District of South Carolina

Contact Person: Nancy Wicker (803) 929-3000

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

Seven People Charged in $350 Million Government Construction Fraud Scheme

Thomas Brock, age 49 of Camden, Jerry Eddins, age 66 of Aspermont, Texas, Harry Michael White, age 65 of Columbia, Cory J. Adams, age 43 of Columbia, Tory Brock, age 51 of Camden, Alfonza McCutchen Jr., age 39 of Irmo and Allison Amanda Sauls, 46, of New York, New York were charged in an eighteen count Indictment with various frauds related to the award of nearly $350 million dollars’ worth of federal government construction contracts. According to an Indictment filed in federal court, the scheme took advantage of construction contracts administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration. These construction contracts were earmarked to be given to minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned and disabled person-owned construction companies. However, the Indictment alleges that the defendants hid the fact that construction companies were not controlled by minorities, veterans, women or the disabled in order to receive the lucrative contracts.  

Thomas Brock, Jerry Eddins, Harry Michael White, Cory Adams, Tory Brock and Alfonza McCutchen were charged with conspiracy to defraud the government in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 371. The maximum penalty for conspiracy is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment for 5 years. Thomas Brock, Jerry Eddins, Harry Michael White and Amanda Sauls were also charged with wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1343. The maximum penalty the defendants could receive for wire fraud is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.  Two companies, Automatic Cash L.L.C. and EEC L.L.C. were also charged with major fraud against the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1031. The maximum penalty the companies could receive for that charge is a fine of $10,000,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General (OIG), United States Department of Agriculture-OIG, Department of Energy-OIG, United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Defense Contract Audit Agency, and Veterans Affairs OIG and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office for prosecution.

The Acting 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: David Stephens (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina ----Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that on July 20, 2016, Mark Nigel Wilkins, age 49, formerly of Lexington, South Carolina entered a plea of guilty in Federal Court in Greenville, South Carolina before the Honorable Bruce H. Hendricks.  Mr. Wilkins pled guilty to Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  He faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

         

Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens, who is in charge the prosecution, advised Judge Hendricks of the following facts during the guilty plea hearing.  Mr. Wilkins was employed by Michelin North America as a Technical Service Manager.  Part of his duties was the purchase of millions of dollars’ worth of items for Michelin’s use each year.  Mr. Wilkins paid for these items using a company issued credit card or with his own funds for which he was reimbursed.  Beginning in January, 2009 Mr. Wilkins began using the company issued credit card for non-authorized items which he converted to his own use.  Additionally, Mr. Wilkins turned in false expense account vouchers claiming that he had made company purchases, which he had not, and received monetary reimbursements for such vouchers.   This pattern of theft continued until December, 2014.

         

Mr. Wilkins will be sentenced at a later date after completion of a Presentence Investigative report.

 

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Tracy Lynn Albertson, age 43, of Piedmont, was sentenced today in federal court in Anderson, for conspiracy to commit fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Albertson to 57 months imprisonment and ordered her to pay over $11,000 in restitution.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Albertson and others regularly stole mail from residential boxes, sorted the stolen mail for checks and personal identifying information, created altered or counterfeit checks, and then negotiated the checks throughout the upstate.  Most of the fraud was conducted in an effort to obtain funds to purchase methamphetamine. Albertson was captured on multiple bank surveillance cameras when she negotiated the checks. 

The case was investigated by agents of United States Postal Inspection Service and the Easley Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100, Jennifer Aldrich (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina -----Acting U.S. Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Neurology Associates of Greenville, South Carolina was charged in a 1-count Information with dispensing misbranded drugs, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 331(c).  Neurology Associates faces a maximum fine of $1,000 and a special assessment of $25.  The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Food and Drug Administration of the Health and Human Services and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr. of the Greenville office for prosecution.

The United States also settled with Neurology Associates of Greenville claims under the civil False Claim Act for $300,000.  The False Claim Act allows the government to recover actual damages and penalties of three times the actual damages and up to $11,000 per false claim.  This settlement includes repayment of actual damages and penalties.  

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Contact: Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007

Note: The indictment is attached as a pdf file.

WASHINGTON - A federal grand jury in Charleston, South Carolina, returned an indictment today charging Aegean Shipping Management S.A. and Aegeansun Gamma Inc. with obstruction of an agency proceeding, conspiracy and failing to keep accurate pollution control records, the Justice Department announced.  Three engineering officers were charged with related offenses.

The charges stem from the 2015 falsification of records and obstruction designed to cover up overboard discharges of oily mixtures and machinery space bilge water from the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker, T/V Green Sky.  The vessel’s management company, Aegean Shipping Management of Liberia and the vessel’s owner, Aegeansun Gamma of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, are charged with failing to maintain an accurate oil record book as required by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), a U.S. law which implements the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, commonly known as “MARPOL.”  The companies were also charged with falsification of records, obstruction and conspiracy.

The individuals, Panagiotis Koutoukakis and Herbert Julian, both former Chief Engineers of the T/V Green Sky and Nikolaos Bounovas, the former Second Engineer onboard the vessel, were charged with aiding and abetting the failure to maintain an accurate oil record book, falsification of federal records and conspiracy.  Julian is facing an additional obstruction charge.

The investigation into illegal activity onboard the vessel began in late August 2015 when the vessel arrived in the Port of North Charleston, South Carolina and members of the engine room staff told the U.S. Coast Guard that they had been ordered to bypass the ship’s oil water separator on multiple occasions.  In a related case, on Feb. 18, the former captain of the T/V Green Sky, Genaro Anciano, pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction for knowingly making false and misleading oral and written statements in an effort to impede the Coast Guard’s investigation of the bypass allegations.

The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned in Charleston on July 26.  An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case was investigated by agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Christopher Hale of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Austin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. 

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DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

Contact Person: Emily Limehouse (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Junnie Lavon Williams, age 29, of Charleston, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), facing a sentence of up to ten years in prison.  Williams was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2004 and burglary in 2011, making him a prohibited person under the law.  United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston sentenced Williams to seven years in prison.  The term of imprisonment is to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Williams pled guilty on January 15, 2016.  Facts incorporated into the record at sentencing established that on January 31, 2015, a City of Charleston Police Department officer approached Williams because he fit the description of a person reportedly smoking marijuana on the sidewalk of North Market Street.  Williams fled as the officer approached.  Williams fell entering a construction site and attempted to discard an object from his front waist band.  The officer detained Williams and discovered a black Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition within arm's reach of Williams.  Williams was also carrying a second loaded magazine in his pocket.  The pistol's serial number had been filed off and black marker covered the scratch marks.  Officers conducted an NCIC query and determined that Williams was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.  The conviction was a result of an investigation conducted by the City of Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Emily Limehouse of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.      

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Contact Person: Emily Limehouse (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Malcolm Anthony Moore, age 23, of Beaufort, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina for Possession of Stolen Firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j).  United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston sentenced Moore to 63 months.  Moore pled guilty on February 18, 2016.  Facts incorporated into the record at the sentencing established that on three different occasions, search warrants were executed on Moore's residence, and officers seized numerous firearms.  Moore admitted that he planned to traffic the firearms.  In total, 31 firearms were involved, twelve of which were stolen.  The conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Emily Limehouse of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: John Potterfield

Florence, South Carolina---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Shayne Harrison Smith, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment in federal court. In July of 2015, Smith pled guilty to Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. After Smith completes the term of imprisonment, he will be on federal supervised release for 5 years. Smith was also ordered to pay $2,213,307.99 in restitution to the victims in his case. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, imposed the sentence.

