District of South Carolina

Contact Person: Jamie Schoen (864) 282-2100

Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that yesterday afternoon Jose Alfredo Felix, Jr. , a/k/a “Smiley”; Benjamin Andrew Hinson; Penny Leigh Pilgrim; and Christine Nicole Snelson,  each have entered a guilty plea in federal court in Anderson, to Conspiring to Pass Counterfeit Currency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  Additionally, Felix, Jr. entered a guilty plea to Manufacturing Counterfeit Currency, a violation of 18  U.S.C. § 471; Possessing a Firearm after a Felony Conviction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and 924(e);  and Passing Counterfeit Currency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 472.  Additionally, Hinson entered a guilty plea to Manufacturing Counterfeit Currency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 471.  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson accepted the guilty pleas and will impose their sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Benjamin Hinson and Maranda Hopper, a co-conspirator who has already pled guilty, began manufacturing counterfeit currency in the summer of 2015.  Hinson distributed counterfeit to fellow co-conspirators, including Jose Felix, Jr., and passed the fake bills at stores around the Upstate. 

Felix joined in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit to fellow co-conspirators, including Penny Pilgrim and Christine Snelson, and the three passed counterfeit to businesses in the Upstate.  Additionally, Snelson and Felix worked together to pass the counterfeit to individuals on Craig’s List who were selling goods.  When Felix was arrested in late August 2015, he was in possession of a stolen vehicle with stolen plates, counterfeiting supplies, a Hi-point 9mm pistol, and ammunition.  Felix was a convicted felon at the time of his arrest, and therefore, prohibited from carrying firearms. Co-conspirators in this ring were responsible for passing counterfeit currency throughout the Upstate, Midlands, and North Carolina.

The co-conspirators were indicted on the counterfeiting charges in October of 2015.  Co-conspirators Maranda Hopper, Donald Wesley West, and Ashley King have already pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.  

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for Manufacturing Counterfeit Currency is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000, the maximum penalty for Felon in Possession of a Firearm is imprisonment for Life and/or a fine of $250,000, the maximum penalty for Passing Counterfeit Currency is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000, and the maximum penalty for Conspiracy to Pass Counterfeit Currency is imprisonment for 5 years and/or a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Secret Service, the ATF, the Spartanburg Police Department, the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, the Columbia Police Department, the Greenville City Police Department, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, the Anderson Police Department, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Easley Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Fletcher Police Department, and by South Carolina Probation and Parole.  Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen of the Greenville office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Benjamin Garner (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Amondo Samuel Burke of Tampa, Florida was sentenced to 33 months’ incarceration in federal court.  On May 28, 2015, Burke pled guilty to one count of theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, and one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3).  Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour sentenced Burke to 33 months’ imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release.  Judge Seymour also ordered Burke to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $111,228.00.

Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that, in February 2012, deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office executed a traffic stop of Burke’s vehicle for a moving violation.  During a search of Burke’s vehicle, deputies found two lap-top computers, fifty-two pre-paid debit cards in the names of other individuals, and seventy three medical intake forms from a drug treatment facility in Philadelphia.  Burke later admitted to running a criminal tax scheme whereby he would use the personal identifying information of unsuspecting individuals to file false tax returns and have the fraudulent returns loaded onto pre-paid debit cards. By executing this scheme, Burke received a total of $111,228.00 in fraudulently obtained tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service.

The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations with the assistance of the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: A Bradley Parham (843) 665-6688

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Raquan Etheridge, age 28, of Long Island City, New York was sentenced on January 27, 2016 by United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell in federal court in Florence, to 42 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $7,986.31 in restitution for knowingly possessing 309 counterfeit gift cards with intent to defraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3). 

Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on January 23, 2015, deputies with the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that an individual driving a Gold minivan with Florida license plates was attempting to use a stolen credit card in a business in Latta.  Shortly thereafter, deputies located a van matching that description and identified Etheridge as the driver.  During a search of the van deputies recovered 309 counterfeit gift cards which had been encoded with unauthorized account numbers belonging to numerous other individuals.  Also found in the van were receipts reflecting purchases of cigarettes from businesses in different states, including Virginia and South Carolina, which purchases were made with some of the counterfeit cards encoded with unauthorized account numbers.  In addition, over 170 cartons and 193 loose packs of cigarettes were recovered from the van.          

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that James Duvall Love age 34, of Fairfax, South Carolina was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment today in federal court. On June 17, 2015, Love plead guilty to two separate charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud/cause a train wreck/interfere with a train operator and to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). United States District J. Michelle Childs sentenced Love to 46 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of federal supervised release on each charge, to run concurrently, and ordered Love to make restitution to Amtrak in the amount of $46,690.27. Judge Childs stated that a sentence at the top of the sentencing guidelines range was warranted due to the “very serious” nature of the case.

With regard to the firearm and ammunition charge, evidence presented at the earlier change of plea hearing established that on August 30, 2013, an officer with the Fairfax Police Department was on routine patrol when he noticed Love walking down the road with a shotgun in his hand. When the officer turned his car around, Love laid the firearm down and kept walking.  The officer approached Love and asked why he was walking down the street with a shotgun, Love replied, that someone at the club had been talking negatively toward him. Love was detained on a state weapon charge and the loaded shotgun was seized. Love was thereafter released on state bond. Further investigation revealed that Love was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for distribution of cocaine, failure to stop for blue light, and possession of crack cocaine.   

With regard to the conspiracy charge, the evidence presented showed that during the early morning hours of September 6, 2013, Love and Deon Dovell Roberts parked a car at Bakers Mill Crossing in Allendale, South Carolina, in the path of an oncoming Amtrak passenger train, got out of the car prior to the collision, and then returned to the car after the collision, feigning injury, all for the purpose of submitting bogus claims for personal injuries and other losses.  Love’s co-defendant Roberts plead guilty in federal court on November 2, 2015, and is awaiting sentencing.    

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Amtrak Office of Inspector General, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Fairfax Police Department, and the Allendale County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Klumb and Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the prosecution of the case.

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Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that Larry Bookman, age 62, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment today in federal court. In August 2015, Bookman plead guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C). Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia imposed the sentence. After Bookman completes the term of imprisonment, he will be on federal supervised release for 6 years.    

