged with murder-for-hire, retaliation against an informant, and money laundering.  According to the indictment, Gilbert drew maps of where he believed the witness from Kentucky lived and provided direction to the undercover officer, posing as the hitman, on how to avoid detection by nearby surveillance cameras.  The Indictment further alleged that Gilbert, who owns several pieces of real property in Kentucky, planned to use the income from two of his rental properties to facilitate the attempted murder-for-hire and retaliation plot—and additionally had plans to use the value of his ownership stake in other land to pay for the murder of the federal prosecutor from Kentucky.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the BOP Special Operations Response Team and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May, Justin Holloway, and Will Jordan.

The United States Attorney stated all charges in this case are merely accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department announced today that the Town of Irmo, South Carolina, has agreed to pay $25,000 to a homeowner with a disability as part of a settlement agreement resolving the government’s Fair Housing Act (FHA) lawsuit. 

The department’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina in November 2018, alleged that the town violated the FHA by refusing to allow the Irmo homeowner to build a carport adjacent to her home to accommodate her physical disability. According to the complaint, the homeowner, after falling and suffering injuries on several occasions outside her home, applied for a zoning variance in 2016 to build a carport to protect her driveway and mobility ramp in inclement weather and prevent future falls; the town summarily denied the variance. The homeowner filed a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which conducted an investigation and referred the matter to the Justice Department.

“The homeowner in this case requested a simple, straightforward, and reasonable accommodation: to build a carport adjacent to her own single-family home so she would be protected from the elements and could safely enter and exit her home. She should not have been forced to wait three years for this accommodation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement is a reminder that the Justice Department is committed to working tirelessly to enforce the Fair Housing Act and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The department’s lawsuit should also serve as a warning that federal law protects the right of persons with disabilities to be secure in their homes and that the Justice Department will do whatever is necessary to protect that right.”

“This office will take action to protect those with disabilities,” said Peter M. McCoy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “This settlement not only compensates an individual who was initially prevented from making reasonable accommodations for her disability, but it helps ensure that those in similar situations are protected in the future.”

“Today’s settlement is a victory for persons with disabilities, who often need basic modifications to their living space in order to fully utilize and enjoy the place they call home,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD will continue to work with the Justice Department to take appropriate action when a municipality’s housing practices violate the law.”

After the department filed the lawsuit, the town adopted an ordinance allowing persons with disabilities to request reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services to afford them an equal opportunity to use or enjoy their home. More than a year later, the town finally granted the homeowner’s reasonable accommodation request and allowed her to build a carport so she could live safely in her home. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the town is prohibited from engaging in future disability discrimination or interfering with the homeowner’s use of her carport, and town officials must participate in fair-housing training and report to the department any denial of a request for a reasonable accommodation.

The federal FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

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         The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Amy Marie Mishoe, 33, of Conway, was sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on April 11, 2018, the Horry County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) executed a state search warrant at Mishoe’s house in Conway.  During the search, DEU found firearms, ammunition, and 132 tablets of Oxycodone. 

On March 26, 2019, Loris Police Department responded to a store in Loris in reference to a possible overdose of an individual.  The individual’s girlfriend told the officers she and her boyfriend went to a woman’s house, who the individual later identified as Mishoe, to get the individual’s prescribed medication that had been picked up.  However, Mishoe would not give the individual his medication because he owed Mishoe money.  Instead, Mishoe gave the individual three small blue pills for $30.00.  The individual took one of the pills and thereafter had to be transported to the Loris Emergency Department for treatment.  The Loris Police Department retrieved one of the three pills the individual had purchased from Mishoe, and an analysis by the Horry County Police Department Drug Laboratory confirmed the pill contained Fentanyl. 

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Mishoe to 138 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, DEU, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), Loris Police Department, and Horry County Police Department. 

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

Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Mary Denham, 61, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute Heroin.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on January 15 to January 16, 2019, the Myrtle Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at Denham’s residence in Myrtle Beach.  During the search, officers found 39 individual balloons of Heroin. 

