District of South Carolina

Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Yancey Kevon Wilson, age 23, and Randy Jones, Jr., age 23, both of Kershaw County plead guilty in federal court today to various charges stemming from the June 23, 2015, armed robbery of Sandhills Bank in Bethune, South Carolina. Wilson plead guilty to armed bank robbery, use/possession/discharge of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(c), 2113(a), and 2113(d). Jones plead guilty to conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use/possession/discharge of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 924(c). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty pleas and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented in court during the guilty plea hearing established that on the early morning hours of June 23, 2015, Wilson, while armed with a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun and wearing a white hoodie, sunglasses, and gloves, approached a bank employee outside the bank and forced her at gunpoint to get him inside the locked bank building. Once inside the bank, Wilson brandished the firearm and demanded money. After obtaining money, Wilson fled from the bank and discharged the firearm twice outside the bank. Witnesses heard the shots fired and observed a dark colored vehicle, later determined to be driven by Jones, with paper tags pick up Wilson and flee the scene. On June 25, 2015, deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department located Jones and Wilson, along with another individual with a vehicle fitting the description of the get-away vehicle at a carwash in Lugoff. Further investigation lead to the discarded clothes worn by the bank robber, Wilson, and the empty bank bag from Sandhills Bank, all of which was found on the side of a road where Jones told investigators they left them. DNA analysis revealed Wilson’s DNA on the discarded white hoodie. Additionally, the two fired .40 caliber shell casings recovered from the scene of the bank robbery were matched to a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber firearm purchased by Jones in February 2015. Finally, text messages were recovered from a cell phone showing that Wilson and Jones planned the bank robbery in advance. Wilson is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition by virtue of his prior state convictions for strong arm robbery and assault and battery 1st degree.

Wilson faces a maximum of twenty-five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the armed bank robbery charge, as well as 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. Jones faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy charge. Additionally, both Wilson and Jones face a statutory mandatory minimum ten years imprisonment with a maximum of life imprisonment, which will be served consecutively to the other terms of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release on the use/possession/discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence charge. Both Wilson and Jones will also be required to make restitution to the bank.

The case was investigated by the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department, the Bethune Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Joseph Carlton Meek, 22, of Lexington, South Carolina, was sentenced to 27 months for Misprision of a Felony and Making False Statements in connection with Dylann Storm Roof’s racist assault on parishioners at Mother Emanuel AME Church.

More than a week prior to Roof’s June 17 attack, Roof told Meek that Roof was going to shoot people during Wednesday night bible study at an AME Church in Charleston. Roof also explained that he had been planning the attack for more than six months and that he intended the attack to serve as a catalyst for a race war. 

As the initial news reports were released on the night of June 17, Meek knew that Roof had committed the attack based on Roof’s prior statements. Meek told friends and family that he knew Roof had committed the attack but took active steps to stop them from contacting law enforcement on the night of June 17 as well as the morning of June 18.  Only after learning that a friend had already called the FBI on June 18 did Meek then call law enforcement.  When the FBI first interviewed Meek on June 18, Meek repeatedly lied about his advance knowledge of the details of Roof’s plans to attack the church.

United States Attorney Beth Drake explained, “Meek’s actions in concealing Roof’s involvement and his false statements to the FBI impacted law enforcement’s efforts to capture and investigate Roof who had escaped with a loaded .45 Glock. Separate and apart from the murders, his actions are serious criminal violations.” U.S. Attorney Drake credited the cooperative relationship between the many law enforcement agencies supported by tips from private citizens for the quick capture of Roof. “This was excellent policing with the support of the community.”

According to Alphonso Norris, FBI Special Agent in Charge, “This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to bring justice to all those who played a part in this horrific crime.  This successful prosecution was the result of coordinated efforts with our state, local and federal partners.  We are proud to be part of such a professional team that also obtained justice for the victims, families and communities that were forever changed by the cowardly acts of Dylan Roof and Joey Meeks.”

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), City of Charleston Police Department, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).  Assistant United States Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Nathan Williams are prosecuting the case. 

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Contact Person: DeWayne Pearson (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ----- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Lawrence Singleton, age 60, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with the administration of tax laws in violation of Title 26, United States Code Section 7212(a). Facts presented in court indicate that Singleton is a former United States Postal Employee with ties to the “sovereign citizen” movement. “Sovereign citizens” are U.S. citizens who claim not to recognize the authority of federal, state or local governments. Typically, they argue that they do not have an obligation to adhere to the laws, policies or regulations created by the government.

According to facts presented during the hearing, Singleton fraudulently filed an identity theft affidavit with the Internal Revenue Service claiming that his identity had been stolen and that it changed his tax liability. Singleton then attempted to pay a $72,000 tax bill using a fraudulent check. Facts presented in court also showed that Singleton attempted to deposit a fraudulent check purportedly worth hundreds of thousands of dollars’ into a bank account and that he used a similar bogus check in an attempt to purchase an automobile. Sentencing in the case has not yet been scheduled but Singleton faces a possible sentence of 3 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $5,000.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service. “The refutation of frivolous arguments through enforcement helps maintain the integrity of the tax laws of this nation by making sure all citizens are treated equally and pay their fair share,” said acting IRS Special Agent in Charge Michael Daniels. This investigation and conviction were pursued in furtherance of the FBI’s national strategy aimed at disrupting the criminal activity of individuals claiming to be sovereign citizens and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.

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Contact Person: Jamie Schoen (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kianna Kateri Spurgeon, age 25, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina, for Access Device Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029.  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson, sentenced Spurgeon to three years’ probation, community service, and repayment of restitution.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that when Spurgeon worked as a cashier, she loaded $10,900.00 of Walmart’s money onto cards possessed by a co-defendant.  Spurgeon performed the transactions without receiving any payment for the money credited on the cards.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.       

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

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

North Carolina Resident Indicted on VA Theft.  Nikki M. Williamson, age 44, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with theft of government funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  The maximum penalty Williamson could receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Illegal Alien Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Mario Josue Hernandez-Padilla, age 24, of Honduras, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5).  The maximum penalty Hernandez-Padilla could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Jamarr Shavarya Brown, age 26, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); 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 penalty Brown could face is a fine of $1,500,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 35 years.  This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Boiling Springs Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Shantrese Demarkeds Young, age 25, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Young could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Cowpens Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Adam Noel Cobb, age 37, of Cowpens, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(9). The maximum penalty Cobb could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Greer Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Tyrone Chadrick Grady, age 32, of Greer, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment with possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).  The maximum penalty Grady could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years.  The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.

Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Travis Lee Nixon, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a person after being convicted of a federal offense, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Nixon could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.

Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges.  Cleveland Harris Watkins, II, age 34, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a five-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with the intent to distribute heroin, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); 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 penalty Watkins could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of life.  This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.

Anderson Group Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges.  Shemika Alfrida Parson Williams, age 35, Kevin Lynn Hargraves, age 32, and Johnny Lee Smith, age 26, all of Anderson, South Carolina, were charged in a four-count indictment with possession of firearms by prohibited persons, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); conspiracy possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846; 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 penalty they could face is a fine of $10,000,000.00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life. This case was investigated by the Anderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.

Walhalla Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges.  Matthew Vinson Leopard, age 38, of Walhalla, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with possession of firearms by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  The maximum penalty Leopard could face is a fine of $5,000,000.00 00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of life.  This case was investigated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.

Two Norcross, Georgia Men and A Greenville Man and Woman Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges.  Diego Javier Beltran, age 35, and Savannah Rose Schwarz , age 19, both of Greenville, South Carolina, and Fermin Mata-Bustos, age 29, and Manuel De Jesus Gordillo-Escandon, age 23, both of Norcross, Georgia, were charged in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).  Beltran, Mata-Bustos, and Gordillo-Escandon were also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  The maximum penalty Beltran, Mata-Bustos, and Gordillo-Escandon could face is a fine of $5,000,000.00 00 and/or a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of life.  The maximum penalty Schwarz could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years.  This case was investigated by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and ICE–Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.

Kinards Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  James Andrew Gardner, age 27, of Kinards, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum possible penalty Gardner could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by agents of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office.

Piedmont Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Tarrance Dieon Albert, age 42, of Piedmont, South Carolina, is 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 Albert could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Travelers Rest Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Billy Raymond Emery, age 48, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of firearms, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum possible penalty Emery could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by agents of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Westminster Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Matthew Blake Sosby, age 43, of Westminster, South Carolina, is 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 Sosby could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by agents of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Inman Man Indicted on Bank Robbery Charge.  Justin Ashley Bott, age 45, of Inman, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113.  The maximum possible penalty Bott could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years.  This case was investigated by agents of the Lyman Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Honea Path Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Edisto Hulon Patton, age 36, of Honea Path, South Carolina, is charged in a one-count indictment with felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum possible penalty Patton could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by agents of the Anderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Greenwood Man and Mother Indicted on Federal Drug Charges.  Demetris Antwon Goode, age 32, and his mother, Malissa Ann Goode, age 53, of Greenwood, South Carolina, were charged in a four-count indictment alleging one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and three counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).  Demetris Goode is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of $10,000,000.00.   The maximum penalty Malissa Ann Goode could face is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000.00. This case was investigated by the Greenwood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Greenwood Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges.  Winston Dennis Hill, Jr., age 32, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was charged in a six count indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); two counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances including, cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and two counts of  possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  Hill is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000.00. This case was investigated by the Greenwood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

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.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

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

Ladson Man Indicted on Drug Charges.  Robert Bryan Mansfield, age 60, of Ladson, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).  The maximum penalty Mansfield could face is a fine of $10,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment for life.  The case was investigated by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office.

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

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Contact Person: JD Rowell (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Shan Hill, age 36, of Sumter, SC; Tywon Blackwell, age 35, of Alcolu, SC; George “Tech” McDowell, age 45, of Sumter, SC; Shawn Green, age 38, of Sumter, SC; Quanta Lewis, age 23, of Sumter, SC; and Keenan McDowell-Gregg, age 22, of Sumter, SC;  were sentenced yesterday and today in federal court in Columbia for conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and/or cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia sentenced the defendants to the following terms of imprisonment and supervised release: • Shan Hill: 56 months imprisonment followed by 6 years supervised release; • Tywon Blackwell: 192 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release; • George “Tech” McDowell: 130 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release; • Shawn Green: 188 months imprisonment followed by 4 years supervised release; • Quanta Lewis: 60 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release; and
• Keenan McDowell-Gregg: 32 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.

Evidence presented at each defendant’s guilty plea and sentencing hearing established that the defendants were members of a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy that was operating in Sumter from 2013 through the summer of 2015.  These six defendants were charged along with over fifty others in connection with the investigation into armed drug trafficking in Sumter.  The case was based largely on evidence obtained via court-authorized wiretaps that ran from late 2014 through the summer of 2015. Evidence presented at plea and sentencing hearings showed that the above defendants dealt in quantities that ranged from multi-kilograms of cocaine down to street-level crack sale quantities.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sumter Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
         

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Tavares Lamore Wingate, age 33, of Hartsville, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence for conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Wingate to 95 months in federal prison.

Evidence presented at Wingate’s guilty plea hearing established that Wingate and others in the Florence County and Darlington County area were subjects in an ongoing drug distribution conspiracy investigation dating back to 2005 conducted by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. As part of that investigation, in June 2015, agents arranged a controlled buy of a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base from Wingate and a coconspirator.

The case was investigated by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Cederic Sharnard Bruce, age 31, of Florence, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Bruce to 140 months in federal prison.

Evidence presented at Bruce’s guilty plea hearing established that Bruce and others in the Florence County and Darlington County area were subjects in an ongoing drug distribution conspiracy investigation dating back to 2005 conducted by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the Florence Police Department (FPD), the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. As part of that investigation, in July 2013, a Florence Police Department officer stopped a vehicle in which Bruce and others were traveling. Police officers ultimately searched the car, and found a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base hidden in the car.

The case was investigated by agents Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), Florence Police Department, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Justin Martin Jackson, age 29, of Darlington, South Carolina, pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Florence to drug conspiracy and firearms charges.  Specifically, Jackson pled guilty to three counts: conspiracy to violate the drug laws of the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; using a communication device to facilitate the commission of a felony under the Controlled Substances Act, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b); and, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(ii)(A). United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed a presentence investigation report which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea established that, in 2005, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in cooperation with the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force, began an investigation into cocaine and cocaine-base distribution activities in the Hartsville area. As part of that investigation, in February 2015, Jackson was found in possession of a quantity of ethylone (a drug also known as MDMA or “Molly”) during a traffic stop. In December 2015, Jackson was arrested at a home in Darlington on a federal arrest warrant. At that home, law enforcement found three firearms, over a kilogram of powder cocaine, and 54 grams of cocaine-base in the home.  Officers also recovered two cellular telephones, which Jackson had used in December 2015 to transact illegal drug activity.