Bookman was one of 10 defendants charged in April 2014, following a series of court-authorized, DEA-monitored wiretaps over several telephones in the Columbia area. The investigation revealed that a group of individuals in the Columbia area were obtaining heroin from various sources outside of South Carolina and then distributing it in the Midlands.  Evidence indicated that the suppliers were initially getting the heroin in packages from India. Several packages destined for Columbia and containing heroin were intercepted by law enforcement during the investigation. Evidence further showed that the co-defendants later obtained heroin in New York and transported it back to Columbia where it was distributed. The New York heroin suppliers have been charged by the Eastern District of New York for their role in the drug conspiracy and several have plead guilty. Additionally, five of Bookman’s co-defendants have plead guilty to their role in the drug conspiracy here in South Carolina and have been sentenced as follows: Eric Shawn Bradley, age 47, of Columbia, was sentenced to 210 months with 8 years of supervised release; Kenneth Crawford, age 42, of Washington, D.C., and formerly of Columbia, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 8 years of supervised release;  Charles Bradley, age 32, of Columbia was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment with 6 years of supervised release to follow; Anthony Glover, age 40, of Columbia was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 8 years of supervised release to follow; and Jessany Lyons, age 25, of Far Rockaway, New York, was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release. Four other co-defendants charged in the indictment remain fugitives.

Bookman has a 1992 federal drug conviction for possession of fentanyl and a number of prior state convictions, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana (1974), unlawful possession of a pistol (1976), possession of heroin (1977), receiving stolen goods (1978), financial transaction card theft (1982/1985), possession of heroin (1989), possession of cocaine (1990), possession of heroin (1991), possession of heroin 3rd offense (2000), possession of a controlled substance (2006), assault and battery with intent to kill (2007), possession of stolen vehicle (2007), and possession of heroin 2nd offense (2008).

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) High Intensity Drug Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Aaryon Brian Dowdy, a/k/a “Trouble,” age 25, of Columbia, South Carolina, pled guilty today in federal court. Dowdy plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a), and 924(e).  Chief United States District Terry L. Wooten accepted the plea and will impose a sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on January 3, 2014, Dowdy and another individual were involved at an altercation inside a convenience store on Farrow Road in Columbia. Evidence showed that during the altercation, Dowdy pulled a handgun and shot the other individual in the head.  Dowdy then fled the scene. The incident was captured on videotape. The Columbia Police Department issued state warrants for Dowdy’s arrest and he was apprehended in Orangeburg on January 14, 2014.  At the time of his arrest on January 14, 2014, Dowdy had a loaded .357 caliber handgun in his possession. The investigation revealed that the handgun was the same handgun used in the January 3, 2014, incident. Dowdy is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior federal state convictions for burglary 2nd degree (2 separate offenses) and attempted burglary 2nd degree.    

Mr. Nettles stated that Dowdy faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  However, if the district court determines that Dowdy is an armed career criminal based upon his prior state convictions, he faces a mandatory minimum 15 years imprisonment with a maximum of life, a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Columbia Police Department, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.  Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Dennis Paulsen, age 45, of Blythewood was convicted of stealing more than $1.5 million from the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Social Security Administration following a seven-day jury trial in federal court in Columbia.  Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Paulsen faces is imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines of $500,000, along with forfeiture of the more than $1.5 million.  Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour of Columbia presided over the trial and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

In conducting one of the largest fraudulent single disability compensation claims in VA history, Paulsen substantially feigned and exaggerated the impairment resulting from his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.  After being diagnosed and discharged from the Navy in the early 1990s, Paulsen began receiving a monthly VA benefit as a result of his diagnosis.  Unsatisfied with the amount he was receiving, Paulsen began a pattern of malingering by claiming his MS rendered him unable to use his hands or feet in any respect.  Still unhappy with the money he was awarded, Paulsen ramped up his claims, lying to his doctors, presenting himself as house- and wheelchair- bound, and making false claims that he required daily professional medical care to live until his benefits were increased to the maximum disability payments available to a Veteran.  At the same time, Paulsen used the same feigned impairments to convince the Social Security Administration that he was entitled to SSA disability benefits.  Despite his feigned claims of impairments and presenting himself in a wheelchair to his doctors, Paulsen lived in a non-handicap accessible residence and was able to ride his motorcycle and jet skis plus play baseball and golf on a regular basis.  In 1999, Paulsen met his ex-wife at the gym where he exercised and worked training others.  In 2004, Paulsen sold their 5,000 square foot house for more than half of a million dollars and moved from Virginia to Blythewood, SC.

In Blythewood, Paulsen purchased a two-story brick house that was not handicapped accessible and stopped going to neurologists for his MS.  Illustrating his lack of impairment, Paulsen was active in several gyms, joined a baseball league from 2006 until 2014, and lived an active lifestyle, including playing pool, swimming in his backyard pool, playing on the beach, and driving his Escalade and manual shift Mini-Cooper. In 2014, a concerned citizen reported Paulsen to the VA and explained how Paulsen lacked the impairments that he claimed. Upon learning that the VA was looking into his actual impairment from MS, Paulsen immediately quit his baseball league and began appearing at the VA again in his wheelchair, claiming to be unable to walk or use his hands.       

The extensive investigation by the VA and SSA included undercover agents, surveillance, and photographs and video footage from banks, stores, and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Family photographs kept by Paulsen’s ex-wife were also obtained showing Paulsen’s many activities with his family, playing baseball, and participating in a Marine Mud Run. Paulsen testified, in a wheelchair, for four hours and called three doctors as expert witnesses in an attempt to support his claim that he was and had been totally disabled. The guilty verdict reflects that the jury did not find this testimony credible.

The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Veteran?s Administration and Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys William E. Day II and Jay N. Richardson and of the Columbia office prosecuted the case. Anyone aware of fraud being committed against the Department of Veterans Affairs should call 1-800-488-8244 and report it.

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Contact Person: Nathan S. Williams (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina stated today that the convictions against Wendy Annette Moore, age 39, and Christopher Austin Latham, age 52, both of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, were affirmed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in a published opinion.   The two were convicted following a February 2014 jury trial, where Moore was convicted of Conspiracy and Use of Interstate Facilities in the Commission of Murder for Hire under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1958(a), 1958(b); Solicitation of Murder for Hire under 18 U.S.C. § 373; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence under 18 U.S.C. §924(c).  Latham was convicted of a single count of Use of Interstate Facilities in the Commission of Murder for Hire under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1958(a).  Both were sentenced in August, 2014, where Moore was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and Latham was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.  The written Court of Appeals opinion may be found at http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/Opinions/Published/144645.P.pdf

The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigations; and the City of Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case and appeal.

