District of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Michael Greene, age 44, of Columbia, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count Indictment by a federal Grand Jury in Columbia with a knowing violation of the Clean Water Act.

According to the Indictment, Greene worked for an environmental company offering hazardous waste disposal services.  Greene’s job was to transport the liquid runoff from solid waste at an Eastover landfill to the Florence Wastewater Management Facility.  Instead, he illegally dumped the liquid runoff, or ‘leachate,’ into the Leesburg Branch Creek on multiple occasions in mid-2017.  

Greene faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison, with a potential fine up to $250,000. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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

 

#####

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Marty Lee Vaughn, age 37, of Belton, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Greenville accepted Vaughn’s guilty plea and imposed a sentence of 51 months in federal prison, followed by court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented by the government established that on April 21, 2017, Liberty Police Department Officers responded to a vehicle stuck in a ditch and found Vaughn asleep in the driver’s seat. As Vaughn was awakened and removed from the car, officers observed ammunition fall from Vaughn’s lap to the ground. Officers also observed the top of a firearm beside the driver’s seat. As the vehicle was inventoried prior to being towed from the scene, an officer recovered the .357 caliber pistol from beside the seat. 

Federal law prohibits Vaughn from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior convictions for offenses to include burglary.

The case was investigated by the Liberty Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that William Thomas Gangemi, age 26, of Freehold, New Jersey, pled guilty in federal court to Conspiracy to Smuggle Wildlife.  Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., accepted the plea and will sentence him at a later date.  

Evidence presented at the hearing established that Gangemi participated in a syndicate of wildlife smugglers exchanging turtles protected by international agreements back and forth between the United States and China.  The conspiracy was led by Steven Baker, age 38, of Holly Hill, who pled guilty in June 2018.  Three other men, Joseph Logan Brooks, age 29, formerly of Holly Hill; Matthew Tyler Fischer, age 25, of Holly Hill; and Matthew Harrison Kail, age 30, of Pomona Park, Florida, pled guilty to the same Conspiracy in September 2018.  William Fischer, age 48, of Harleyville, pled guilty to a misdemeanor Wildlife Trafficking charge the same day.

The activity took place from January through June 2016.  Baker obtained protected turtles from Hong Kong to distribute here in the United States, and he shipped protected turtles from the United States to Asia.  Gangemi collected turtles that he provided to Baker, shipped turtles domestically, and exchanged text messages with Baker regarding various shipments. 

The transactions were set up using the Facebook text messaging feature.  Shipments were made internationally through the United States Postal Service.  Several packages were intercepted entering the United States at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The maximum penalty faced by Gangemi is five years in federal prison.  

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Joshua Ryan Nance, 28, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit money.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Nance was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit $100 and $50 bills in multiple states, including South Carolina and North Carolina.  This conspiracy, which began in 2015, included at least nine co-conspirators who were responsible for making and passing over $100,000 in counterfeit money. 

Nance and other conspirators manufactured counterfeit money at several residences in Florence, South Carolina.  They produced counterfeit $100 bills on genuine currency paper, then visited various local businesses, where they would purchase small items or services with the counterfeit $100 bills in order to obtain genuine currency as change.     

United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Nance to 46 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

 The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

#####

United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:

Horry and Dillon County Men Indicted for Illegal Reentry into the United States After Deportation.  Luis Fernando Roldan-Quiroz of Horry County, South Carolina, and Wilfredo Alcantara-Garcia of Dillon County, South Carolina, were each charged in a single-count indictment with illegal reentry into the United States after deportation.  The maximum penalty Roldan-Quiroz and Alcantara-Garcia could receive is ten years in federal prison.  These cases were investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations and are assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence Office for prosecution.

Florence Woman Indicted for Embezzling Money from the Social Security Administration, Using a Computer to Commit Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.   Kianna Parrott of Florence, South Carolina, was charged in a 4-count indictment with embezzling money from the Social Security Administration, using a computer to commit fraud, and aggravated identity theft.  The maximum penalty Parrott could receive is 10 years in federal prison.  The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence Office for prosecution.

Horry County Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  Tony Dewayne Rollins of Horry County, South Carolina, was charged in a single-count indictment with illegal possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.  The maximum penalty Rollins could receive is 10 years in federal prison.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Justin W. Holloway of the Florence Office for prosecution.

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

 

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon is proud to announce that Rebecca Ann “Becky” Plyler was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Henry McMaster. The Order of the Palmetto is considered the highest civilian honor in the State of South Carolina. It was first awarded in 1971 by Governor John C. West. It recognizes a person's lifetime achievements and contributions to the State of South Carolina. Prior Order of the Palmetto recipients include singer James Brown and author Pat Conroy.

Ms. Plyler was  surrounded by her colleagues and members of local, state, and federal law enforcement from across the state when she received the award during a surprise office gathering earlier this week.  After 39 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as to law enforcement and citizens in communities across the state, Mrs. Plyler is set to retire at the end of the year. During the gathering, Mrs. Plyler was also awarded the Chief’s Award by Chief Mark Keel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).  A very prestigious award, the Chief’s Award has only been given to three other recipients over the years.

 

 

Anderson, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Dominick Larenzo Johnson, 33, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Anderson for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Timothy Cain of Anderson accepted Johnson’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 15 years in federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on September 8, 2016, a Greenville County Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Johnson, but the vehicle fled. The vehicle was soon found abandoned, and deputies canvassed the area looking for Johnson. Witnesses informed deputies that Johnson had thrown an object into a dumpster as he ran by it. Deputies arrested Johnson as he ran from a nearby building and then recovered the object from the dumpster. The object, a backpack, contained a loaded 9mm pistol.

Federal law prohibits Johnson from possessing a firearm due to his prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in 2005, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine twice in 2016.

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.  It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Shiquisa Monique Watts, a/k/a “Quisha,” age 23, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, was sentenced to over two years in federal prison after pleading guilty in March 2018 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented in court established that on September 10, 2016, officers with the Fort Mill Police Department responded to a fight in the parking lot of a local shopping center. Officers gathered information that one of the individuals involved in the altercation was Watts and that she had been armed with a handgun. They made contact with Watts at her home as she was exiting a vehicle. Officers located a loaded Ruger .380 caliber handgun in the car and Watts admitted to possessing it in her pocket during the altercation. Further investigation revealed that the firearm had previously been reported stolen.   

Federal law prohibits Watts from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon her prior state convictions for distribution of marijuana 2nd offense and distribution of marijuana within the proximity of a park.    

United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted Watts’ guilty plea and sentenced her to 27 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision. The court allowed Watts to self-report to federal prison. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Bradley Apollos Thompson, a/k/a “Kuntry,” age 28, of West Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to two counts of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer while resisting arrest and one count of aiding and abetting in a Hobbs Act robbery.  Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, of Columbia, sentenced Thompson to 170 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on February 5, 2017, Thompson, Tiffany Metze, and Noah Billie conspired to rob a local methamphetamine dealer named Bruce Hudson, a/k/a “Zues.”  The three conspirators met at a hotel near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and discussed driving to Hudson’s home in Gaston, South Carolina, to commit the robbery.  After they discussed the details of the planned robbery, Thompson drove Metze and Thompson to Hudson’s home.  Metze lured Hudson to the front yard and after a brief discussion with him, Billie shot Thompson in the torso.  Thompson drove the conspirators away from the crime.  Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to Hudson’s home and found him shot in the front yard.  Hudson was hospitalized for his injuries.