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Denham to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and Myrtle Beach Police Department. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Hummel and Justin Holloway prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today more than $4.5 million in Department of Justice grants to fight and prevent violent crime in the District of South Carolina. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), are part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.

“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”

“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”

“Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in communities throughout South Carolina and continue this office’s mission to keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Our efforts in combatting and reducing violent crime are only possible because of the great work of our state and local partners. These funds provide assistance to these team members so we can continue our critical work.”

Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.

OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

The following organizations in South Carolina received funding:

• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division: $2,271,078
• City of Spartanburg: $1,000,000
• City of Myrtle Beach: $700,000
• Commission on Prosecution Coordination: $340,000
• Horry County Government: $265,258

For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gary Blair Shaffer, former Chief of the City of Manning Police Department, was sentenced to a year in federal prison for stealing nearly $80,000 in seized cash in 2015. 

“Those who are sworn to uphold the law must lead by example. The Defendant here dishonored his oath, violated the public’s trust, and deserved his federal prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “As this case shows, no one is above the law. This office will not allow those who are supposed to protect our community to take advantage of the people of South Carolina.”

Evidence presented to the court showed that, as Chief of Police, Shaffer had unfettered access to the Manning Police Department’s facilities and evidence rooms.  On September 12, 2015, following a traffic stop in which drugs and nearly $80,000 in cash were seized, the drugs and money were placed in the Manning Police Department Evidence Room.  Beginning a week later, Shaffer began making large cash deposits, ranging between $500 and $5,000, in a series of separate transactions.  Between September 19, 2015, and November 10, 2015, Shaffer deposited $78,514 in cash into his personal banking account. All of this money was stolen from the evidence room. 

After a tip was reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shaffer was contacted by law enforcement officers and falsely denied stealing the money. He deceived officials a second time, before ultimately being charged with, and pleading guilty to, theft of government funds and making a false statement to law enforcement. 

United States District Judge Bruce Hendricks sentenced Shaffer to one year and a day in federal prison, to be followed by a one-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by Special Agent Aaron Hawkins of the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Brook Andrews prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

The men who bought and sold a 19-year-old woman as a “sex slave” have been charged with human trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.

Following an intensive investigation, Alfonso Orozco Juarez, 35, and Robert Hubert, 66, were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Mr. Juarez was arrested at his home in Dallas and made his initial appearance in court in Dallas on Wednesday; Mr. Hubert was arrested at his home in Roebuck, SC, and made his initial appearance in court in Greenville, SC last week.

“This victim endured horrific abuse at the hands of these defendants.  It’s unthinkable and frankly, difficult to learn that this type of thing is happening in our District,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.  “I am grateful that our North Texas Human Trafficking Task Force was able to act swiftly and aggressively.  The Northern District of Texas and its partners in the District of New Mexico are committed to ending the scourge of human trafficking, one brutal case at a time.”

“Anyone that is involved in human trafficking activities – either as a member of a transnational criminal organization, a business owner exploiting his/her employees, or a street level pimp  – should be viewed as a vicious predator. These despicable people who enrich themselves by exploiting the innocent have no place amongst law-abiding citizens and HSI will always combat it with every resource at our disposal.  We will continue to collaborate with any law enforcement agency at any level of government in our shared efforts to bring human traffickers to justice,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Dallas.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed yesterday afternoon, Mr. Juarez contacted the Santa Fe-based victim via a dating app in 2019. In September 2019, they met in person inside a Dallas motel room, where Mr. Juarez pistol whipped the victim, bruising her hand and jaw. He later gave her a “slave name” and threatened to kill her and her family if she did not consent to being sold for sex. At one point, Mr. Juarez pointed an unloaded gun at her head and pulled the trigger.

After repeatedly selling the victim for commercial sex, Mr. Juarez advertised her as a  “slave” on a fetishism website, where he offered to sell her to the highest bidder. Mr. Hubert, screen name “The Darkest Lord,” offered $5,000. 

In text messages with Mr. Hubert, Mr. Juarez referred to the victim as “the property” and bragged that she “submitted fully” after he “pistol whip[ped]” her.