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

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that James William Lewis, a/k/a “Jessie,” a/k/a “Phoenix,” age 33, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) imprisonment today in federal court. In August 2015, Lewis plead guilty to a 2nd/subsequent offense of use/possession/discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, to wit: assault on a federal agent, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(iii) and 924(c)(1)(C). Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. imposed the sentence, which will run consecutive to the 9 year sentence that Lewis is currently serving for an armed robbery offense in the Western District of North Carolina. After serving the term of imprisonment, Lewis will be on federal supervised release for 5 years.

          Evidence presented at the earlier change of plea hearing established that during the early morning hours of January 7, 2014, deputized task force agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Charlotte Safe Streets Task Force/Violent Crime Apprehension Team were in Fort Mill, South Carolina searching for Lewis, who was wanted for a December 2013, armed robbery of a Jack-in-the-Box restaurant in North Carolina. Agents, in police attire and accompanied by York County Sheriff’s Department officers in marked units, approached the residence of Lewis’ girlfriend, Kirstie Elaine Philome Barratt, age 22, in an attempt to determine if Lewis was in the residence. After approximately 15 minutes of the agents knocking on the door and announcing their presence with a loud speaker, Barratt came to the door. Barratt, who was advised by agents that it was a crime to make a false statement to federal agents, told the agents that Lewis was not in the home, that she had not seen him for 2 months because they had broken up, and that the only other persons in the residence were her parents. Barratt gave the agents consent to search the residence. Upon completing a sweep of the residence, agents located Barratt’s parents asleep in one upstairs bedroom and noticed the door shut to another upstairs bedroom. Agents could hear a dog barking in that other upstairs bedroom, so they asked Barratt to secure the dog so they could search the bedroom. Barratt opened the bedroom door, went in and came out with the dog, shutting the door behind her. Agents then went into the bedroom and found Lewis crouched in the corner with his weapon drawn. Gunfire ensued and an FBI task force agent was shot 3 times by Lewis, who was also shot in the legs. Both Barratt and Lewis were taken into custody. Barratt later advised agents that she knew Lewis was in the residence, that she knew he was wanted for the robbery, that she thought he was going to hide in the attic, and that when she entered the bedroom to retrieve the dog, she saw him in the corner holding the gun, but did not tell the agents before allowing them to enter the bedroom. After being taken into custody, Lewis waived his rights and admitted to telling his girlfriend that it was going to end up in a shootout with officers. Lewis also admitted that he and his girlfriend’s plan was for him to hide in the attic, but he decided that he didn’t want to hide “like a puppy,” so he positioned himself in the bedroom with his gun drawn because he wanted to be shot. Lewis admitted that when the officers entered the bedroom, he had his gun pointed at the officer and that the officer had a right to shoot him.

On October 22, 2014, Barratt plead guilty to making a false statement to a federal agent, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. At Barratt’s sentencing on December 15, 2014, the court granted the government’s motion for an upward departure from the federal guidelines sentencing range of 0 to 6 months, noting that this was a “rare” case and that Barratt “knowingly placed a law enforcement officer’s life in jeopardy” by her false statement. Barratt was sentenced to 24 months (2 years) imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

In July 2015, Lewis was sentenced to 108 months (9 years) in federal court in the Western District of North Carolina for the December 2013, robbery of the Jack-in-the-Box restaurant and possession of a firearm during that crime of violence, to wit: robbery.  As noted above, Lewis’ 300 months (25 year) sentence will run consecutive to the North Carolina federal sentence. Lewis also has prior North Carolina state convictions for possession of cocaine (1999) and larceny of a motor vehicle (2000).

The case was investigated by the FBI, the York County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.  Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney?s Office announces today that there will be a sentencing hearing Wednesday (Wednesday, January 20, 2016) in United States v. James William Lewis. The hearing will be held at 10:45 am on January 20, 2016, before Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. (courtroom # 4) at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse in Columbia, South Carolina. 

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Contact Person: Nick Bianchi (843) 727-4381

Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Keith Scott, age 41, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston, to conspiracy to conduct financial transactions involving proceeds of narcotics trafficking, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h).  United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston 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 during a time period spanning from May 2011 until November 2012, Scott, owner of Main Street Motors auto dealership in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, allowed a known drug dealer to purchase multiple vehicles using proceeds from drug trafficking.  Scott also allowed the purchaser to have other individuals sign paperwork as if they were purchasing the vehicle.   

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $500,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Dean H. Secor (843) 266-1654

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Michael Robert Bixby, age 32, of Cottageville, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, to a total of 360 months (30 years) for Receipt of Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2), and Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B).  Last March, Bixby plead guilty to those counts pursuant to a plea agreement in which Bixby agreed to a total sentence of 360 months (30 years).  Senior United States District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy of Charleston sentenced Bixby to 360 months and 240 months in federal prison on those counts, respectively, to run concurrently. Judge Duffy also ordered Bixby to serve a lifetime term of supervised release after he is released from prison.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Bixby engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a minor female in Colleton County on August 4, 2012, and he used a cell phone to take pictures of that conduct.  When deputies with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Bixby in North Charleston on August 9, 2012, those pictures were on his cell phone along with other images of child pornography that Bixby received from the internet, including images of prepubescent minors. At the time of the offenses, Bixby was a registered sex offender who had recently moved from Indiana to South Carolina without notifying Indiana or South Carolina authorities.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today an indictment charging multiple defendants, including Dr. Mackie James Walker, Jr., a podiatrist of Aiken, South Carolina, with their roles in a conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone.

The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, from January 2013 and continuing until the date of the indictment, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.  Walker is also charged with two counts of distributing oxycodone without a legitimate medical purpose, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), and one count of using a telephone to facilitate the commission of a felony under the Controlled Substances Act, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).  The maximum penalty Walker could receive is twenty years’ imprisonment for the drug counts and four years’ imprisonment for the count charging use of a communication device to facilitate the commission of a felony under the Controlled Substances Act.