State warrants were obtained for Metze, Billie, and Thompson as a result of the above-referenced robbery.  On February 22, 2017, members of the United States Marshals Service Operation Intercept Fugitive Task Force located Thompson’s truck at a residence near Boiling Springs Road in Lexington.  Members of the task force positioned their vehicles in an attempt to prevent Thompson from leaving the residence.  When officers observed Thompson exit the residence with a female and get into the truck, they identified themselves and ordered Thompson to get out of the vehicle.  Thompson pushed the female out of the driver’s seat and attempted to escape.  During his escape attempt, he drove his vehicle in reverse and struck a vehicle driven by one of the Deputy Sheriffs assigned to the fugitive task force.  Thompson then placed his vehicle into drive and rammed a vehicle driven by a Deputy United States Marshal, who had taken up a blocking position in front of Thompson.  The Deputy was positioned in the apex of the driver’s door when Thompson rammed his vehicle.  The Deputy’s hands and feet were slammed in the doorframe when Thompson rammed his truck into the Deputy’s vehicle.  Thompson reversed and struck the Deputy’s vehicle a second time, again pinning the Deputy’s hands and feet.  Task Force members then fired on Thompson, striking him multiple times.  Both the Deputy and Thompson were transported to the Lexington Medical Center for injuries sustained during the arrest.  Both have recovered from their injuries.

The Court sentenced Thompson to 170 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Noah Billie was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by a term of supervised release of 5 years.  Finally, Metze was sentenced to 57 months, followed by a term of supervised release of 3 years.

The case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the Columbia office prosecuted the case. 

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

#####

 

Anderson, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that  Clyde Allen Williams, 33, of Anderson, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Anderson for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Timothy Cain of Anderson accepted Williams’ guilty plea and sentenced him to 100 months in federal prison, to be followed by court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 9, 2017, Williams was the driver of a car traveling at 96 mph in a 45 mph zone in the city of Anderson, SC. An Anderson City Police Officer stopped the car and, while speaking to Williams, observed the bottom of a pistol magazine sticking out of Williams' pocket.  The officer removed a loaded .380 caliber pistol from Williams’ pocket.  A subsequent search of the car revealed approximately 84 grams of marijuana.  Federal law prohibits Williams from possessing firearms due to his prior criminal record. 

The Anderson City Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.  

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

#####

Conway, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today during a press conference at the Horry County Police Department that a 46-count federal indictment has been unsealed that charges 27 defendants with federal drug conspiracy charges.  On Wednesday morning, 22 defendants were arrested in an early morning operation in Horry County that was conducted by more than 125 officers and agents from 12 law enforcement agencies.  These defendants were arraigned in federal court in Florence on Wednesday afternoon, and two defendants who were already in state custody will make their first appearance this Friday.  Three defendants have not yet been arrested, and the FBI is seeking information leading to their capture.

Beginning in 2017, the FBI Myrtle Beach Resident Agency, working alongside several other federal and local law enforcement partners, began a covert investigation of a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in the Myrtle Beach and Horry County areas of South Carolina.  The defendants named in the indictment are members and/or associates of this drug trafficking organization, known by the name “G-Shine” and formerly known as “Gangster Killer Bloods.”  G-Shine is a Bloods Gang set that evolved from the United Blood Nation in the late 1990s.  G-Shine originated in the New York/New Jersey area and migrated along the east coast and now has sets, or sub-groups, in multiple states including New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina.  Shine Money Gang is a sub-set of G-Shine that is based in the Longs, South Carolina, area.  The investigation revealed that G-Shine’s gang members and criminal associates engage in the sale of narcotics and use firearms to defend themselves and their criminal enterprise. 

The indictment charges the defendants with forming an agreement to distribute heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana in South Carolina.  Additionally, the indictment charges several defendants with the actual distribution of these drugs and the use of wireless communications devices to further the organization’s drug trafficking activity.  During the course of the investigation, agents used undercover surveillance, confidential source information, and other techniques to establish the agreement between coconspirators to sell these drugs.

“Drugs and violence are what we are talking about today,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon.  “I could not be more proud to lend my voice, and more importantly our resources, to help sound the alarm in this community.  There is a serious violent crime problem, and a serious opioid problem, in the Myrtle Beach area.  We are targeting groups that are directly destroying communities.  We will spare no resources.  We are here in full force, with a passion for making Myrtle Beach safe.  We are locking arms with our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal enterprises right here at home. We applaud the great work done by our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, and we consider it a great privilege to join forces with them.”

The following defendants are in custody:

1. Aaron Delond Stanley, a/k/a “Heat Santana,” of Myrtle Beach
2. Richard Earl Hemingway, Jr., a/k/a “Jeezy,” of Myrtle Beach
3. Rashea Omar Jenerette, a/k/a “Dog,” of Poplar
4. Thurston Jay Hardiman, a/k/a “Thirst,” of Longs
5. Christopher Lamont Pino, a/k/a “Pine,” of Little River
6. Trey Levert Cox, aka “Cheese” a/k/a “Sosa,” of Poplar
7. Terrance Damon Richardson, Jr., a/k/a “Juicy,” of Longs
8. Kennis Lorenzo Willard, a/k/a “Kilo,” of Longs
9. Terrice Bayshawn Livingston, a/k/a “Biz,” of Longs
10. Crystal Nicole Dickey, of Little River
11. Cory Antwan Pertell, of Loris
12. Jada Teal Abril Pyatt, of Myrtle Beach
13. Wendy Elaine Blue, of Longs
14. Michelle Denise McFee, of Little River
15. Kalaera Marie Gee, of Marion
16. Javarius Albert Grant Murray, of Myrtle Beach
17. Eddie Mario Jones, a/k/a “Coco,” of Myrtle Beach
18. Marcus Antonio Hemingway, a/k/a “Mark,” of Longs
19. Donte Raquan Xavier Livingston, a/k/a “Bootsie,” of Myrtle Beach
20. Xavier Jermaine Horne, a/k/a “Rush,” of Myrtle Beach
21. Montea Daryel Myers, of Myrtle Beach
22. Glen Garrick Holley, of Myrtle Beach
23. Michelle Lindsey Singleton, of Myrtle Beach
24. Blake Lashay Evans, a/k/a “Breezy,” of Longs

The FBI is actively looking for three additional defendants: Christopher Kayvon Giddens, a/k/a “Brisk,” of Longs; Rondric Tykeme Smith, of Conway; and Katelyn Anne Stetler, of Little River.  Any person having information as to the whereabouts of one of these fugitives should contact the FBI Columbia Tip Line at 803-551-4200.     

The investigation and arrests were a combined law enforcement effort between the following agencies: Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit and Solicitor’s Office, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, and United States Postal Inspection Service. 

The investigation has been quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  Assistant United States Attorneys Everett McMillian and Justin Holloway of the Florence office are prosecuting the case.

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

 

#####

Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Glenn Darryl Dennis, age 33, of West Ashley, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour of Charleston sentenced Dennis to 71 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court established that on December 5, 2017, officers of the Charleston Police Department stopped Dennis for a vehicle infraction and observed an open container of alcohol. Officers asked Dennis to step out of the vehicle, and, as they attempted to frisk him for weapons, he tried to run. He was quickly restrained, and officers found cocaine and a loaded revolver in his pocket.

Federal law prohibits Dennis from possessing firearms and ammunition based on his numerous prior felony convictions, including for possessing narcotics with intent to distribute and carjacking.  He pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on July 30, 2018.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy. 

 

#####

Anderson, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Precias K. Freeman, 35, of Lyman, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Anderson for her role in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute hydrocodone.  United States District Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Freeman to 210 months in the federal Bureau of Prisons.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court established that beginning in October 2014, Freeman created fraudulent prescriptions using stolen physician DEA numbers.  She passed the fraudulent prescriptions in local pharmacies throughout the upstate of South Carolina.  In February 2015, Freeman moved her operation into North Carolina because South Carolina law enforcement was devoting substantial resources in an effort to locate her.

The investigation revealed that Freeman usually tried to fill three prescriptions per day.  Records showed that on some days Freeman succeeded at filling up to 13 prescriptions per day. Veteran DEA agents described Freeman as the most prolific prescription passer with whom they had dealt.  Over the course of the conspiracy, law enforcement estimates that Freeman was responsible for illegally obtaining 175,000 tablets of hydrocodone, which she and her co-conspirators then sold across the Upstate. 

The case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Duncan Police Department, the Simpsonville Police Department, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####

Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that over the last two weeks, the United States Attorney’s Office provided training to South Carolina’s Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force on methods of investigating and prosecuting federal human trafficking cases.

