District of South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Travis Rashad Laney, 38, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison for distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. 

Evidence presented in court revealed that agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Laney as an individual involved in trafficking significant quantities of narcotics in the Lancaster area. On three separate occasions between April and May 2024, Laney sold a combined total of more than 700 grams of methamphetamine to law enforcement.

On May 9, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Laney’s residence in Lancaster. During the search, officers recovered approximately 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 376 grams of cocaine, 560 grams of fentanyl, 282 grams of a fentanyl analogue, 953 grams of marijuana, 946 grams of codeine, and additional quantities of amphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, and alprazolam.

Additionally, law enforcement recovered 11 loaded firearms, including one equipped with a Glock switch, along with a large sum of cash and materials used in the packaging and distribution of narcotics.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Laney to 210 months in prison, to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a single-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Devron Jakell Duncan, 33, of Aiken, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to statements made in court, on Feb. 15, 2023, an officer with the University of South Carolina Police Department was patrolling the Five Points area of Columbia. Around 2 a.m., the officer stopped a vehicle driven by Duncan. Duncan refused commands to stay in the vehicle, pushed the officer, and ran. After apprehending Duncan, USCPD officers searched the area and found a loaded 9 mm pistol that Duncan had tossed. Further investigation revealed that Duncan’s girlfriend was the purchaser of the gun and had previously told law enforcement that Duncan stole the gun from her residence.

Duncan has prior convictions for domestic violence, illegally possessing a firearm, and kidnapping, among other offenses. These offenses prohibit Duncan from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

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

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the University of South Carolina Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Timmons is prosecuting the case. 

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a multi-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging six individuals for their roles in trafficking cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. 

The following defendants were arraigned in federal court today:

• Lorenzo Blackwell, 35, of Bishopville
• Marquis Quintell Durant, 38, of Sumter
• Marcus Martenez McConico, 37, of Sumter
• Kalvin Clay Singletary, 36, of Sumter
• Perry Sherrod Taft, 65, of Sumter
• Nikennia Fatese Carter, 34, of Bishopville

The indictment stems from a Homeland Security Task Force investigation targeting individuals involved in drug trafficking in the Sumter and Lee County areas. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and multiple firearms. This operation was also part of the FBI's Operation Spring Cleaning, a surge of law enforcement resources targeting violent gangs and drug activity. 

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

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sumter Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, with assistance from the FBI Charlotte Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore is prosecuting the case.

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

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — According to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant unsealed today, Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, 48, City of Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem and member of City Council, has been charged with possession and production of child sexual abuse material.*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a two-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Yuan Li, 35, a Chinese national residing in the United States, for conspiracy to obstruct justice.

The indictment alleges that Li joined the United States Navy in January 2022 after previously being discharged from the Army. During his time in the Navy, Li completed an Application for Naturalization to apply for U.S. citizenship. Li did not answer whether he had been discharged other than honorable from the military and listed a fraudulent address in San Fransico as his current residence. 

During an investigation into housing allowance fraud and assault, investigators discovered Li communicated with a foreign national on the Chinese social media app Red Note. The foreign national sought to purchase information from Li in his capacity as a service member. When Li learned he was under investigation, he instructed an accomplice to delete various messaging apps from his phone and restore his electronic devices to their factory settings, which would have resulted in the destruction of all records and content of Li’s contact with the foreign national. 

Li faces a maximum penalty of five years for the conspiracy charge and 20 years for the obstruction charge. He is currently detained pending trial. He was arrested in Florida on March 6 and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker for arraignment on the indictment on April 13.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the case.  

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

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Larry Eugene Gunnin, III, 26, of Greenville, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for dealing marijuana and possessing firearms.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that beginning in or around 2020, and continuing up to January 2025, Gunnin and others conspired to unlawfully possess with intent to distribute and distribute marijuana. Additionally, Gunnin knowingly possessed firearms while trafficking the drugs. 

United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Gunnin to 180 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Cauthen, III prosecuted the case.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Effie Mae Youmans, 71, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to theft of public money by collecting pension benefits that she was not entitled to collect. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed the Savannah River Nuclear Site learned one of its retirees had died, but the individual’s pension benefits were still being received. According to SRNS’s investigator, no one informed SRNS of the retiree’s death at the time, so SRNS continued to make pension payments to the individual’s account. SRNS made 18 months of payments after the death, at a rate of $3,025 per month, totaling $54,450. Investigators determined Youmans, a relative of the retiree, withdrew the overpayment funds from the bank account. As an SRNS pension recipient herself, Youmans knew she was not entitled to the relative’s pension funds.  

The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The Fraud Division will fulfill that mission by coordinating with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification of fraud against taxpayer dollars; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice.  

Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Youmans after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. As part of Youmans’ plea agreement, she will repay the stolen money.

This case was investigated by Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potterfield is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. —Trevor Jerremy Jones, 36, of Lexington County has pleaded guilty to possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute and possessing a stolen firearm. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Nov. 6, 2021, a University of South Carolina Police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Jones after determining that the car tag had expired. When the officer approached the vehicle, he smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana in the driver’s side door and a large clear plastic bag containing a large amount of suspected marijuana in the center console.  

A further search of the car revealed a loaded .40 caliber pistol in the glove box.  The gun had been reported stolen. Jones claimed he bought the firearm from a friend and admitted that he knew or had reason to know that it was stolen.  Jones also had a large amount of money, grouped into small denominations, consistent with the sale of narcotics. Lab tests confirmed Jones possessed marijuana, in a quantity that he intended to distribute.

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

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

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

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Hason Tatorian “Tory” Fields, 52, of Goose Creek, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Fields conspired with others to pay bribes to Sandino Moses. At the time, Moses was serving as a member of the City of North Charleston’s City Council representing District 7. Fields paid Moses two bribes as part of an effort to secure his support for the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. The application for rezoning was pending before City Council when Fields first approached Moses.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Fields to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 

Fields is the first defendant to be sentenced of the eight charged in a North Charleston public corruption scheme. Six others are awaiting sentencing. Rose Lorenzo is scheduled for jury selection in July. 