Ms. Drake stated that the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison.

The case was investigated by agents of the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pee Dee Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Tasha Ajibogun, age 35, of Mabelton, Georgia, pled guilty today in federal court in Florence, to passing counterfeit $50.00 Federal Reserve Notes, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472.  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.

 

The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on December 4, 2014, Ajibogun entered the Dollar General Store on South Van Lingle Mungo Boulevard in Pageland where she purchased merchandise with a counterfeit $50.00 bill.  The next day, on December 5, an officer with the Pageland Police Department located Ajibogun and discovered 22 additional counterfeit $50.00 bills in her possession. 

 

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000, plus a special assessment of $100.

 

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and the Pageland Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office handled the case.

 

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Contact Person: Rhett DeHart (843) 266-1672

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Chandler Carter, age 60, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Carter to 36-months imprisonment to be followed by Supervised Release for life during which Carter will be required to obtain sex offender treatment; register as a sex offender; participate in a computer monitoring program; not have any unsupervised contact with minors; and take random polygraph examinations.

 

Evidence presented in this case established that a federal search warrant was executed at Carter’s residence in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, on September 2, 2015. The search warrant was obtained after agents received information from authorities in Kent, England that Carter emailed an undercover officer in England and expressed an interest in trading child pornography. These emails were traced to Carter’s house in Mt. Pleasant, which triggered the search warrant.

 

During the search, agents seized two laptop computers and four thumb-drives from Carter’s residence. A forensic examination of his computers found approximately 25 videos and 80 images of child pornography. The videos and images depicted prepubescent girls having sex with adult men. Carter confessed to trading and possessing child pornography at the conclusion of the search.

 

The case was investigated by agents from ICE - Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston 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.

 

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Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Christopher Lee Holton, age 29, of West Columbia, South Carolina was sentenced Thursday, March 2, 2017, in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a).   United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Holton to one year imprisonment to be followed by five years of Supervised Release.

Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that Holton was convicted and sentenced for Molesting a Child and Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in Indiana.  Holton's conviction resulted in his being required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORNA).  SORNA requires sex offenders to register with law enforcement agencies by providing contact information such as their address and to notify the agencies if they intend to move or the information changes. Holton registered as a sex offender in Indiana when he was released from prison in January 2015 but in August 2015 the Whitley County Sheriff's Office (Indiana) discovered that Holton had moved without notifying them. Holton was located and arrested in West Columbia in August 2016. The investigation revealed that Holton had been living in South Carolina for approximately eight months but did not register, when he arrived in South Carolina, as a sex offender as required by SORNA.

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Marshal Service (USMS) and Whitley County Sheriff's Office (Indiana).  Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day II of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Howard Dillon, age 49, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday 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 R. 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, Dillon 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 a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

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

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Willis Terrance Dorsey, age 30, of Marion, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1).  United States District Judge R. 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 February 2, 2016, officers with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Department initiated a traffic stop on Dorsey on Interstate 20 in Darlington, South Carolina.  After determining that Dorsey did not have a valid driver’s license, officers found 26 grams of crack cocaine on Dorsey's person and a 9mm Keltec pistol in the vehicle. Dorsey subsequently told the officers that he had been selling crack cocaine. Individuals who sell illegal drugs while armed with a firearm are subject to prosecution pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) because of the inherent danger of violence created by the presence of a firearm.

Ms. Drake stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison on the firearms charge.

The case was investigated by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Norad Arcane McCullough, age 24, of Loris, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute heroin, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1).  United States District Judge R. 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.
 
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 21, 2016, a Conway car dealership notified the Horry County Police Department that they had located a backpack in a car they had repossessed which contained a firearm and what appeared to be heroin. Shortly after officers arrived at the scene, McCullough called the dealership and stated that his backpack had been left in the car that was repossessed and that he was coming to pick it up. When McCullough arrived and claimed the backpack, he was arrested.  McCullough admitted that the firearm and the 90 bundles of heroin belonged to him.  McCullough also told law enforcement that he had been distributing the heroin. Individuals who sell illegal drugs while armed with a firearm are subject to prosecution under Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) due to the inherent danger of violence created by the presence of the firearm.

Ms. Drake stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison on the firearms charge.

The case was investigated by agents of the Horry County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Christian Alexander Gause, age 29, of Loris, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute heroin, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base, and Alprazolam, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  United States District Judge R. 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.
 
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on March 31, 2016, narcotics agents with Horry County Police Department executed a search warrant at Gause's home in Loris, South Carolina. Gause was arrested and agents seized 40 grams of heroin, 11 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, and 54 Alprazolam tablets. The search was based on previous purchases of illegal narcotics from Gause at that location. At the time of his arrest, Gause was on federal supervised release for a prior offense for a federal gun violation.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and fine of $250,000. 

The case was investigated by agents of the Horry County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jason Bolt, age 39, of Laurens, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to Conspiracy to Commit Marriage Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  United States District Judge R. 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 Bolt was involved in a marriage fraud conspiracy involving a number of Brazilian aliens who were paying US citizens to enter into fraudulent marriages with them in order to gain United States citizenship.

Bolt was paid between $9,000 and $10,000 to enter into a fraudulent marriage with one of the Brazilian defendants who was eventually successful in obtaining United States citizenship through this fraud.

Staged photographs of Bolt and this Brazilian defendant were taken, and fraudulent affidavits falsely claiming that Bolt and this Brazilian defendant lived together were submitted, all for the purpose of corroborating this sham marriage. 

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

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

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kenneth Andrew Generette, age 30, of Johnsonville, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Judge R. 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 the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted an investigation of individuals distributing heroin in the Hemingway and Johnsonville areas of South Carolina. During the investigation, Generette was identified as a heroin supplier in the area. As part of the investigation, FCSO investigators made two controlled purchases of a quantity of heroin from Generette. In October 2016, Generette was arrested on a federal arrest warrant. During his arrest, officers found an additional quantity of heroin in the home where Generette was residing.

Ms. Drake stated the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of $5,000,000. 

The case was investigated by agents with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant United States Attorney Chris Taylor of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jose Hernandez Guerrero, age 38, of Pamplico, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a)(2).  United States District Judge R. 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 October 19, 2016, ICE-ERO Officers discovered that Jose Guerrero, a native and citizen of Mexico, had been arrested by the SC Highway Patrol for DUI and Driving Without a License.