The training was part of a three-day course entitled “Advanced Human Trafficking Investigations Law Enforcement Course.” The course was sponsored by the Charleston County Sherriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and ERASE, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on eliminating child trafficking through education and professional training. 

Originally set to include a single training session, U.S. Attorney Lydon stated a second class was organized due to high levels of interest among local law enforcement agencies. “We applaud our local law enforcement partners for taking such an interest in this important issue.  Human trafficking is a worldwide crisis sustained by a vast criminal network that exploits vulnerable children and adults, including right here at home,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon.  “Successfully prosecuting these cases depends on the cooperation of state and federal law enforcement agencies. Through courses like this, we are taking the steps necessary to tackle this problem head-on in South Carolina.” 

Instructors presented on a range of topics relating to human trafficking, including statistics provided by ERASE’s 2012 Survivor Survey.  According to the survey, approximately 75% of underage sex trafficking victims reported being sold online.  Additionally, the average age of entry into sex trafficking for a child victim in the United States was reported to be 12 years old for a girl and 11 years old for a boy.  It is estimated that one in three teens living on the street will be lured toward trafficking within 4-8 years of leaving home.

U.S. Attorney Lydon also announced that each of the four U.S. Attorney’s Offices in South Carolina now have designated points of contact for issues relating to human trafficking prosecutions. 

Instructors at the course included Major Rick Hoffman, Raleigh Police Department (retired); Lori A. Sims, AMP, MPP; Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Victor Williams (retired); and Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Schoen and Matt Austin from the Charleston Office.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Kenterius Dyshae Hinton, age 24, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 36 months (3 years) imprisonment, which will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. This past September, Hinton plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented in court established that on November 29, 2017, at approximately 11:21p.m., officers with the Rock Hill Police Department were on patrol in an unmarked patrol car when they observed a car, using their high beam front headlights, coming towards them. A traffic stop was conducted and Hinton found to be the driver. Officers smelled marijuana as they approached the car and when they asked Hinton, a known gang member, and the passenger about it, they stated that they had smoked marijuana earlier and that the odor was on their clothes. A search of car revealed a loaded Taurus .45 caliber handgun underneath the center console, a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber handgun underneath the passenger seat, and a marijuana grinder with marijuana residue. Both Hinton and the passenger were arrested on state charges of unlawful carrying of a firearm and advised of their rights. After waiving their rights, Hinton admitted that the “black gun was mine” [the Taurus .45 caliber] and the passenger admitted that the silver gun [the Smith and Wesson .45 caliber] was his gun.

Hinton, who was on state probation at the time of the instant offense, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree, where he entered a dwelling armed with a firearm, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and attempted armed robbery.  The passenger was not a convicted felon, so his firearm charge remained in state court.

Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Alyssa Richardson both of the Columbia office handled the case.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Rock Hill Police Department. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

#####

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Holly Denise Sturkey, 42, of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Pass Forged Securities. 

Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that from May through October 2017, Sturkey was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass forged checks of organizations.

This conspiracy was responsible for stealing mail from mailboxes at various residences in Horry County and other counties in an effort to locate genuine checks within the mail.  Sturkey would then alter and/or forge various information on the checks, including names and signatures of payees and account holders, so that she could deposit those checks into a bank account to which she had access.  She would then withdraw the funds from this account and keep the proceeds for herself.   

Sturkey faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Sturkey after receiving and reviewing a presentence investigation report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Horry County Police Department and the North Myrtle Beach Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that William Tye Grisel, 38, of Lexington, South Carolina, was charged in a 153-count Indictment by a federal grand jury for Wire Fraud and Fraud Involving a Computer.

According to the Indictment, Grisel is a former employee of and consultant for Big Red Box, a national dumpster brokerage firm based in Columbia.  Over an almost three-year period, he defrauded the company of approximately $1.05 million by charging for marketing calls he did not make.  

Grisel faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each Wire Fraud charge and five years in prison for each Fraud Involving a Computer charge.

The United States Secret Service investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Brandon Shane Polston, age 33, of Lancaster, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty in July to being a felon in possession of firearms and to possession of machineguns and destructive device not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Polston to the statutory maximum sentence of 120 months (10 years) imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release to follow.

Polston’s co-defendants—Austin Lee Ritter, age 23, and Kimberly Denise Cannon, age 40, both of Lancaster—were sentenced in late November after pleading guilty in June. Both pled guilty to the same charges as Polston. Ritter was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Cannon was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release to follow.

Evidence presented in court hearings established that during the early morning hours of November 26, 2017, an officer with the Lancaster Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Cannon after observing her littering. Further investigation during the traffic stop revealed the following inside the vehicle:  a FNH, model M249, 5.56mm machinegun; two (2) Colt, model M-16, 5.56mm machineguns; two (2) Beretta, model M9, 9mm pistols; a Colt, model M203, 40mm grenade launcher (“destructive device”); night vision goggles; and various military items stolen from the Lancaster National Guard Armory.

After the traffic stop, Polston and Ritter were located at a Lancaster motel and found in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine. A review of surveillance video from the motel showed Polston, Ritter, and Cannon bringing the bags containing the firearms back and forth between the vehicle and the motel room. Searches of their cell phones revealed various photos and text messages relating to the firearms and sale of the firearms.

During the investigation, Polston admitted that on Thanksgiving Day, he jumped the fence of the Armory, where he found the building unsecured and no one present. The investigation has not uncovered any plan by any other person to assist Polston in the theft. Polston stole the firearms and other items and hid them in nearby woods.

Thereafter, Polston traded one 9mm handgun to a male in exchange for heroin, which he provided to a friend. Polston also sold two of the M-16s to two males in Lancaster in exchange for money, cocaine, and marijuana. Thereafter, Polston had Cannon drive him and Ritter back to the wooded area to retrieve the remaining firearms and other items. The group also traveled to the Rock Hill area, where Polston gave an M-16 to a female and received methamphetamine from her. The investigation revealed that while some of the stolen firearms were later recovered in possession of other felons, other firearms remain missing.

Polston and his co-defendants Ritter and Cannon are all prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon their prior state convictions. Polston has prior state convictions for breaking into autos (2 counts), malicious injury to person property over $2,000, but less than $10,000, assault and battery 1st degree, burglary 2nd degree (2 counts), receiving stolen goods over $2,000 but less than $10,000, and property offense 3rd or subsequent. Polston was released from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in February 2017.  

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Lancaster Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Quavis Jamar Rudisell, 29, of Lancaster, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented in court established that during the early morning hours of September 6, 2018, deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence on Providence Road after receiving a 911 call in regard to a theft of money. The residence advised that Rudisell had been a guest in the home, stolen approximately $1,300, and fled on a silver moped. Officers with the Lancaster Police Department located Rudisell on the moped and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Rudisell jumped off the moped and fled into nearby woods, where he was later captured. Officers located the stolen money on Rudisell, along with a magazine loaded with rounds of 9mm ammunition. Rudisell admitted to throwing the firearm down. Officers did a search of the area and recovered a 9mm handgun with a large-capacity magazine loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition.  He was arrested pursuant to a federal criminal complaint.

Rudisell is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon a prior state conviction for breach of trust with fraudulent intent more than $2,000 but less than $10,000 (2016) and a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of crack cocaine (2011). Rudisell had been released from federal prison and was on federal supervised release at the time of the instant offense.

Rudisell faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge.  He also faces a revocation of his federal supervised release.

Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has received and reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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

####

Columbia, South Carolina----United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Federal Grand Juries have returned Indictments against the following:

Charleston Area Men Face Federal Charges for Armored Car Robbery.  Rashad Dingle of North Charleston, South Carolina, and Robert Lee Brown, II, of West Ashley, South Carolina, were charged in a 5-count indictment arising out of the April 10, 2018, robbery of an armored car driver. Among other charges, the indictment alleges a robbery affecting interstate commerce and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Dingle is also charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Both men face a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office for prosecution.

Seabrook Island Man Indicted in $2M Fraud.  Todd Vannatta, 42, of Seabrook Island, South Carolina, was charged in a 10-count superseding indictment.  The indictment charges nine counts of wire fraud, with each count punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  Count Ten charges False Statement and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.  The indictment alleges that Vannatta used several businesses to steal approximately $2,000,000.00 from multiple investors.  The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office are prosecuting the case.