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

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina has unsealed an indictment charging five individuals for their roles in a fraud and money laundering scheme that resulted in a cumulative loss of at least $3.5 million. 

The following have been charged for their roles in the scheme:

Xavier Gordon, 25, of Charleston;

Warner Gordon, 27, of Charleston;

Kevin Milton Simpson, 30, of Charleston;

Tashagae Narcia Leslie, 25, of Orlando, Florida; and

Kemar Christopher Edwards, 28, of Charleston.

The indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme to deceive individuals by convincing them that they were the winners of cash prizes from sweepstakes. The defendants would then claim that before the victims could receive their winnings, they had to pay taxes and fees. Believing they had won, the victims transferred money to the defendants either through the mail or by wire transfer. After receiving the money, the defendants are alleged to have laundered the funds and then transferred a portion of the proceeds to individuals located in Jamaica. The indictment alleges that the victims lost more than $3.5 million through the scheme, and that a substantial portion of the more than 100 victims were elderly.

Xavier Gordon is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; multiple counts of mail fraud; wire fraud; and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Xavier Gordon faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

Warner Gordon is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; mail fraud; multiple counts of wire fraud; and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Warner Gordon faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

Kevin Milton Simpson is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Simpson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

Tashagae Narcia Leslie is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Leslie faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

Kemar Christopher Edwards is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Edwards faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Sowards is prosecuting the case.  

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Angela Peterson Black, 53, of Camden, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Black distributed methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement officers in November 2022 with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On two occasions, she sold almost 200 grams of “ice” to officers. In June 2023, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department located additional narcotics in her vehicle during a traffic stop and in her home during a search warrant at her residence. Black was arrested on these charges in December 2023 and was granted a bond. While on bond, Black attempted to use a fraudulent urine sample by concealing a bottle containing a yellow substance on her person. Her bond was revoked. 

Black has prior convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, first degree criminal domestic violence, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Black to 160 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dai Quan Matthew Felix, 27, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Felix traveled with a 14-year-old girl from August 2024 through November 2024 through North Carolina and South Carolina. During that time, Felix engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor victim. Law enforcement recovered Felix’s phone, which contained sexually explicit videos of himself and the minor victim.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Felix to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 10-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Felix will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lothrop Morris and Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Davante Jamar Moore, 34, of Richland County, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm found in his car during a traffic stop. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 29, 2024, officers with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) conducted a lawful traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Moore. Moore was the driver and sole occupant. During the stop, a CPD K9 alerted to the scent of narcotics.

When officers searched the vehicle, they located a yellow backpack with a plastic bag containing marijuana, various bags, a scale, container with white powder inside, and a loaded firearm. 

Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms based upon previous convictions for strong arm robbery and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

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

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

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

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a three-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Demondre Laquari Wright, 26, of Orangeburg, for robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and felon in possession of ammunition.

According to the allegations supporting the federal arrest, in early March, the FBI set up an undercover gun buy operation in St. George, whereby Wright would sell three firearms, including one equipped with a machine gun conversion device, to an FBI confidential human source. The FBI gave the source $4,000 to purchase the firearms.

During the transaction inside the source’s vehicle, Wright allowed the source to examine the only gun that Wright brought with him. While examining the gun, the source discovered that the gun was loaded and proceeded to empty the magazine. Wright then took the gun, reloaded it, and pointed it at the source’s chest and head. Wright demanded that the source give him all the money. The source complied with Wright’s commands and gave him $4,000 in FBI buy money. 

Wright then exited the source’s vehicle and returned to his car. FBI agents then approached the vehicle with their lights and sirens activated. Wright quickly ran from the vehicle but after a brief chase, was apprehended and arrested.

The indictment alleges that, on March 3, 2026, Wright robbed the source of money and put the source’s life in jeopardy by using a firearm. The indictment further alleges that Wright brandished a firearm in furtherance of the crime of violence and unlawfully possessed ammunition. 

Wright was prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law due to his prior felony convictions of assault and battery first degree and discharging firearms into a dwelling.

Wright faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Wright is currently detained.

The case was investigated by FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Hamlett and Cole Shannon are prosecuting the case. 

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

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FLORENCE, S.C. — Alaina Ny’sha Thomas, 24, of Florence, has pleaded guilty to producing child sexual abuse material.* 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in June 2024, FBI agents located child sexual abuse material on a private forum on the dark web, including two videos of an adult woman engaged in sexual intercourse with a minor. Investigators identified the woman as Thomas and learned that she recorded the videos around January 2020. She subsequently sent the videos to an unknown individual online. 

Thomas faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and supervision of up to life to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Thomas after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — De’Marionne Zaquann Miller, 22, of Lexington, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on June 14, 2025, deputies from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to an apartment after a family reported that they were concerned that Miller was holding a victim captive in the apartment. The victim sent her family alarming text messages the day before this incident. The victim’s family drove from Florida to check on the victim and were waiting outside of the apartment during this ordeal.

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

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

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

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jonathan Andrew Felkel, 34, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to violating the housing rights of his black neighbor, J.M. 

According to court documents, on July 17, 2025, Felkel was driving into the gated community where both he and J.M. lived when he saw J.M. standing at the gate of the community. Felkel fired a gun into the air and shouted at J.M., an African American man, “You better run, boy!” The defendant later admitted to law enforcement that, in firing his gun and shouting at J.M., he intended to scare J.M., he had hoped to convey to J.M. “leave [the neighborhood], get from around here,” and that J.M. “[didn’t] need to be around this area.”  Felkel expressed his belief, in part, that because J.M. was black, he must be connected to “dangerous criminals.” 

Felkel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Felkel on a future date.