In 2004 Guerrero was deported from the United States back to Mexico after having been convicted of felony charges in Texas in 2003.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

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

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Efran Bautista-Ayala, age 44, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a)(2).  United States District Judge R. 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 November 9, 2016, ICE-ERO Officers discovered that Efran Bautista-Ayala, a native and citizen of Mexico, had been arrested by state law enforcement for DUI and Driving Without a License.

In 2006, Bautista-Ayala was deported from the United States back to Mexico after having been convicted of felony charges in California in 2005.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty this defendant can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

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

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Henry Quaysean Thomas, age 40, of Florence, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  United States District Judge R. 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.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on May 18, 2016, members of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on a room at local Florence hotel.  Thomas was arrested and officers seized 78 grams of marijuana, 7 grams of crack cocaine, and $930 in cash.  The search warrant was based on previous controlled buys of illegal narcotics from Thomas at that location.  Thomas later admitted to law enforcement that he was selling illegal drugs from that location.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty defendants can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that on February 28, 2017, a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:

Conway Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Benjamin Thomas Samuel McDowell, age 30, of Conway, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum possible penalty McDowell could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Myrtle Beach Police Department and Horry County Police Department.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Brad Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.

Illegal Alien Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.  William Rodriguez-Alarcon, age 39, of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(A)(1).  The maximum penalty Rodriguez-Alarcon could receive for each count is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 40 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the ICE - Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Alfred W. Bethea, Jr. 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.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Florwer Carlin Lizano, age 31, of Dillon, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  United States District Judge R. 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 on August 5, 2016, an officer with the Dillon Police Department found Lizano asleep in a vehicle at 5:00am.  When the officer approached the vehicle, he observed a hand gun in Lizano’s waist band. It was determined that Lizano was a previously convicted felon and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.  The firearm was a 9mm pistol which had previously traveled in interstate commerce which gave federal agents jurisdiction over the case.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant faces is imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of $250,000. 

The case was investigated by officers with the Dillon Police Department and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Eric Holloway, age 42, of Bishopville, pled guilty on Monday in federal court in Florence, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  United States District Judge R. 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 prior to the March 8, 2016 offense date, ATF agents, based on information that Holloway was involved in illegal gun sales, was able to introduce an undercover informant to Holloway.  On March 8, 2016, in Hartsville, South Carolina, the undercover informant met with Holloway and purchased a 9mm Taurus pistol and 22 rounds of ammo from Holloway. The sale was recorded on audio and video.  Holloway is a convicted felon and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The firearm had previously travelled in interstate commerce which gave federal agents jurisdiction over the offense.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Buddy Bethea of the Florence office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Winston David Holliday, Jr. (803) 920-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Atlas Importers, Inc., a fireworks company based in Marion, pled guilty in federal court in Florence on Tuesday to Smuggling, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 545.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will sentence the company at a later date. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that between November 2013 and late 2016, Atlas Importers repeatedly imported unapproved fireworks for sale in the United States.  These fireworks were omitted from invoices to conceal their presence in shipping containers.  Many of the fireworks had been modified to change the powder ratios from what had been approved.  Essentially, the effect powders were increased and the launch powders decreased.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and supervised release of five years.

The case was investigated by agents of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Transportation.  Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Iquill Wayne Morrison, age 22, of Laurens, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville to obstruction of commerce by robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951; and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).

United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Morrison faces a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence in federal prison.  Morrison was arrested on the federal charges on November 28, 2016, and has remained in jail since that time.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 25, 2016, Morrison entered the Drug-Lo Pharmacy in Laurens and robbed the employees of money while he was brandishing a firearm.

Agents from the Laurens City Police Department, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Robert Mansfield, 60, of Ladson, South Carolina, has been arrested on federal charges of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl.  Mansfield made an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon and a detention hearing and preliminary hearing have been scheduled for 11 a.m. on March 3, 2017. 

The case is being investigated by Special Agents with ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.  

Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.

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

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brandon Neal Hart, age 27, of Greenville, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville to making a false statement in the purchase of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6). United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 28, 2015, Hart, in connection with his acquisition of a .380 caliber pistol, and a 9mm caliber pistol, knowingly made a false statement intended to deceive the firearms dealer with respect to a fact material to the lawfulness of sale in that Hart represented on the purchase form that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms, when in fact, he was purchasing the pistols for another individual who is not allowed to possess firearms. 

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Hannah Carroll, Rose M. Mulholland, Kim Mulholland, Caroline Sherlock, Catherine Carroll, Anthony Carroll, Johnny M. Sherlock, Mary Rita Sherlock, Jimmy Gorman, Leslie Gorman, Leslie Ann Sherlock, Jimmy J. Carroll, Mary Costello, Mary Gorman Carroll, Renee Carroll, Rose S. Mulholland, Susan Sherlock, Tommy Sherlock, William Carroll, and Johnny Mack, all of North Augusta, South Carolina, as well as Angela Askew, of Augusta, Georgia, have entered guilty pleas in federal court in Columbia, to Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (RICO), a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d).  United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia accepted the guilty pleas and will impose sentences after she has reviewed the presentence reports which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the defendants and others agreed, that a criminal enterprise operated in and around North Augusta, South Carolina. This criminal enterprise consists of both residents of an insular group known as Travelers, as well as outsiders that helped those residents. The Travelers live in a defined geographic location of North Augusta that is commonly known as Murphy Village. The Travelers have a particular lifestyle, including a unique language called “Cant,” and are funded largely by illegal schemes. The Travelers and certain outsiders (like car salesmen, insurance agents, and tax preparers) agreed to commit numerous racketeering activities that included mail and wire fraud related to life insurance applications, loan applications, as well as fraud related to government benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and tax refunds. Additionally, when the fraud was successful and money came into the group the money was laundered through numerous channels to include structured deposits and withdrawals to avoid reporting requirements.

Ms. Drake stated, “This cooperative investigation between federal, state and local authorities has effectively dismantled a significant component of the complex criminal element operating out of Murphy Village. However, the investigation continues. We want to recognize the tremendous commitment by the local, state and federal authorities to investigate the wide-spread fraud.” United States Attorney Drake thanked the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, the USDA Office of Inspector General-Investigations, the Postal Inspector’s Office, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, the Second Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Department of Social Services for all the work their agencies did in the investigation and prosecution.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Alphonso Norris stated: “Today’s pleas go a long way in dismantling a criminal organization that has affected citizens in several states.  This was made possible with the cooperation of our federal, state and local partners.”