Information presented at an earlier hearing established that Mr. Smith was involved in a "mortgage rescue scheme." He convinced distressed home owners that he could negotiate better terms of repayment with their lenders. Mr. Smith required the victims to pay him fees which he used for his own benefit. He encouraged some of the home owners to cease communicating with their lenders and stop making payments to the lenders, because he would take care of everything. Mr. Smith never successfully renegotiated any of the mortgages.

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

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

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

Laurens Resident Indicted on Embezzling VA Funds
Alison Moore, age 55, of Laurens, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count indictment.  Alison Moore was charged with Embezzlement, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  The maximum penalty Moore could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Spartanburg Resident Indicted on Embezzling VA Funds
Pearline Sims, a/k/a “Pauline Sims”, age 62, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count indictment.  Pearline Sims was charged with Embezzlement, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  The maximum penalty Sims could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Husband and Wife Indicted on Conspiring to Steal Mail
Cary L. Wright, age 37, and Tanya A. Wright, age 28, both of Greenville, South Carolina, were charged in a 1-count indictment.  Both defendants were charged with Conspiracy, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  The maximum penalty both defendants could receive is 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Williams J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Welch Group Environmental and its Owner Indicted on Storing Hazardous Waste and Releasing Hazardous Air Pollutants
Glenn Welch, age 52, of Belton, South Carolina, and Welch Group Environmental, of Belton, South Carolina, were charged in a 5-count indictment.  Both defendants were charged with Storage and Disposal of Hazardous Waste without a permit, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 6928(d)(2)(A) which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $50,000, and Release of Hazardous Air Pollutants, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 7413(c)(5)(A), which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment  and a maximum fine of $250,000 for Glenn Welch and a maximum fine of $500,000 for Welch Group Environmental.  The case was investigated by agents of the Environmental Protection Agency and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Four Men Indicted for Drug Violations
Jose Huber Bustamante, age 34, Jaime Roman Bustamante, age 33, Jorge Texco-Dorantes, age 32, and Samuel Olivares, age 22, were charged in a two count indictment.  The indictment alleges that these four men, beginning at least in 2016, conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in South Carolina and elsewhere.  It also alleges that they possessed with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine on June 15, 2016, in South Carolina and did aid and abet each other in the commission of the offense.  If convicted on the charges in the indictment, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment.  This case was investigated by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Andy Moorman of the Greenville office for prosecution.

The Acting 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: Andy Moorman (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Melvin Boswell, Jr., age 48, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Boswell’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled, but his guilty plea subjects him to a statutory minimum sentence of 25 years imprisonment.

On August 20, 2015, Greenville Police Department Officers arrested Boswell at a business in Greenville County after Boswell had cut his ankle monitor while on bond for other charges.  While searching Boswell’s person and a rental car Boswell had driven to the business, police found: (1) 10 firearms (one of which was stolen); (2) numerous pieces of ammunition; (3) in excess of $70,000 worth of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; (4) digital scales; and (5) in excess of $7000 in U.S. Currency.  At the time Boswell possessed these items, he was a convicted felon.

Boswell was arrested during the initiation of “Operation Real-Time,” a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Greenville Police Department to transfer career criminals who possess firearms to federal court for immediate prosecution.

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration working in conjunction with the Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Andy Moorman and Lance Crick of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ----- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Brandon L. Littlejohn, age 27, John A. Gossett, III, age 23, Dylan L. Patterson, age 20, D’Shawn C. Pitts, age 20, and Michael Riddle, age 20, all of Spartanburg, were sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, for involvement in a conspiracy to traffic in minor females for the purposes of prostitution in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594(c).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Greenville, sentenced Littlejohn to 121 months, Gossett to 87 months, Patterson to 77 months, and Pitts and Riddle to 60 months.            

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the defendants recruited minor victims (ages 16-17) and young women to work for them.  They then instructed and supervised the minor victims and young women on how to solicit and charge for commercial sex acts. One some occasions the women were hit or threatened with violence to persuade them to continue to work for the conspiracy. 

The conspiracy operated in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, Virginia, and other cities in the Southeastern states.   In these locations, the Defendants obtained hotel rooms for the women to work from. Defendants placed advertisements, or assisted in the placing of advertisements, on the internet using backpage.com to advertise the young women for commercial sex acts. 

Once a John answered the ad and arranged to meet the minor females or young women at the hotel, Defendants would wait in an adjoining hotel room until the John arrived, paid the money, and completed the sex act with the minor female or young girl.  Once the John left the room, Defendants would enter and retrieve the money.  

“Human traffickers strip victims of their humanity; treating them as little more than pieces of meat to generate cash,” said Special Agent in Charge Nick S. Annan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta. “The depravity of the subjects in this particular case reaches its lowest form by forcing underage girls into this dark underworld of abuse and victimization; the public should breathe a sigh of relief that these dangerous criminals are now safely behind bars.”

If you have information on human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-3737-888.  The NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline.

The case was investigated by agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office for prosecution.

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Contact Person: JD Rowell (803) 929-3000

Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake advised today that 6 members of a large scale cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy received significant sentences yesterday in Federal Court.  On July 7, 2016, Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten held hearings throughout the day to impose sentences for the conspirators who had previously entered guilty pleas admitting to conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.  The following defendants received the following sentences:

• Patar ONeal Montgomery (Age 38 of Dazell, South Carolina): 156 months with 5 years of supervised release to follow;
• Donald Antwon Dingle (Age 24 of Sumter, South Carolina): 115 months with 4 years of supervised release to follow;
• Andre Lewayne Brooks (Age 29 of Horatio, South Carolina) 78 months with 6 years of supervised release to follow;
• Corey Emanuel White (Age 29 of Sumter, South Carolina) 262 months with 8 years of supervised release to follow;
• Michael Antonio Floyd (Age 42 of Bishopville, South Carolina) 276 months with 8 years of supervised release to follow; and
• Jimmy Tony McDowell (Age 40 of Sumter, South Carolina) 276 months with 8 years of supervised release to follow.

Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that the above defendants were held accountable for the distribution of over 65 kilograms of powder cocaine and over 650 grams of crack cocaine during the course of the conspiracy which lasted from around April of 2012 until July of 2015.  Each of the above defendants who received sentences of 21 years or higher were classified as “career offenders,” meaning that each had previously been convicted of 2 or more felony drug convictions in state and/or federal Court.

Evidence at the hearings established that this investigation began over a year ago when FBI, DEA and City of Sumter Task Force Officers identified the above named defendants who were supplying large numbers of violent street level cocaine and crack cocaine dealers in Sumter.  Agents and Task Force Officers previously conducted arrest operations on June 16, 2015, and October 20, 2015. As of the date of yesterday’s sentencings, this investigation has resulted in the seizure of over 9 kilograms of powder cocaine, the seizure of almost $900,000.00, the seizure of 8 firearms that were used in furtherance of drug trafficking, and convictions/guilty pleas of 8 other defendants who will be sentenced at a later time by Chief Judge Wooten.  Agents have learned that the conspiracy as a whole was directly responsible for the distribution of well over 150 kilograms (wholesale value of $6,000,000.00) of cocaine in Sumter and Richland Counties during the time frame of the conspiracy. 

This case is yet another example of the fine work being done by Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies working together through the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force (CVGTF) in South Carolina. 