Illegal Aliens Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry.  Marcelo Diaz-Cordero, 34; Melchor Gonzalez-Gutierrez, 33; Juan Carlos Hernandez-Renteria, 34; Jorge Ramos-Luna, 31; and Sofronio Cruz-Aragon, 35, are each charged in separate Indictments with illegal re-entry to the United States. Each faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, depending on his record. The cases were investigated by agents of the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville Office.

Three Spartanburg Residents Indicted on Conspiracy to Rip Off Housing Programs Designed to Help the Poor and Underprivileged.  Tommy E.  Quick, 69; Isaac T. Quick, 29; and John E. Bagwell, Jr., 78, all of Spartanburg, South Carolina, were charged in a one-count Indictment with conspiracy.  The defendants face a maximum penalty of up to five years in federal prison.  The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of the Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Operators of Balanced Solutions Indicted for Scamming Patients Involving Scar Cream.  Kristopher  M. Oakes, 46, of Greenville, South Carolina; Christy L. Oakes, 47, of Greenville, South Carolina; Gerald S. Lemarr, 72, of Dandridge, Tennessee; Melissa G. Barbour, 57, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; Erskine C. Carpenter, 21, of Taylors, South Carolina; Austin B. Cathcart, 28, of Greenville, South Carolina; and Deborah R. Cathcart, 58, of Greer, South Carolina, were charged in a one-count Indictment with attempt and conspiracy. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Enoree Resident Indicted for Child Pornography Possession and Sexually Explicit Conduct.  Jeremey A. Bennett, 27, of Enoree, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count Indictment with possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of children. Bennett faces of maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Simpsonville Resident Indicted on Embezzlement from Social Security Administration.  Melissa Thames, 48, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with embezzlement. The maximum penalty Thames could receive is 10 years in federal prison.  The case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

 

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

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Reggie Denard Goodwin, age 47, of Columbia, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented in court established that on March 13, 2018, deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department stopped Goodwin’s vehicle after observing a traffic violation. When deputies approached the vehicle, they observed Goodwin, a female, and a small child in the vehicle. Deputies smelled marijuana and asked Goodwin, the driver, to exit the vehicle. Goodwin actively resisted arrest, struck the officer’s arm, and tried to flee.

A loaded .380 caliber handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, was found in Goodwin’s pocket. Inside the car, deputies located a digital scale and baggies of cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. After waiving his rights, Goodwin admitted that he tried to run because he had drugs and a gun. Goodwin was arrested on state charges and released on state bond.

While out on state bond from the March 2018 drug and gun offenses, Goodwin was involved in a high-speed chase on June 1, 2018, after Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputies attempted to stop his truck for a traffic violation. The chase ensued through highly-populated areas of Columbia, including Devine Street and Garners Ferry Road. During the chase, a deputy observed Goodwin throwing baggies out of his truck. Goodwin lost control and wrecked his truck as he crossed into on-coming traffic over a raised median at the on-ramp to I-77. Goodwin exited the truck with a handgun in his hands, which he tossed into the brush when he attempted to flee. Goodwin resisted arrest and struggled with deputies, breaking one deputy’s eyeglasses. Deputies were able to locate the loaded .38 caliber firearm in the brush where Goodwin tossed it. Goodwin was arrested on state charges and released on state bond. Thereafter, a federal complaint and arrest warrant were issued. Goodwin was arrested on federal drug and gun charges and remains in custody.

Goodwin is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for possession of cocaine and possession of crack cocaine (1990); burglary 2nd degree (1990); grand larceny (1991); receiving stolen goods (1994); forgery (1996); burglary 2nd degree/strong arm robbery, possession of crack cocaine, and grand larceny (1996); burglary 2nd degree and grand larceny (1996); possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2006); and possession of crack cocaine (2006).

Goodwin faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of $2,000,000, and 6 years of court-ordered supervision on the drug charge. On the firearm charge, Goodwin faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of court-ordered supervision.

Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has received and reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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

####

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Lorenzo Keith Goins, age 27, of Sumter, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour, of Charleston, sentenced Goodwater to 57 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented during Goins’ guilty plea and sentencing hearing established that on October 20, 2017, the victim’s 19-year-old son called 911 and stated that Goins was threatening his mother with a handgun.  Officers with the Sumter Police Department responded and encountered Goins, who was in possession of a .45 caliber Springfield Armory handgun and over 20 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition.  Witnesses to the incident advised the officers that Goins grabbed the female victim by the throat and threw her up against her car.  The victim’s 19-year-old son then attempted to engage Goins.  Goins then displayed the firearm in his waistband and told the son, “You lucky I don’t pull it out on you.”

During the sentencing hearing, the transporting officer’s in-car video was played for the Judge.  Goins was captured on the video becoming visibly irate with the transporting officer, making numerous threats to hurt the officer and his colleagues.  Federal law prohibits Goins from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on his criminal record, which includes convictions for grand larceny, possession of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana, and receiving stolen goods.  After his arrest, Goins made contact with the victim several times over the phone, attempting to get her to withdraw her statements to law enforcement about the assault.

The Court sentenced Goins to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release with a special condition that he receive anger management treatment.  This sentence was at the top of the advisory sentencing guideline range and was enhanced for his possession and use of the firearm during and in relation to the domestic violence incident.

The case was investigated by the Sumter Police Department and agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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

#####

Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Tyrus Cornell Goodwater, Jr., age 27, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Goodwater to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court established that on February 20, 2017, officers of the Charleston Police Department stopped Goodwater for a traffic violation and observed marijuana in his vehicle. A search of Goodwater’s car uncovered distribution amounts of marijuana, plastic baggies, and digital scales. Officers also discovered three guns in the trunk of the car, including an AK-47 style weapon.  Goodwater pled guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on August 20, 2018.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy. 

#####

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri Lydon announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the M.L. Brown Public Safety Building, 2560 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526.

Represented at the press conference will be members of the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office.

NOTE:  Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Lance Crick, 864-282-2105.  All media must present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license).  Members of the media wishing to attend should gather at the media staging area at 10:30 a.m., 30 minutes in advance.

Media Staging Area: the M.L. Brown Public Safety Building, 2560 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526.

#####

 

 

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Joseph Leslie Griggs, 52, of Hartsville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to being a felon in possession of firearms. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on June 28, 2017, deputies with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Griggs’ residence in Hartsville, South Carolina.  During the execution of the search warrant, deputies recovered 24 firearms, some of which were stolen.  Federal law prohibits Griggs from possessing firearms based on his prior state conviction for Grand Larceny. 

Griggs faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison.  United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Griggs after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office. 

The charges against Griggs were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.  Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office is prosecuting the case. 

#####

Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Brian Lewis, 24, of Greenville, South Carolina, was convicted in federal court in Anderson of conspiracy to murder a trial witness of the State of South Carolina, conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to possess firearms during the commission of a violent crime. 

Evidence presented at trial established that Lewis was the South Carolina leader for a street gang.  The gang was an ongoing criminal enterprise in South Carolina, with leadership throughout the country that engaged in racketeering activities including attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine. 

Lewis conspired with fellow members of the street gang in Greenville County and Florence, South Carolina, to attempt to murder a witness in a state trial.  That witness was the victim of an armed robbery previously committed by Lewis.  Lewis commissioned at least four other street gang members to murder the anticipated witness in order to avoid a lengthy sentence for that crime.  Law enforcement, however, was able to intercept the conspiracy before any attempt on the witness’s life was accomplished.

Lewis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson presided over the trial and will sentence Lewis after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.  Assistant United States Attorneys D. Josev Brewer and Sloan Ellis of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Quintin La Prix Davis of Latta, South Carolina, was convicted by a federal jury for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycodone, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime after a two-day trial in Florence.  The 12-person jury unanimously found Davis guilty of all charges after a short, 30-minute deliberation. 