Kelvin Washington, U.S. Marshal for the District of South Carolina, stated: “Working with numerous federal and local agencies on this case has shown again how cooperation and dedication to protecting the citizens of South Carolina speaks volumes about our judicial system.  This case produced many assets which will be forfeited and sold so the victims may receive payment for the fraud they endured.  It is with immense appreciation to our partners for the success of this case, the U.S. Marshals are only a small piece of this case, but we know we can all work together to serve the citizens of South Carolina.”

South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson stated “I am pleased with this outcome, but this is certainly not the end. We will continue to work closely with authorities at the local, state and federal levels to bring these individuals to justice and expose this extensive criminal enterprise.”

“Today’s pleas are another example of IRS-CI’s dedication to bringing individuals to justice who engage in helping taxpayers evade their tax obligations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Daniels.  “We will continue to vigorously pursue both taxpayers who avoid paying their fair share and the unscrupulous professionals who facilitate their actions.”

The maximum penalty for Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, the USDA Office of Inspector General-Investigations, the Postal Inspector’s Office, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, the Second Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Department of Social Services.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Jay Richardson of Columbia and Rhett Dehart of Charleston are prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Winston David Holliday, Jr. (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jennifer Lyons Martin, age 34, of Ehrhardt, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to Theft by a Bank Employee, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 656.  United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will sentence her at a later date. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Jennifer Lyons Martin worked for South State Bank in the Bamberg Branch as a vault teller.  During an audit in 2015, over $100,000 was discovered missing.  Martin was approached and confessed to taking almost $300,000 beginning in 2013 and lasting through September 2015.  She had two personal checking accounts and four savings accounts at South State that she funneled the money into.  She spent almost all of it on restaurants, shopping, travel, and living expenses.

Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty for this offense is imprisonment for thirty years and a fine of $1,000,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---------Change of plea hearings have been scheduled for some 22 defendants who were previously indicted on racketeering charges arising from a criminal enterprise that operates in the North Augusta area of South Carolina.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., 12:00p.m. and 3p.m.
 
WHERE: Matthew J. Perry, Jr., Courthouse
901 Richland Street, Courtroom # 3
Columbia, SC 29201

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

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake today announced that Phillip Thompson, age 67, of Augusta, Georgia, pled guilty to his role in a conspiracy involving theft of government funds. Thompson admitted that he and another man conspired to defraud the government by creating fraudulent invoices for payment of what appeared to be goods needed for work at the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savanah River Site. He further admitted that no goods were ever received and that the loss in the case was over $5,000,000.00.

The sentencing date will be set after the court reviews a pre-sentence report.

The case was investigated by Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Potterfield is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

SPARTANBURG, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that three Spartanburg County residents were indicted last week by a federal grand jury sitting in Greenville, with firearms and other offenses. 
 
Rodney Juan Baker, 56, of Spartanburg, was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9).  This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
 
Derrick Casey, 37, of Spartanburg, was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
 
Hector Gonzalez, 31, of Spartanburg, was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  This case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
 
All charged individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.
 
Each of these cases are a direct result of “Home Front”, a focused deterrence-based initiative to combat domestic violence led by 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette.  The initiative launched in December of 2016 and has the support and partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 
 
These cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells, who is a 7th Circuit Assistant Solicitor specially designated by the United States Attorney’s Office to handle cases from the Seventh Circuit.
 
Modelled after a program started in High Point, North Carolina, members of the Home Front task force began earlier this fall, meeting with representatives from every police department in Spartanburg county as well as the Sheriff’s Office.  The Spartanburg County State Probation office and victim’s advocate stalwart, SAFE Homes, also serve as critical partners in this effort.
 
Under the guidance of Solicitor Barnette and High Point (NC) Chief Marty Sumner, Home Front has quickly gone from concept to reality.  High Point’s model and research suggests that early intervention is key in stopping the cycle of violence. The Home Front strategy identifies and focuses on offenders at the earliest stages of offending, before their violent conduct is entrenched and escalating.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, domestic violence is a community crime problem that costs the United States over $5.8 billion every year. It is a major drain on law enforcement resources as domestic violence generates a high volume of calls and repeated calls to the same location. Domestic violence homicides make up 40–50 percent of all murders of women in the United States. Women who have experienced a history of domestic violence report more health problems than other women and they have a greater risk for substance abuse, unemployment, alcoholism, and suicide attempts.
 
Research shows that the repeat domestic violence offender tend to have a significant criminal history that includes a wide range of both domestic violence and non-domestic violence offenses. Most of these offenders are readily identified as they are known to the criminal justice system. The Home Front initiative exposes the repeat domestic violence offender to sanctions because of his pattern of criminal behavior.
 
According to the 2015 Violence Policy Center When Men Murder Women report, South Carolina led the nation in rates of women murdered by men. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the victims were killed with a firearm and ninety-six percent (96%) of women murdered were killed by someone they knew. 
 
In Spartanburg County during the 2015 calendar year, SAFE Homes serviced 6726 victims of domestic violence. In the same time frame, the Spartanburg Police Department charged 907 domestic violence cases and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office charged 1068 domestic violence cases. There were fourteen (14) domestic related deaths in Spartanburg County in 2015.
 
Solicitor Barnette has had enough.  “Domestic violence is violence, period.  It continues to plague our community--so costly and harmful to families and children, persisting year after year.  It is time for these offenders to get our best shot—our best efforts.  That is Home Front.”
 
United States Attorney Beth Drake agrees.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) welcome the opportunity to partner with Solicitor Barnette and state law enforcement, and to use federal gun laws to pull violent offenders who are abusing their families and loved ones out of the community.  The goal is simple – stop the abuse, or swift and sure, the full force of a coordinated law enforcement effort will come to bear to stop you from abusing.  Home Front takes the burden of addressing abusers from the victims and shifts it to us – a very engaged group of local, state, and federal law enforcement.”
 
The Home Front task force began a thorough, eight-step implementation process in the fall.  The steps included training officers, synchronizing the coding of calls among the law enforcement agencies to harmonize communication--to create a back stop of sorts so that no domestic calls or offenders slip through the cracks among the sixteen municipal law enforcement entities in Spartanburg County.  Very early in the implementation process, the task force began creating a comprehensive list of domestic violence offenders from the previous twelve months of arrests in Spartanburg County for domestic-related incidents.  Offenders were categorized from most dangerous (Class A), repeat offender (Class B), first time DV arrest (Class C), and any non-arrest domestic violence interface with law enforcement (Class D).
 
