District of South Carolina

Contact Person: Matt Austin (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Cynthia Cave, age 46, of Mount Pleasant, pled guilty in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, to three counts of Filing a False Tax Return, corresponding to tax years 2009-2011, in violation of 26 U.S.C. 7206(1).  United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, presided over the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented in the case, which was collected through a joint investigation by agents of the IRS and FBI, established that Cave worked as the officer manager for Coastal Facial Plastic Surgery in Mt. Pleasant.  As the office manager, she received various forms of compensation that she did not report to the IRS.  In 2009, she underreported her income by at least $55,000.  In 2010, she underreported her income by at least $68,000.  In 2011, she underreported her income by at least $100,000.  As a result, she owes the U.S. Treasury $105,276 in back taxes.

As part of her guilty plea, she also agreed to pay her employer, Dr. Thomas Funcik, $130,457, to settle claims that she received excess compensation.

The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Austin of the Charleston office and Winston Holliday of the Columbia office prosecuted the case. 

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Rico Mandreil Sweeney, age 39, of Simpsonville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on January 12, 2017, Simpsonville police officers responded to an address on West Georgia Road in Simpsonville, to conduct a child welfare check.  While investigating, the officers spoke with Sweeney and discovered that he had outstanding warrants from Greenville County.  Sweeney was searched incident to his arrest on the outstanding warrants and a loaded .380 caliber pistol located in a holster on his hip was discovered. 

Sweeney faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody. 

The case was investigated by the Simpsonville Police Department, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard handled the case.

Sweeney was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. 

In addition to the Simpsonville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Michael Wayne Capps, age 45, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on January 10, 2017, agents with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services and the Greenville County Sheriff Office (GCSO) arrived at Capps’ residence in Marietta, South Carolina, to conduct a probation visit. Capps is currently on probation for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Upon entering the residence, agents observed several people as well as what appeared to be a rifle and drug paraphernalia in plain view prompting GCSO to obtain a search warrant for the residence.

A search of Capps’ bedroom revealed a loaded Sauer and Sohn .32 caliber pistol under the mattress.  Agents also located over 70 rounds of additional .32 caliber ammunition in the bedroom.  ATF agents responded and interviewed Capps.  Capps admitted to selling narcotics out of the residence and acknowledged ownership of the Sauer and Sohn .32 caliber pistol.

Capps faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody. 

The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick handled the case.

Capps was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. 

In addition to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the GCSO, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Travius Isaiah Mayer, age 26, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on June 20, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to the area of N. Watson Road and Wade Hampton Boulevard to a call about a man with a gun.  Upon arrival, GCSO learned from witnesses that Mayer was involved in a single car accident, exited his vehicle with a gun, and fired the gun as a witness attempted to follow him.  GCSO seized a Glock .40 caliber pistol and a spent .40 caliber shell casing from the scene.

Mayer later told GCSO during an interview that he was the person driving the vehicle during the collision on N. Watson Rd. and further admitted he possessed the Glock pistol during the incident. Mayer stated he had just previously purchased the Glock pistol. 

Mayer faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody. 

The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick handled the case.

Mayer was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. 

In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Joshua Shane Verdin, age 32, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) as well as possession of a firearm and ammunition after a previous conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922g(9).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing this morning established that on January 13, 2017, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) were attempting to locate two wanted persons at a residence in Landrum, South Carolina, when they encountered Verdin.  Deputies observed Verdin placing his hands near his waistband prompting them to ask if Verdin had a gun.  Verdin told the deputies that he had a pistol in his waistband.  One of the responding deputies, who knew Verdin to be a prohibited felon from prior interaction with Verdin, removed the loaded 9mm pistol and placed Verdin in handcuffs.

Verdin faces up to ten years in federal prison for the offense and remains in federal custody. 

The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick handled the case.

Verdin was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. 

In addition to the GCSO, the SCSO, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson City Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 97 defendants and seizure of approximately 130 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Roberto Yamil Velez-Garcia, age 30, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. 

This case was part of an investigation conducted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina into the sale of heroin and other illegal drugs in the Horry County, South Carolina area. Velez-Garcia was identified as a heroin distributor. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that agents made a controlled purchase of a quantity of fentanyl from Velez-Garcia in December 2015. In May 2016, agents arranged a second controlled purchase of heroin from Velez-Garcia and a coconspirator. After the purchase was made, Velez-Garcia and the coconspirator were arrested. A search warrant was executed at an apartment Velez-Garcia shared with the coconspirator. Agents recovered approximately 95 grams of heroin and two firearms from the apartment.   

Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Velez-Garcia could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars.

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

#####

 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Emmanuel Lamar Bellamy, age 29, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base and oxycodone, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. 

The case was part of an investigation into a heroin distribution organization operating in the Horry County, South Carolina area. Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) were investigating illegal drug activity in the Loris, South Carolina area. Agents believed that Bellamy was a distributor of illegal drugs. Evidence at the change of plea hearing established that in 2015, agents made two controlled purchases of cocaine base from Bellamy. In September 2016, Bellamy was arrested during a traffic stop and found in possession of a quantity of cocaine. A firearm was also recovered during the traffic stop. As a result of the arrest, a hotel room connected with Bellamy was searched and a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl was located in the room.  

Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Bellamy could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department (HCPD). Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Sonia Santaella Vieira, age 55, Adalberto Viera, age 60, Claudia Santaella Ferreira, age 53, Sidnei Ferreira, age 58, all of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Amanda Santaella Ferreira, age 27, of Miami, Florida, and Colby Musser, age 31, of Murrells Inlet, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to Conspiracy to Commit Marriage Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  Nathalia Santaella Ferreira, age 32, also of Miami, Florida, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to Procuring Citizenship Unlawfully, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1425(b).  United States District Judge Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the pleas and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that the defendants were involved in a marriage fraud conspiracy involving a number of Brazilian aliens who were paying United States citizens to enter into fraudulent marriages with them in order to gain United States citizenship.