The FBI Columbia Field Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle Klein and Lamar Fyall of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Laclarence Lamarcus Anderson, 43, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison following a jury trial where Anderson was convicted of 12 counts of drug and gun offenses. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Anderson sold 10 firearms and quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine to confidential informants on four occasions in May and June 2024. One of the firearms that Anderson sold contained a Glock switch, converting the weapon into a machinegun. Two of the firearms he sold had been linked to an attempted homicide and homicide in surrounding counties in the weeks prior. 

Anderson was found guilty of unlawfully possessing all of these firearms due to his status as a convicted felon. Anderson has prior convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, armed robbery, assault and battery – 1st degree, and other drug and gun offenses. 

United States District Judge Cameron Currie sentenced Anderson to 297 months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

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

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Deon Lathel Gibson, 40, of Charleston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence presented in court revealed that in December 2023, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), while conducting surveillance, observed Gibson meet with a known drug trafficking target. Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) conducted a traffic stop on Gibson as he drove away. During the vehicle stop, Gibson attempted to fight multiple deputies on the side of the road. After Gibson was quickly secured and placed under arrest, CCSO deputies located 446.9 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded .380 pistol in the vehicle. Gibson also had $2,300 in cash.

Gibson and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack. His prior drug convictions also made him eligible for an enhanced sentence.

At the time of his arrest, Gibson was on state bond after being accused of killing two people in a vehicular hit-and-run.

United States Richard M. Gergel sentenced Gibson to 20 years imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of court ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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The Justice Department today announced that W International LLC, W International SC LLC, Precision Metal Equipment Handling LLC, and Edward Walker (collectively, “Defendants”) have agreed to pay $10.5 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that they knowingly overcharged the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy for weld tables.

W International LLC, a Michigan company, and W International SC LLC, a South Carolina company, were both engaged in the business of industrial welding and metal fabrication. Edward Walker was the Chief Executive Officer of both companies. Precision Metal Equipment Handling LLC is a Michigan company that manufactured weld tables for W International SC LLC.

“Contractors and subcontractors are expected to charge no more than authorized under their contracts with the military,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to ensure the government gets the prices it bargained for on defense contracts.”

“Exploiting the procurement process for our military’s necessary materials unduly increases the burden on taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’ll continue to work with our partners to support our service members and protect our taxpayers.”

“To meet global demands, the Navy must accelerate shipbuilding. However, contractors who overcharge betray the public's trust and undermine this critical mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our partners are committed to protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring every dollar is spent in accordance with the contract.”

“As the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is steadfastly committed to protecting the integrity of DoD’s procurement process and holding contractors accountable,” said Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge, DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Fraud on DoD contracts diverts critical taxpayer resources away from our warfighters. DCIS will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain.”

The allegations resolved by the settlement concern federal funds provided to W International SC to refurbish and equip a large-scale welding facility. As part of that effort, the United States alleges, the Defendants submitted or caused to be submitted claims for payment that overcharged for weld tables supplied for the facility. Funding for the project was provided through the Defense Production Act pursuant to a U.S. Air Force Technology Investment Agreement, and as Supplier Development Funds pursuant to a Navy prime contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat.

The allegations resolved by this settlement arose from a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act under which private citizens can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, John Klausmeier, a former employee of W International SC LLC, to receive $1,863,750 as his share of the settlement.  

This case was handled by the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.   

The matter was handled by Senior Trial Attorney Greg Pearson of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Leventis for the District of South Carolina.

The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Klausmeier v. W International, LLC, Civil Action number 22-cv-1774 in U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a five-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Kevin Dion Hollinshead, 64, of North Charleston, for accepting a bribe in exchange for his influence and official action as a Charleston County School District Trustee and for wire fraud and bank fraud related to COVID relief loans.

The indictment alleges that Hollinshead accepted a bribe in exchange for his support of a construction company’s pursuit of an appeal arising from a failed bid for a construction project. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Hollinshead encouraged an executive from the construction company to hire a consultant to assist them in navigating the appeal process. The consultant agreed to kickback a portion of his consulting fee from the construction company to Hollinshead. Moreover, Hollinshead, knowing that the consultant intended to pay him a kickback from his consulting fee, used his official position as a member of the Charleston County School District’s Board of Trustees to influence the appeal process in favor of the construction company.

The indictment a further alleges that in 2020 and 2021, Hollinshead applied for two loans through the pandemic relief programs that were administered by the Small Business Administration. In addition to including false information in the loan applications related to his business’ revenues and employment figures, Hollinshead used the loan proceeds for non-qualifying, personal expenses such as a medical procedure at a clinic in Mexico.

“As alleged, Hollinshead used his position and influence as a school board member for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our office will continue to hold elected officials who violate the public trust accountable, particularly when that trust involves the well-being of our children’s education.”

Hollinshead faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, supervised release for three years, and a $1 million fine. Hollinshead is scheduled to appear before the Honorable Molly H. Cherry, United States Magistrate Judge, on March 18 in Charleston.

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

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

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Dezmond Tobias Tucker, 31, of Union, has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in October of 2023, investigators with the Union Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration caught Tucker selling fentanyl pills in an undercover drug purchase. Tucker was previously connected to the sale of fentanyl to a 20-year-old Spartanburg woman who died from a fentanyl overdose in December of 2022. Tucker also forfeited a firearm that was recovered when agents executed a search warrant at the home where he was living in March of 2024.

United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Tucker to 131 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Union Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schoen prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Jonathan Wade Sumter, 54, of Greer, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering related to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs of over $1.8 million.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that between June 2020 and January 2022, Jonathan Wade Sumter, his twin brother Jason Elijah Sumter, and Gerothia McCullough devised a scheme to defraud the PPP and EIDL programs by applying for funds on behalf of sham or defunct companies. Jonathan Sumter and the others submitted applications containing phony company expenses, employee wage statements, and other false documents on behalf of the sham companies Living Water Outreach, High Consulting, Lyons Transport, GSM Home Care, Challenge Consulting, and Omni Holdings. Using these fraudulent applications, they obtained over $1.8 million of EIDL and PPP payments. Jonathan Sumter was the ringleader and submitted the applications on behalf of and with the permission of the others. When the loans were funded, the three split the proceeds.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Johathan Sumter to 80 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Jonathan Sumter’s sentence will run concurrent with a 92-month sentence he was already serving for a 2023 federal conviction for health care fraud. Jason Elijah Sumter was recently sentenced to three years for his role in the fraud and Gerothia McCullough was sentenced to 12 months for her role.