For the most serious or repeat offenders, pending cases are fast-tracked to ATF and the US Attorney’s Office for immediate federal prosecution or prioritized for expedited state prosecution.  One of those fast-tracked offenders, James Lee Sarratt, Jr., age 49, of Spartanburg, was arrested on a federal gun charge by the ATF in October 2016 on conduct stemming from a domestic call in Spartanburg in late September 2016 where an individual had been shot.  Sarratt was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2016 and entered a guilty plea at his first opportunity to do so on January 11, 2017 in federal court.  Sarratt has been in custody, detained without bond, since his arrest and currently awaits sentencing.  He faces up to ten years in federal prison.
 
See link:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/spartanburg-initiative-combat-domestic-violence-results-first-guilty-plea
For updates follow us on Twitter @USAO_SC
 
This process incorporated by the Home Front task includes creating an enhanced system of tracking for offenders who are notified at any level or category.  Custom notification letters, hand-delivered by law enforcement to offenders within 48 hours of the initial law enforcement contact, serve to alert offenders that they are on the Home Front radar going forward as well as detailing presumptive sentences for future acts of violence or prohibited behavior.
 
Solicitor Barnette is optimistic about the collaboration and is confident the focus and dedication of this task force will not waiver.  “Securing our communities and ensuring that victims and children can feel safe in their own homes—breaking this horrific cycle of violence, that is our charge.”
         
Home Front Task Force: City of Spartanburg Police Department
City of Campobello
City of Pacolet Police Department
City of Chesnee Police Department
City of Cowpens Police Department
City of Duncan Police Department
City of Greer Police Department
City of Inman Police Department
City of Landrum Police Department
City of Lyman Police Department
City of Wellford Police Department
City of Woodruff Police Department
Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Police Department
Victim Advocates
Victim Services Providers
Behavioral Health
SC Dept. of Probation, Pardon and Parole Services
U. S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Seventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office
SAFE Homes
Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, & Union
 

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Contact Person: William Witherspoon (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Lillie Mae Govea, age 26, of Lancaster, South Carolina was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for straw purchasing a firearm.  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Govea to 10 months in federal prison.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 21, 2014, a Lancaster County deputy met with 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.  

The officer then contacted the boyfriend who told the officer that a friend of his named "Nick" had asked Govea to purchase a pistol for him.  Nick gave Govea and the boyfriend money and told them to make the purchase at a named local gun store.  Govea agreed.  Govea indicated that during the entire drive to the gun store, her boyfriend was on the telephone asking for directions.  When they got to the store, he 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 urchased a different pistol and ammunition instead. 

On the way back home, the boyfriend was talking to someone on the telephone and told them they would be returning shortly.  When they returned, a black male that she did not know approached them, gave her additional money for the pistol and took the pistol out of the car.  The boyfriend 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.   

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

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

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

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Anthony Leroy Doctor, a/k/a “Amp,” age 26, of Columbia, South Carolina was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment today after earlier pleading guilty in federal court to possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Doctor to 10 years’ imprisonment, which will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Evidence presented in court during the March 2016 guilty plea hearing established that shortly before midnight on June 7, 2015, Doctor and others became involved in a disturbance in the parking lot outside a nightclub located in a strip mall at Broad River Road and Rushmore Road in Columbia. Doctor was armed with a firearm and when confronted by club security, Doctor left the premises and discarded the firearm in some bushes along a parking lot behind a restaurant across from the club. Later, Doctor returned to the bushes and attempted to retrieve the firearm, but was asked to leave the premises by the restaurant security. Doctor continued to return to search the bushes and while Doctor was looking for the firearm in the bushes, a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrived in response to the restaurant’s call about a suspicious person in their parking lot. When asked what he was doing, Doctor, without turning around, replied that he was looking for his gun. Doctor then turned around and noticed that the security guard had been joined by the Richland County deputy. Doctor, who was intoxicated, was placed in investigative detention while deputies searched for the firearm. Deputies called a K-9 to the scene. The K-9 performed an article search and retrieved the firearm from the bushes where Doctor had been searching earlier. Doctor, an admitted gang member, was placed under arrest for state weapon charge and disorderly conduct. The firearm, a Taurus 9mm handgun, was loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition and had been reported stolen in 2014 from a vehicle in Aiken.

The case was referred to federal authorities for prosecution as Doctor, who was on state probation at the time, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior state felony convictions, which include carjacking, assault and battery with intent to kill, strong arm robbery, and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent crime.   

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

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Contact Person: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2140

Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake, announced today that thirteen individuals have been arrested on federal charges for drug and firearms violations.  A 35-count federal indictment was unsealed yesterday charging multiple defendants with federal violations.  Thirteen defendants were arraigned on the indictment yesterday.

Beginning in 2014, the FBI Myrtle Beach Resident Agency and the DEA Florence Resident Office, working with several law enforcement partners, began an investigation of a large drug trafficking organization operating in the Myrtle Beach, Florence, and Charleston areas of South Carolina.  The investigation targeted members of the Billie East Side Bloods, a set of the United Blood Nation, and others who formed an agreement to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana in South Carolina, and to traffic in and possess firearms for the purpose of advancing the drug conspiracy.  During the course of the investigation, agents used surveillance, source information, and other techniques to establish the agreement between coconspirators to sell drugs and to possess and sell firearms.

This operation was a combined law enforcement effort between the FBI, the DEA, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, the 15th Circuit’s Drug Enforcement Unit, the Coastal Carolina University Police Department, and the Georgetown Police Department.  The charges filed against the defendants in this operation are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Florence.
      
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies and credited law enforcement.  “This joint operation involving our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners signals our commitment to and emphasis on targeting significant criminal organizations operating in the Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Florence areas of South Carolina.”

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

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Contact Person: A. Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina-------United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that 21 individuals have been arrested on state and federal charges for drug and firearms violations. 

Beginning in October of 2014, the ATF Charlotte Field Division, working with several law enforcement partners, began an undercover investigation in North Charleston, launched as the North Charleston Violent Crime Community Impact Investigation.  The investigation focused on drug trafficking activities as well as the illegal possession of firearms.  This two-year investigation, which involved nearly 200 undercover operations, resulted in purchase of 58 firearms, over three and a half pounds of cocaine and crack cocaine, 80 grams of methamphetamine and 41 grams of heroin. 

This operation was a combined law enforcement effort in the city of North Charleston and surrounding communities and included special agents from ATF, ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, as well as officers and deputies from the North Charleston Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.   The charges filed against the defendants in this operation are being prosecuted by the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charleston.