In total, there were five (5) fraudulent marriages among these defendants. The U.S. citizen defendants were paid a total of more than $20,000.00 to enter into sham marriages. The purpose of all of these marriages was to obtain immigration benefits in the form of permanent residency and ultimately United States citizenship. In furtherance of the scheme, both the citizen spouses and Brazilian spouses submitted fraudulent forms and false affidavits to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in which each couple claimed under oath that they were residing together as husband and wife in legitimate marriages. 

During live interviews with CIS officials, the couples repeated these false representations again under oath.  In all but one of the sham marriages, the fraud was detected before the Brazilian aliens could obtain citizenship. Only Nathalia Ferreira managed to obtain full citizenship before the fraud was detected.  However, her conviction of Procuring Citizenship Unlawfully will result in mandatory revocation of her citizenship.   

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty defendants can receive is imprisonment for 5 years, a fine of $250,000 and/or plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and the  FDNS (Fraud Detection and National Security) Division of Citizenship and Immigration Services.   Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office handled the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Daniel James Crutchfield, age 27, from Myrtle Beach, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B)1326(a)(2).  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Crutchfield to 120 months imprisonment followed by supervised release for life and restitution payment of $6,000.00.  During his term of supervised release, Crutchfield will be required to register as a sex offender, attend sex offender treatment, refrain from contact with children or use the internet without approval, and submit to polygraph examinations.

Evidence presented at the change of plea on March 1, 2016 established that federal agents executed a search warrant at Crutchfield’s residence on July 1, 2015 based on information that he had been receiving child pornography on the Internet.  During the search, agents found numerous videos of child pornography on Crutchfield’s Play Station 3 and on a flash storage device. 

The case was investigated by agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

This case was 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 Office, 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.

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Edgar Rolando Castro Soc, age 37, of Myrtle Beach, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).  United States District Judge Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on September 1, 2016, ICE-ERO Officers discovered Castro Soc while he was in custody in the Myrtle Beach City jail on state charges. The officers determined that he was an alien who was unlawfully in the United States. 

Records checks revealed that Castro Soc, a native and citizen of Guatemala, had previously been deported from the United States on five (5) occasions. Castro Soc has never received permission to enter or remain in the U.S. 

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is imprisonment for 2 years, a fine of $250,000 and a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-ERO Homeland Security Investigations.   Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office handled the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Urban Oshea, II, age 48, of Florence, SC and Madgelyn Kirton, age 31, of Myrtle Beach, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Pass Counterfeit Securities, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  United States District Judge Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that during the period from August 2015 through January of 2016, Oshea, Kirton and others were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit securities (checks) of organizations.

The co-conspirators would make counterfeit checks using genuine bank account and routing numbers they obtained from checks they stole out of mailboxes in Horry and Georgetown Counties.

The defendants would then use fraudulent driver's licenses bearing their photographs but in other persons' names which matched the names on the counterfeit checks, to pass these counterfeit checks at various businesses.

The defendants would use the checks to purchase merchandise at one store, then they would go to another store in the same chain and exchange the merchandise for cash.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendants can receive is imprisonment for 5 years and/or a fine of $250,000, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office handled the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Rodolfo Sanchez-Marcia, age 47, from Conway, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Illegal re-entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a)(2).  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Sanchez-Marcia to 15 months imprisonment. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea on January 9, 2017 established that in September 2016, ICE-ERO Officers in Charleston, SC, discovered that Rodolfo Sanchez-Marcia had been arrested on November 1, 2015, by the Surfside Police Department for driving without a license, and was released. Records checks revealed that Sanchez-Marcia was a native and citizen of Mexico who had previously been deported from the United States on multiple occasions. Sanchez-Marcia has never received permission to enter or remain in the US. 

The case was investigated by agents of the ICE-ERO.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Scott Eric Fernquist, age 22, of Lexington, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Receiving Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2) and (b)(1).   United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Fernquist to 10 years imprisonment, $4,000 restitution, and 25 years of Supervised Release.  During his term of supervised release, Fernquist will be required to register as a sex offender, attend sex offender treatment, refrain from contact with children or use the internet without supervision, and submit to random polygraph examinations.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Fernquist was trading child pornography on the internet in 2013 from April to June.

The case was investigated by agents of the Lexington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day II of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

This case was 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 Office, 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.

#####

Contact Person: D. Josev Brewer (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today the winners of the United States Attorney’s Office 14th Annual Project Sentry Logo Contest.  The winners are from the following schools:

K-2nd grade division winner: Ayden Downey, Ocean Drive Elementary, N. Myrtle Beach, SC
3rd-5th grade division winner: Natalie James, Slater Marietta Elementary, Marietta, SC
6th-8th grade division winner: Kyler Fleeman, West Oak Middle School, Westminster, SC
9th-12th grade division: Zandria Smith, Military Magnet Academy, N. Charleston, SC
Overall winner: Kyler Fleeman, West Oak Middle School, Westminster, SC

The winners were chosen from 285 entries from 13 schools across South Carolina.  Each division winner will receive a $50.00 award, with the overall winner receiving an additional $50.00 award.  All of the students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for logo submissions.

The statewide contest fosters an opportunity for South Carolina students to tell the entire state how they prevent gun violence in their school and focuses on deterrence of juvenile gun violence and ensuring secure school environments.  The contest was open to students in all South Carolina schools.

The winning entries were selected by “The Insiders,” a select group of students from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, who travel throughout the state, encouraging troubled children and promoting community awareness of the prevalence and consequences of juvenile crime.  The U.S. Attorney's Office coordinated with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Foundation (SCLEOA) to provide the cash awards to the winners.

Project Sentry, which is part of the district’s Project Safe Neighborhoods/Project CeaseFire program, is a vital step in strengthening our ability to prevent gun crimes among our young people and to ensure a safe learning atmosphere for our children.  For more information on the Project Sentry program and to view this year’s winning submissions as well as winning logos over the years, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc/programs/logowinners.html

US Attorney Beth Drake commended the students and their engagement on helping foster this very important dialogue.  "Thanks to all of the students who participated and congratulations to our winners! The students demonstrated some real wisdom we can all learn from."