Mr. Nettles states that the indictment follows two other recent federal indictments charging multiple individuals in and around Aiken County with the illegal distribution of oxycodone, and it represents the office’s commitment to address the illegal distribution of prescription pills.

The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

Mr. Nettles states that the charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and the 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 today a 26-count indictment charging Damon Jackson, a/k/a “DJ”, a/k/a “Daddy Frost”, Tremel Black, a/k/a “Sincere”, a/k/a “New York”, Da-Shun Shukur Curry, a/k/a “Dae Dae”, Bakari Shahid McMillan, a/k/a “Bizzle”, Kerry Taylor, a/k/a “KJ”, Desmond Singletary, a/k/a “Six”, Howard Parker, a/k/a “Poppa”, Ryan Shaquon Turner, a/k/a “Gotti”, a/k/a “Qweezy”  with their roles in a Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1956(a)(1).  In addition to the charge of conspiracy, each defendant was charged with substantive counts of Sex Trafficking. 

Damon Jackson, age 23, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and six counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2. 

Bakari Shahid McMillan, age 23, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and one count of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2. 

Kerry Taylor, age 21, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, one count of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e). 

Tremel Black, age 31, of Columbia, was charged with one count of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and one count of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2. 

Howard Parker, age 24, of Columbia, was charged with one count of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and one count of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2. 

Da’Shun Shukur Curry, age 23, of Columbia, was charged with three counts of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2.

Desmond Singletary, age 30, of Columbia, was charged with one count of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2. 

Ryan Shaquon Turner, age 22, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2. 

The maximum sentence each defendant could receive for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking is life in prison.  The minimum sentences each defendant could receive for either Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion and Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion is 15 years in prison and the maximum sentence is life in prison.  Additionally, the minimum sentence Taylor could receive for Sexual Exploitation of a Child is 15 years in prison and the maximum sentence is life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles said, “The prosecution of these types of cases is more than a job.  It is our reason for being. To say we will aggressively prosecute this case and charges of this nature is one of history’s great understatements.”

“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery.  Homeland Security Investigations continues to pursue the perpetrators of this heinous crime as one of its highest priorities, via a coordinated global effort with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta Nick Annan.  “Over the past two years HSI has doubled its number of human trafficking arrest and we will continue our relentless pursuit to investigate and seek prosecution of these criminals while also ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.”

The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and City of North Charleston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.

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

Information regarding human trafficking should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), Polaris – Freedom Happens Now, 24-hour National Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.

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Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Joseph Matthew Polk, age 24, of Clover, South Carolina was sentenced to a total of 250 months (20.8  years) imprisonment today in federal court. Last August, Polk plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (to wit: possession with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana), all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).  Under the plea agreement, Polk agreed to a total sentence of 240 months (20 years) imprisonment and an appropriate term of supervised release to follow, comprised of 180 months (15 years) imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine charge and 60 months (5 years) consecutive imprisonment on the firearm charge. Polk also faced a separate term of imprisonment stemming from his violation of a prior federal sentence. Polk received an additional 10 months imprisonment consecutive on that sentence. Senior United States District Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. imposed the sentences.

Evidence presented at the earlier change of plea hearing established that March 19, 2015, at his residence in Clover, South Carolina, Polk, while armed with a Harrington & Richardson .32 caliber revolver, sold a quantity of marijuana to a confidential informant.  The following day, March 20, 2015, Polk, while armed with a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant.  Thereafter, on March 24, 2015, Polk, while armed with a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant.  On that date, a young child was observed in the same room where the distribution occurred and while Polk waved around the 9mm handgun.  Each of the three distributions of drugs was recorded on audio and video by local law enforcement officers.  Polk was arrested on state charges on April 9, 2015, and during the arrest, officers recovered the Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, along with gang paraphernalia, and a residue amount of methamphetamine.  After being advised of his rights, which he waived, Polk admitted to being in possession of firearms and being a dues collector for a local gang.  Polk is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior federal conviction for possession of firearm by a felon and his prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree and grand larceny. 

At the time of the March 2015 offenses, Polk was on federal supervised release from a 2014 federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm out of the Spartanburg Division.  Therefore, he also faced a revocation of his prior federal supervised release. After sentencing Polk to 240 months (20 years) imprisonment on the new charges, Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., revoked Polk’s prior term of federal supervised release and sentenced him to an additional 10 months imprisonment, which will be served consecutive to the 240 months imprisonment. Thus, Polk will serve a total of 250 months imprisonment and then be on federal supervision for 5 years.  

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

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina------United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced that Kenneth Wayne Wilkinson, age 59, of Charleston, has been charged in a single-count Information with trafficking in counterfeit sports apparel in 2012 and 2013. 

The case was investigated by Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant United States Attorney Eric Klumb is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ----- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Dylan L. Patterson, age 19, of Spartanburg, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to a conspiracy to traffic in children by force 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, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Patterson is the fifth man to plead guilty in the conspiracy.  Previously on December 17, 2015, Brandon L. Littlejohn, age 26, D’Shawn C. Pitts, age 19, Michael G. Riddle, age 20, and John A. Gossett, III, age, 22, all of Spartanburg, pled guilty to the conspiracy.

The indictment alleges that the defendants recruited minor victims 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. The indictment also states that the conspirators “would and did physically beat or threaten to physically beat the minor victims and young women to scare and control them.” 

According to evidence presented at the change of plea hearing, the conspiracy operated in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, Virginia, and other cities in the Southeastern states.   It was further part of the conspiracy that 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 female 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. 

Mr. Nettles said that his office “would continue to diligently fight human trafficking because such crimes impose a great personal and psychological toll on the victims and society as a whole.”  

The maximum penalty Patterson and the others could face is life imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release. The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins 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 stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Charleston, South Carolina, returned Indictment(s) against the following:

North Charleston Man Indicted for Threatening the President
George Wesley Beers, Jr., age 39, of North Charleston, was charged in a 1-count Indictment with threatening the President of the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871.  The maximum penalty that Beers could receive is 5 years imprisonment.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

Goose Creek Woman Indicted for Theft of Government Property
Linda D’Angelo, age 52, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count Indictment with Theft of Government Property, a violation of 18 U. S. C. § 641.  The maximum penalty that D’Angelo could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Administration 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.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

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

Lexington Resident Indicted for Wire Fraud
Mark Nigel Wilkins, age 48, of Lexington, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  The maximum penalty Wilkins could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of the Greenville office for prosecution. 