“She’s totally dependent on me,” he wrote.

“SWEET,” Mr. Hubert responded. “I will take the slave.”

The men met up at a gas station in Dallas, where Mr. Hubert put the victim in his car to drive her to his home in South Carolina. After Mr. Hubert clamped a metal collar around her neck, threatened to brand her, and provided her with a list of “fetishes he likes,” the victim texted Mr. Juarez, pleading for help: 

“I’m afraid if I don’t do something, he’s going to hurt me,” she said.

“Endure what you have to,” he responded. “He’ll punish you whip you . . . but not kill you.”

When they reached Mr. Hubert’s residence — where there was a room he described as a “dungeon”—Mr. Hubert required the victim to remove her clothes and “be naked all the time.”  Terrified, the victim persuaded Mr. Hubert to let her call her parents.

The victim’s father begged Mr. Hubert to let his daughter go, but Mr. Hubert informed him that he had purchased the victim for $5,000 and demanded $5,000 back in exchange for her safe return. He even sent the victim’s father a “contract,” signed by both Mr. Juarez and Mr. Hubert, as proof of the “sale.” Eventually, Mr. Hubert relented, and the victim was able to escape by bus. 

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Juarez and Mr. Hubert are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If convicted, both face up to life in federal prison.

Homeland Security Investigations and the North Texas Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation with substantial support from the Crime Strategies Unit with the 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office in Albuquerque, NM. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Briggs and Rebekah Ricketts of the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia Simms of the District of New Mexico.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Darnell Seagers, also known as “Bam Bam,” 30, of Charleston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of multiple counts of being a felon in possession of firearms, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

“With this lengthy sentence, a violent criminal is off the streets, a drug trafficking organization has been hobbled, and the local community is safer,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “The Defendant’s conduct here was especially egregious. He continued his violence well after his arrest by using bribery, threats, and violence to try and derail his case. He was thwarted in these efforts and ultimately convicted thanks to the steadfast work of our federal, state, and local partners.”

“The successful results of this investigation highlight not only the criminal acts violent offenders like Darnell Seagers are willing to commit in furtherance of their drug trafficking organizations, but the relentless commitment of law enforcement to ensure these bad actors are brought to justice,” said Vincent C. Pallozzi, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) Charlotte Field Division. “ATF values its partnership with the Charleston Police Department and will continue to work vigorously with all of our law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of South Carolina.”

“We will continue the all-important work of strategic partnering with our law enforcement partners to better serve the citizens of Charleston,” said Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds. “Cooperation must be the focal point of our effort and cooperative investigation resources must be pooled in more and more cases. Through combined efforts, such as this, career criminals that prey upon our citizens are removed from society making our city safer.”

Evidence presented at the trial showed that Seagers was the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating out of multiple apartments in the Gadsden Green public housing facility in downtown Charleston. Over the course of six months beginning in May of 2018, agents from ATF and officers from the Charleston Police Department used a confidential informant to make and record drug transactions with Seagers and other members of the drug trafficking organization.

During this time, Seagers was arrested on an outstanding warrant for armed robbery by the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force. When deputy marshals arrested Seagers at his wife’s home in Goose Creek, they discovered a loaded stolen handgun and thousands of dollars of cash. Evidence presented at trial showed that shortly after obtaining a bond from the state court on the armed robbery charge, Seagers went right back to selling drugs in Gadsden Green.

In October of 2018, ATF and the Charleston Police Department concluded their investigation and took down the drug trafficking organization. Agents and officers accompanied by a Charleston Police Department SWAT team arrested Seagers and executed a search warrant on the apartment where he was dealing drugs. Law enforcement officers discovered four firearms, a large quantity of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, and pills containing methamphetamine. Four other members of the drug trafficking organization were also arrested and have plead guilty to various federal drug charges.