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Julio Santiago, age 23, from Holyoke, Massachusetts was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin and Fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Burgess to 84 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised released.

Evidence presented at the change of plea on November 29, 2016 and sentencing hearing established that in early 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina were investigating a heroin distribution organization in the Horry County, South Carolina area. As part of that investigation, agents arranged a controlled buy of a quantity of heroin from Santiago in March 2016. On May 20, 2016, a second controlled purchase of heroin was made from Santiago, who was arrested shortly thereafter. Several thousand dollars were seized from Santiago at the time of his arrest. Agents executed a search warrant at an apartment where Santiago lived. Agents seized a quantity of heroin and a firearm in the apartment.

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brian Burgess, age 41, from Kingstree was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Possession of a Stolen Firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j).  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Burgess to 108 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised released.

Evidence presented at the change of plea on November 28, 2016 and sentencing hearing established that on November 4, 2015, officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) responded to a hotel in Myrtle Beach as part of a heroin overdose investigation. MBPD searched a room in the hotel pursuant to a search warrant. Burgess and several others were inside the room. A stolen 9mm firearm was located in the hotel room. Burgess claimed possession of the pistol. Burgess was previously convicted of a felony offense and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The case was investigated by agents of the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Jamie Lea Schoen (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Otis Macklin, age 27, of Greenville, SC entered a guilty plea in federal court in Anderson to Possessing a Firearm after Receiving a Felony Conviction, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson accepted the guilty plea and will impose the sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on June 26, 2016, a woman called 911 and stated that Otis Macklin had threatened to kill her and her young son, and had assaulted her with a gun.  The woman related that she was only able to escape the house after Macklin fell asleep. When law enforcement arrived at the house, Macklin fled, but was eventually restrained by a K-9.  During the execution of a search warrant at the house, law enforcement located a black 9mm semiautomatic firearm, matching the woman’s description of the gun used to assault her.  Macklin denied harming the woman, threatening her, or even possessing the firearm that day, but admitted at the guilty plea that he had possessed the firearm at some point around that time.  Macklin has a prior felony conviction for which he could have received more than one year in prison and has not received a pardon.

Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Macklin could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 dollars.   The case was investigated by agents of the ATF and the Greenville City Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Quentin Bernard Myers, age 42, from Conway, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Possession with Intent to Distribute and to Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin and a Quantity of Cocaine Base in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Myers to 46 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised released.

Evidence presented at the change of plea on November 29, 2016 and sentencing hearing established that in early 2015, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina were investigating cocaine base and heroin distribution in the Horry County and Georgetown County area of South Carolina. As part of that investigation, agents learned that Myers was involved in the sale of illegal drugs. Agents arranged a controlled buy of a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine base from Myers in March 2015.  Agents made additional controlled buys of heroin and cocaine base from Myers in May 2015 and June 2015.

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Florence, South Carolina, and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Conway, South Carolina. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.   

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake today announced that a Charleston Grand Jury has returned a six-count indictment charging Gena C. Randolph of Mt. Pleasant , South Carolina, with health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements relating to health care matters.   The indictment alleges that Randolph was barred from submitting Medicaid and Medicare claims in 2012 and 2013, respectively, but that she continued to do so under other provider’s names or companies in which she had a hidden interest.  The indictment also alleges that Randolph submitted false claims for services that had not been provided, including for patient beneficiaries who had died.  The fraud charge carries a maximum prison term of ten years; the false statement charges carry a maximum 5 years in prison; and the aggravated identity theft a mandatory two years in prison. Each count carries a fine of up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and investigators for the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of the Attorney General, State of South Carolina.  Assistant United States Attorney Eric Klumb and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Cote, a Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General in South Carolina’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, are prosecuting the case.

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

#####

Contact Person: John C. Potterfield (803) 929-3000

Florence, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Michael Lane Prevette, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment in federal court. In October of 2016, Prevette pled guilty to count one of an indictment, which charged Conspiracy to Commit Application Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  After Prevette completes the term of imprisonment, he will be on federal supervised release for 3 years and has been ordered to pay $886,749.02 in restitution. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence imposed the sentence.

Prevette was involved in a scheme in which mortgage lenders were misled when members of the conspiracy caused fraudulent loan packages to be submitted to the lenders. These packages included inflated real estate appraisals which were prepared at Prevette’s direction. These properties were located in the Myrtle Beach area.      

The case was investigated by the FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney John C. Potterfield of the Columbia United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that a jury returned a guilty verdict following a two-day jury trial in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina, finding Carlton Tyrone Nash, age 37, of Greenville, guilty of possession by a firearm and ammunition by a felon.  The trial wrapped up yesterday afternoon and was held before United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson.  Judge Cain will impose a sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

The government presented multiple witnesses during the course of the trial.  Witness testimony and the evidence presented by the government at trial established that in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 22, 2016, the defendant, Carlton Tyrone Nash, while wearing a Hillary Clinton mask, forced entry into a residence and fired a shot from the .25 caliber pistol he obtained earlier that day.  The shot barely missed one of the residents of the house.  Nash then dragged that resident from the home at gunpoint into the street where a fight ensued.  While Nash and his initial victim were fighting, the victim’s roommate exited the house with a baseball bat, striking Nash in the head with the bat.  After a blow to the head from the bat, Nash removed his now bloodied mask revealing his identity to the victims.  Nash dropped the gun during the scuffle in the street and left his mask behind as he fled the scene.

After receiving a 911 call from the initial victim, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded within minutes.  A forensic technician from the Greenville County Forensic Division arrived shortly thereafter to process the scene and collect evidence.  Experts from the Greenville County Forensics Division were able to match Nash’s DNA to the blood in the recovered mask.  Based on their investigation, GCSO investigators were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Nash and arrested him just days after the offense.