The CVGTF is consists of the following agencies:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation, SAC David A. Thomas
• Sumter Police Department, Chief Russell Roark
• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Chief Mark Keel
• Columbia Police Department, Chief Skip Holbrook
• Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Leon Lott
• South Carolina Army National Guard Counterdrug Unit, LTC Walter Ginn

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Contact Person: Jenny Aldrich (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ----  Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina has settled claims of health care fraud with Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, LLC (“Drayer”).  Drayer has locations in South Carolina and 14 other states from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma.  The United States contended that Drayer submitted claims to Medicare, TRICARE, and Federal Employee Health Benefit Programs for services being provided to multiple patients simultaneously as though the services were being provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to one patient at a time. 

The investigation began with the filing of a whistleblower lawsuit called a qui tams lawsuit under the False Claims Act.  The suit was filed by former employees of Drayer.  The False Claim Act allows the government to recover actual damages and penalties of three times the actual damages and up to $11,000 per false claim.  This settlement was reached based on Drayer’s ability to pay.

The False Claims Act allows individuals to file lawsuits with allegations that fraud has been committed against the federal government on behalf of the government.  Whistleblowers, referred to as Relators in the False Claims Act, are entitled to share in any recovery received by the government.  In this case, the two relators collectively will receive 24% of the funds of the settlement or $1,680,000 plus they are entitled to attorney fees.   The relators performed significant work in the investigation of this case. 

Ms. Drake said, “Whistle blower cases are important to the integrity of the health care system.  These civil actions - targeted to routing out fraud and abuse  - protect tax payers and patients by ensuring that health care decisions are made according to medical science and not based on dollar signs.”

"Health care companies must bill taxpayer-funded health programs honestly," said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. "Those engaging in deceptive billing practices can expect our aggressive investigation to recover inappropriately obtained funds."

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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If you suspect Medicare or Medicaid fraud please report it by phone at 1-800-447-8477 (1-800-HHS-TIPS), or E-Mail at HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov.

Contact Person: Nathan Williams (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Lawrence Edward Lee, age 64, of Charleston, SC, was sentenced to eight years in prison for the Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities to Commit Murder for Hire.  The term of imprisonment is to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Lee pled guilty on January 26, 2016.  Facts at the plea hearing established that Lee approached an acquaintance about having Lee’s ex-wife killed.  That individual went to the FBI, who then conducted undercover recordings of Lee and his efforts to have his ex-wife killed, including payment to the acquaintance of $5,000.00 for the murder. 

Lee was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel.  The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office prosecuted the case. 

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Contact Person: Nathan Williams (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Charles Eloys Johnson, 35, of San Leandro, California, was convicted following a four day jury trial in United States District Court in Charleston.  The Honorable Richard M. Gergel presided over the case.

Testimony developed during trial showed that Johnson and others travelled from Atlanta to rob Sylvan Jewelers in Columbia, SC, on February 19, 2015, and MP Demetre Jewelers in Charleston, SC, on March 4, 2015.  Johnson was convicted of five separate counts, one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce, two counts of Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce, and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Violent Crime.  The conspiracy and robbery counts each carry up to twenty years imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a) and the gun charges carry a mandatory consecutive five years plus twenty-five years imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).  Two other defendants  are still awaiting trial. 

The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, City of Charleston Police Department and Columbia Police Department.  Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake and Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Williams prosecuted the case. 

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Charleston, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following: Hanahan Man Indicted for Possession of Child Pornography
United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today an indictment charging Jonathan Hayhoe, age 26, of Hanahan, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count Indictment with Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A.  The maximum penalty that Hayhoe could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

North Charleston Man Indicted for Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today an indictment charging Roman Bennett, age 46, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was charged in a 3-count Indictment with Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A.  The maximum penalty that Bennett could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Postal Inspection Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

Mr. Nettles stated that the charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   #####

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following: Greenville Resident Indicted for Theft of Government Funds
Stephanie Lake Meyer, age 46, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged in a 2-count indictment.  Meyer was charged with Theft of Government Funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000; and with Obstruction of the Administration of the Internal Revenue Laws, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7212(a), which carries a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.

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

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Contact Person: Max Cauthen (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that William Tore Tint, age 42, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina by the Honorable Timothy Cain to three (3) years probation. In September 2015, Tint pled guilty to making false statements to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during an investigation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on or about April 13, 2015, Tint, did knowingly and willfully make a false, fraudulent, and fictitious material statement to FBI agents during their investigation of a possible plot to commit acts of violence in in New York State.

The case was investigated by the FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office handled the prosecution of the case.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina -------- Sherif Abdelwahab Alkassar, age 36, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Lesley Amanda Alkassar, age 38, of Blacksburg, South Carolina, and Katie Leighanne Polson, age 29, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; were arrested June 9, 2016,on charges of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT card) fraud, a violation of Title 7 United States Code, Section 2024.

Sherif Abdelwahab Alkassar, was also charged with Mail Fraud, a violation of Title 18 USC 1341, and making False Statements relating to Naturalization/Citizenship, a violation of Title 18 USC 1015.

William Nettles, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, made the announcement after the Defendants’ initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kaymani D. West, Florence, South Carolina.

Each faces a maximum possible penalty of not more than twenty years in prison if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Each Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS/ICE),and the United State Department of Agriculture USDA (USDA). The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office for prosecution.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina -- United States Attorney Bill Nettles and Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone will hold a press conference Friday, June 10, 2016 at the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office to provide a 6-month update on the partnership between the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

WHEN: Friday, June 10, 2016 TIME: 5:00 PM WHERE:

Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor's Office
39 Sheridan Park Circle, Ste. 2
Bluffton, SC 29910

NOTE:  Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Beth Drake, 803-929-3061.  All media must present government-issued photo id (such as a driver’s license).  All media should be in place 20 minutes prior to start. Parking will be available behind the building.

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Contact Person: Eric Klumb (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney William N. Nettles stated today that three Orangeburg men, Charles Williams, age 66, John Dantzler, age 66, and Jimmie Aiken, age 57, and Alejandro Renteria Noyola, age 56, were sentenced today by United States Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges, sitting in Charleston, South Carolina.  The defendants entered guilty pleas to offenses involving the unlawful trapping and killing of migratory birds at Willcreek, a 1,790-acre tract of land in Orangeburg County owned by Willcreek LLC.  Charles Williams, the registered agent for Willcreek LLC, pled guilty to 7 counts of killing Red-tailed or Cooper’s Hawks during 2013 and 2014; the remaining defendants were each named in a single count. Trapping and killing hawks without a permit is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act under Title 16, United States Code, Section 703, and carried a maximum prison term of six months and a fine of up to $15,000, or both, for each count of conviction.

Judge Hodges fined Williams $75,000, imposed 50 hours of community service at a birds-of-prey center, and banned him from hunting for a year.  Aiken and Dantzler were each fined $1,000 and were also banned from hunting for a year. 

Luis Santiago, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said of today’s plea and sentencing: “This case is an excellent example of the cooperative investigative efforts between the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and each agency’s strong commitment to investigate violations of wildlife laws. Migratory birds are a trust responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We greatly appreciate our state and local partners in law enforcement, and the support of the U.S. Attorney's Office in prosecuting those who violate federal wildlife laws and holding them accountable for their actions. The plea and sentencing today is a success in our collective efforts to conserve migratory birds and other wildlife.”