To recover ill-gotten gains from the defendants, Jonathan Wade Sumter was ordered to pay $1,802,741 in restitution.  Jason Elijah Sumter was ordered to pay $739,786 in restitution and he was ordered to forfeit a parcel of real property in Orangeburg County.  Gerothia McCullough was ordered to pay $478,366 in restitution and she was ordered to forfeit a 2018 GMC Canyon.

This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jacob Lloyd Lower, 31, of Richland County, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on April 25, 2022, officers with Irmo Police Department responded to a single vehicle collision. On the way, officers received an update that the driver of the vehicle was physically assaulting a passerby who stopped to help him. There was also a report that the driver was attempting to steal a second vehicle.

When law enforcement arrived, a witness told the officers that the individual wearing a bloody white shirt, later identified as Lower, ran into the woods. As officers searched for Lower, they were then notified that Lower attempted to steal a truck in a nearby parking lot but was unsuccessful and continued to run. A Richland County Sheriff’s Department K-9 arrived on scene and led law enforcement to an area in the woods where they found a white shirt with blood on it. Lower was located nearby and arrested. During his arrest, Lower was found with several types of drugs and a .22 caliber pistol along with 300 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.   

Lower is prohibited from possessing a firearm and/or ammunition based upon convictions for criminal conspiracy, burglary second, grand larceny, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Lower to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.  

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

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jarman Lamar White, 39, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine. 

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that White was responsible for selling drugs that were obtained from members of the Darryl Hemphill drug organization.  Agents learned that drugs obtained by this group included pills that resembled Roxicodone 30 mg tablets, also known in the generic form as a oxycodone.  The counterfeit pills were produced by members of the organization. The pills were clandestinely manufactured with fentanyl at various locations in the Rock Hill and Charlotte area. 

During the investigation, multiple phone calls were intercepted between White and other members of the organization in which it was learned that White was acquiring cocaine and methamphetamine, in addition to fentanyl, from other members.  Agents also learned that White allowed the organization to use the basement of his girlfriend’s home in Rock Hill to set up multiple pill-press machines used to manufacture the fentanyl-laced pills. White and others were surveilled and observed moving the pill-press machines into the basement of the residence. White allowed multiple members of the Hemphill organization to utilize this residence to store and later operate multiple pill-press machines to clandestinely manufacture these fentanyl-laced pills. On one occasion, White and members of the organization made approximately 50,000 fentanyl-laced pills in the basement of the residence during a single day.  White was paid a quantity of fentanyl-laced pills and several thousand dollars in return for using his residence.  

At the time of White’s arrest in June 2018, agents conducted a search at this residence and located multiple pill-press machines, pill binder, masks/respirators, an industrial mixing machine, and a 9mm pistol which was in a backpack belonging to White.

In addition, after the arrest of the other members of the organization, agents of the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit completed three separate controlled purchase of fentanyl pills from White. Through these controlled purchases, agents learned White had continued to conspire with others to distribute fentanyl-laced pills after his initial arrest.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced White to 180 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 10-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

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

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Robert K. Bonesteel, 63, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material. *

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in November 2023, law enforcement agencies executed an undercover chat operation targeted at identifying child sex offenders. During the chat operation, undercover officers posed as a 14-year-old boy and chatted with Bonesteel on a social media application. Bonesteel discussed “ravaging” him and engaging in oral sex, before agreeing to meet the child at his home in Lexington where Bonesteel believed he was home alone. Bonesteel arrived at what he believed to be the minor’s home with condoms and was arrested. Following his arrest, law enforcement searched Bonesteel’s phone and discovered that Bonesteel had produced and disseminated child sexual abuse material. Further social media messages revealed that Bonesteel coached other individuals on how to groom children and sexually abuse them. 

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Bonesteel to 260 months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. The court ordered that restitution be paid to the minor victim. 

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

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the U.S. Secret Service, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Greenville returned a 16-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Kevin S. Murdock, 56, Thomas C. Lee, 56, both of Greenville, and Vidhya V. Narayanan, 45, of Atlanta, for health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. 

The indictment alleges that Murdock owned and operated Premier Medical Laboratory Services, headquartered in Greenville. Lee and Narayanan were both high-level employees of Premier. Premier offered diagnostic testing services for medical providers, including but not limited to COVID-19 testing. The defendants devised a multi-part scheme to fraudulently generate revenue from health care benefit programs related to the pandemic. This included submitted false claims to the federal government for individual tests when in truth the tests had been pooled together for combined, faster processing and for manipulating test processing software. As a result, the defendants billed for tests that virtually worthless and ineligible for reimbursement. The conspiracy to defraud healthcare benefit programs generated millions in fraudulent proceeds. 

The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment. 

Murdock previously agreed to a consent judgment of $27,544,460, acknowledging there is a likelihood he would be found liable in the civil action brought against him by the United States and the States of Colorado, Georgia, and South Carolina for violating the False Claims Act, the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act, the Colorado Medicaid False Claims Act, and the South Carolina Medical Assistance Provider Fraud Statute.   

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the South Carolina Attorney General's Office's Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins is prosecuting the case.  

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two felons in Lancaster County have been sentenced to federal prison for drug and firearm offenses in two separate cases. 

“Both of these defendants are convicted felons who continued to bring guns and drugs into Lancaster County,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’re committed to working with our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify violent offenders like McGriff and Hood and prosecute them federally.”