Working in concert with GCSO through the multi-agency initiative “Operation Real Time”, Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) served a federal arrest warrant on Nash shortly after his state arrest.  Nash, after being advised of his Miranda rights, admitted to ATF agents that he had the mask and the gun.  Nash has been detained since this incident and remains in custody.

Again, this case was expedited for federal investigation and prosecution through “Operation Real-Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the upstate community.  In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, United States Probation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.  Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of over 125 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort.  "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."

“ATF is extremely appreciative of our partners and this collaborative effort to make our communities safer,” said Charlotte Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman. “ATF has committed our resources to help tackle illegal firearms possession and violent crime.  That commitment, combined with the cooperation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, our federal partners, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has resulted in a very successful effort with a long-term impact on violent crime in the upstate and beyond.”

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Forensic Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins and First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Rob Sneed (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina------With summer approaching, parents and camps alike are making plans for terrific, fun opportunities for young campers to learn new skills and grow in their confidence and abilities. The United States Attorney’s Office has taken the opportunity to increase the understanding of camp organizers and parents about the law that pertains to camps which ensures that all children are welcome, especially those with disabilities. To help ensure that children with disabilities are allowed the opportunity to attend summer camp, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently sent the attached flyer to hundreds of summer camps located within the District of South Carolina reminding them of their responsibilities and obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modification to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities. This generally means that children with disabilities are entitled to attend any camp or activity that non-disabled children attend, that camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis, and that camps must train their staff in the requirements of the ADA.  Camps are obligated to pay for the cost of any reasonable modifications necessary for disabled children to participate in camp activities, and parents should not be charged any additional fee beyond standard camp enrollment costs.

“Summer camps – whether in a tent or a gym -  present tremendous growth opportunities for our children.  Camp is not only fun, but the camp experience offers the camper the opportunity to try new things, develop some independence, and gain self-confidence in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Drake. “All of our kids should have access to summer camps and in fact the law requires camps to provide equal opportunities to disabled children whose needs can be reasonably accommodated.”

Additional information about the ADA is available at www.ada.gov, or through contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Team at (803) 929-3000 or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/civil-rights.

#####

usao_sc_ada_camp_letter_flyer.pdf

 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, SC –Zakaryia Abdin, 18, of Ladson, South Carolina, was indicted by the Federal Grand Jury sitting in Columbia, South Carolina.  He was arrested by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force on Thursday evening, March 30, 2017.  He made his initial appearance in the United States District Court the following day.  Abdin was indicted for attempting to provide a material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terroirist orgnanization.  The charge is based on Abdin’s alleged attempt to travel overseas to join the terrorist organization. Special Agents of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) took Abdin into custody at the Charleston International Airport before he boarded an outbound flight.

United States Attorney Beth Drake for the District of South Carolina and Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord made the announcement.

Charges are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Arraignment is scheduled to be held this Wednesday (April 5) at 1:30pm at the United States Courthouse in Charleston, South Carolina, located at 85 Broad Street.

This investigation is being handled by the FBI-JTTF.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

#####

Contact Person: Joe Brewer, (864) 282-2121

Summerville, South Carolina– The United States Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; SC Works; SC Vocational Rehabilitation; SC Department of Social Services; and the US Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.

The First Annual South Coast Reentry Job Fair & Expo is being held Tuesday, May 9, 2017, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Dorchester County Adult Ed Center, located at 1325 A Boonehill Road, Summerville, SC 29483.

This fair, which targets the Lowcountry, is part of a series of fairs, including Florence, the Upstate, and the Midlands, anticipated annually.  The partner organizations hope that a tailored expo for people with a criminal background will provide some focused help for the particular obstacles individuals face after returning home.  

“A critical component in the transition from prison to a law-abiding life is a job.  We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognize that our state partners - S.C. Works, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation, SC Department of Social Services, and S.C. Probation, Pardon and Parole – do terrific work in preparing our fellow South Carolinians for the work force and in aligning our workers with jobs to which they are suited.  It is our privilege to learn from the many years’ experience of those in these State agencies as we develop events specifically for individuals with a criminal background,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake.  “We are excited to connect citizens not simply to employment opportunities but to other critical resources like GED programs that facilitate the transition from prison to employment and a law-abiding life.” 

The fair and expo will include area employers and other organizations who participate with, and provide resources for, returning citizens.  Any interested employers or vendors should inquire with Diana Goldwire at (864) 315-9751 or dgoldwire@dew.sc.gov.  In their hiring initiatives and practice, John Hopkins Hospital has demonstrated that returning citizens are some of the most loyal and productive talent pools available to an employer.

“Ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals have stable jobs and lives, and thereby making them less likely to reoffend, is as important to crime prevention and community safety as our efforts in prosecution,” said Ms. Drake.    

Professional dress is required. Discounted SLED criminal background checks will be provided on site.  And, the event will also feature workshops on how to seek expungements and pardons of prior criminal convictions.  Some transportation arrangements may be available.  Please inquire with Marcos Barahona of the US Probation Office at marcos_barahona@scp.uscourts.gov or George Whitehead at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258 or george.whitehead@ppp.sc.gov.

#####

Contact Person: Joe Brewer (864) 282-2121

Columbia, South Carolina-------The United States Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; SC Works; SC Vocational Rehabilitation; SC Department of Social Services; and the US Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.

The First Annual Central Reentry Job Fair & Expo is being held Wednesday, May 3, 2017, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Dutch Square Mall, located at 421 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

This fair, which targets the Midlands, is part of a series of fairs, including Florence, the Upstate, and the Lowcountry, anticipated annually.  The partner organizations hope that a tailored expo for people with a criminal background will provide some focused help for the particular obstacles individuals face after returning home.
 
“A critical component in the transition from prison to a law-abiding life is a job.  We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognize that our state partners  - S.C. Works, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation , SC Department of Social Services, and S.C. Probation, Pardon and Parole – do terrific work in preparing our fellow South Carolinians for the work force and in aligning our workers with jobs to which they are suited.  It is our privilege to learn from the many years’ experience of those in these State agencies as we develop events specifically for individuals with a criminal background,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake.  “We are excited to connect citizens not simply to employment opportunities but to other critical resources like GED programs that facilitate the transition from prison to employment and a law-abiding life.” 