Four Individuals Indicted for Conspiring to Alter Money Orders
Hannah A.  McAdams, age 25, of Townville, South Carolina; DeWayne S. Brooks, age 28, of Pendleton, South Carolina; Gary M.  Whitfield, age 26, of Pendleton, South Carolina; and Roger L.  Powell, age 32, of Anderson, South Carolina; were charged in a 1-count indictment with conspiracy, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  The maximum penalty each defendant 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 William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Husband and Wife Indicted for Mail Fraud
Retta Helms Sundblad, age 59, and Richard Elmer Sundblad, age 64, both of Easley, South Carolina, were charged in a 1-count indictment.  Retta Helms Sundblad and Richard Elmer Sundblad were charged with mail fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.  The maximum penalty each defendant 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.

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: Bill Nettles (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ------ A $2.5 million settlement with Pharmerica, a long term care pharmacy servicing hundreds of nursing homes across the nation, completes the final leg of litigation involving the illegal promotion of Aranesp, an anemia drug manufactured by Amgen, Inc.

In 2013, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, The Department of Justice Civil Frauds and a number of states executed a $24.9 million settlement with Amgen in this case. In 2014, Omnicare followed with a $4.19 million settlement. The recent settlement brings the government’s recovery in United States ex rel. Kurnik v. Amgen et al. to just over $31.5 million.

The Kurnik litigation was brought under federal and state false claims act statutes that allow private citizens to bring suit on behalf of the government to recover money expended as a result of fraud or other wrongful conduct. The government intervened in the Amgen and Omnicare portions of the case and the Relator pursued the case against Pharmerica on behalf of the government.

“Public health insurance programs shouldn’t foot the bill for drug company schemes that manipulate doctors and patients to maximize profits,” said South Carolina US Attorney Bill Nettles. “This case is an excellent example of how the government can work together with private whistleblowers to recover money for taxpayers.”

The United States was represented by Assistant US Attorneys Fran Trapp and James Leventis from the District of South Carolina Office.

Kurnik was represented by Dick Harpootlian and Chris Kenney of Richard A. Harpootlian, P.A. in Columbia, South Carolina and Reuben Guttman, Traci Buschner, Justin Brooks and Caroline M. Poplin, J.D., M.D. of Guttman, Buschner & Brooks PLLC in Washington, D.C.

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Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100 or Stephen Givens (803) 960-7088

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

The project, called “Real-Time Reentry”, is two- fold.  With respect to law enforcement, the project focuses on violent offenders and gang members who, after their release, re-offend with firearms while still under SCDC’s Intensive Supervision Services.  The program ensures their swift apprehension and referral to federal authorities. 

On the prevention side, however, the program offers proactive intervention.   Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) from the U.S. Attorney’s office and law enforcement officials visit with Youthful Offenders in prison to educate them about the opportunities and resources they have to lead rehabilitated and productive lives.  The dialogue, however, also sensitively emphasizes the significant consequences these individuals might face should they re-offend with a gun while under supervision, post-release.  The message is simple but serious - if caught with a firearm or ammunition, you will be taken into custody immediately and your case referred to ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s office in “real time” for federal review and prosecution in federal court, where firearms-related sentences for repeat-offenders are much more substantial.  

Real-Time Reentry kicked off, December 7, 2015, when AUSAs and law enforcement officials met with 46 Youthful Offenders at the Trenton SCDC facility.  Going forward, the Real Time Reentry team will return once a month to educate and encourage those individuals preparing for re-entry into their communities.

“Real Time Reentry is a multiagency partnership meant to address youthful offenders that are at risk for exposure to state and federal charges. This initiative is focused on available services and creating relationships to assist Youthful Offenders, under our supervision, stay on the straight and narrow” said Bryan Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

“Real Time Reentry” is the latest iteration of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Cease Fire, a program that in recent years has come to partner local, state, and federal law enforcement with the community.  The collective efforts of this partnership continue to foster cooperation in the common goal to make South Carolina safer through reducing gun violence, arrests, and incarceration. 

United States Attorney Bill Nettles reflected, “We look forward to partnering with SCDC to provide the Youthful Offender population the necessary help in making the future decision not to possess guns. We believe that prevention is more effective and more cost-efficient than incarceration.  However, in the event that our efforts to help these individuals make better decisions are not heeded, we will not hesitate to utilize tools available to us under the criminal code.” 

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Contact Person: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today an indictment charging George L. Turner, Jr., 41, of Ladson, South Carolina and Clayton G. Wickersham, age 34, of Summerville, South Carolina, with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Turner and Wickersham are each facing a maximum of 30 years imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine and 5 years of supervised release.

The indictment stems from an ongoing investigation into allegations the defendants were involved in a mortgage fraud conspiracy based out of real estate and mortgage businesses located in Summerville. The indictment alleges 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 indictment further alleges that 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.

Three other defendants previously pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme and are awaiting sentencing. Scott M. Wickersham, 36, of Summerville, 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 1349, and two counts of Willfully Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). Steven F. Weiss, 66, of Virginia, and Kelly Martin, 34, of Moncks Corner, each 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.

The Indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by 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 is prosecuting the case. 

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

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced the indictment of Aaron Vennefron of Hamilton, Ohio and Phillip Thompson of Augusta, Georgia for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and theft of government funds. The indictment alleges that the two conspired to defraud the government by creating fraudulent invoices for payment of what appeared to be goods needed for work at the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savanah River Sight. The indictment further alleges that no goods were ever received and that Vennefron and Thompson received over $4,000,000.00 in payments based on the fraudulent invoices.

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

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

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Contact Person: Eric Klumb (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney William N. Nettles stated today that four Orangeburg men, Charles Williams, age 65, John Dantzler, age 66, Jimmie Aiken, age 56, and Alejandro Renteria Noyola, age 56, have been charged in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, with the unlawful trapping and killing of migratory birds at Willcreek Plantation, a 1,790-acre tract of land in Orangeburg County owned by Willcreek LLC.  Charles Williams, the registered agent for Willcreek LLC, was charged with 7 counts of killing Red-tailed or Cooper’s Hawks during 2013 and 2014; the remaining defendants were each named in a single count. This crime is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act under Title 16, United States Code, Section 703, and carries a maximum prison term of six months and a fine of up to $15,000, or both, for each count of conviction.  