Mr. Nettles stated, “The statute and the indictment in this case recognize that these majestic birds-of-prey are an important link in our ecosystem.  Killing these hawks in order to improve sporting conditions for weekend hunters is not only unsportsman-like, it is illegal and comes at the cost of our wildlife resources.  The Court’s imposition of a substantial fine is in line with the seriousness of the offense and defendants’ cruel treatment of the birds-of-prey they killed.” 

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.  The investigation began in November of 2013 based on a tip from the DNR Operation Game Thief Hotline and culminated with the execution of a search warrant at Willcreek on February 21, 2014.  During the course of the investigation, agents seized more than thirty raptor carcasses from Willcreek.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric Klumb of the Charleston office prosecuted the case. 

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Washington – Clarissa Whaley, Victim Witness Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of South Carolina was one of 160 recipients recognized by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 32nd annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.

The District of South Carolina was one of 33 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.

In her prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Yates said, “The achievements being recognized today reflect the breadth of the department’s responsibilities, and some of our most significant challenges.   From dismantling dangerous gangs, drug cartels and human trafficking operations to tackling political corruption, white collar crimes, and international terrorism, these awardees have taken on our toughest cases.  And the citizens of our country are safer because of their work.”

“We honor the truly talented and dedicated legal and administrative personnel in the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and our law enforcement partners who everyday touch lives in our communities, protect the American people, and work to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice,” said Director Wilkinson. 

Mrs. Whaley has served as the Victim Witness Coordinator for the Florence and Charleston branches of the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 2008.  A consummate professional, she is dedicated and creative.  Mrs. Whaley relentlessly pursues justice and ensures that victims get the very best in services, as well as prompt and reliable information about their cases. 

United States Attorney William N. Nettles stated that Mrs. Whaley’s knowledge, empathy, grace and grit make her an outstanding victim’s advocate, and that she is most deserving of this prestigious recognition. 

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.

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Contact Person: Jane Taylor (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Bradley Lewis Felder, 27, and Everette “Rhett” Carter Berry, 28, have entered guilty pleas in federal court in Columbia, admitting to their involvement in a Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Quantity of 3,4-Methylenedioxyethylcathinone Hydrochloride (commonly known as "Molly") and 50 kilograms of more of Marijuana, a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846.  United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty pleas 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, in the summer of 2013, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Bradley FELDER, Rhett BERRY, and others, who were involved in the importation and distribution of both high-grade marijuana and “molly” in and around Richland and Lexington Counties.  As the investigation progressed, agents learned that FELDER was importing high-grade marijuana from northern California, and “molly” from an unknown source of supply in China.   Agents discovered that FELDER rented various houses and apartments in and around Richland and Lexington Counties for the primary purpose of using the addresses to receive shipments of “molly.”  FELDER paid friends, including BERRY, to accept the delivery of the drug packages; sometimes he paid in cash, other times he paid with marijuana.

During the investigation that led to the arrests, agents intercepted approximately 9 packages of molly, each containing kilogram quantities, being shipped to South Carolina from China.  Additionally, prior to the arrests, agents seized approximately $150,000 in cash from FELDER.  FELDER was arrested on August 31, 2015, in the parking garage of the Gates of Williams Brice apartments.  Following FELDER’S arrest, agents seized an additional $1,481.90 cash, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and two  watches valued at approximately $64,000.00 and $46,356.00.  Agents also seized several cell phones from FELDER; one of those phones held photographs of huge amounts of money.  One picture, taken in FELDER’s apartment a month prior to his arrest, showed money stacked on the kitchen counter.  The money had been heat-sealed in plastic, and stacked in large bundles.  Another photograph showed a small closet and on the shelves of the closet were large Tupperware-like containers full of cash. 

Agents confronted FELDER about the money that was pictured on his phone.  On February 2, 2016, FELDER led agents to a location where he had buried a large bag of money on his family’s farm in Bowman, SC.  Agents seized the bag which contained $1,768,031 dollars.

Mr. Nettles stated that the maximum penalty these defendants face is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $1,000,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Midlands HIDTA Task Force, comprised of agents from South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, Orangeburg Public Safety, the Columbia Police Department, the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, and with assistance from the United States Postal Service and Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Jane B. Taylor of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: JD Rowell (803) 929-3000

United States Attorney Bill Nettles advised today that the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force (CVGTF), of which the City of Sumter is a member, arrested several defendants who are charged in 3 separate indictments charging a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in the midlands of South Carolina.  All defendants who were arrested today in connection with the unsealing of these indictments will make their initial appearances at the Mathew J. Perry Federal Courthouse in Columbia, South Carolina, tomorrow at 10:00 am before the Honorable Paige J. Gossett, United States Magistrate Judge.

The arrests today mark the next step in the CVGTFs efforts to combat violent crime linked to drug trafficking in the Sumter and Columbia areas of South Carolina. 

This investigation began over a year ago when FBI, DEA and City of Sumter Task Force Officers targeted the cocaine sources of supply who were selling cocaine to the defendants referenced above.  Agents and Task Force Officers previously conducted arrest operations on June 16, 2015, and October 20, 2015. As of the date of today’s takedown, this investigation has resulted in the seizure of over 9 kilograms of powder cocaine, the seizure of almost $900,000.00, the seizure of 8 firearms that were used in furtherance of drug trafficking, and convictions/guilty pleas of 14 defendants who were previously arrested and prosecuted in connection with this investigation.  Agents have learned that this group was directly responsible for the distribution of well over 150 kilograms (wholesale value of $6,000,000.00) of cocaine in Sumter and Richland Counties during the time frame of the conspiracy. 

To date, the following defendants have entered guilty pleas to drug trafficking conspiracy charges and/or money laundering offenses:

JUAN PABLO CONTRERAS

            a/k/a Juan David Montoya

EDUARDO ESAID CONTRERAS-REYES

MARCO ANTONIO CASTRO

            a/k/a “Chino”

JAVIER TOSCANO-SERRANO

PATAR ONEAL MONTGOMERY

            a/k/a Patrick Montgomery

a/k/a “Dink”

a/k/a “Dinky”

ANDRE LEWAYNE BROOKS

JIMMY TONY MCDOWELL

           a/k/a “Jimmy Fingers”

JERMAINE TERRELL HILTON

          a/k/a “Fifty”

MICHAEL ANTONIO FLOYD

            a/k/a “Tony”

            a/k/a “Tone”

            a/k/a “Fat Tony”

RAYSHON JAMAAL FOSTER

            a/k/a “Shon”

            a/k/a “Terry Brown

DONALD ANTWON DINGLE

            a/k/a “Red”

            a/k/a “Flash”

COREY EMANUEL WHITE

            a/k/a “Chopper”

            a/k/a “Choppa”

            a/k/a “El Chop”

HAROLD MATTHEW MCFADDEN

BRYANT CHRISTOPHER FORD

This case is yet another example of the fine work being done by Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies working together in South Carolina. 

The CVGTF is consists of the following agencies:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation, SAC David A. Thomas, david.thomas@ic.fbi.gov

• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Chief Mark Keel, mkeel@sled.sc.gov

• Columbia Police Department, Chief Skip Holbrook whholbrook@columbiasc.net

• Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Leon Lott Sheriff@RCSD.NET

• Sumter Police Department, Chief Russell Roark rroark@sumter-sc.com

• South Carolina Army National Guard Counterdrug Unit, LTC Walter Ginn, walter.e.ginn.mil@mail.mil

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: Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007

Washington – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today released the following statement regarding the United States v. Dylann Roof:

“Following the department’s rigorous review process to thoroughly consider all relevant factual and legal issues, I have determined that the Justice Department will seek the death penalty.  The nature of the alleged crime and the resulting harm compelled this decision.” 