The fair and expo will include area employers and other organizations who participate with, and provide resources for, returning citizens.  Any interested employers or vendors should inquire with Diana Goldwire at (864) 315-9751 or dgoldwire@dew.sc.gov.  In their hiring initiatives and practice, John Hopkins Hospital has demonstrated that returning citizens are some of the most loyal and productive talent pools available to an employer.

“Ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals have stable jobs and lives, and thereby making them less likely to reoffend, is as important to crime prevention and community safety as our efforts in prosecution,” said Ms. Drake.    

Professional dress is required. Discounted SLED criminal background checks will be provided on site.  And, the event will also feature workshops on how to seek expungements and pardons of prior criminal convictions.  Some transportation arrangements may be available.  Please inquire with Marcos Barahona of the US Probation Office at marcos_barahona@scp.uscourts.gov or George Whitehead at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258 or george.whitehead@ppp.sc.gov.

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, SC –Zakaryia Abdin, 18, of Ladson, South Carolina, appeared in federal court this morning in Charleston, South Carolina, following his arrest by the FBI last night. Abdin was arrested for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charge is based on Abdin’s alleged attempt to travel overseas to join the terrorist organization. Special Agents of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) took Abdin into custody at the Charleston International Airport before he boarded an outbound flight.

United States Attorney Beth Drake for the District of South Carolina and Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord made the announcement.

Charges are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being handled by the FBI-JTTF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

#####

Zakaryia Abdin, 18, of Ladson, South Carolina, appeared in federal court this morning in Charleston, South Carolina, following his arrest by the FBI last night. Abdin was arrested for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charge is based on Abdin’s alleged attempt to travel overseas to join the terrorist organization. Special Agents of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) took Abdin into custody at the Charleston International Airport before he boarded an outbound flight.

Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord and U.S. Attorney Beth Drake for the District of South Carolina made the announcement.

Charges are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being handled by the FBI-JTTF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the Greenville Police Department, along with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole & Pardon Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and New Mind Health and Care, Inc., in a local, state, and federal violence reduction initiative, a collaboration dubbed, “Greenville Safe Neighborhoods.”  The first meeting with the stakeholders, partners, as well as the first eight participating individuals, all of whom are currently on state probation, was held on Monday evening (March 27).

Greenville Safe Neighborhoods is a unified, proactive police and community collaboration that engages, educates and empowers repeat serious offenders to obtain assistance, change behavior, make healthy life choices or suffer consequences of unified police/prosecutorial focus and priority.  Predicated on the work of Professor David M. Kennedy of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, this focused-deterrence model aligns intervention and prosecutorial resources to create an appropriate mix of legal and ethical pressure to change offender behavior, reduce recidivism and severity, and reduce victimization.  The Greenville Police Department has been working with its core partners for several months in planning, developing and resourcing the pilot program. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves as a partner in similar iterations across the state, to include Aiken Safe Communities, Hartsville Safe Communities, Ceasefire Columbia, and most recently, Home Front--the focused-deterrence model focusing on domestic violence in Spartanburg County.

The Greenville Safe Neighborhoods initiative identifies participants based upon their present and past criminal conduct.  Participants attend a meeting with local, state and federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as well as with service providers, family and affected community members.  In the meeting, participants have meaningful access to a host of services or contacts to help them address physical or psychological needs. 

GPD Chief Ken Miller, who anchored the first meeting on Monday evening, brought the program’s core partners together to make this initiative a reality.  “The Greenville Police Department is committed to working with our community and our program participants and stakeholders to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe.”

During the meeting, the participants observed the unified commitment to this effort between law enforcement and the community.  The goal the stakeholders hope to achieve is engaging a participant to address his or her needs, make meaningful strides, and avoid re-offending, thereby making the Greenville community safer.  Also underscored during the meeting--the commitment between all levels of law enforcement and prosecution.  Should a participant disregard this opportunity and re-offend, new offenses will be identified in “real time” and they will be brought to justice swiftly--in state court or federal court.

Solicitor Walt Wilkins has dedicated prosecutors to this effort and will be working closely with federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  “We are excited about this partnership and the promise that Greenville Safe Neighborhoods holds for effective communication between the community and local, state, and federal law enforcement.”

U.S. Attorney Drake thanked Chief Miller, Solicitor Wilkins, and the other agencies for their leadership and for bringing the stakeholders together. “These young South Carolinians have some important choices to make in terms of changing their path in life.  The resources and community commitment are there.”

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dennis Heilman, Jeffrey Heilman, Joyce Hendricks, and Becky Hendricks, all of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were arrested this week and appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Florence, South Carolina for an arraignment hearing. 

All defendants are charged in an indictment with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute oxycodone in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.  Dennis Heilman faces several additional counts of possessing with intent to distribute and distributing oxycodone, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.   

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the Horry County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is assigned to the case.

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

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:

Longs Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.  Lecephrus Pierce, age 24, of Longs, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).

Pierce faces a statutory, mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ATF Horry County Task Force, and Myrtle Beach Police.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.

North Carolina Man Indicted for Possessing a Gun After Being Convicted of a Felony.  James Franklin Badgett, age 56, of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm.  Possession of a Firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum possible penalty Badgett could receive is a statutory, mandatory minimum of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ATF Horry County Task Force, and Myrtle Beach Police.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.

Kingstree Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  Jamon Gerald Canty, age 33, of Kingstree, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum possible penalty Canty could receive is a statutory, mandatory minimum of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ATF Horry County Task Force, and Myrtle Beach Police.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.

Timmonsville Man Indicted for Possessing a Gun After Being Convicted of a Felony.  Jabari Durvall Sellers, age 36, of Timmonsville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum possible penalty Sellers could receive is a statutory, mandatory minimum of 15 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, and the Timmonsville Police Department.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr., of the Florence office for prosecution.