In the months leading up to his trial, Seagers attempted to interfere with the Government’s case in several ways. Evidence presented to the Court showed that Seagers attempted to bribe one of the Government’s key witnesses not to appear at trial, and Seagers threatened a member of the witness’s family. Additional testimony also showed that Seagers offered to pay a fellow inmate who was scheduled to be released on bond to kill a witness and a codefendant in the case. Despite these efforts, Seagers was convicted on all counts.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Seagers to 240 months in federal prison each, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the ATF, Charleston Police Department, and United States Marshals. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Schoen and Charlie Bourne of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

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

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) is asking community members, parents, and educators of South Carolina students to participate in South Carolina’s 19th Annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence. The year’s Pledge runs from October 26 through October 30.

In light of the current COVID pandemic preventing the USAO from providing speakers to engage in dialogues with students about the need for them to stand up against violence in their schools, the USAO is asking parents, community members, and schools to have a dialogue with children to make sure they know the steps to keep themselves and others safe. Sample pledges are attached to provide talking points for this dialogue depending upon the age of the child. With a focus on keeping schools and communities safe, students in middle school and high school are asked to pledge that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes.  Elementary school children are asked to pledge that if they see a gun they will not touch it, they will tell a teacher or a trusted adult, and they will assume that any gun they see might be loaded.                 

The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national program that recognizes the role young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. The program provides a means for beginning the conversation with young people about gun violence and encourages important conversation among students about gun safety and respectful ways to resolve disputes. For additional information concerning the pledge and other resources, visit the national Student Pledge website at www.pledge.org. 

Additionally, parents are reminded that many local law enforcement agencies have access to free gunlocks available to community members. These are provided to law enforcement, upon their request, by Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program whose purpose is to promote safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearms owners through the distribution of key safety education messages and free gun locking devices.  For additional resources and information concerning gun safety, please visit https://projectchildsafe.org 

This effort is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. More information about PSN is available at https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

 

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Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Davion Marques Toney, 28, of Cheraw, and Antonio Terrell Anderson, 28, of Lamar, were sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Toney was sentenced to 10 years, and Anderson was sentenced to five years.

Evidence presented to the court established that for at least the past three years Toney and Anderson were involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties.  On six separate occasions in 2018 and 2019, Toney sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working for law enforcement.  These controlled purchases took place in Cheraw and Hartsville.  On August 7, 2019, an investigator with the Hartsville Police Department was informed that Anderson, for whom there were active arrest warrants, was in a car in the parking lot of a Hartsville restaurant.  After the investigator found Anderson in the front passenger seat and detained him, the female driver of the car informed the investigator that she had in her possession methamphetamine which Anderson had just given to her to hide.  She then turned over the methamphetamine to the investigator, after which Anderson admitted that the methamphetamine belonged to him.  There were also a significant number of cooperating witnesses who were prepared to testify that during the course of the conspiracy, both Toney and Anderson sold them methamphetamine.  

United States Chief District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Toney to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. Chief Judge Harwell sentenced Anderson to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a four-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 (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hartsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kevin Delane Davis, 46, of Marion, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

Evidence presented to the court established that from 2017 to 2019, Davis was involved in a conspiracy to distribute crack in Marion County.  On three separate occasions in 2019, Davis sold crack to a confidential informant working for law enforcement.  These controlled purchases took place in Marion.  Also, on June 25, 2019, agents executed a search warrant at Davis’s residence in Marion during which they recovered more crack, cash, and digital scales used to weigh drugs.

United States Chief District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Davis to 72 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Marion County Combined Drug Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Kenyada Jaqu, 45, of Columbia, was convicted following a jury trial in federal court for possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. This was the first criminal trial in the District of South Carolina since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This office has not rested in its efforts to protect the people of South Carolina, to uphold the rule of law, and to vigorously prosecute lifelong criminals like Mr. Jaqu. This work will not stop.” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I commend our team’s success, which would not have been possible without the diligent work of the DEA and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.”

“The successful results of this investigation should let career criminals like Mr. Jaqu know that those who flood our streets with dangerous drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, will ultimately be brought to justice,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “DEA remains committed to removing dangerous drug dealers who make a living poisoning our communities.”