# # #

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-loretta-e-lynch-statement-case-dylann-roof

Contact Person: T. DeWayne Pearson (803) 929-3000

Columbia, SC - United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that former Richland County Sheriff’s Deputy Maribel Crespo, age 40, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to 12 months and one day imprisonment for her role in multiple fraud schemes, including trafficking in counterfeit goods, impersonating a federal agent and tax fraud. According to information presented during her guilty plea, Crespo sold counterfeit luxury goods including fake Michael Kors handbags and Rolex watches over the internet. Additionally, Crespo posed as an officer of the Department of Homeland Security to defraud undocumented aliens by charging them thousands of dollars for counterfeit immigration paperwork. Crespo also entered a guilty plea for preparing fraudulent tax returns for other former Richland County Sheriff’s Deputies by adding false and fictitious information to the returns. Crespo would attach children’s information to the returns so that she could claim them as false dependents in an effort to artificially inflate the amount of the tax returns. The children used were typically citizen children of non-citizen Hispanics in the Columbia area. Crespo would forward a part the tax return to the parents of the dependent, some to herself and the remainder to the tax filer. Based on IRS calculations, Crespo caused over $100,000 in loss to the Treasury based on the fraudulent returns.

Internal Revenue Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III said, “IRS, Criminal Investigation takes seriously any attempts to steal taxpayer money through false claims for refunds; and certainly when those false claims are made by someone sworn to uphold the law.” Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta Nick S. Annan said “Criminal counterfeiters are economic parasites who harm legitimate businesses that pay taxes, create jobs and support our national economy. Anyone who thinks counterfeiting is a victimless crime should realize the proceeds of black-market sales are often funneled to support criminal organizations. Further, defrauding the government harms law-abiding citizens everywhere who pay their fair share and as such these cases will continue to be a major investigative priority for ICE Homeland Security Investigations.” The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Internal Revenue Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Chernoh A. Jalloh, age 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court in Greenville, for conspiracy to defraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Jalloh to 37 months in the Bureau of Prisons and ordered him to pay over $97,000 in restitution.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 24, 2015, Jalloh’s vehicle was stopped on Interstate 85 for a traffic infraction.  Upon approaching the vehicle, law enforcement observed the smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and conducted a search.   

During the search of the vehicle, officers located more than 90 credit and debit/gift cards secreted in various locations throughout the vehicle.  Of these cards, at least twenty-three (23) were embossed with Jalloh’s name.  In the vehicle, officers also discovered a laptop computer and a device capable of encoding the magnetic stripe data on credit, debit, and similar magnetic-striped cards. 

All of the twenty-three (23) cards embossed with Jalloh’s name were found to be encoded with magnetic stripe data that did not match the number embossed on the cards.

The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that David Roger Nelson, age 60, of Piedmont, pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Greenville, to harboring a fugitive and conspiracy to steal mail, violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1071 and 371, respectively.  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that although Nelson knew that Emily Keller (who had earlier pled guilty to mail theft) was a federal fugitive who was wanted by the U.S. Marshals, he hid her in various hotel rooms in South Carolina and Georgia, and rented a vehicle that was used to transport her.  In addition, Nelson was involved in the stealing of mail and the making of counterfeit checks to support himself and Keller while they were on the run.  When captured in Easley, South Carolina, Nelson was found with stolen mail, check stock, and counterfeit checks and identification documents. 

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Nelson 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 United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Marshals.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Donnell J. Slay, Jr., age 21, of Uniondale, New York, pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Greenville, to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029.  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on January 17, 2016, the Gaffney Police Department was summoned to the Gaffney Premium Outlet to investigate reports of fraudulent transactions.  The investigation led officers to Slay who had a total of fifty fraudulent credit cards on his person. 

Officers located the vehicle driven by Slay and obtained a search warrant.  During execution of this warrant, officers located an additional twenty-seven counterfeit credit cards embossed with Slay’s name.  

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Slay 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 Gaffney Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Linda B. Massey, age 70, of Greenwood, pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Greenville, to operating an illegal money transmission business, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1960.  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that a co-conspirator, who is currently believed to be residing on the Indian subcontinent, contacted Linda Massey and told her he needed someone in the US to open a bank account, receive payments, and send money to him in India.  He told Massey she could keep 10 percent of the funds collected if she transmitted the 90 percent to him.  He instructed her on creating a limited liability company known as Prime Technologies. She agreed to work with him. 

Operatives from a call center in India then contacted American citizens over the telephone or through a pop-up advertisement appearing on victims’ computers, convinced them that their computers were infected with a virus, and then installed worthless or malicious software on the computers to “fix” the problem.  The computer owners paid for these services by sending a check made out to Prime Technologies to an address controlled by Massey.  Massey deposited the checks and wired a portion of the monies to India. 

Law enforcement estimates that the losses to the victims exceed $500,000. 

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Massey 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Public Affairs (202) 514-2007

Washington – Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division, and U. S. Attorney Bill Nettles of the District of South Carolina announced today that a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging former North Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department (NCPD) Officer Michael Slager with federal offenses related to his fatal shooting of Walter Scott on April 4, 2015.  The indictment includes charges for a federal civil rights offense, using a firearm during the commission of the civil rights offense and obstruction of justice. 

The indictment alleges that Michael Slager, while acting as an NCPD Officer, used excessive force when he shot and killed Walter Scott without legal justification.  Slager was also charged with obstruction of justice for making false statements to South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigators with the intent to impede the investigation into the shooting.  The indictment alleges that Slager intentionally misled SLED investigators by claiming that Scott was coming toward him with a taser at the time that Slager fired his weapon, when in truth, Scott was running away.   

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Slager faces a maximum sentence of 1ife in prison for the civil rights violation, as well as a potential $250,000 fine.  

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Columbia Division and SLED.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Klumb of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jared Fishman of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

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16-557

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division, and U. S. Attorney Bill Nettles of the District of South Carolina announced today that a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging former North Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department (NCPD) Officer Michael Slager with federal offenses related to his fatal shooting of Walter Scott on April 4, 2015.  The indictment includes charges for a federal civil rights offense, using a firearm during the commission of the civil rights offense and obstruction of justice. 

The indictment alleges that Michael Slager, while acting as an NCPD Officer, used excessive force when he shot and killed Walter Scott without legal justification.  Slager was also charged with obstruction of justice for making false statements to South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigators with the intent to impede the investigation into the shooting.  The indictment alleges that Slager intentionally misled SLED investigators by claiming that Scott was coming toward him with a taser at the time that Slager fired his weapon, when in truth, Scott was running away. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Slager faces a maximum sentence of 1ife in prison for the civil rights violation, as well as a potential $250,000 fine.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Columbia Division and SLED.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Klumb of the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Jared Fishman of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

Michael Slager Indictment

Contact Person: JD Rowell (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Ruben Ceja-Rangel, age 59, a Mexican national whose last known residence was Groveland, Florida, was sentenced late yesterday in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina.  Ceja-Rangel was convicted October 23, 2015, of 7 charges related to the armed abduction of a St. Mathews man that occurred in July of 2014. 

United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia, South Carolina, sentenced Ceja-Rangel to a term of imprisonment of 677 months (293 months on kidnapping and related charges, 7 years consecutive on use of a firearm in furtherance of kidnapping and 25 years consecutive on a second use of a firearm in furtherance of kidnapping), followed by a term of 5 years supervised release. 