Myrtle Beach Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry Into the United States.  Eloy Altamirano-Diaz, age 36, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with Illegal Re-entry into the U.S. after being previously deported, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).  The maximum possible penalty Altamirano-Diaz could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 2 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the Immigration and Custom Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.

Another Myrtle Beach Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry Into the United States.  Edgar Benjamin Lopez-Morales, age 29, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with Illegal Re-entry into the U.S. after being previously deported, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).  The maximum possible penalty Lopez-Morales could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 2 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the Immigration and Custom Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.

Three Galivants Ferry Men Indicted for Immigration and Drug Charges.  Epifanio Castillo-Pacheco, age 43, Isidro Camacho-Castillo, age 29, and Samuel Zepeda-Gonzalez, age 59, all of Galivants Ferry, South Carolina, were charged in a six-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); Illegal Re-entry into the United States after being previously deported, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a);  possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A); and, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). 

The maximum possible penalty Castillo-Pacheco and Zepeda-Gonzalez could receive is imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of $1,000,000.  The maximum possible penalty Camacho-Castillo could receive is imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 5 years to life.  The case was investigated by agents of the ICE- Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham 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.

         
#####

Contact Person: (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Adam Tyler Shrader, age 22, of Lancaster, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia to conspiracy to straw purchase a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report that will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 21, 2014, a Lancaster County deputy met with Lillie Mae Govea about her pistol being stolen.  According to Govea, someone had stolen her pistol out of the trunk of her car.  She indicated that the only person who had been in the trunk of the car was her boyfriend, Adam Tyler Shrader.  

The officer then contacted Shrader who told the officer that a friend of his named "Nick" had asked Govea to purchase a pistol for him.  Nick gave Govea and Shrader the money and told them to make the purchase at a named local gun store.  Govea and Shrader agreed.  

Govea indicated that during the entire drive to the gun store, Shrader was on the telephone asking for directions.  When they got to the store, Shrader showed her a picture of a specific pistol that had been previously advertised by the store.  However, the store did not have the pistol in stock so they purchased a different pistol and ammunition instead. 

On the way back home, Shrader was talking to someone on the telephone and told him they would be returning shortly.  When they returned, a black male that Govea did not know approached them, gave her additional money for the pistol and took the pistol out of the car.  Shrader told Govea to wait three (3) days to report the pistol stolen in case Nick did something "bad" with it.  Govea waited less than one (1) day to report the pistol stolen.  The pistol was later found in the possession of a convicted felon during a search by another police jurisdiction.  Govea  pled guilty and was recently sentenced on the same charge.    

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for this offense is imprisonment for 5 years and a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.

#####

Contact Person: William K. Witherspoon (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Alshura Tabil Annessa Frazier, age 36, of Columbia, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to sex trafficking of children, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1591(a) (1) and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report that will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that around Memorial Day in 2015, a minor female under the age of eighteen (18) left her family in North Carolina and met Frazier in Myrtle Beach.  Following this encounter, Frazier and others had sex with the minor in exchange for providing her with the recreational drug “Molly” and shelter for the night. After leaving Myrtle Beach, Frazier brought the minor to Columbia, South Carolina, where Frazier recruited her to perform sexual acts on clients for money.  Frazier posted the minor or had others post the minor on Backpage.com, a site known to be used for sex trafficking.  Frazier transported her to and from North Carolina and to and from South Carolina on multiple occasions for the purpose of prostitution.   Frazier received one-hundred (100%) percent of the profits made from the prostitution.  The minor was sixteen (16) years of age at the time she began working as a prostitute for Frazier.  During this time, Frazier knew that the minor was under the age of eighteen (18).

The minor also advised that she engaged in sexual intercourse with Frazier when she was sixteen (16) years of age.  The minor stated that Frazier used one of his cell phones to video her and another prostitute with Frazier engaging in sexual activity when the minor was sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age.  

In addition, on March 18, 2015, a Richland County deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a car for failing to give a turn signal.  The car sped off and a chase took place.  During the chase, the car pulled into a parking lot and a female, who was later identified as a prostitute working for Frazier, got out of the car and ran carrying a box.  The officer was able to identify Frazier by his driver’s license photo.  The car was registered to Frazier’s mother. 

After the officer could not stop the car, he returned to the spot where the prostitute exited the car and ran.   With the help of citizens, he found the female hiding in the woods. The female took the officer back to where she hid the box. In the box, officers located a 10mm Glock pistol, cocaine, crack cocaine, and suspected Molly.  The female told the officer that the box belonged to Frazier who gave it to her and told her to run.    Based upon this evidence, the gun was used and carried during and in relation to, and possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.   

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for the sex trafficking charge is life imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.  The maximum penalty for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime is also life imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Springdale Police Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Witherspoon and T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: William K. Witherspoon (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Johnny Willie Jones, age 30, of Columbia, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia to felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report that will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on January 31, 2016, Jones was involved in a verbal altercation at a halfway house on Lady Street. Under the rules of the halfway house, females are not allowed in the males’ rooms.  The manager of the home confronted Jones about having a female in his room.  A verbal altercation turned physical between Jones, the manager, and her daughter.  After it became physical, Jones stated, “I got something for you” and went up to his room and retrieved a sawed-off shotgun, went back downstairs, and shot in the direction of the two females.  Both females were unharmed.  Jones then left the halfway house after the police were called.  The police found the shotgun in a lot behind the house.  Jones fled the scene and was later arrested in Arizona.  Jones had previously been convicted of kidnapping and two (2) counts of armed robbery and, therefore, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm in this case is imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Columbia Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.

#####
 

Contact Person: Rhett DeHart (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Damon Jackson, age 24, of Columbia; Bakari McMillan, age 24 of Columbia; and Cory Miller, age 44, of Orangeburg; were convicted in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Sex Trafficking of Minors in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1591.  United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston presided over the trial and will impose sentence at a later date.