“This guy has been a thorn in our side for years,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “He had just been released from state prison on drug charges, when he was arrested by us — again. So, I’m glad that this joint operation has led to charges that will keep him off our streets for a long time.”

Evidence presented by the Government during the three-day trial established that on March 11, 2019, Jaqu was a passenger in a car stopped by a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the deputy located several suspected controlled substances.  Later that day, law enforcement searched a hotel room and a residence associated with Jaqu, where they found two firearms, additional suspected controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia. Additional investigation revealed that Jaqu’s drug trafficking activities stretched back at least as far as March, 2015. Federal law prohibits Jaqu from possessing firearms due to prior state felony convictions for attempted strong arm robbery, distribution of heroin, and possession of heroin.

United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs presided over the trial and will sentence Jaqu after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.  Jaqu faces at least fifteen years in federal prison.  During the trial, the court took additional safety measures in light of the pandemic. Large, plexiglass shields separated the jurors, the movement of attorneys about the courtroom was limited, and attorneys and witnesses wore masks unless they were speaking.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Peavy of the Columbia office and Katherine Flynn of the Florence office are prosecuting the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. today announced $265,258 in Department of Justice funding to hire special prosecutors to try federal firearms cases originating in the Myrtle Beach area. The award supports violence reduction efforts as part of Operation Legend and other Department-led initiatives in cities across the country.

“Keeping its citizens safe is the primary responsibility of government,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Cities plagued by violent crime need the resources to tackle it, and these grant awards will help do that. On the enforcement side, Real Time Crime Centers will make policing more efficient and targeted; and on the prosecution side, Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys will help bring more federal firearms cases to justice.”

Attorney General Barr announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is making up to $5.3 million available in grants to support Operation Legend sites nationwide. More than $1.3 million will fund special prosecutors who have been cross-designated to try federal firearms cases originating in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, these and other Legend cities will be eligible for grant funding to support Real Time Crime Centers. These centers are a considerable financial investment for any law enforcement agency. The funding being made available to each Legend city can assist police departments in purchasing critical equipment and paying for the overtime to keep these centers staffed around the clock.

“We are pleased to support the outstanding work being undertaken through Operation Legend to reduce violent crime by focusing on cases involving illegal firearms,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to make these resources available to support the brave crime-fighters who work so hard to deter violence and keep our communities safe.”

“These funds will be crucial to our efforts to target firearms-related crimes in Myrtle Beach and throughout Horry County, and will help us keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Specifically, this grant will support the hiring of full-time local prosecutors who will be empowered to try firearms cases in federal court here in South Carolina. This is vital for this office, as we are a leading district in cases where defendants charged with firearms-related offenses receive sentences of at least five years or more.”

Prosecuting gun crimes is central to the Justice Department’s strategy under Operation Legend and other violence reduction initiatives led by the Department. These efforts follow a sustained, systematic and coordinated approach to gun violence in which federal law enforcement agencies work closely with state and local officials to fight violent crime. Funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

The Department of Justice launched Operation Legend in July, following the murder of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept in his Kansas City home. The initiative was subsequently expanded from Kansas City to Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Since the summer launch, officials in Operation Legend sites have made more than 5,500 arrests, including approximately 276 for homicide, and seized more than 2,000 firearms. Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses. More than 600 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses.

More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, at locations across South Carolina. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. Here in South Carolina, collection site locations include the following:

• Greenville Memorial Hospital, at 701 Grove Road in Greenville, sponsored by the Greenville Health System Police Department;
   
• Florence County Sheriff’s Office, at 6719 Friendfield Road in Effingham;
   
• Walgreens in Conway, at 1601 Church Street, sponsored by the Conway Police Department;
   
• Grand Strand Medical Center, at 809 82nd Parkway in Myrtle Beach, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Police Department;
   
• City of Columbia Police Department, at 1 Justice Square in Columbia;
   
• Richland County Sheriff’s Department, at 5623 Two Notch Road in Columbia;
   
• CVS in Lexington, at 5608 Sunset Boulevard, sponsored by the Lexington Police Department;
   
• Clyburn Center in Aiken, at 1000 Clyburn Place, sponsored by the Aiken Department of Public Safety;
   
• Tidewater Pharmacy in Mt. Pleasant, at 421 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department; and
   
• Charleston’s Lowcountry Senior Center, at 865 Riverland Drive in Charleston, sponsored by the Charleston Police Department.