Evidence presented during the trial established that Ruben Ceja-Rangel (age 58) traveled from his home in Groveland, Florida, in early June or July of 2014, for the purpose of conspiring with Luis Castro-Villeda (24) and Juan Fuentes-Morales (age 27) to kidnap the victim from St. Mathews, South Carolina.  During the trial evidence was presented that the victim was forcibly taken from his truck in the early morning hours of July 14, 2014 at gunpoint by Ceja-Rangel.  Ceja-Rangel and another co-defendant then blindfolded and transported the victim to a residence near Garland, NC, where the victim was held for several hours at gunpoint.  The victim testified that at one point, he attempted to escape and Juan Fuentes-Morales struck him and pointed a .25 caliber gun at the victim's head.  Evidence presented proved that around 8:00 pm, the victim was moved from Garland to a residence located near Rosoboro, NC on Highway 210. 

While held at the second location, the victim was blindfolded and chained to a workout bench, where he was made to lay on the floor from July 9, 2014, until his rescue by the FBI on July 15, 2014.  In the early morning hours of July 15, 2014, a compliment of the Charlotte, NC FBI SWAT Team executed a search warrant at the Highway 210 residence near Roseboro.  When the SWAT team made entry, they located the victim chained up and blindfolded on the floor.  Ruben Ceja-Rangel attempted to run out of the back of the residence but he was quickly detained by FBI Charlotte SWAT operators.

Prior to locating the victim, Operators with the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) executed a search warrant at 5363 Old Fayetteville Road, Garland NC.  During the execution of this search warrant, Agents located a cellular phone that Juan Fuentes-Morales used during the kidnapping to communicate with individuals in Mexico who were demanding a ransom for the victim's return. Agents also located a .25 caliber pistol that Fuentes-Morales had used to hold the victim during his initial abduction on July 9, 2014.

Evidence presented at trial proved that the victim's father owed a drug debt to members of a Mexican Drug Trafficking organization, or cartel, related to the father's inability to sell over 200 pounds of marijuana.  Jurors heard multiple phone calls that were recorded by FBI hostage negotiators, wherein the Mexican drug traffickers threatened to gouge out the victim's eyes and ultimately kill him if the father did not pay the ransom.

Ceja-Rangel was convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, substantive kidnapping, hostage taking, brandishing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence, lying the FBI, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Evidence at the sentencing hearing also established that Ceja-Rangel was previously convicted of Importation of Marijuana in United States District Court in the Southern District of Texas.

Mr. Nettles stated that “this case is the perfect example of how drug trafficking leads to violent crime and brings the real life violence associated with Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations to the United States. The continued commitment to the war on drugs is the only way to ensure that Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations know that the United States Government and the FBI will do whatever it takes to ensure that lives are not lost as a result of drug trafficking and the violence associated with it.”

The case was initiated by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department and was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from the Columbia Field Division and the Charlotte Field Division.    Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Scott M. Wickersham, age 36, of Summerville, has been sentenced in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Bank Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and two counts of Willfully Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1).  U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Wickersham to 36 months in federal prison for the conspiracy count and 30 months on each of the two tax fraud counts, to run concurrently.  Judge Gergel also ordered Wickersham to serve five years of supervised release on the conspiracy count and one year of supervised release on each of the two tax fraud counts after he is released from prison, to run concurrently. Wickersham was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $23,997,151 on the conspiracy count, and he was further ordered to pay the Internal Revenue Service a total of $256,862 in restitution for the two tax counts.

Evidence presented in court documents and hearings established that Wickersham participated in a mortgage fraud conspiracy that utilized real estate and mortgage businesses operated in Summerville, South Carolina, under the names North American Mortgage Group, LLC; Realty Executives of Coastal Carolina; and New Freedom Enterprises, LLC.  The scheme involved more than 70 properties, approximately $45 million of mortgage loans, and a loss of more than $23 million suffered by financial institutions. The properties were located in Charleston, Johns Island, Ladson, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Edisto Island, St. Helena Island, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Lake Keowee, and Tybee Island, Georgia. 

Wickersham was a loan officer for North American Mortgage Group, LLC; a real estate agent and part-owner/franchisee of Realty Executives of Coastal Carolina; and a partner in New Freedom Enterprises, LLC.  Wickersham and others used straw purchasers and made other false representations on mortgage loan applications to induce financial institutions to provide mortgage loans for the properties in the scheme. The properties later went into foreclosure and sold at a significant loss to the lenders.

In addition to his participation in the mortgage fraud scheme, Wickersham also willfully made and filed false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040, for calendar years 2006 and 2007. Both of those returns, which he filed late on January 27, 2009, were materially false because he willfully failed to report income he received from the mortgage fraud scheme. Specifically, on line 22 of the 2006 tax return, he claimed $103,205 of total income when he knew he had at least $965,402 of total income. On line 22 of the 2007 tax return, he claimed $13,383 of total income when he knew he had at least $256,119 of total income. This under reporting resulted in a tax loss of $206,100 for 2006 and $50,762 for 2007, for a total tax loss of $256,862. Each return was verified by a written declaration that it was made under the penalties of perjury. 

Two other defendants have been convicted in connection with the mortgage fraud scheme. Steven F. Weiss, 67, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Weiss, a former loan officer of North American Mortgage Group, LLC, was sentenced in April to 30 months in federal prison. Judge Gergel also ordered Weiss to serve three years of supervised release after he is released from prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $4,961,732.  Kelly Martin, 34, of Moncks Corner, pleaded guilty in 2015 to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. She is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).  Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.         

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Contact Person: David Stephens (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that Claus C. Foerster, age 55, formerly of Spartanburg, South Carolina, entered a plea of guilty as charged today to multiple counts of Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks, sitting in Greenville, accepted the plea of guilty.  Judge Hendricks will sentence Foerster after the preparation of a Presentence Report. On each of the five counts of the Indictment, Foerster faces a possible sentence of up to twenty years in prison and a fine of $250,000.00.

At the guilty plea hearing Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens advised the court of the following: 1997 through 2014 Mr. Foerster was a financial advisor employed by national investment counseling firms.  In approximately 2000 Mr. Foerster began stealing from his clients.  He would advise the clients that he had located better investments than their current portfolio.  He would then tell them that to get in to these investments they would have to withdraw their funds from his employers’ accounts and transfer them to his account for further investment.  Once the funds were in Mr. Foerster’s account he would simply divert them to his own use.  By creating bogus account statements and on occasion returning some funds to the clients as “profits” he was able to keep the scheme going for over a decade.  By his use of this scam Foerster cheated his clients out of more than three million dollars ($3,000,000.00).

The United States Secret Service investigated the case.  Mr. Nettles commended them and AUSA Stephens for their diligence in this investigation and prosecution.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkings (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that John D. Harrison, Jr., age 53, Henry A. Dorn, age 63,  Kevin Dempsey, age 45, and C. Jody Hazel, age 42, all of Greenwood , pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston accepted the pleas and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that John Harrison was a real estate developer who developed high end residential properties in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Henry Dorn, Kevin Dempsey and Jody Hazel were accountants for the accounting firm that prepared Harrison’s financial statements and tax returns. Dorn primarily serviced Harrison’s account.  Harrison obtained loans from numerous banks and individuals to fund his real estate developments. A review of Harrison’s financial statements that were provided to banks from August 31, 2000 until May 31, 2008, indicated that Harrison significantly understated his total debt—that is, the financial statements contained false information and this false information was material to the lenders and was meant to influence the actions of the lenders.  Dorn prepared these financial statements for Harrison. In essence, Dorn kept two sets of books for Harrison: one with false numbers and one with accurate numbers.      