Evidence presented at trial showed that at approximately 3:43 a.m. on March 21, 2018, a deputy with the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office attempted to perform a traffic stop after noticing Davis erratically driving on Highway 301.  Davis continued driving, however, then sped up and attempted to elude law enforcement by making multiple turns before pulling into a parking lot and trying to escape on foot.  After a brief foot chase, Davis was detained and walked back to the patrol car. 

During an initial pat down of Davis, law enforcement found three bags of opioids – including Fentanyl, the dangerous drug responsible for the recent deaths of musicians Prince and Tom Petty – and $509 in US currency.  A search of Davis’s vehicle revealed a stolen Ruger, model SR40c, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, located within arm’s reach of the driver’s seat.  The semi-automatic pistol was loaded to capacity with nine rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, including one in the chamber.

Federal law prohibits Davis from possessing a firearm and ammunition based on his numerous state felony convictions, including: assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, strong arm robbery, four counts of distribution of cocaine base (commonly referred to as “crack cocaine”), and two counts of distribution of cocaine. 

Davis faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life in federal prison based on his prior criminal record.  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the trial and will sentence Davis after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.  Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.  Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Holloway and Everett McMillian of the Florence Office prosecuted the case. 

#####

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that three defendants—Lance Hardiman, Justin Pressley, and Rodrick Berklery—were convicted in federal court for robbing the South State Bank in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in May 2016.

Hardiman stood trial this week in United States District Court in Florence before District Court Judge R. Bryan Harwell. The jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts: armed bank robbery, witness tampering, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of using a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that on May 4, 2016, the three defendants—Hardiman, Pressley, and Berklery—armed with handguns and wearing gloves and masks, robbed the South State Bank in North Myrtle Beach. After entering the bank, Hardiman stood at the door while Pressley and Berklery fired their weapons and jumped over the counter. They forced the tellers to empty their tills into a bag, threatening the women’s lives. The men obtained over $30,000 and fled the bank. Bank employees were able to trip a silent alarm and place a dye pack in the bag, and they identified the type of car that the men got into as a silver Chevrolet Impala.

Responding to the call, a detective with the North Myrtle Beach Police Department saw a silver Impala with three men inside. The officer turned on his blue lights, and the Impala took off at high speeds. The officer followed the Impala for approximately five miles as Pressley fired an AK-47 out of the back window at the officer and Hardiman shot out of the passenger’s window. As the chase wound through a residential community, the suspects reached speeds of over 80 miles an hour while indiscriminately shooting at the officer and passing motorists.

Hardiman, Pressley, and Berklery proceeded towards Longs, where one of them lived. They kept firing at the officer, hitting his vehicle twice. One round missed the officer by less than an inch. The officer thought he had been hit and crashed his car.

The three men continued driving and encountered a lieutenant with the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, who deployed spike strips in an effort to end the high speed chase. Hardiman fired out the window at the lieutenant, hitting his car, as Berklery swerved to miss the spike strip. Berklery lost control of the car and drove it off the road. The three defendants then ran from the scene into a heavily wooded area.

A manhunt began, with North Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED),  South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Myrtle Beach Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) all participating in the search. A perimeter was set, and within an hour law enforcement encountered Pressley hiding in some brush.

Tracking the other two suspects, law enforcement encountered two sets of footprints going into standing water wearing shoes. On the other side of the water, one set of footprints was still wearing shoes and the other was barefoot.  Hardiman was captured several hours later walking out of the woods. He had stripped down to just shorts and had scratches and scrapes, apparently from running through brush. Berklery was captured approximately 11:30 p.m. in a junkyard wearing just his boxers and no shoes.

During the trial, it was revealed that two of the members of this robbery crew had previously robbed another bank in Horry County and a restaurant.

Following his conviction by a unanimous jury, Hardiman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years to run consecutive to any other sentences imposed and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Judge Harwell will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.  Pressley pled guilty to using a firearm in furtherance of a bank robbery and witness tampering and agreed to a 25-year federal prison sentence. Berklery pled guilty to using a firearm in furtherance of a bank robbery and in furtherance of witness tampering and agreed to a 30-year sentence. 

U.S. Attorney Lydon stated, “We will always support our local and state partners in ensuring that the most dangerous criminals are held accountable for their actions. This investigation, manhunt, and prosecution was the result of many wonderful agencies working in unison to ensure that the guilty were caught and convicted.”

Chief Deputy Solicitor for the 15th Circuit Scott Hixson said, “The case was successful due to the courage and persistence of all involved. From the bravery of the tellers, to the officers who chased and disabled the defendants, to the numerous agencies who participated in the manhunt – this outcome would not have been possible without so many people in the community coming together to hold the violent individuals accountable for their acts. We would like to thank our federal partners in FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their dedication to ensure a just outcome occurred.”

Chief Joseph Hill of the Horry County Police Department commented, “Although I was not Chief when this incident occurred, it remains that the men and women of law enforcement continue to keep their community safe in the most hazardous conditions. I’m very proud of the cooperation of every agency involved in the successful apprehension and prosecution of these very dangerous men. Every day, law enforcement officers stand ready to protect and serve, no matter the risk, to keep our community safe.”

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, North Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, SLED, SCDNR, Myrtle Beach Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy. 

 Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May of the Columbia office and Derek Shoemake of the Florence office prosecuted the case, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney and Chief Deputy Solicitor of the 15th Circuit Scott Hixson.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Austin Lee Ritter, age 23, and Kimberly Denise Cannon, age 40, both of Lancaster, South Carolina, each were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty in June to being a felon in possession of firearms and to possession of machineguns and destructive device not registered to them.

Evidence presented in court established that in the early morning hours of November 26, 2017, an officer with the Lancaster Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Cannon after observing her littering. Further investigation during the traffic stop revealed the following inside the vehicle:  a FNH, model M249, 5.56mm machinegun; two Colt, model M-16, 5.56mm machineguns; two Beretta, model M9, 9mm pistols; a Colt, model M203, 40mm grenade launcher (“destructive device”); night vision goggles; and various military items stolen from the Lancaster National Guard Armory.

After the traffic stop, Ritter and co-defendant Brandon Shane Polston, who has also pled guilty to federal charges and will be sentenced on December 14, 2018, were found in a Lancaster motel in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine. A review of surveillance video from the motel showed Ritter, Cannon, and Polston bringing bags containing the firearms back and forth between the vehicle and the motel room. Searches of their cell phones revealed various photos and text messages relating to the firearms and sale of the firearms.

An investigation revealed that Polston stole the firearms from the Lancaster National Guard Armory and then directed Cannon to take him and Ritter to an area near the Armory, where they retrieved the firearms and other items from a ditch and placed them in their car, later transporting them to the motel. Some of the stolen firearms were later recovered in possession of other felons in the area, while other firearms remain missing.

Both Ritter and Cannon are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon their prior state convictions. Ritter has prior convictions for accessory after the fact of a felony, possession of a controlled substance, breach of trust, receiving stolen goods, and theft of a controlled substance. Cannon, who was on state probation from a North Carolina conviction at the time of this incident, has prior convictions for shoplifting, assault and battery, and obtaining property by false pretenses.  

United States District Judge Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Ritter to 87 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Cannon was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Lancaster Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.

#####

Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ignacio Sandoval-Acosta, 47, a Mexican citizen currently serving a sentence for drug trafficking in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and Scott Terrill Hipp, 27, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, were sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that Sandoval-Acosta, Hipp, and others were involved in a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for importing large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, as well as other drugs, from Mexico for distribution in South Carolina and elsewhere.  Sandoval-Acosta coordinated shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana through the use of a contraband cell phone while incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.  During the course of the investigation, agents seized one package containing 886 grams of crystal methamphetamine that had been shipped to Hipp from Arizona.  Agents later seized a package containing 853 grams of crystal methamphetamine that Sandoval-Acosta had arranged to have shipped.

Senior United States District Judge Margaret Seymour sentenced Sandoval-Acosta to 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision, while Hipp received a sentence of 120 months in federal prison, also to be followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision.  Sandoval-Acosta’s sentence will not begin until he finishes serving his state sentence in 2024.  There is no parole in the federal system.    