Evidence presented at trial proved that Jackson, McMillan, and Miller participated in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.  The defendants persuaded dozens of young women to work as prostitutes with fraudulent promises, and some of these victims were minors.  The evidence showed that the defendants routinely raped and beat the victims to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts.  The evidence further showed that many of the victims were drug addicts, and the defendants used heroin and crack cocaine to coerce the victims to engage in commercial sex acts.  The defendants used the website Backpage.com to advertise sexual services throughout the Southeast.  Seven of the defendants in the conspiracy pled guilty prior to the trial of Jackson, McMillan, and Miller.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake gave credit for the convictions to both the victims and witnesses who showed the courage and strength to testify, and to the terrific investigation by the local police who worked hand-in-hand with the federal agents at ICE-HSI.  "The facts of this case are repugnant, and the victims - and the police officers who rescued them from the hell they were living - are nothing less than heroes."

The case was investigated by agents from the North Charleston Police Department and the ICE- Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Austin and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Barry David Bassett, age 41, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Bassett faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on November 9, 2016, South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole agents were conducting a home visit with Bassett and observed a Weatherby .257 caliber rifle and .257 caliber ammunition on the premises.

Prior to that date Bassett had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison and agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon nor had his rights restored to possess firearms or ammunition.

Bassett was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. 

In addition to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office.

#####

Contact Person: Nick Bianchi (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that William L. Dodson, age 43, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston sentenced Dodson to fifteen years imprisonment, to be followed by two years’ supervised release.

Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that officers with the North Charleston Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Dodson and Dodson fled on foot.  As Dodson ran from law enforcement, he threw a loaded Beretta 9 mm handgun, along with marijuana and cocaine, which law enforcement recovered after Dodson was apprehended.  Dodson has multiple prior felony convictions, including four prior convictions for possessing of narcotics with intent to distribute.   Dodson is also awaiting sentencing on state charges of ill treatment of animals after pleading guilty in an unrelated matter in August 2016.

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

#####

Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Anthony Devon Myrick, age 25, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.  Myrick faces a statutory maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison.

Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on October 21, 2016, members of the Greenville Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), stopped to investigate a car stopped on the shoulder of the road. As a deputy approached the car, he observed two people in the back seat. As Myrick was exiting the vehicle, a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol fell from his pants. 

Prior to that date, Myrick had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison.  Agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon.

Myrick was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. 

In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office.

#####

 

Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Cornelius Trotoyal Wilson, age 38, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty in Federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Wilson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on September 15, 2016, officers with the Simpsonville Police Department responded to a local motel based on a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival at the location, officers made contact with several individuals including Wilson.  During the investigation, officers recovered a loaded .25 caliber pistol from Wilson after he told the officers that he had a .25 caliber pistol in his pocket. 

Prior to that date, Wilson had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison and agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon nor had his rights restored to possess firearms or ammunition. 

The Simpsonville Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the United States Attorney’s Office in Greenville.

#####
 

Contact Person: Max Cauthen, II (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Joshua Matthew Garrett, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g). United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Garrett faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on November 15, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) made contact with Garrett in his vehicle. 

As Garrett was approached by GCSO, Garrett opened the driver’s side door of the vehicle and an officer observed a handgun in the pocket of the driver’s door. GCSO seized the handgun which was identified as a loaded Harrington & Richardson .22 caliber revolver. 

Prior to that date, Garrett had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison and agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon nor had his rights restored to possess firearms or ammunition. 

Garrett was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.”  The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. 

In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together.  This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office.

#####
 

Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Richard Ryan Jones, age 39, of Gaffney, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A).   United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Jones to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.   Judge Childs has already sentenced co-defendant Charlie Farris to 180 years imprisonment, co-defendant Bobby Spencer to 108 months imprisonment, and co-defendant Joy Nicole Spencer to 60 months imprisonment.  Co-defendant Christopher O’Brien has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that in 2015 and 2016, Richard Ryan Jones was the supplier of methamphetamine to Bobby Spencer, a co-defendant, and others throughout the Upstate.  Christopher O’Brien and Joy Nicole Spencer were couriers of methamphetamine for Jones and Bobby Spencer, respectively.   Evidence demonstrated that Jones distributed over 20 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Upstate.   Charley Farris and Bobby Spencer were also convicted of carrying firearms in relation to this drug trafficking conspiracy.

The case was investigated by agents of FBI, ATF, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Gaffney Police Department, and Spartanburg City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Katie Marie Reavely, age 26, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Greenville to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1349.  United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the guilty plea and will impose the sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on April 29, 2015, Reavely used counterfeit identification at a SunTrust Bank branch in Anderson to withdraw $9,000 in cash and $40,000 in checks made payable to co-conspirators from a bank account that did not belong to her.  Shortly thereafter, co-conspirators entered other SunTrust Bank branches in upstate South Carolina to attempt to cash the checks. 

On May 22, 2015, Reavely attempted to use counterfeit checks at a Cedartown, Georgia Suntrust Bank branch.  On June 23, 2015, in East Ridge, Tennessee, Reavely again attempted to withdraw funds from a bank account that did not belong to her using counterfeit identification.  Law enforcement apprehended Reavely, and she confessed to attempting to defraud banks on numerous occasions.

Ms. Drake stated that the maximum penalty Reavely could receive is 30 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 dollars.   The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service, Anderson Police Department, Greenville City Police Department, Conyers Police Department, Cedartown Police Department, and East Ridge Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Vern McPherson, age 53, of Westminster, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to possession and transporting child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A.  United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that law enforcement received an investigative lead from HSI Cyber Crimes Center that a server in Switzerland (which had been seized by the Swiss Federal Police) revealed McPherson’s IP address as having accessed child pornography from the server. 

After reviewing material from the Swiss case, a federal search warrant was obtained for McPherson’s home.  A forensic exam of his computer revealed 693 images and 2 videos of child pornography.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty McPherson can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100. 

The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ 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.