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 Plantation on February 21, 2014.  During the course of the investigation, agents seized more than thirty raptor carcasses from Willcreek Plantation.

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

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

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Contact Person: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina------United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that nine individuals were charged in a 22-count indictment returned by the Florence Division Grand Jury for conspiring to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and heroin in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina [including Darlington, Florence and Williamsburg counties] in violation of Title 21, United States Code Section 846. This case originated with an investigation into the illegal activities of neighborhood street gangs in Hartsville, SC. Those recently indicted and arrested as part of this coordinated local, state and federal investigation were Otis Craig Dollard; Patrick O’Neal Hines, a/k/a “Bam”; Keith Huggins, a/k/a “Little Keith”; Justin Martin Jackson, a/k/a “Juiceman”; Benjamin Unique McCoy a/k/a “Paypa”; Chavis Vantay McCray, a/k/a “Chavo Manifoe”; Anthony James Pressley, a/k/a “Styler”; Roderick Scott, a/k/a “Bucket” and Tavares Lamore Wingate, a/k/a “Black.”

During the arrest and search warrants executed as part of this coordinated effort, law enforcement seized over a kilogram of cocaine, five ounces of cocaine base, cash and three firearms that were used as part of this drug trafficking network.

These arrests follow months of intense investigation and evidence collection by local, state and federal law enforcement partners that focused on concerns about violence, gangs and substantial drug trafficking in the Pee Dee area. Assisting in the investigation and apprehension operation included members of the FBI, SLED, Fifteenth Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Florence Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter Police Department, Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardons Services.

The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Taylor. The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Contact Person: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- United States Attorney Bill Nettles and Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone will hold a press conference Thursday, December 10, 2015, at the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office to announce a new partnership between the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office aimed at taking armed career criminals off the streets.

WHEN: Thursday, December 10, 2015 TIME: 10:00 a.m. WHERE:

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

 

NOTE:  Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Erinn McGuire at 843-255-5911.  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 in front of the Solicitor’s Office.

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Contact Person: Bill Nettles (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina- U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that the District of South Carolina collected $7,089,479.89  in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2015.  Of this amount, $4,436,041.94 was collected in criminal actions and $2,653,437.95 was collected in civil actions.

Additionally, the District of South Carolina worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $41,807,765.09 in cases pursued jointly with these offices.  This entire amount was collected in civil actions.

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced on December 3, 2015 that the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2015.  The more than $23.1 billion in collections in FY 2015 represents more than seven and a half times the approximately $2.93 billion of the Justice Department’s combined appropriations of the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.

"The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and protecting the American people from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch.  “The collections we are announcing today demonstrate not only the strength of that commitment, but also the significant return on public investment that our actions deliver.  I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this achievement possible, and to reiterate our dedication to this ongoing work.”

United States Attorney Bill Nettles said, “Our office has made a substantial commitment to combatting fraud and collecting funds improperly procured. Our commitment, including 10 full time lawyers and investigators, has made this district one of the leaders in combatting government fraud.  We hope that businesses and individuals who commit fraud recognize that the consequences of fraud are more than just the cost of doing business.” 

An example of one of these cases, is a prime contractor at the Savannah River Site who paid the government $3.8 million to settle claims that it overcharged taxpayers for a project on the nuclear weapons complex near Aiken, South Carolina.  The government contended Parsons Government Services committed a number of False Claims Act violations in its administration of per diem and relocation costs at the Savanah River Site.  The allegations included knowingly allowing employees that were going to be relocated to collect per diem rather than relocate them immediately.  This practice greatly increased the cost of per diem to the Government and the settlement will hopefully serve as a deterrent to other Department of Energy contractors.

A few weeks ago, the District of South Carolina recovered another $2,000,000 in the settlement of a whistleblower case brought against HCA, a large hospital chain.  The whistleblower and United States contended that four hospitals, all located in Florida, submitted claims for lab tests that were not ordered and/or not medically necessary and also billed for fetal biophysical profiles with non-stress tests and also billed for standalone non-stress tests thereby double billing the non-stress tests.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of South Carolina, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $24,776,354.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2015. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

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Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that Christopher Brit Beebe, has been sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for, Conspiracy to Distribute Steroids and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 and 18 U.S.C. 924.  United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Beebe to 97 months imprisonment; 5 years supervised release and a $200.00 special assessment.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Beebe and others manufactured and then distributed steroids from 2004 to 2015 throughout the United States using the internet. The conspiracy was discovered when Kershaw County Sheriff Deputies responded to a report that Beebe’s girlfriend, Candace Altman, had been killed by a gunshot to the head at Beebe’s residence in Bethune, S.C.  On arrival, officers discovered a large amount of steroids.  The case was investigated by the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and agents of DEA Diversion.   Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Robert L. Bullard IIII, age 61, of Spartanburg, was sentenced today in federal court in Anderson, for  possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2255A.  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Bullard to 60 months imprisonment and ordered that he be on supervised release for life. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in late 2012, an undercover law enforcement officer was conducting an investigation into individuals using file sharing software to trade child porn.  The officer downloaded 39 child pornography files from an account that was later traced to Bullard. 

Federal agents obtained a search warrant for Bullard’s home.  When confronted with the search warrant, Defendant told agents they would find child pornography on this computer.  He admitted that he downloaded child porn to his computer and that he searched for incest and hardcore pre-teen images and videos.

A forensic exam of the computers seized revealed 1035 videos and 4058 still images of children under the age of 18, some of whom were prepubescent minors, engaged in sexual acts and the lascivious display of the genitals. 

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Tonya M. Reid, age 38, of Anderson, 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 Reid to 60 months imprisonment, ordered that she pay $21,272.97 in restitution, and placed her on three years of supervised release. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson City Police Department, and other local agencies had undertaken a long-term investigation into the theft of mail in and around Anderson County.  It was discovered that an organization existed that regularly stole mail from residential boxes, sorted the stolen mail for checks and person identifying information, created altered or counterfeit checks, and created false identification documents.  Multiple counterfeit and altered checks were passed throughout the upstate.  Most of the fraud was conducted in an effort to obtain funds to purchase methamphetamine.