“These cases are a great example of the value of partnerships in law enforcement,” said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile.  “Our officers made a traffic stop and found McGriff to be in possession of substantial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine and a handgun.  On another traffic stop we found Hood, who is prohibited from having firearms and ammunition, with a pistol. From there we had the assistance of the FBI and the ATF in preparing the cases for prosecution in federal court.  I am grateful for their help and the efforts of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office in getting these cases into court quickly and sending McGriff and Hood to federal prison for their illegal narcotics and weapons activities in Lancaster County.”  

Joblicenarius W’Yarian McGriff, 28, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for possession with intent of distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 2, 2024, a Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which McGriff was a passenger.  The deputy conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and found McGriff’s gray bookbag on the floor of the backseat. In the backpack, officers discovered narcotics, including over 23 grams of fentanyl and over 5 grams of methamphetamine, and a handgun. Further investigation uncovered hotel surveillance video of McGriff carrying the same bookbag just before the traffic stop.

La’Jameion Vartavious Hood, 25, of Lancaster was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On June 24, 2024, Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle where Hood was a passenger. During a search, officers recovered a 9mm firearm, which was loaded with 15 rounds in the magazine and one round chambered, under the passenger seat where Hood was seated. Hood has prior convictions for accessory after the fact to murder, unlawful carry, assault and battery – 3rd and discharging a firearm into a dwelling. 

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McGriff to 78 total months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Hood to 37 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Elizabeth Major and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section prosecuted the case against McGriff. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case against Hood.  

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Arthur Ryans, Jr., 42, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed the Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrested Ryans at a local motel for his involvement in a shooting incident. 

During the arrest, Springdale Police officers acquired a search warrant for the motel room where Ryans was staying at the time of his arrest. During a search of the room, officers located a loaded 9mm pistol in a gym bad. Officers also located multiple plastic baggies containing a purple powder, plastic baggies containing a crystal substance, a digital scale, and multiple plastic baggies consistent with narcotics packaging material. Through ballistics testing, investigators confirmed that the firearm was used in the prior shooting.

Ryans was prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon a prior conviction for assault with intent to kill.

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

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

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

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Vernon Antwan Martin, 37, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the distribution of fentanyl to a 20-year-old University of South Carolina student, resulting in her death.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in May 2023, Columbia Police officers conducted a welfare check on a woman at a Columbia apartment after family and friends reported that they were unable to contact her. Officers found the woman dead in her apartment. An autopsy report confirmed the victim died from a fentanyl overdose.

Based on evidence collected during the investigation, law enforcement determined on May 30, 2023, Martin distributed a counterfeit pill to the victim, which she believed to be Percocet but actually contained fentanyl. Following the victim’s death, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search at Martin’s residence, where they located additional narcotics, a firearm, and approximately $30,000.

“There is always danger in taking prescription pills that are not prescribed to you by a legitimate health care provider. This case demonstrates how deadly a small amount of fentanyl can be,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This case is the result of law enforcement coordination at the local and federal level, and we’ll continue to aggressively prosecute those who bring fentanyl into our community. Our hearts are with this young woman’s family and loved ones as they remember a life cut short.”

“This case is a tragic example of the deadly consequences of counterfeit pills,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The victim thought they were purchasing Percocet, but they were handed fentanyl, a synthetic opioid driving overdose deaths across our nation. The defendant knew exactly what he was selling. As the DEA continues its Fentanyl-Free America campaign, today’s sentencing underscores our mission to protect communities and aggressively pursue those who knowingly distribute lethal substances.”

"Our officers worked closely with federal partners to investigate this case and ensure the individual responsible was held accountable,” said Columbia Police Chief W. H. “Skip” Holbrook. “We urge the public to understand the serious risk of taking pills that are not prescribed by a legitimate medical provider - just one can kill."

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Martin to 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Lewis also ordered that Martin pay approximately $19,000 in restitution to the victim’s family.

To learn more about DEA’s Fentanyl Free America campaign, including resources for getting help, visit DEA.gov/FentanylFree.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kamari Johnson, 26, of Orangeburg, has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety believed that Johnson was selling cocaine in the area. On May 13, 2024, law enforcement used a confidential informant to arrange the purchase of a firearm and cocaine from Johnson.  Johnson agreed and sold the informant a gun and a small amount of cocaine.

Johnson was prohibited from possessing the firearm based upon prior convictions for burglary and pointing and presenting a firearm.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Johnson to 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jonathan Andrew Felkel, 34, of Columbia, has agreed to plead guilty to violating the housing rights of his black neighbor, J.M. A federal grand jury returned an indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in December 2025.

According to court documents, on July 17, 2025, Felkel was driving into the gated community where both he and J.M. lived when he saw J.M. standing at the gate of the community. Felkel fired a gun and shouted, “You better keep running, boy!” at J.M. 

Felkel has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge which criminalizes the use of force or threatened force to injure, intimidate, or interfere with someone’s housing rights based on race. Felkel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment. Felkel will enter his change of plea in federal court before United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis on a future date.

The FBI Columbia Field Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle Klein and Lamar Fyall of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Anthony Demetrius Reese, 55, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Aug. 31, 2025, Columbia Police Department officers were investigating the suspicious disappearance of Columbia woman Angela Fuller. Fuller, Reese’s girlfriend, had been reported missing by a relative and was last seen with Reese.

Columbia Police officers spotted Reese’s vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but he instead fled and eventually crashed in Lexington. A loaded firearm was recovered from Reese’s vehicle. Reese has prior felony convictions for domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, shoplifting 3rd offense or above, burglary 2nd degree, and assault and battery 2nd degree.  He is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Law enforcement later recovered Fuller’s body after an extensive search.  Testing confirmed that the firearm recovered from Reese’s vehicle matched the murder weapon.

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

Reese has pleaded not guilty to state charges of murder, unauthorized removal of a dead body, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen pistol. He remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on those charges.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Yashawnus Leekean Patterson, 45, of Columbia, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison after being convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Patterson was convicted by a federal jury following a trial in June 2025.