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

         

#####

Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Ronreguss Santez Grant, 35, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on November 21, 2017, North Charleston Police conducted a traffic stop, smelled marijuana, and searched Grant and his vehicle.  In addition to finding a small amount of marijuana on Grant’s person, officers discovered a 9mm pistol that had previously been reported stolen in the vehicle he was driving.  Federal law prohibits Grant from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his numerous prior felony convictions, including convictions for strong arm robbery, unlawful carrying of a pistol, and multiple convictions for possession of narcotics.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted Grant’s guilty plea and sentenced him to 40 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the North Charleston Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The Department of Justice has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

#####

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Michael James Bembry, 28, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit money and manufacturing counterfeit money.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Bembry was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit $100 and $50 bills in multiple states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.  This conspiracy, which began in 2015, included at least nine defendants who were responsible for making and passing over $100,000 in counterfeit money. 

Bembry and other conspirators manufactured counterfeit money at several residences in Florence, South Carolina, and in a room at the Roosevelt Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  They produced counterfeit $100 bills on genuine currency paper, then visited various local businesses, where they would purchase small items or services with the counterfeit $100 bills in order to obtain genuine currency as change.

In May 2015, multiple counterfeit $100 bills, a genuine $100 “parent note,” a printer, and other counterfeiting materials were seized by local law enforcement from a car Bembry was driving in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.  Later, in July 2016, Bembry and a codefendant passed a counterfeit $100 bill at a business in Bryson City, North Carolina.  To date, seven of Bembry’s co-conspirators have pled guilty to federal crimes for their role in this counterfeiting scheme.   

United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Bembry to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by agents of United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Florence Police Department, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and the Bryson City Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina -------- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that 15 individuals from South Carolina and North Carolina were charged in federal court with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Extortion, and Money Laundering.  These individuals are:

• WENDELL WILKINS, age 30, of Ridgeville, South Carolina;
• RAKEEM SPIVEY, age 27, of Bishopville, South Carolina;
• JIMMY DUNBAR, age 37, of Bishopville, South Carolina;
• ANTWINE LAMAR MATTHEWS, age 28, of Bishopville, South Carolina;
• DAVID PAUL DEMPSEY, age 31, of Ridgeville, South Carolina;
• EDGAR JERMAINE HOSEY, age 34, of Aiken, South Carolina;
• JALISA THOMPSON, age 30, of Spartanburg, South Carolina;
• TIFFANY REED, age 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina;
• BRANDON THOMPSON, age 25, of Spartanburg, South Carolina;
• LABEN MCCOY, age 40, of Orangeburg, South Carolina;
• ROSELYN PRATT, age 28, of Longs, South Carolina;
• MITCHLENE PADGETT, age 52, of Batesburg, South Carolina;
• MALCOLM COOPER, age 27, of Rock Hill, South Carolina;
• ANDREIKA MOUZON, age 28, of Kingstree, South Carolina; and
• FLOSSIE BROCKINGTON, age 28, of Florence, South Carolina.

 

The Indictments allege that from at least 2015 through 2017, Wilkins, Spivey, Dunbar, Matthews, and Dempsey (the “named inmates”) were inmates at the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) who smuggled smartphones into prison.  Using the Internet access on the smartphones, the named inmates and other prisoners at SCDC orchestrated a scheme to defraud members of the United States Military. 

As part of the scheme, the named inmates used smartphones to join Internet dating websites and pose as young women seeking romantic relationships.  On the dating websites, the named inmates targeted young male service members.  After meeting the service members on the dating websites, the named inmates texted nude pictures of young women that they obtained from the Internet, claiming these nude pictures were of the woman that they were impersonating on the dating website.  After they texted nude pictures, they asked the military members to text nude pictures and other personal information in return. 

As further part of the scheme, after exchanging nude pictures and other personal information, Wilkins, Spivey, Dunbar, Matthews, Dempsey, and other inmates called the military members and claimed to be the young woman’s father.  The named inmates told the military members that the “daughter” was a minor and not 18 or 19 years old as listed on the dating website.  They then threatened to notify the military authorities and/or law enforcement that the military member was exchanging nude pictures with a minor unless the military member paid money.  Often times, the named inmates claimed that the money was needed for counseling and medical bills for the trauma that the “underage daughter” suffered from the sexually explicit text messages.  In some instances, other inmates at SCDC who conspired with the named inmates called the military members posing as a police officer and threatened them with arrest unless they paid additional money.  The named inmates directed the military members to wire money by means of wire communications in interstate commerce via Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, and Walmart to individuals in South Carolina and North Carolina.

As further part of the scheme, Wilkins, Spivey, Dunbar, Matthews, and Dempsey recruited the other ten charged individuals—Jalisa Thompson, Reed, Brandon Thompson, McCoy, Pratt, Padgett, Cooper, Mouzon, Brockington, and Hosey—and others to retrieve the money that was wired by the military members. 

After retrieving the wired money, these ten individuals then provided the named inmates with access to the wire funds through various methods at the inmates’ direction, including the use of pre-paid debit cards.  In some instances, the individuals provided the named inmates with debit card numbers so they could access the criminal proceeds in prison via smartphones.  Other times, the individuals wired the money directly into the inmates’ prison accounts.  

The maximum penalty for each count in these Indictments is 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of court-ordered supervision.

“This case should sound the alarm that these kinds of scams are a significant threat to members of our military and to the citizens of South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon.  “These indictments are just one step in holding these inmates and the defendants on the outside, who allegedly assisted, accountable.  We do not lock criminals up only to have them continue their criminal enterprises from inside prison.  It is the unfettered use of contraband cell phones that allows inmates to continue harming the public.  We are thankful to our partners in state, local, and federal law enforcement and across the military branches for their hard work in bringing the perpetrators of this scheme to justice.”

This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, United States Marshals Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office are prosecuting the case.

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

#####

18-1017_indictment-penalty.pdf

18-1023_indictment-penalty.pdf

10-1024_indictment-penalty.pdf

18-1018_indictment-penalty.pdf

18-1022_indictment-penalty.pdf

 

Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Gena Randolph, 44, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was sentenced to over 9 years in federal prison for executing a health care fraud scheme over the course of almost five years.

Randolph’s sentence comes after a four-day trial in July prosecuted jointly by the United States Attorney’s Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.  A federal jury convicted Randolph of executing a health care fraud scheme totaling almost $2 million.  Randolph was convicted of one count of Health Care Fraud, one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, and three counts of Making False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters. 

According to evidence presented at trial, Randolph was excluded from Medicare and Medicaid after her 2012 conviction for Filing False Claims with the South Carolina Medicaid Program.  As an excluded person, she was prohibited from working for any provider to perform services paid for, in whole or in part, by Medicare and Medicaid. 

From 2012 to 2017, Randolph disguised her ownership and control over Palmetto Speech and Language Associates and Per Diem Healthcare Services, both of which were submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid.  As part of the health care fraud scheme, Randolph submitted claims both for speech therapy services that were provided by other speech therapists and for services that were never rendered at all.  The jury was also presented with evidence showing that Randolph submitted claims for services to beneficiaries who were dead.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel presided over the trial and sentenced Randolph to 111 months in federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system, and her prison sentence will be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision.  Randolph was also ordered to pay $580,937.44 in restitution.

“This case should serve as a warning sign to health care providers tempted try to take advantage of the size of our health care system, hoping that false and fraudulent claims will go unnoticed among the thousands of claims processed every day,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon.  “When providers like Ms. Randolph break the rules, American taxpayers are forced to bear the cost.  Her sentence will help recover that cost and discourage fraudulent billing by other providers in the future.  We applaud the vigilant employees who spotted Ms. Randolph’s fraud and were brave enough to report it to law enforcement, as well as the hard work of our partners at the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services.” 

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated, “This wasn’t just fraud, it was an attack on the people of the state because she took taxpayers’ money that was meant for health care after having already been convicted of a previous fraud.  I’m thankful that the hard work by our Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services paid off in restitution and a long prison sentence.”