Harrison also entered into Accommodation Borrowing Agreements with Dorn, Dempsey and Hazel in which these three men served as straw purchasers for Harrison.  The agreements allow for Harrison to sell the property to Dorn, Dempsey and Hazel and continue to develop and sell the properties. The interest payments would be paid by Harrison and the loans would be paid off when Harrison sold the property. The profit or loss would belong to Harrison and Harrison would pay a fee to Dorn, Dempsey or Hazel totaling 3% of the loan amount. The agreements were not disclosed to the banks until after the loans went past due.

In addition to the undisclosed agreements, Dorn, Dempsey and Hazel all understated their debt when applying for their respective real estate loans—that is, the financial statements contained false information.  Law enforcement estimates that federally insured banks lost in excess of $10 million in scheme and artifice to defraud. 

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty the Defendants can receive is a fine of $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for 30 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

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

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

Laurens Resident Charged with Theft of Government Funds
Tanesha Williams, age 31, of Laurens, South Carolina, was charged in a single-count indictment with theft of government funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  The maximum penalty Williams could receive is ten years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.  The case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Greenville Resident Indicted on Possession of Child Pornography
Christopher Taggart, age 55, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count indictment with Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B).  The maximum penalty Taggart could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. 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.  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.

Former Bed Bath & Beyond Assistant Manager Charged with Mail Fraud
Kelvin Abney, age 49, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, was charged in a 2-count indictment with Mail Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.  The maximum penalty Abney could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  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.

Director and Employee of Fresh Start Community Development Corporation (FSCDC) Indicted on Conspiracy and Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property
Erick Bradshaw, Sr., age 40, and Augustina Cabral-Rice, age 61, both of Anderson, South Carolina, were charged in a 3-count indictment.  Both defendants were charged with Conspiracy, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 and with Engaging in Monetary Transactions, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; US Postal Inspection Service; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

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

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Contact Person: S/A Chuvalo Truesdell (404) 893-7124

COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolinians participating in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) eleventh National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Initiative (NTBI) held on Saturday, April 30, 2016, turned in 6,688 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. This amount highest total collected statewide during the ten previous Take-Back events.  

“Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “DEA’s eleventh Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign was a great success both locally and nationally. While South Carolinians turned in 6,688 pounds of unwanted or expired medications, nationally, 893,498 pounds (447 Tons) of expired and unwanted prescription medications were collected in more than 5,359 sites that were available across the United States. The local amount collected was the third highest total collected out of the ten previous Take-Back events. I would like to thank the multitude of partners (both law enforcement and non-law enforcement) who worked tirelessly to make this event another great success.”

The NTBI addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. Surveys of opioid drug users show that the majority of them get their drugs free from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet.  This event was a unique opportunity for Americans to make their homes and medicine cabinets safe from theft and abuse. It also helped raise awareness about the dangers of controlled prescription opioids and allowed these potentially dangerous substances to be properly disposed of in environmentally safe way. 

SAC Salter encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justhinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.

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Contact Person: Nathan Williams (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Gerald Jamal Stanley, age 42, of North Charleston, SC, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On August 19, 2014, Stanley pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.  Stanley was prohibited from possessing the firearm because he had a prior felony conviction. At sentencing, Stanley was found to have three prior violent felonies dating back as far as 1991.  Accordingly, under the Armed Career Criminal Act, 18 U.S.C. § 924(e), Stanley was subject to a mandatory sentence of fifteen years imprisonment.

Stanley was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel.  The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of North Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Williams of the Charleston office prosecuted the case. 

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

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today the winners of the United States Attorney's Office 13th Annual Project Sentry Logo Contest. The winners are from the following schools:

K-2nd grade division winner: Ean Bane, Ocean Drive Elementary, North Myrtle Beach, SC
3rd-5th grade division winner: Kaden Crawford, Reuben Elementary, Newberry, SC
6th-8th grade division winner: Elias Ryans, Westview Middle School, Greenwood SC
9th-12th grade division winner: Elody Bensch, Waccamaw High School, Pawley’s Island SC
Overall winner: Elias Ryans, Westview Middle School, Greenwood SC

The winners were chosen from one hundred and ten (110) entries from thirteen (13) schools across South Carolina. Each division winner will receive a $50.00 award, with the overall winner receiving an additional $50.00 award. All of the students who participated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for logo submissions.

The statewide contest provides an opportunity for South Carolina students to express their commitment to non-violence and share how they would prevent gun violence in their school. The contest is intended to focus on deterring juvenile gun violence and ensuring secure school environments. The contest was open to students in all South Carolina schools.

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

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

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Geoffrey R. Albertson, age 32, of Greenville, was sentenced in federal court in Anderson, for conspiracy to commit fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Albertson to 60 months imprisonment and ordered him to pay over $11,000 in restitution.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Albertson and others regularly stole mail from residential boxes, sorted the stolen mail for checks and personal identifying information, created altered or counterfeit checks, and then negotiated the checks throughout the upstate.  Most of the fraud was conducted in an effort to obtain funds to purchase methamphetamine. Albertson was captured on multiple bank surveillance cameras when he negotiated the checks. 

The case was investigated by agents of United States Postal Inspection Service and the Easley Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: William Witherspoon (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Martiquos Javon McIlwain, age 23, of Lancaster County, South Carolina was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).  United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia sentenced McIlwain to sixty-four (64) months incarceration followed by five (5) years of supervised release and a special assessment of $200.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department received a call for an ongoing burglary.  The caller gave the police a description of the burglars.  The caller also gave the description of the vehicle they were driving as a white pickup truck with a dealer’s tag.  As officers arrived, the owner of the car dealership arrived on the scene and gave the officers the name of the person whom he had allowed to test drive that vehicle earlier that morning.  He told the officers that the person had not returned the vehicle nor returned telephone calls. 

As the officers searched the area for the vehicle, they saw a black Lexus driven by McIlwain’s co-defendant Reco Cauthen and 3 other persons in the car.  Officers were familiar with these individuals and knew they had been mentioned as receivers of stolen items.  When the officers began to follow the car, the rear driver’s side door opened and McIlwain jumped out of the car with a book bag and began to run.  The officers gave chase on foot.  They later caught McIlwain and smelled marijuana coming from the book bag.  They opened the book bag and found 88 grams of marijuana in three individually wrapped packages, a mason jar containing approximately 11 grams of marijuana, 3 digital scales, a cellphone and a Taurus Model PT24/7 Pro, 9mm pistol.  The firearm had been reported stolen.  McIlwain also had 2 grams of marijuana in his pocket.  McIlwain was arrested. 

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lancaster County Sheriff's Department.  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: William Witherspoon (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Reco Valarie Cauthen, age 42, of Lancaster County, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina to possession of a firearm by convicted felon, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department received a call for an ongoing burglary.  The caller gave the police a description of the burglars.  The caller also gave the description of the vehicle they were driving as a white pickup truck with a dealer’s tag.  As officers arrived, the owner of the car dealership arrived on the scene and gave the officers the name of the person whom he had allowed to test drive that vehicle earlier that morning.  He told the officers that the person had not returned the vehicle nor returned telephone calls. 