“ATF is extremely appreciative of our partners and this collaborative effort to make North Charleston and the surrounding area a safer place,” said Charlotte Field Division's Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman. “ATF has committed our resources to help tackle firearms trafficking, illegal criminal firearm possession and other violent crimes happening in the area. That commitment, combined with the cooperation of local law enforcement agencies, federal partners, the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has resulted in a very successful operation with a long-term impact on violent crime in this community.”

Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson echoed that sentiment. “This multi-agency partnership charted a proactive effort to secure our community by focusing on dangerous individuals who plague our streets with gun and drug driven violence.”
      
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the local, state, and federal agencies and thanked the agents and law enforcement officers for the work that went into bringing the state and federal charges.  “We work best when we work together.  This kind of community impact case, where federal authorities pick up gun and drug charges on repeat offenders and the State Solicitor prosecutes the dealers without a significant prior record, is the sort of collaboration that has real impact on the lives of the people living in the community.  Community safety is what we are about.” 

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

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Contact Person: A. Lance Crick (843) 282-2105

The press conference will be held at 4pm in the lobby of North Charleston’s City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, South Carolina 29406

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced this morning that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have conducted a joint enforcement operation today involving multiple defendants located in Charleston County and Dorchester County.  A press conference will be held this afternoon (Wednesday, February 22, 2017) at 4:00pm in the lobby of North Charleston’s City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, South Carolina 29406. 

Participating in the press conference will be member(s) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the North Charleston Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

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Contact Person: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2140

The press conference will be held at 9:30am at the M.L. Brown Building, located at 2560 Main Street, Conway, South Carolina 29526

 

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced that federal and state law enforcement agencies have conducted a joint enforcement operation today involving multiple defendants located in Horry County, Florence County, and Charleston County. A press conference will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 9:30 A.M. at the M.L. Brown Building, located at 2560 Main Street, Conway, South Carolina 29526.

 

Participating in the press conference will be member(s) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, the 15th Circuit’s Drug Enforcement Unit, the Georgetown Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

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Contact Person: Nick Bianchi (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brandon James Williams, age 32, of Ridgeland, 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 David C. Norton of Charleston sentenced Williams to six-years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

 

Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that the Ridgeland Police Department was called to the Econo Lodge on James Taylor Drive to conduct a welfare check.  Upon arriving, officers made contact with Williams and another individual in one of the rooms and could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the room.  Upon executing a search warrant for the room, officers found a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun in a jacket belonging to Williams and a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun in a dresser drawer.  Williams has multiple prior felony convictions.  

 

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

 

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Contact Person: A. Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that on February 15, 2017, a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:

Spartanburg Man Indicted for Threatening President and President-elect.  Kipper Ken King, age 30, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment with making threats on the lives of the President of the United States and the President-elect, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871.  The maximum possible penalty King could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 5 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and the Spartanburg County Detention Center.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Texas Resident Charged with Wire Fraud.  Theresa Lopez Santos, age 65, of Lytle, Texas, was charged in a three-count indictment with wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  The maximum penalty Santos could receive for each count is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Greenville Resident Indicted on VA Theft.  Hughlyn Zimmerman, age 72, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with theft of government funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  The maximum penalty Zimmerman could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Easley Resident Indicted on Defrauding Local Company.  Janna B. Shelby, age 54, of Easley, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and mail fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.  The maximum penalty Shelby could receive is a maximum fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges.  Xavier Lee Gist, age 22, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a four-count indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); 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 penalty Gist could face is a fine of $1,750,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 45 years. The case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Spartanburg Man Indicted on Drug Charges.  Damaris Ray Hill, age 27, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).  The maximum penalty Hill could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years.  The case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Fountain Inn Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Demetrice Ricole Fruster, age 39, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack) and a quantity of hydrocodone, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); 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 penalty Fruster could face is a fine of $1,500,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 35 years.  The case was investigated by the Greer Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Rodney Juan Baker, age 56, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9).  The maximum penalty Baker could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Derrick Lorenzo Casey, age 37, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Casey could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Hector Tavoris Gonzalez, age 31, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a person after being convicted of a federal offense, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Gonzalez could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.

Marietta Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Michael Wayne Capps, age 45, of Marietta, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum penalty Capps could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.

Oconee County Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Howard Eugene Johnson, age 50, of Oconee County, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Johnson could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.

Anderson Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge and Destructive Device Charge. Timothy Garrett Holmes, age 22, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), and possession of destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871.  The maximum penalty Holmes could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Anderson City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.

Landrum Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Joshua Shane Verdin, age 32, of Landrum, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9).  The maximum penalty Verdin could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.

Upstate Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Steven Ray Garner, age 33, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum penalty Garner could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years.  This case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.

Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Travius Isaiah Mayer, age 27, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The maximum penalty Mayer could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office.

Taylors Man Indicted on Hobbs Act Robbery and Federal Gun Charges. Delmar Deshion Jackson, age 39, of Taylors, South Carolina, was charged in a thirteen-count indictment with conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery and attempted robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section1951(a); conspiracy to use and possess a firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); obstruction of commerce by robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section1951(a); and the use, carry, and possession of a firearm and aiding and abetting the brandishing of the firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).  The maximum penalty Jackson could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.

Greer Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges. Leslie Earle Alverson, age 50, of Greer, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B); receipt of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2); and advertising visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(d)(1)(A). The maximum penalty Alverson could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.  This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.

Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Darius Jacoby Brown, age 27, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Brown could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Anderson Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Matthew Gregory Aldrich, age 31, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Aldrich could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Simpsonville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge.  Rico Mandreil Sweeney, age 39, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Sweeney could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Simpsonville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Greenwood Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Justin Rashad Spencer, age 26, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was charged in a six-count indictment with possession of firearms by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); use and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).  The maximum penalty Spencer could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

Greenville Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Napoleon Isaac Mansell, age 34, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Mansell could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office.

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.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Benjamin Thomas Samuel McDowell, age 29, of Conway, South Carolina, appeared before a federal magistrate judge this morning in Florence, South Carolina, for an initial appearance following his arrest last night in Myrtle Beach by the FBI. McDowell was arrested for a violation of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

 

A preliminary hearing and a detention hearing for McDowell have been calendared for Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 2:30pm at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence, South Carolina. McDowell remains in custody. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Horry County Police Department, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

 

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

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Marvin Songlin, age 32, of Myrtle Beach, SC, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Florence for his role in a bogus lottery scam that targeted elderly victims across the country. He had previously pled guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Songlin to four years in federal prison, and ordered to pay restitution to the victims. Nineteen defendants involved in the scam have previously been convicted and sentenced by Judge Harwell.