Reid was a leader of an organization of more than 20 individuals.  She served as a clearing house for stolen mail and aided other co-conspirators in creating and cashing counterfeit checks. Her co-conspirators are awaiting sentencing or trial.  

The case was investigated by agents of United States Postal Inspection Service, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson City Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

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Contact Person: JD Rowell (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Bryant C. Ford, age 39, of Mableton, Georgia, pled guilty today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846.  Chief United States District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten presided over the guilty plea hearing and will sentence Ford after the United States Probation Office prepares a presentence report.

Evidence gathered as part of months-long investigation into drug trafficking in and around Sumter, established that Ford brought more than forty kilograms of cocaine into South Carolina from September of 2014 through June of 2015. The investigation concluded when, on June 16, 2015, Ford brought 5 kilograms of cocaine to supply his codefendant Harold McFadden in exchange for cash. After Ford and McFadden met outside of Augusta, Georgia, Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, working in conjunction with the FBI and Sumter Police Department, conducted a traffic stop of McFadden near Aiken, South Carolina.  Troopers found the 5 kilograms of powder cocaine hidden in a secret compartment in the dashboard of a Chrysler van, which Ford had previously provided to McFadden. After Ford returned to his home in Mableton, Georgia, FBI Atlanta executed a search warrant at his home and found over $300,000 in cash, cocaine, and various drug and money laundering paraphernalia.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Sumter Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys JD Rowell and Jay Richardson prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Gail Shurling (62) was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for wire fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced her to 27 months, 3 years supervised release and over $335,000 of restitution.

Shurling, as the Director of the Center for Manufacturing and Technology (CMAT) at the University of South Carolina, committed grant fraud.  In her role with CMAT, Shurling submitted fraudulent documentation to obtain federal grant money.  As part of the scheme, Shurling approved contracts and payments to shell corporations that were controlled by friends, family members, and herself for work that was not completed.  In total, Shurling submitted approximately $336,000 worth of fraudulent documentation to the University, the Government, and to the entity responsible for administrating grant funds.

United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated: “The United States Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to curbing fraud of public funds.  We will continue to pursue those who lie, cheat and steal from the public.”

“Today’s sentencing of Ms. Shurling is another instance of those who commit fraud against the government will be ferreted out and prosecuted to the fullest extent of law to protect the taxpayers interest,” said Duane Townsend, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General.

The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General and FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney Jim May of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Beth Warren (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina Bill Nettles announced today that Piedmont Pathology Associates, Inc. and Piedmont Pathology, P.C., a diagnostic anatomic pathology group located in Hickory, North Carolina, has agreed to pay the United States $500,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by engaging in improper financial relationships with referring physicians. 

Mr. Nettles said, “Combatting fraud against the government is a priority in this office; and importantly, holding accountable health care providers who have improper financial relationships with referral sources has been a focus.  Financial relationships between physicians for referrals can alter a physicians’ judgment as to what’s necessary and appropriate for a patient.  Our goal in this settlement was not only to recover money for improper healthcare claims, but to deter similar conduct and, in turn, promote health care affordability.”

The investigation of Piedmont Pathology was prompted by a whistleblower who filed a lawsuit under the qui tam provision of the False Claims Act.  The whistleblower was a former contract salesperson for the practice who witnessed a program where the practice would provide Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software licenses to various physicians’ practices in exchange for referrals.  The government found that Piedmont Pathology provided EMR software licenses at little to no cost to nine physicians’ practices close in time to when those practices entered contracts to refer specimens to their pathology lab. This conduct violated the Anti-Kickback Statute.  Claims submitted in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are considered tainted and are per se violations of the False Claims Act.  The False Claim Act allows the government to recover three times the actual damages caused by the improper claims and up to $11,000 in penalties per false claim.    

The False Claims Act allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the government with allegations that fraud has been committed against the federal 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 relator will receive 15% of the funds of the settlement, or $75,000.  She is also entitled to her costs and attorney fees.

This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Warren.  The case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Paying for referrals, as the government alleged, is little more than a thinly veiled bribe,” said Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge with the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “Patients and taxpayers deserve better, and those who would defraud the system should expect to pay for their schemes.”

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.

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Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Greg Leon, age 49, of Lexington, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern and practice of hiring illegal aliens, a violation of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1324a(a)(2) and 1324a(f)(1). Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. of Columbia accepted the guilty plea today in federal court in Columbia and will sentence Leon after he has reviewed the presentence report to be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. As part of the plea agreement, Leon previously pleaded guilty in South Carolina General Sessions Court to paying a public official for assistance in violation of South Carolina Code Section 8-13-720.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Leon operated eight restaurants in the Midlands of South Carolina. Leading up to May of 2013, Leon engaged in a pattern of hiring and employing individuals that he knew were in the country illegally and not eligible to work. Leon was involved in hiring approximately sixty illegal aliens. In addition to the hiring of those illegal aliens, Leon paid former Lexington County Sheriff James Metts for his assistance on several occasions when Metts helped or attempted to help one of the illegal alien employees that had been arrested.

Over the last two years, Leon has cooperated extensively and provided substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution of Metts.  Based on that cooperation, the Government agreed that a sentence of one year of probation and a fine of $180,000 – in addition to the five years of probation and 200 hours of community service imposed by the state court – was an appropriate resolution for Leon’s criminal charges.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Jim H. May are prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Jennifer Aldrich (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, South Carolina ----  United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that the United States Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina with the State of Florida, settled claims of health care fraud with HCA Holdings, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA – Hospital Corporation of America f/d/b/a Hospital Corporation of America and Parallon Business Solutions, LLC, West Florida Regional Medical Center, Inc. d/b/a West Florida Hospital; HCA Health Services of Florida, Inc. d/b/a Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; HCA Health Services of Florida, Inc. d/b/a Oak Hill Hospital; and New Port Richey Hospital, Inc. d/b/a Medical Center of Trinity (“HCA”). 