As the officers searched the area for the vehicle, they saw a black Lexus driven by Reco Cauthen and 3 other persons in the car.  Officers were familiar with these individuals and knew they had been mentioned as receivers of stolen items.  When the officers began to follow the car, the rear driver’s side door opened and Martiquos Javon McIlwain jumped out of the car with a book bag and began to run.  The officers gave chase on foot.   

As some officers chased McIlwain on foot, other officers located the black Lexus nearby.  Cauthen was driving the car.  The officers knew that Cauthen did not have a driver’s license and stopped the car.   They found Cauthen and two (2) other persons in the car.  Cauthen was asked for his driver’s license and admitted that he did not have one.  He was arrested.   The car was searched and the officers found a Ruger model P95, 9mm pistol in a closed compartment under the driver’s seat.  While this was ongoing, another officer reported that he had seen Cauthen’s car and the white truck used in the burglary at Cauthen’s house earlier in the day.  The white truck had been found abandoned near Cauthen’s home.  Based upon all of this information, the officers obtained a search warrant for Cauthen’s home.  In the house, they found an AMT Government model .45 caliber pistol located in a vent in a bathroom, 34 rounds of 9mm ammunition, six 30 round magazines for an AK-47 type rifle, a Jimenez .380 caliber pistol box and one 7.62x39 caliber round of ammunition. Cauthen is prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon a prior felony conviction.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Cauthen could receive is life imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.

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

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Contact person: Office of Public Affairs (202) 514-2007

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today a settlement with the Columbia, South Carolina, Police Department (CPD) to ensure that persons who are deaf or hard of hearing receive sign language interpreters and other services necessary for effective communication when interacting with CPD police officers, whether on the road or at a precinct. 

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public entities such as police officers, firefighters and correctional officers to ensure that their communications with people with hearing disabilities are as effective as their communications with people without disabilities.  

CPD, under the leadership of Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook, serves the largest city in the state of South Carolina with more than 133,000 residents.  After the department completed an investigation that found that CPD was not providing the required services to allow for effective communication with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, CPD worked cooperatively to reach an agreement to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities.  Under the settlement agreement, CPD will:

• Provide auxiliary aids and services free of charge, including sign language interpreters, to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, within proscribed time frames; • Modify handcuffing policies to handcuff deaf individuals in front, safety permitting, to enable the person to communicate using sign language or writing; • Designate an ADA coordinator for law enforcement; • Develop and utilize a communication card to communicate with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing during routine interactions in the field; • Develop a communication assessment form to assess, in consultation with an arrestee, what auxiliary aids or services are necessary, and the timing, duration and frequency with which they will be provided; • Provide at least one TTY and one videophone at each CPD station and sub-station; • Conduct annual ADA training for CPD personnel and; • Adopt and publish grievance procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints against CPD alleging any action that would be prohibited by Title II or the agreement.

“Our first responders play a critical role in protecting the safety of our communities, and we must ensure they can communicate effectively with all people, including those with hearing disabilities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “This settlement will ensure that the Columbia Police Department complies with federal law, protects the civil rights of all its residents and more effectively advances public safety.”

The Justice Department has a number of publications available to assist entities to comply with the ADA, including Effective Communication, which provides guidance on the department’s regulations relating to communicating effectively with people who have vision, hearing or speech disabilities.  For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov.  Those interested in learning more about this settlement or the obligations of public accommodations under the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access its ADA website at www.ada.gov.  ADA complaints may be filed by email to ada.complaint@usdoj.gov.

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DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that Joseph Carlton Meek, 21, of Lexington, South Carolina, plead guilty to an Indictment charging him with Misprision of a Felony (in violation of 18 U.S.C. §4) and Making a False Statement (in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1001).  Meek entered the guilty plea as a result of his actions following the June 17, 2015, attack on parishioners of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. Meek faces a maximum of three years on the Misprision count and five years on the False-Statement count.  United States District Judge Richard Gergel presided over the hearing and will sentence Meek at a later date.

This guilty plea is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, City of Charleston Police Department, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Nathan Williams are prosecuting the case. 

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U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles of the District of South Carolina announced today that Joseph Carlton Meek, 21, of Lexington, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with misprision of a felony and making a false statement.  Meek entered the guilty plea as a result of his actions following the June 17, 2015, attack on parishioners of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.  Meek faces a maximum of three years on the misprision count and five years on the false-statement count.  U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel of the District of South Carolina presided over the hearing and will sentence Meek at a later date.

This guilty plea is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Charleston Police Department and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Nathan Williams of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.  

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Florence, South Carolina, returned Indictment(s) against the following: Man Arrested on Francis Marion University Campus on Counterfeit Charges
Justin Daniels, age 20, of Florence, South Carolina was charged in a 2-count indictment with manufacturing counterfeit $100.00 Federal Reserve Notes, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §471 and possessing counterfeit $100.00 Federal Reserve Notes, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §472.  The maximum penalty Daniels could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.

Federal Corrections Officer Indicted on Bribery and Contraband Charges
Angela McLeod, age 44, of Dillon, South Carolina was charged in a 2-count indictment with bribery, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §201(b)(2)(C) and bringing contraband into a federal prison, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1791(a)(1).  The maximum penalty McLeod could receive is 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.  The case was investigated by agents of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Justice and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.

Man Indicted for Possession of Child Pornography
Billy Loyd, age 45, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was charged in a 1-count indictment with possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §2252A(a)(5)(B).  The maximum penalty Loyd could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.  The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Custom Enforcement and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.

Man Indicted for Possession of Child Pornography
Daniel Joe Wells, age 68, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was charged in a 1-count indictment with possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §2252A(a)(5)(B).  The maximum penalty Wells could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.  The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Custom Enforcement and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office for prosecution.

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

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced that the court will hold a proceeding at 1:00pm on Friday, April 29, 2016, in the case of United States v. Joseph Meek.

WHEN: Friday, April 29, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. WHERE: J. Waites Waring Federal Courthouse-Annex
85 Broad Street, Courtroom #6, 4th Floor
Charleston, SC 29402

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Contact Person: Lt. Curtis Wilson Office (803) 576-1429, Cell (803) 309-1624

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Murphy, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the Richland County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the 2016 Drug Takeback.

WHEN: Thursday, April 28, 2016 TIME: 11:00 am WHERE: Richland County Sheriff's Office
5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC NOTE: All media should be in place 20 minutes prior to start.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles today announced that Special Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations have executed seizure orders against 67 domain names of commercial websites engaged in the illegal sale and distribution of counterfeit and prescription drugs. The seized domains are in the custody of the federal government.  Visitors to the sites will now find a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain name has been seized by federal authorities for violations of federal laws against smuggling and trademark misuse. 

The domain names are subject to forfeiture under federal forfeiture laws that afford individuals who have an interest in the seized domain names a period of time after the “Notice of Seizure” to file a petition with a federal court and additional time after the “Notice of Forfeiture” to contest the forfeiture.  If no petitions or claims are filed, the domain names become property of the U.S. government.

Said Nettles: “It’s important for consumers to understand the significant risks involved in purchasing pharmaceutical drugs from these websites.  The generic versions of these prescription drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and cannot be distributed in the United States legally.  To be safe and effective, prescription drugs must be taken under the care and supervision of appropriate health care professionals; not purchased off the internet from unknown and unregulated foreign sources.”     

The case was investigated by Special Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations.   Assistant United States Attorney Eric Klumb is assigned to handle the forfeiture. 

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