Evidence presented at trial included testimony and body worn camera footage showing two Columbia Police Department officers responding to a hotel in downtown Columbia to assist in removing Patterson, who was no longer staying at that hotel. After being asked to place Patterson on trespass notice, officers learned he was wanted on a bench warrant from the Cayce Police Department and arrested him. When officers searched him, they located a loaded 9mm pistol in the front of his waistband, a 30-round extended magazine in his backpack, and a total of 74 rounds of 9mm ammunition on his person and his other belongings. Patterson acknowledged to officers that he knew he was not legally allowed to possess a firearm.

Patterson has an extensive record of felony convictions dating back to 1998, including convictions for criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the second degree, strong-arm robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Patterson to 96 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Scott Robert Tardy, 32, of Seymour, Connecticut, has been sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for cyberstalking, providing false statements to the FBI, and obstruction of justice in a scheme that targeted a South Carolina FBI agent and his family.

“The work of a law enforcement agent is difficult enough without the undue burden of threats against their safety and the safety of their family,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’ll continue to support our law enforcement partners who protect South Carolina every day.”

“Cyberstalking has serious consequences, as this defendant has now learned,” said Kevin Moore, special agent in charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “His deliberate actions were intended to instill fear and resulted in lasting trauma for the victims. The FBI will always investigate, pursue, and bring to justice, individuals who exploit digital platforms to engage in criminal conduct.”

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Tardy operated an account with the username “connecticut12345” on the Kik social media platform in which he joined an anti-law enforcement chat group.

In those messages, Tardy repeatedly identified the victims’ association with the FBI as a reason to target them. He also shared photographs of the agent’s spouse and the city and state where they live. Tardy discussed violence against the agent and the agent’s family, including throwing a Molotov cocktail in their bedroom while they were sleeping. He asked for the conversation to be moved to the Telegram platform, where he operated the username “slimybanana,” because he believed that application was more secure.

On the second platform, Tardy discussed what a cartel would do to the victims, he discussed having one of the victims “ruined,” “destroyed,” and “tortured for days.”  He discussed having the violence recorded on video. He said burning the house was “good enough” if the victim was inside. Tardy then shared the location of the victims’ home by sharing a map with a pin drop on the victims’ street and asked another user how long it would take them to get there.

When the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Tardy’s apartment on Feb. 16, he falsely denied ever using Kik or Telegram, and he denied responsibility for the solicitations and messages. He gave further false statements in an interview with investigators, and he caused the phone that he used to be reset, clearing its content, and exchanging it for a new phone. 

Despite his efforts to evade detection, data related to the Kik and Telegram accounts showed that Tardy controlled the accounts. Investigators were also able to recover the map of the victims’ home with the pin drop on it from an account associated with Tardy. During the scheme, Tardy worked as a corrections officer at a detention facility in Connecticut.

Further evidence revealed that Tardy had engaged in other predatory online activity, to include messages discussing his desires to drug and rape women in his community and sharing images of friends’ children while discussing child sexual abuse.

United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Tardy to 80 months imprisonment, representing a variance above the advisory sentencing range provided by the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines. The Court imposed the higher sentence because of the severity of the impact on the victims. Tardy’s prison term will be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. The Court also ordered Tardy to pay more than $5,000 in restitution for financial costs to the victims associated with his criminal conduct.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Cedrick Exzavius Reese, 45, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for possession of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that a Richland County deputy observed a car speeding and running a stop sign. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, driven by Reese.  After failing to provide a driver’s license, Reese gave consent to the deputy to search him. The deputy located suspected methamphetamine in a clear plastic bag in his waistband. He stated the narcotics were for “personal use.” When the deputy searched the vehicle, he found a gun and ammunition in the car, along with crack cocaine and fentanyl.

Reese had prior convictions for multiple drug offenses which prohibit him from possessing a firearm.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Reese to 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision on each count, to run concurrently.  Reese must also pay a $5,000 fine.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sherman Devine Boone, 29, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm after a conviction for criminal domestic violence.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Richland County deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a home in Columbia. Deputies arrived to find Boone, who matched the description of the alleged shooter, attempting to leave the location with a child, and the child’s mother telling him to give her the child. The deputies could see a firearm in Boone’s waistband. Boone charged towards the deputies while holding the child, repeatedly telling deputies to “go ahead and shoot me” and “just kill me.” Boone eventually gave the child to the child’s mother and surrendered to law enforcement. The mother told investigators that she and Boone got into an argument, during which he pushed her and grabbed her by the throat.  She was able to get Boone out of the house, at which time he pulled out the firearm and fired multiple rounds in the air while threatening her.

Boone had previously been convicted of use of a vehicle without permission, grand larceny, common law robbery, strong arm robbery, assault and battery, and criminal domestic violence.  He, therefore, could not possess a firearm or ammunition.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Boone to 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision on both counts, to be served concurrently.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Cory Martin, 32, of Rock Hill; Travis Queen, 33, of Rock Hill; Brandon Ramsey, 23, of Clover; and Wesley Huffstetler, 31, of York have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a fentanyl and meth drug trafficking conspiracy. A fifth member of the conspiracy, Ashley Daniels, 34, is awaiting sentencing.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit investigated a drug conspiracy in the York County area led by Martin. Multiple witnesses identified Martin, Queen, Ramsey, and Huffstetler as members of the conspiracy. During the investigation, law enforcement used confidential sources to contact Martin to buy methamphetamine and fentanyl. After coordinating the drug sales, Martin sent Brandon Ramsey to deliver the drugs. Huffstetler’s house was used to receive and store shipments of meth for the drug conspiracy. During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted over 3.7 pounds of methamphetamine shipped to Huffstetler’s house.

Martin, Queen, Ramsey, and Huffstetler were eventually arrested on state charges related to the investigation. While incarcerated, Martin spoke to Daniels and instructed her to retrieve fentanyl and methamphetamine from Martin’s home. Queen then spoke to Daniels and instructed her on which drugs to keep and which drugs to sell. Law enforcement intercepted the calls and found the methamphetamine and fentanyl pills after a search of Daniels’ property. 