“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”

“Even in the midst of the pandemic, DEA’s nineteenth take-back event will allow Americans to safely and properly dispose of their unwanted/unused prescription medications,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. DEA will work hand-in-hand with a number of law enforcement, Tribal and community partners, all in effort to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse.”

South Carolinians participating in last year’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day turned in 11,124 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.

In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. 

DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Frank Smail, Jr., 49, of Round O, and Mike Pellegrini, 58, of North Charleston, were charged in a multi-count federal indictment alleging conspiracy to steal personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston. Smail was also charged with PPE theft, obstruction of justice, and lying to federal agents. According to the indictment, both Smail and Pellegrini worked for FLETC. The case was brought as part of the District of South Carolina’s Hoarding and Price Gouging (HPG) Task Force, and led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“It is tragic that, at a time when PPE is most needed and in short supply, someone would steal this vital equipment from those who train our front-line federal law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “This office will always stand up and protect our law enforcement partners. I appreciate the hard work of the FBI and our HPG Task Force, which worked tirelessly to investigate this case.”

"These charges reflect an alleged betrayal of colleagues and fellow citizens for selfish gain," said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Columbia.  "The FBI and our partners within the HPG Task Force will not rest in our efforts to identify and hold accountable all those who seek to use this global pandemic to commit criminal acts."

“I thank U.S. Attorney McCoy for his diligence in bringing the charges forward.  I am extremely disappointed in the allegations that individuals who are part of the FLETC community may have been involved in the theft of any item,” said FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters.  “I am grateful that we discovered the items missing and that the FBI’s Task Force worked with FLETC’s Office of Professional Responsibility in the investigation.”

According to the indictment, FLETC – which provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals in more than 90 Federal agencies – had a student and instructor test positive for COVID-19 on March 20, 2020. Just three weeks later, the indictment alleges that Smail stole a large amount of FLETC’s PPE supply after he and Pellegrini developed a plan to do so. According to the indictment, the large number of boxes stolen would have required a vehicle to transport and numerous trips to load the boxes. The indictment further alleges that Smail lied to Federal investigators and obstructed the Federal investigation into the PPE theft.

Pellegrini and Smail face up to five years for the conspiracy charge, and Smail faces up to 10 years for the PPE theft charge, up to 20 years for the obstruction charge, and up to five years for the charge of lying to Federal investigators.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and FLETC’s Office of Professional Responsibility as part of the District of South Carolina’s HPG Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johanna Valenzuela and Derek A. Shoemake.

U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force to investigate and prosecute illegal activity involving protective personal equipment.  The Secretary of Health and Human Services issued a notice designating categories of health and medical supplies that must not be hoarded or sold for exorbitant prices.

Anyone wishing to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding, or price-gouging can do so by contacting the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline via phone: (866) 720-5721, or e-mail: disaster@leo.gov.

U.S. Attorney McCoy stated that all charges in this case are merely allegations at this stage and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) John Potterfield and Robert Sneed will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. 

AUSAs Potterfield and Sneed have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of South Carolina and in that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur.  The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.  For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law.  Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. stated that AUSAs/DEOs Potterfield and Sneed will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: for AUSA Potterfield, (803) 929-3092 or (803) 569-7238; and for AUSA Sneed, (864) 282-2100 or (803) 331-2678.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (803) 551-4200.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov.

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

"Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

WASHINGTON – San Diego Christian College (SDCC), based in Santee, California, will pay $225,000 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act for submitting false claims to the U.S. Department of Education in violation of the federal ban on incentive-based compensation, the Justice Department announced today.    

Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) prohibits any institution of higher education that receives federal student aid from compensating student recruiters with a commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based on the recruiters’ success in securing student enrollment.  The incentive compensation ban protects students against admissions and recruitment practices that serve the financial interests of the recruiter rather than the educational needs of the student.