 

Evidence presented at Songlin’s guilty plea hearing established that he served as a “money mule” for a group that convinced more than 150 victims that they had to pre-pay taxes or fees in order to receive lottery or sweepstakes winnings. The victims, mostly elderly, sent more than $1 million in fees or taxes to Songlin and other money mules, who in turn transmitted the funds to co-conspirators in Jamaica.

 

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (UPIS). Assistant United States Attorneys Eric J. Klumb of the Charleston office and A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.

 

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dalvin Michael Davenport, Jr., age 23, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and restitution of $30,857.89, after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and money laundering, violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029 and 1956. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson sentenced Davenport on February 9, 2017.

 

At an earlier guilty plea hearing, Assistant U. S. Attorney Jeanne Howard, established that Davenport, along with other members of the conspiracy, recruited cashiers at various businesses to credit funds onto Green Dot, Visa and other prepaid cards without receiving payment. Immediately after obtaining the prepaid cards, members of the conspiracy activated and depleted the cards of the fraudulently loaded funds. In total, the conspiracy resulted in a loss of over $264,000.00, to several businesses in South Carolina and Georgia.

 

Other members of the conspiracy who previously entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced include the following: Vincenzo Mikkel Byers, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 36 months imprisonment; Cierra Andreous James, age 24, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Brandon Christopher Davis, age 26, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Tony Christopher Robinson, age 24, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, sentenced to 18 months imprisonment; Davario Rashad Clinkscale, age 23, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Eric Ross Wilson, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Terrance Justin Davis, age 27, of Mauldin, South Carolina, sentenced to 21 months imprisonment; Quentin Nathaniel McClinton, age 25, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to time served; and, Adam Isaiah Posley, age 21, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 3 years’ probation.

 

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI Upstate Gang Task Force and the U. S. Treasury Department, IRS Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced that two members of a large, multi-state drug trafficking organization were sentenced on Thursday, February 9, 2017, in federal district court. Mister T. Crocker, age 36 from Columbia, and Lashaun Fair, age 37 from Anderson, were members of a drug trafficking organization that operated for approximately 13 years in multiple states, including South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. During the course of the conspiracy, members of the conspiracy distributed millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, lead Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Attorney, was the lead prosecutor. OCDETF is a program administered by the Department of Justice that targets large scale, multi-state drug trafficking organizations.

 

Moorman told the Court during proceedings involving Crocker and Fair about their respective roles in the conspiracy. According to Moorman, Crocker was arrested on July 1, 2014, with co-defendant Kelvin Fulton after purchasing approximately 180 grams of cocaine from co-defendant Walter Lee in Anderson, South Carolina. Fair was a significant cocaine distributor in Anderson, South Carolina, whom federal agents observed leaving a home in Anderson on November 3, 2014, after purchasing a kilogram of cocaine from the organization’s source of supply, who lived in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

The Court sentenced Crocker to 30 months imprisonment and Fair to 60 months imprisonment for their respective roles in this organization.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Department of Public Safety, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

 

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Thurmond Lowery, Jr., age 36, of Cheraw, SC, was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court in Florence on multiple gun and drug charges to include felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Lowery to 150 months in federal prison.

 

Evidence presented at Lowery’s guilty plea hearing established that on April 19, 2015, an officer with the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Lowery. Lowery was placed under arrest for driving under suspension. During a search of the vehicle a loaded .40 caliber handgun was found. Lowery was prohibited from possessing a handgun because he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. During August 2015, officers with the Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were investigating drug activity in the Myrtle Beach area. As part of that investigation, on August 4, 2015, DEU and FBI agents made a controlled buy of a quantity of heroin from Lowery. The next day, agents made a second controlled buy of a quantity of cocaine from Lowery.

 

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

 

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Contact Person: Winston Holliday, Jr. (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Roselyn Goodrum, age 47, of Florence, has been sentenced to 27 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to Conspiracy, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, regarding the administration of farm-related disaster benefits. She also was ordered to pay over $146,000 in restitution to the federal government. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence presided over the hearing. Goodrum pled guilty September 1, 2016.

 

Evidence presented to the court established that Roselyn Goodrum was in charge of the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Florence office from 2006 through 2014. In February 2014, Ice Storm Pax caused extensive damage to farms in the Pee Dee. As a result, farmers could make claims to the FSA for financial assistance to clean up their land. Goodrum filed multiple false applications in the names of family members who were not entitled to these benefits, enriching herself and others. After FSA employees discovered the theft and suspended her, Goodrum surreptitiously re-entered the office and shredded incriminating documents. Overall, she illegally obtained $146,401 that she was not entitled to in fraudulent benefits.

 

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Department of Agriculture and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Winston Holliday.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

 

Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Beth Drake, announced today that Justin David Crenshaw, age 31, of Salem, entered a guilty plea in federal court this morning in Greenville on charges stemming from his possession and discharge of a firearm last fall at a residence in Oconee County. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McDonald accepted the plea. Crenshaw will be sentenced after a presentence investigation report is prepared by United States Probation.

 

Crenshaw was previously indicted on December 13, 2016, by a federal grand jury for felon in possession of ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Prior to his indictment, Crenshaw, whose conduct at the time of the offense was being supervised by United States Probation following his summertime release from the Bureau of Prisons, was arrested on federal arrest warrants in early December for the offense and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since that date.

 

The facts presented by the government at the guilty plea hearing this morning established that on October 25, 2016, Crenshaw and a colleague entered a residence in Oconee County and initiated a physical assault on a male located in the residence. The male ran outside the house followed by Crenshaw who then fired two rounds during the altercation. Deputies recovered two 9mm ammunition casings from the site of the incident. When interviewed, Crenshaw admitted firing the shots.

 

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance and cooperation of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. The case has been assigned to First Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick for prosecution.

 

 

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Contact Person: Winston Holliday (803) 929-3079

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Darlene Henderson, age 60, of Leesville, South Carolina, pled guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in South Carolina, for Wire Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia sentenced Henderson to eight months of home confinement, to be followed by five years of probation. Henderson also was ordered to pay almost $130,000 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Evidence presented at the hearing established that between November 2011 and December 2013, Henderson assisted Michael Yant, who previously pled guilty to the same scheme and was sentenced to five months incarceration, commit mortgage fraud on a number of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. Specifically, Yant engaged in a prohibited rent-to-own scheme, and Henderson used her position at the bank to approve these loans, despite suspicious borrower information being relayed to her. A number of these loans are now delinquent or in default.

 

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston Holliday of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

 

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