In total, over 26.4 pounds of methamphetamine and over 22 pounds of fentanyl were attributed to the conspiracy.

After Martin was indicted and detained on federal charges, he participated in the submission of false letters to the court in an attempt to mislead the court about his role in the drug conspiracy. As a result, the government charged Martin with contempt of court.

Martin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and contempt of court. Ramsey, Daniels, and Queen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Huffstetler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Martin to 276 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Queen was sentenced to 125 months imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Ramsey was sentenced to 96 months followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Huffstetler was sentenced to 90 months followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Ashley Daniels has not yet been sentenced.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Davon Jermaine Mickle, 40, of Kershaw, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Aug. 19, 2023, the Camden Police Department responded to a shooting near a nightclub. Three victims reported that they were at the nightclub when Mickle began harassing one of them.  They saw Mickle walking around the parking lot with an AR-style rifle and then place the rifle in a car.  After a short argument with Mickle, the three victims left together.  As they were leaving, they saw Mickle run back to the car, return with the rifle, and shoot at their car nearly two dozen times. During the investigation, officers found 23 cartridges in the road near the shooting. The victims’ car had one bullet hole in the bumper.

The victims identified Mickle as the shooter, and investigators determined he had an outstanding arrest warrant.  Deputies from the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office located Mickle sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle at his residence and saw an AR-style rifle in the passenger seat.  The police detained Mickle and secured the firearm.  The police reviewed surveillance footage of the shooting and observed that the shooter was wearing the same shoes, blue jean shorts and black boxers that Mickle was wearing. Investigators determined the gun in the vehicle was not the same gun used in the shooting, however a gun residue test proved that Mickle had recently fired a firearm. 

Mickle is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon previous convictions for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine near a school, distribution of crack cocaine 1st, and distribution of cocaine base 3rd.

Mickle faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Mickle after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jamel Christopher Chisolm, 37, of Camden, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for access device fraud involving stolen credit cards.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in 2023, several law enforcement agencies were investigating cases of stolen mail, including missing credit cards. During a traffic stop, local law enforcement found Chisolm in possession of numerous credit cards in other peoples’ names. Further investigation revealed that these cards had been stolen from the mail. After stealing the credit cards out of the mail, Chisolm and a colleague used the cards to obtain goods and services. They made unauthorized purchases and withdrawals on the credit cards through a variety of methods, including software such as “Gucci Bot.” In total, victims reported a financial loss of over $118,000.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Chisolm to 27 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. He was also ordered to pay $118,769.88 in restitution to the victims of the crime.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Camden Police Department, and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Potterfield prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Charles McKinley Griffin, 56, Tika Michelle Griffin, 48, and Kirk Nathan Evans, 55, all of Lancaster, have each been sentenced for conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) previously excluded Charles Griffin from provider eligibility for receiving Medicaid payments for billing for services not rendered and for overlapping services, among other violations. To evade SCDHHS’ exclusion, Charles Griffin and his wife Tika Griffin established Transformation Services in Tika’s name, which the couple thereafter used to defraud the State of South Carolina and Medicaid out of nearly $250,000 in funds.

Beginning in 2019, Tika applied to bill Medicaid through her company, Transformation Services, as a provider of behavioral health services. Tika and Charles then recruited Medicaid beneficiaries through after-school programs and summer camps in Lancaster and Kershaw counties to receive behavioral health services from therapists employed by Transformation Services. However, the therapists employed by Transformation Services, including Kirk Evans, were not authorized by the state of South Carolina to provide behavioral health services. Further, Transformation Services employees did not meet individually with the children to whom they claimed to provide services. Instead, Tika instructed Transformation employees to meet with children in groups but to bill as if they had met with each child individually over the course of several hours. By billing for overlapping and nonexistent services and rendering behavioral health services by unlicensed therapists, Transformation Services fraudulently billed Medicaid for nearly $250,000.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced both Charles Griffin and Tika Griffin to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Evans was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Tika and Charles Griffin were also ordered to pay $246,335.12 in restitution to the SCDHHS. The ordered amount is joint and several between Charles and Tika Griffin. Evans was ordered to pay $152,669.63 in restitution that was joint and several with Charles and Tika Griffin’s amount. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott Daniels and Scott Matthews are prosecuting the case.

FLORENCE, S.C. — Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Jaremy Alexander Smith, 35, of Marion, South Carolina, for the 2024 kidnapping, carjacking, and murder of a Marion County EMS worker. A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on Feb. 24. He is charged with kidnapping resulting in death, carjacking resulting in death, using a firearm during a crime of violence in a manner to constitute murder, possession of stolen firearms, and being a felon in possession of firearms. 

The indictment charges that on March 13, 2024, Smith entered the home of Phonesia Machado-Fore in Marion where he kidnapped her and forced her to drive her vehicle to a remote location near Nichols. Once there, Smith executed Machado-Fore behind an abandoned house while she was bound and blindfolded. Smith then drove Machado-Fore’s car back to her residence where he stole several firearms that he later sold. Smith then drove the stolen car to New Mexico, where he killed New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Officer Justin Hare on March 15, 2024. In April 2025, Smith was sentenced to life in prison in the District of New Mexico for killing the NMSP Officer.

United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi authorized the District of South Carolina to pursue capital punishment in this case.  Smith is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. in Florence. 

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everett McMillian and Christopher Lietzow are prosecuting the case with support from DOJ’s Capital Case Section Trial Attorneys Barry Disney and Julie Adams. 

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

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — William Christopher Swett, 42, of Johns Island, has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering for defrauding his employer and clients of at least $1.5 million.

According to the charging documents, Swett worked as a personal injury attorney at a Mt. Pleasant law firm and represented individuals in civil claims following death, injury, and other loss. From at least 2018 through 2024, Swett devised a scheme to defraud the law firm and his clients. To further his scheme, Swett established legal services companies and expensed the law firm and his clients for services not performed and for inflated and illegitimate expenses. Swett withheld his association with these companies from his clients and the law firm.