#####

Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Norman W. Jefferson, age 51, of Greenville, South Carolina, and Roshaundra A. Griffin, age 46, of Anderson, South Carolina were sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841.  Jefferson was also sentenced for one count Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Jefferson to one day imprisonment and Griffin to five years’ probation on the drug conspiracy charge, and sentenced Jefferson to sixty months for Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in January and February of 2016, Griffin and Jefferson conducted multiple sales of crack cocaine from their residence.  In March of 2016, Greenville Police Department obtained and executed a search of their residence.  Officers located Jefferson in possession of a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol and both individuals in close proximity to crack cocaine.  Drug paraphernalia was located throughout the house. 

The case was investigated by agents of ATF and the Greenville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina-----The United States Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are continuing their partnership with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) to keep guns out of the hands of former offenders.

The project is called “Real-Time Reentry” and focuses on violent offenders and gang members who re-offend with firearms while still under SCDC’s Intensive Supervision Services after being released.  Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and law enforcement officials visit with Youthful Offenders in prison to educate them about the opportunities and resources they have to lead productive and successfully rehabilitated lives upon release. If caught with a firearm or ammunition, however, the individual will be taken into custody immediately and their case will be referred to ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s office in “real time” for federal review and prosecution in federal court, where firearms-related sentences for repeat-offenders are more considerable.

AUSAs and representatives of SCDC were at Trenton Correctional Institution yesterday, Tuesday, March 21, at 11am, for their regularly scheduled “Real-Time Reentry” visit with Youthful Offenders.  

“Because of their criminal records, Youthful Offenders in the state system have created future exposure for themselves, in the federal system, if they are ever found in possession of a firearm,” said Beth Drake, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina.  USA Drake further observed, “We want these young South Carolinians to know that they are prohibited as felons from possessing firearms, and to further incentivize good choices and lawful behavior.”

The “Real-Time Reentry” partnership, which began in December 2015, is an iteration of Project Real Time, an initiative launched in the upstate in August 2015 under the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Project Cease Fire program.  Project Cease Fire brings together local, state, and federal law enforcement with the community. The collective efforts of this partnership encourage cooperation in a shared goal to make South Carolina safer by reducing gun violence, arrests, and incarceration.

#####

Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kevin Ray Stephenson, age 44, of Greenville, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A.   Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville sentenced Stephenson to 18 months imprisonment, $5,100.00 special assessment, and 5 years supervised release.  Stephenson will be required to register as a sex offender.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Stephenson used a child pornography website to access child pornography.  The FBI conducted a search of Stephenson’s business, Solid Designs, and located numerous images of child pornography on Stephenson’s computer.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

This case was 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.

#####
 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Harold Blackwell, age 40, of Moore, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A.  United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that undercover law enforcement agents engaging in child exploitation investigations were approached by Blackwell on a “KIK” messaging application.  Blackwell sent an undercover officer videos and images of child pornography.  Blackwell was approached by law enforcement and admitted to sending child pornography using his cell phone.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Blackwell can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100. 

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ 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.

#####

 

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that David Specyalski, age 47, of Mauldin, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A.  United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Greenville accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
 
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that law enforcement conducted a proactive investigation involving a file-sharing network used by individuals with an interest in child pornography.  An undercover officer downloaded a video that Specyalski had available for sharing. 

A federal search warrant was obtained and executed.  A forensic exam of his computer revealed twelve videos of child pornography. Specyalski has a prior state child pornography possession conviction.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Specyalski can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for not less than 10 years and no more than 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100. 

The case was investigated by agents with ICE - Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ 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.

#####
 

Contact Person: Stacey D. Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Nigel Michael Sandiford, a/k/a “Marvin H. Rogers,” a/k/a “Cecil Price,” age 43, of Columbia, plead guilty in federal court today to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented in court during the guilty plea hearing established that July 18, 2016, federal agents executed a search warrant at Sandiford’s Montego Bay restaurant on Parklane Road in Columbia. Inside the restaurant, agents located a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, a Glock .45 caliber handgun, as well as a high capacity magazine, and assorted rounds of 12 gauge shotgun shells, .40 caliber ammunition, .45 caliber ammunition, and 9mm ammunition. Sandiford admitted to possessing the firearms and ammunition and to having a prior Richland County drug conviction under the alias “Marvin H. Rogers.” Sandiford is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior state conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Sandiford faces a maximum of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge. Sandiford, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, is also currently facing deportation proceedings.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.

#####
 

Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Nakeo Tawian Vance, age 41, of Greenville, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for two counts Uttering Counterfeit Securities and one count Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 472 and 922(g).   United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Vance to thirty months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in May of 2015, law enforcement stopped Vance and found him in possession of ninety-eight counterfeit bills.  Vance claimed he had received the money from a drug deal and had already used $600 to pay off drug debts.   In May of 2016, the Greenville Police Department responded to a call concerning suspicious activity at a hotel. When law enforcement arrived, they observed Vance standing outside a vehicle, and upon their approach, the officers saw Vance shove something into a backpack and throw the backpack in the car.  The officers frisked Vance and located a Butler Associate Incorporated, Model Single Shot, .22 short caliber pistol.  The firearm was loaded with one round of .22 short ammunition.  Vance fled, but the officers apprehended him shortly thereafter.  Law enforcement recovered more counterfeit bills from Vance at that time.  Greenville Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant for the car and located a General Precision Corporation, Model 60, .22 short caliber revolver, in the backpack Vance had been holding, along with other drug paraphernalia.   The firearm was loaded with five rounds of .22 short ammunition.  Vance has prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time.

The case was investigated by agents of ATF and the Greenville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####

Contact Person: Jamie L. Schoen (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Pamela Bullington, age 28, of Cowpens, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641.   United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Bullington to probation and to pay restitution of $12,552.50. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Bullington used her mother’s ATM card to withdraw her mother’s veteran benefits after her mother died. The Office of Veterans Affairs had not been informed of the death of Bullington’s mother, and therefore continued to deposit VA benefits into the account.  Bullington admitted that she knew these funds were from the VA.  Bullington also allowed another person to use the ATM card to make withdrawals from her deceased mother’s account. 

The case was investigated by agents of the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

#####