The case was investigated by Special Investigator Chris Radcliff of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and Special Agent Chris Lott with the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Nancy Cote, Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Austin and Sean Kittrell of the Charleston office.

#####

The press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the South Carolina Department of Corrections, located at 4460 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri Lydon announced that a press conference will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Department of Corrections, located at 4460 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

Represented at the press conference will be members of the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command (CID), Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), United States Marshals Service (USMS), the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 NOTE:  Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Lance Crick, 864-282-2105.  All media must present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license).  Members of the media wishing to attend should gather at the media staging area at 10:00 a.m., 30 minutes in advance. Media Staging Area: South Carolina Department of Corrections Recruitment and Employment Services Center parking lot located at 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC.

 

#####

 

COLUMBIA, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Vital Energy Occupational Therapy and Wellness Center, LLC, headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, has agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that it knowingly submitted false or fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for physical and occupational therapy services.     

The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Vital Energy violated federal law from November 1, 2013, through April 30, 2016, by submitting bills for individual therapy services when group therapy services were actually provided, and by submitting bills for therapy services using former employees’ names and billing numbers when those former employees did not actually provide the therapy services.  Vital Energy denies these allegations.

The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.  The Act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that defendants submitted false claims for government funds and to share in any recovery.  As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive $36,000. 

“The False Claims Act exists to protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon.  “And when health care providers fail to follow the rules, the public bears the cost.  It is through settlements like these that we recover those costs and discourage fraudulent and reckless billing.”

The settlement was the result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office, with support from the Department of Health and Human Services and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  The settlement was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brook B. Andrews of the Columbia office. 

The case is captioned United States ex rel. Ashley C. Baggett, DPT v. Vital Energy Occupational Therapy and Wellness Center, LLC, d/b/a Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center, Case No. 3:16-cv-1692-DCC (D.S.C.).  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

#####

Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Keith R. Hudson, 71, of Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and six months of home confinement for receiving $197,237 in benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after falsely claiming to be a veteran.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Hudson falsely claimed that he was entitled to VA benefits because he was a veteran who had been in combat in Vietnam.  He even went so far as to claim that he had received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

Hudson has committed the same crime in the past.  In 2005, he was prosecuted in Connecticut for the falsely claiming to be a veteran in order to claim VA benefits.  He was placed in pretrial diversion.  He moved to Charleston, South Carolina, and in 2012 he applied to the VA in Charleston for benefits.  He used the same falsified form from the Department of Defense, (a DD-214, “Report of Separation from Active Duty”) and claimed that he was in the Navy and saw combat as a medic, suffering wounds and other trauma.  He claimed that he served from August 1, 1967, through October 31, 1971.

This was all a fraud.  Hudson was never in the military.  He never served in the United States Navy, nor did he ever see combat in Vietnam.

Hudson asked for a probationary sentence, claiming poor health and noting his age, previous bypass surgeries, and cancer.  United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel denied Hudson’s motion for probation and instead sentenced him to 1 year of confinement, in a split sentence.  Six months of the confinement is to be served in federal prison, and six months is to be served as home confinement.  Hudson was also ordered to pay $297,237 in restitution.

U.S. Attorney Lydon emphasized the importance of this case for our country and for our community.  “This is an egregious crime,” she said.  “This Defendant trampled on the memory of those who have bravely served our country and suffered harm protecting us.  Hudson not only stole from the taxpayers by taking benefits he did not earn, he also stole directly from veterans who served our nation and protected our freedom.  Every minute of time he spent with a VA doctor or a staff member is a minute he stole from a real veteran.  He took resources that the VA just cannot afford to spare.  We are grateful to the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General for their investigative work on this case.”

Kim Lampkins, the Special Agent in Charge for the Veterans Administration Office of Investigations Criminal Investigations Division, said, "Those who defraud the VA harm all veterans.  VA benefits are intended solely for those who have protected this nation’s freedoms. We investigate individuals who commit fraud against the VA and are dedicated to defending veterans who genuinely earned our support."

The case against Hudson was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell of the Charleston office.

            #####

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today filed a Statement of Interest in U.S. District Court in South Carolina supporting a church’s claim that the Town of Edisto Beach violated its rights under the First Amendment when the town barred it from renting space at the Town’s Civic Center. 

“The Constitution protects the right of individuals and groups to exercise their religion without discrimination because of their religion,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. “The First Amendment requires that religious individuals and groups have the same opportunity to rent public facilities as other members of the community. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of Americans, including fostering the religious expression of members of all faiths.”

The case, Redeemer Fellowship of Edisto Island v. Town of Edisto Beach, involves a small Christian congregation that sought to rent space for Sunday worship in the Civic Center, which is available for rental by community groups to hold events and activities.  The town responded by enacting a policy barring worship services at the Civic Center, citing separation of church and state concerns.  The town claimed that it wanted to avoid appearing as though they endorsed a religious group.  As a result, the church filed a First Amendment lawsuit to allow it to rent space at the facility.

The Constitution requires that churches be allowed to rent facilities on an equal basis with other community groups.  The Supreme Court held in the landmark case of Widmar v. Vincent (1981), that a university could not “discriminate against student groups and speakers based on their desire to use a generally open forum to engage in religious worship and discussion.”  The United States’ Statement of Interest argues that allowing equal access to all groups, including the church, is required by the First Amendment.  Allowing equal access, the United States argues, ensures the government neutrality toward religious expression that the Constitution requires.

###

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Elder Jose Cruz-Arteaga, 45, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty in federal court to illegally re-entering the United States after having been deported. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that Cruz was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)- Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) agents on July 22, 2018, while he was incarcerated at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia on unrelated charges. In 2002, Cruz was convicted of Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin) in Colorado, then deported. He reentered the United States, and in 2004 he was convicted of Felony Possession/Purchase for Sale Narcotics (cocaine) in California and deported again. 

Cruz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.  Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Cruz after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

The case was investigated by agents of ICE-ERO, which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

#####

Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Dewayne Hasan Davis, 29, of Georgetown, South Carolina, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on January 9, 2018, Georgetown City Police arrested Davis on outstanding state warrants. A search of Davis—who was on probation at the time of his arrest—revealed a bag of heroin and a loaded .44 Magnum revolver that had recently been reported stolen. Federal law prohibits Davis from possessing firearms and ammunitions because of his numerous prior felony convictions, including for pointing and presenting a firearm at a person and distribution of cocaine.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted Davis’ guilty plea and sentenced him to 84 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgetown City Police. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Daniel Edward Johnson, 47, Former Fifth Circuit Solicitor and resident of Blythewood, South Carolina, was charged in a 36-count Superseding Indictment by a federal Grand Jury in Columbia for Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, Theft of Federal Funds, False Statements, Conversion of Federal Funds, and Obstruction of Justice.   

Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, and Obstruction of Justice charges; a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the Theft of Federal Funds and Conversion of Federal Funds charges; and a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the False Statements charge.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Winston D. Holliday, Jr., Alyssa Leigh Richardson, and William C. Lewis of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.

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

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Maleik Houseal, 23, of Newberry, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm in relation to a September 2017 Columbia shooting.

Evidence presented in court established that at approximately 2:12 am on September 16, 2017, a shooting between a group of individuals from Newberry occurred outside the Empire Supper Club in the Vista entertainment district of Columbia. It was a college football weekend and the Vista area was full of people. All total, eight individuals, including Houseal, were shot.

The investigation showed that when the club closed at 2:00 am, as people spilled out onto the sidewalks, Houseal went to the parking lot and retrieved a firearm from a car. Houseal returned to the sidewalk area outside of the club, where he remained. As another group of individuals from Newberry left the club parking lot, they fired weapons from their cars in Houseal’s direction, striking Houseal and others. Houseal fired back and ran after the cars, firing his weapon. He then discarded his 9mm handgun in a pile of chairs outside the club, where authorities later recovered it.

Houseal and the other individuals in the vehicles were all charged with various state charges stemming from the incident. Those state charges remain pending, and they are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Federal law prohibits Houseal from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions. Houseal has the following prior convictions:  burglary 2nd degree, carrying a firearm in a public building/adjacent area, carrying an unlawful weapon (two separate convictions), burglary 3rd degree, obstruction of justice, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. At the time of the September 2017 shooting, Houseal was both on state probation and on state bonds for incidents that occurred after his release from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in May 2017.   