Swett also submitted reimbursement requests for fictitious clients, fabricated death and personal injury claims, and falsified medical records and other documents to further his fraud. To conceal his crimes, Swett laundered the funds through accounts he controlled and siphoned the money for his own personal enrichment. Swett fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million.

Swett has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. 

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Antonio Salazar Munos, 23, of Columbus, Ohio has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for assaulting a dating partner by suffocation.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in April 2023, Munos, the victim, and other family members traveled from their home in Ohio to Charleston, South Carolina for a three-day cruise. While onboard the Carnival Sunshine, Munos physically assaulted the victim at various locations onboard the ship before the two returned to their cabin. Upon returning to the cabin, Munos sexually and physically assaulted the victim. The victim notified the Sunshine’s onboard security team, who investigated the incident and then reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Munos to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Sowards prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a two-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Eric Anthony Rome Jr., 37, an inmate incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, for sending a threatening letter to a Jewish/Christian organization and threatening to kill President Trump.

The indictment alleges that in January, Rome drafted a letter to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews in Chicago, Illinois. The letter included threats and derogatory references to the Jewish community and concluded with “Enjoy having Trump in office while you can because we are going to kill him too.”

Rome signed his full name to the letter.

Rome faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution. Rome is currently serving a state sentence for armed robbery. He has been convicted federally for threatening the president of the United States twice before. At the conclusion of his state sentence in 2030, he will begin serving a five-year sentence for a previous federal conviction involving similar threats.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. State Department, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston D. Holliday Jr. is prosecuting the case. 

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Terrance Lopez Mayo, 33, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Nov. 13, 2023, officers were called after a witness reported seeing a male passenger in a vehicle point a gun at him.  Officers saw the vehicle parked.  When they approached, Mayo ran from the vehicle. During the chase, Mayo threw a 9mm pistol to the ground.  Investigators later determined the firearm had been reported stolen.  Mayo has a prior conviction for attempted armed robbery which prevents him from possessing a firearm under federal law.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Mayo to 31 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kelsey Antonio McCallum, 32, of Greenville, has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for straw purchasing guns that were bought in South Carolina and Georgia.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that between March 2018 and June 2022, McCallum bought 93 firearms in 52 separate purchases from firearm dealers in South Carolina and Georgia. McCallum would indicate on the federal firearms sale forms that he was the actual buyer of the firearms, knowing that he intended to sell them to others. McCallum would then transport these firearms to Maryland to sell them to other individuals. Some of the guns were later discovered at crime scenes in Maryland and in other states. McCallum was convicted by a federal jury in 2024 after a two-day trial.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McCallum to 63 months imprisonment, to be followed by a one-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system

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

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

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a seven-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Tyrel Mack, 29, of Florence, for physically assaulting minor victims.

The indictment alleges that Mack was an employee at a child development and youth center on Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter. This center provides childcare to US Airforce service members and their families. In November 2025, Mack was assigned to work in a classroom serving children from ages 3-years-old to 5-years-old. The indictment charges Mack with assaulting four different minor victims on seven different occasions. Mack is alleged to have kicked, hit, struck, and intentionally stepped on the minor victims, all of whom were younger than 5-years-old.

Mack faces a maximum penalty of one year for each of the seven charges.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Airforce Security Forces Squadron.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case. 

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

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. — William Steven Wooten, 46, of Lexington, has been convicted by a federal jury following two days of trial. Wooten was found guilty on one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.*

Evidence introduced at trial showed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was conducting a stolen valor investigation related to Wooten’s possession and use of a fraudulent form DD-214, a military discharge document. Wooten purported to be a combat veteran and to have earned a Purple Heart. In truth, Wooten had never served in the military. Wooten used the fraudulent document in an effort to obtain employment and to convince a single mother that he was an upstanding citizen who could be trusted around her young children.

The FBI obtained a search warrant for Wooten’s phone and discovered child sexual abuse material, in addition to the fraudulent DD-214. FBI forensic examiners located 203 images depicting child sexual abuse. Search terms indicated Wooten was seeking images of young girls, including children being abused by adult males. 

Just eight months before the FBI found Wooten in possession of child sexual abuse material and the fraudulent discharge document, Wooten was found guilty in state court for criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Approximately two weeks before his federal trial, Wooten pleaded guilty to possessing the fraudulent DD-214.

Wooten faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years on the child sexual abuse material conviction, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution. U.S. District Judge Donald C. Coggins presided over the trial and will sentence Wooten after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report from the U.S. Probation Office.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Watkins and Winston Marosek are prosecuting the case. 

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On February 12, 2026, Andrew Worrall, 56, a British national currently residing in Knox County, Tennessee, entered a guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child in the Eastern District of Tennessee and one count of sexual exploitation of a child in the District of South Carolina.  Sentencing has been set for June 24, 2026, in United States District Court at Knoxville.                   

Worrall faces a term of up to 60 years in Federal prison, $500,000 in fines, restitution, forfeiture, special assessments and up to a lifetime on supervised release.

As part of the written plea agreement, Worrall agreed to forfeit his home in the Eastern District of Tennessee.  Further, Worral agreed he is a removable alien and will waive any form of relief of removal from the United States after his incarceration portion of his sentence is completed.

According to documents filed in the case, Worrall contacted a 17-year-old minor female on the Snapchat application using the internet in July 2025.  Knowing the age of the child, Worrall requested nude pictures of the child.  The child complied.  Worrall then requested the child insert a foreign object into her body and send a video.  The child complied.             

On the same day, Worrall contacted another 17-year-old minor female who resided in South Carolina using his Snapchat account.  Worrall had similar communications with the child, asking to prove she was real by sending him pictures.  After the victim complied he requested the victim masturbate on video for Worrall’s pleasure.  The child complied.

U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling of the District of South Carolina; and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General made the announcement.

This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Energy, Office of the Inspector General.

Jennifer Kolman and Dean H. Secor, Assistant United States Attorneys represented the United States.

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

For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources.”

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