“Higher education enrollment decisions should put students first,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “Offering recruiters financial incentives to enroll students undermines students’ ability to make educational decisions in their own best interests.”

“Colleges should be places for students to learn and grow, not places to be taken advantage of by recruiters watching out for the own financial interests,” said U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. for the District of South Carolina.  “This office will continue its efforts to protect students against illegal recruiting practices.”

“Today’s settlement is a result of the hard work and effort of the Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice to protect and maintain the integrity of the Federal student aid programs,” said Neil Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southern Regional Office.  “We will continue to work together to ensure that Federal student aid funds are used as required by law. America’s taxpayers and students deserve nothing less.”

The settlement, which was based on SDCC’s ability to pay, resolves allegations that between 2014 and 2016, SDCC hired Joined, Inc., a California-based student recruiting company, to recruit students to SDCC.  The United States contended that SDCC compensated Joined with a share of the tuition that SDCC received from the enrollment of recruited students, in violation of the prohibition on incentive compensation. 

The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Maurice Shoe, the co-owner of Joined.  The Act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery.  As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive $33,750.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch.  Investigative assistance was provided by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Shoe v. San Diego Christian College, No. 6:16-cv-01570 (D.S.C.).

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today awards of more than $2.5 million in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in the District of South Carolina. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and are part of more than $341 million going to communities nationwide.

“The addiction crisis has taken an enormous toll on America’s families and communities, eroding public health, threatening public safety and claiming tens of thousands of lives year after year,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Through comprehensive measures taken by this administration, we have been able to curtail the opioid epidemic, but new and powerful drugs are presenting exceptional challenges that we must be prepared to meet. The Justice Department’s substantial investments in enforcement, response, and treatment will help us overcome these challenges and work towards freeing Americans from abuse and addiction.”

Illegal drugs and illicit drug use have claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 Americans since the turn of the century. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl are exacting an enormous toll on families and communities, and an emergence in the use of methamphetamines and other psychostimulants is drawing drug traffickers and driving up overdose rates. Three years ago, President Trump declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this national tragedy. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.

“If we hope to defeat an enemy as powerful, persistent and adaptable as illicit drugs, we must be at least as determined and versatile, focusing our ingenuity and resources on curbing abuse and fighting addiction,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will enable criminal justice officials and substance abuse, mental health and other medical professionals to pool their assets and bring the full weight of our public safety and treatment systems down on this epidemic that has already caused so much harm.”

“As the perils of addiction ravage through the country, the citizens of South Carolina have been hit hard,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “While this office continues to vigorously prosecute those who traffic these addictive substances, it is critical to address other factors surrounding the addiction crisis in South Carolina. These funds do that by providing resources for drug courts, veteran treatment programs, site-based addiction programs, and residential substance abuse treatment.”

Funding is made available through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The following organizations received funding:

• Oconee County: $585,693
• Lancaster County: $590,757
• Colleton County: $483,599
• Richland County: $500,000
• South Carolina Department of Public Safety: $430,032

For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gordon William Brock, III, 49, of Mount Pleasant, and Carlos Ravenel, 37, of North Charleston, were sentenced to 20 years each after pleading guilty to distribution of heroin and fentanyl causing death and serious bodily injury.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on November 20, 2018, Brock distributed heroin and fentanyl to the victim in the Snee Farm area. The victim and a friend shared the drugs, which ultimately hospitalized the friend and killed the victim.

"Pushing drugs that seriously harm others is reprehensible, and this office will continue to deal swiftly and severely with these criminals,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I particularly appreciate the work of our federal, state, and local partners. Together, we are doing everything in our power to disrupt and dismantle the flow of deadly opioids into South Carolina.”

“In this case, the death of one victim and the hospitalization of another, strikes at the core of this country’s opioid epidemic,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “DEA’s commitment to combat the opioid epidemic is unwavering and the defendants in this case will spend well-deserved time in prison.”