Houseal faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has received and reviewed a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Columbia Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state, and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.  Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

#####

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Chadrick Letran James, 29, of Florence, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on September 1, 2017, a corporal with the Florence Police Department conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle James was driving.  The corporal could smell an odor of marijuana coming from both James and the vehicle.  James admitted to smoking marijuana and having marijuana in the vehicle’s cup holder.  A search of the vehicle also revealed a plastic bag in the driver’s side door believed to be used to package narcotics and a book bag that contained several bags of marijuana, a bottle of crack cocaine, a bag of cocaine, a set of digital scales, and a Smith and Wesson, model SW40VE, .40 caliber pistol loaded with 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. 

James faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence James after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office. 

The charges against James were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Florence Police Department.  This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.  Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.  Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office is prosecuting the case. 

#####

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Kaycee White, 22, of Camden, South Carolina, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and firearm offenses.

Evidence presented to the court showed that White was responsible for a home invasion and armed robbery in Kershaw County in April and May 2016. During the home invasion, White entered a home with a sawed-off shotgun, held residents at gunpoint, and forced them into their vehicle. Once in the vehicle, White forced the victims to drive him to an ATM, where he demanded that a victim withdraw money and provide it to him. Fortunately, White left the scene after receiving the money and none of the victims were physically harmed.

Approximately two weeks later, White robbed a gas station located in Camden. During the robbery, White entered the station and held the clerk at gun point with a sawed-off shotgun, threatening to kill the clerk if he did not receive money. Ultimately, the clerk provided money to White and White ran from the store. 

On January 10, 2018, White pled guilty to Kidnapping, Carjacking, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson sentenced White to 240 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Camden Police Department, the Kershaw County Sherriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorney Will Lewis of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Jamarcus Dontaye Patterson, age 35, of Lancaster, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.

Evidence presented in court established that on July 13, 2018, deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Plyler and Duke Streets after receiving a call that Jarmarcus Patterson had pointed a firearm at someone. Deputies observed Patterson, who had outstanding state warrants at the time, walking down Plyler Street. When deputies approached, Patterson fled on foot, was apprehended shortly thereafter and deputies recovered a loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. Patterson was arrested on state charges and thereafter, a federal arrest warrant and complaint was issued.

Patterson is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions. Patterson has the following prior convictions:   2002 conviction for assault and battery with intent to kill, wherein he shot someone in the leg;  2013 conviction for burglary 2nd degree, where he and a co-defendant allegedly were armed during a burglary in which a two-month old child was held at gunpoint; 2013 conviction for attempted strong arm robbery; and 2013 conviction for accessory before the fact to a felony. At the time of the current offense, Patterson was on state bond for a December 24, 2017, weapon charge.   

Patterson faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.  Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ----- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today a settlement with the Board of Voter Registration and Elections for Anderson County to ensure accessibility of polling locations to persons with disabilities.

The agreement requires the Board to ensure that every polling site is accessible to persons with disabilities by elections starting in 2019. The Board will provide training to all precinct coordinators on how to install and maintain any temporary measures needed to increase accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps, cones to designate accessible parking, or the placement of mats over thresholds. On Election Day and during early-voting periods, the Board must maintain in working order all facilities and equipment—including lifts, elevators, and ramps—necessary to make polling locations accessible.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the County’s voting program, including its polling places, must be accessible to voters with disabilities. During the June 2018 primary elections, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice reviewed 15 polling places in Anderson County and concluded that many were inaccessible to voters who have mobility impairments.

The Board cooperated fully with the investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in reaching a voluntary settlement agreement, which became effective on November 9, 2018.  In response to the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s initial findings, the Board expressed its commitment to making all polling locations accessible. It made improvements and continued to do so prior to the Settlement Agreement becoming finalized.

“The right of individuals to participate in our democratic system of government includes full and equal access to polling places for all voters,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “This agreement represents an important step toward guaranteeing voting access to all of our citizens. I commend the Board for its commitment to providing equal access to polling places and for recognizing its obligations and moving promptly to take these steps.”

This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Sneed of the Greenville office.

Title II of the ADA prohibits public entities, such as the Anderson County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, from discriminating against people with disabilities in their programs, services, and activities. With respect to voting programs, public entities are required to select and use polling places that are accessible. To learn more about the ADA and other laws protecting the rights of voters with disabilities, log on to www.ada.gov/ta-pubs-pg2.htm or call the Justice Department's toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD).

#####

Anderson, South Carolina – United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that brothers Soeuth Ath, 46, and Sean Ath, 54, both of Spartanburg, South Carolina, were among five men sentenced to federal prison for their roles in bi-coastal methamphetamine, marijuana, and money laundering conspiracies.

United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Soeuth Ath to life in federal prison and Sean Ath to 151 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The Ath brothers were convicted by a federal jury after a week-long trial in January. Evidence showed that in 2016, a number of mail packages containing methamphetamine shipped from California to Spartanburg were intercepted by the United States Postal Inspector. A law enforcement investigation revealed that a group of individuals in the Spartanburg area with ties to Fresno and Bakersfield, California, were obtaining large amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana from sources in California via the U.S. Mail. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants received over 22 kilograms of high purity methamphetamine and at least 15 kilograms of marijuana for distribution in the Upstate of South Carolina. From April 2016 through January 2017, the defendants laundered at least $196,500 in drug trafficking proceeds from South Carolina to California.

Five additional co-conspirators pled guilty to federal drug and money laundering charges. Virig Chheng, 30, of Spartanburg, was sentenced to 328 months in federal prison, followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. Raymond Soeng, 33, of Boiling Springs, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Vilay Phabmisay, 25, of Bakersfield, California, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. Two defendants, Anthony Pan, 23, of Bakersfield, and Junior Choeun, 24, of Spartanburg, await sentencing.    

The convictions are the result of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program. The OCDETF Program is a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Its principal mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug-trafficking organizations primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.  The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance and cooperation of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Spartanburg City Police Department, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Leesa Washington and Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office are prosecuting the case.

#####

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Noe Enrique Cabrera-Rivera, 38, a citizen of El Salvador, and Juan Angel Tabora-Garcia, 36, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty and were sentenced in federal court to unlawfully reentering the United States after being deported.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Cabrera has previously been deported at least twice. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Enforcement and Removal Operations encountered him on September 17, 2018, at the Lexington County Detention Center after he was arrested on state charges for Murder/Homicide by Child Abuse.

Tabora has also previously been deported. He was encountered by agents with ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations on September 15, 2018, at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia after being arrested on state charges for Attempted Murder.

Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Cabrera and Tabora each to three months in federal prison. They are expected to be deported upon completion of their prison sentences. 

These cases were the result of investigations by ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office prosecuted the cases.

#####

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Paulino Luna-Gonzalez, 45, a Mexican citizen, pled guilty in federal court to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 13, 2018, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers discovered Luna-Gonzalez while he was in custody at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on state charges.  Immigration records revealed that Luna-Gonzalez was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States on five separate occasions.  Luna-Gonzalez has never received permission to enter or remain in the United States.

Luna-Gonzalez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Luna-Gonzalez after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

The charges against Luna-Gonzalez were the result of an investigation by ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations in Charleston, with the assistance of the Horry County Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.

               

#####

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Glendell Long, a/k/a “Okera Uzoma,” 46, of Longs, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence presented to the court showed that in March 2018, officers with the Horry County Police Department were conducting an investigation into an unrelated crime when they discovered an American Tactical Omni Hybrid multi-caliber rifle and several rounds of .223 caliber and 7.62 mm ammunition in Long’s home. Long was not charged in relation to the separate crime.  

Federal law prohibits Long from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on prior felony convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm, assault and battery with intent to kill, and unlawful carrying of a pistol.  Long also has a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Long faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office. 

The charges against Long were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department.  The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy.  Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

#####