“The North Charleston Police Department is committed to confronting the opioid crisis through prevention, education, intervention, and enforcement,” said Scott Deckard, Deputy Chief of the North Charleston Police Department. “The successful prosecution and sentence in this opioid death case is a result of the inter-agency cooperation necessary to hold the individuals, who are dealing in illegal drugs, responsible for their actions.”

Text messages showed that Brock had used the drugs himself prior to the sale, and the drugs made him extremely ill. Brock had been enraged that his dealer distributed him “garbage” drugs, and Brock attempted to get his money back from the dealer for the drugs. Brock explained that if he couldn’t get his money back, he would “unload” the bad drugs. Evidence also showed that Brock believed the substance could be fentanyl due to his own prior experience overdosing on fentanyl.

Further investigation, including data recovered from cell phones, revealed that Ravenel - a heroin dealer in North Charleston - had been the source of supply for the fentanyl and heroin mix. Evidence showed that Ravenel had been distributing heroin since at least 2015.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Ravenel and Brock to 240 months in federal prison each, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Gergel also required each defendant to pay restitution to the victim’s family for the victim’s funeral.

The case was investigated by the DEA Task Force, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the North Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

According to the CDC, 67,367 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2018, and opioids were involved in 69.5% of those deaths. Fentanyl can be 50 times more potent than heroin, significantly increasing the risk for overdose, and a person who obtains drugs illegally may not know that a substance contains fentanyl. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance misuse, you can find treatment options in your area at http://www.daodas.sc.gov/treatment/local-providers/.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Columbia, South Carolina --- U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. today announced a $495,323 Department of Justice carry-over grant to the Lancaster County School District to address violence occurring at our nation’s schools. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $87 million to bolster school security, support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident, and conduct research on school safety.

STOP School Violence, a program of OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, improves school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to and help prevent acts of violence. In addition to STOP School Violence Act funding, OJP’s National Institute of Justice is investing in research on school violence.  

“Only by removing the threat of violence from our schools can we expect our kids to reap the full benefits of their education, and only after making our places of learning safe can we ask our teachers to instruct and inspire as they are trained to do,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Department of Justice is committed to securing our schools from danger and giving our kids the support they need to learn, grow and thrive.”

“This office is committed to stopping school violence,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “These funds go a long way to those ends, and I look forward to seeing these grant programs grow across South Carolina.”

The carry-over funds awarded to the Lancaster County School District specifically provides funds to develop and implement threat assessment and intervention teams, and to operate technology solutions such as anonymous reporting systems for threats of school violence, including mobile telephone applications, hotlines, and websites.

For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Nakeem Supreme Jenerette, 20, of Loris, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on September 25, 2019, officers from the Horry County Police Department responded to a call for service in reference to shots fired in Loris. When officers arrived, they saw a car leaving at a high rate of speed.  Officers attempted to initiate an investigative traffic stop of the car, but the car would not stop.  Instead, the car led officers on a high-speed chase, disregarding several stop signs.  The car chase ended in Longs, where both the driver and passenger exited the car while it was still moving and ran on foot.  Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody a short time later.

An officer located the passenger, Nakeem Jenerette, in the woods laying on the ground next to an American tactical .223 caliber firearm with a loaded 30-round magazine clip. The firearm was wrapped in a T-shirt, which contained 10 expended .223 rounds. A search of Jenerette revealed a clear plastic Ziploc bag containing multiple bags of what was later confirmed by laboratory analysis to be cocaine and cocaine base (commonly known as “crack” cocaine).

United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr. sentenced Jenerette to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gabriel Santos-Canales, 37, of Conway, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute the substances.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on October 31, 2019, the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) located Santos-Canales at a hotel in Conway. Upon leaving the hotel, Santos-Canales was arrested on outstanding warrants. DEU agents secured a search warrant for a room in the hotel, which was registered to Santos-Canales. A search of the room revealed 24.55 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 24.97 grams of methamphetamine, and several thousand dollars in cash.

Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Santos-Canales to 46 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fifteenth Circuit DEU.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.