The United States and the State of Florida contended that HCA submitted laboratory claims for direct count low density lipids (LDL) when the tests were not ordered and/or not medically necessary at four hospitals in Florida: West Florida Hospital; Oak Hill Hospital; Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; and Community Hospital of New Port Richie (Trinity Hospital).  The United States and the State of Florida also contended that HCA submitted claims for fetal biophysical profiles with non-stress tests (CPT code 76818) and additionally submitted another claim for a standalone non-stress test (CPT code 59025) at Community Hospital of New Port Richie (Trinity Hospital) during the period from January 1, 2007 through September 26, 2014. 

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 an employee of HCA and was captioned United States, the District of Columbia, the States of Florida, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia ex rel. Kelly Oxendine v. HCA Holdings, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA-Hospital Corporation of America f/d/b/a Hospital Corporation of America, and Parallon Business Solutions, LLC.   The False Claims 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. 

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 relator will receive 20% of the funds of the settlement or $400,000 plus she is entitled to her costs and attorney fees.

Mr. Nettles said “This office has made a substantial commitment to combating fraud. Our commitment has made this district one of the leaders on behalf of the whistleblowers.  We hope that those who commit fraud will recognize that it is our goal to make the consequences more than just the cost of doing business.”

This case was investigated by agents from U.S. Health and Human Resources Office of the Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

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.

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Contact Person: Jennifer Aldrich (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, South Carolina ----  United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that the United States Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina with the State of Florida, settled claims of health care fraud with HCA Holdings, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA – Hospital Corporation of America f/d/b/a Hospital Corporation of America and Parallon Business Solutions, LLC, West Florida Regional Medical Center, Inc. d/b/a West Florida Hospital; HCA Health Services of Florida, Inc. d/b/a Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; HCA Health Services of Florida, Inc. d/b/a Oak Hill Hospital; and New Port Richey Hospital, Inc. d/b/a Medical Center of Trinity (“HCA”). 

The United States and the State of Florida contended that HCA submitted laboratory claims for direct count low density lipids (LDL) when the tests were not ordered and/or not medically necessary at four hospitals in Florida: West Florida Hospital; Oak Hill Hospital; Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; and Community Hospital of New Port Richie (Trinity Hospital).  The United States and the State of Florida also contended that HCA submitted claims for fetal biophysical profiles with non-stress tests (CPT code 76818) and additionally submitted another claim for a standalone non-stress test (CPT code 59025) at Community Hospital of New Port Richie (Trinity Hospital) during the period from January 1, 2007 through September 26, 2014. 

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 an employee of HCA and was captioned United States, the District of Columbia, the States of Florida, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia ex rel. Kelly Oxendine v. HCA Holdings, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA, Inc. f/d/b/a HCA-Hospital Corporation of America f/d/b/a Hospital Corporation of America, and Parallon Business Solutions, LLC.   The False Claims 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. 

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 relator will receive 20% of the funds of the settlement or $400,000 plus she is entitled to her costs and attorney fees.

          Mr. Nettles said “This office has made a substantial commitment to combating fraud. Our commitment has made this district one of the leaders on behalf of the whistleblowers.  We hope that those who commit fraud will recognize that it is our goal to make the consequences more than just the cost of doing business.”

          This case was investigated by agents from U.S. Health and Human Resources Office of the Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

          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.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Donald Christy, age 72, of Hilton Head, and Lisa Arnold, age 48, of Walterboro, were charged in a 6-count Information with Wire Fraud and Misprision of a Felony, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 4.  The maximum penalty that Christy and Arnold could receive is 20 years imprisonment.  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.

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Contact Person: William Witherspoon (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Harold Hall, Jr., age 34, of Richland County, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), 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 Hall to a total of 360 months (30 years) on all three counts. In addition, Hall must serve 3 years of supervised release following his incarceration.

Evidence presented at the trial established that on June 25, 2012, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department with the use of a confidential informant made a purchase of marijuana from the home where Hall lived. Following this purchase, the police obtained a search warrant for the home. During the execution of the warrant, the police found more than 10 pounds of marijuana, 3 firearms and over $1,000.00. The police also found documentation that tied Hall to the residence. Hall and a relative were arrested a short distance from the home. During the trial, Hall’s relative testified that all of the marijuana, firearms and cash belonged to him and that Hall had nothing to do with the marijuana and firearms. The jury found the testimony of the relative incredible and convicted Hall on all counts.   The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Richland County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon and Benjamin Garner of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.   #####

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

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

Robert Samuel Hollingsworth, age 37, was charged in a multi-count indictment.  The indictment alleges that Hollingsworth violated federal law on two dates.  First, it alleges that on November 15, 2014, Hollingsworth possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, hydrocodone, marijuana, diazepam, and carisoprodol.  Also on November 15, 2014, the indictment alleges that Hollingsworth possessed a firearm, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and did possess the firearm and ammunition associated with the firearm after having been convicted of a felony.

Second, the indictment alleges that on June 18, 2015, Hollingsworth possessed ammunition after having been convicted of a felony.

If convicted on the charges in the indictment, Hollingsworth faces up to 30 years imprisonment on the drug charge plus an additional 5 years to life imprisonment on the firearms charges.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Department of Public Safety, and the Greer Police Department investigated the case.  Andy Moorman with the U.S. Attorney?s Office will be prosecuting.

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: Eric Klumb (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles today announced that Huger resident John Nick, age 60, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for Money Laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1956 .  The sentence was imposed by United States District Court Judge Patrick Michael Duffy.  Nick owned and operated Nick’s Auto Sales located at 4154 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston.  From 2008 to 2010, Nick took payments of approximately $97,000 in cash from five individuals who were drug dealers or claimed to be drug dealers, all to purchase cars.  Nick then covered up the transaction by titling the cars in the name of a nominees or creating false liens to protect the cars from forfeiture for violations of drug laws.

The case was investigated by Special Agents with the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Eric Klumb prosecuted the case.

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Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Wade Andrew Albright, age 43, of Columbia, South Carolina pled guilty today in federal court. Albright plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e). Senior United States District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie accepted the plea and Senior United States District Court Judge Margaret B. Seymour will impose a 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 the early morning hours of November 29, 2013, officers with the Lexington County Narcotics Enforcement Team (“NET”) set up surveillance in order to arrest Albright on outstanding state warrants for distribution of narcotics. Officers observed Albright drive into the employee parking lot of the a local chicken processing plant in West Columbia, where he was employed at the time. As officers approached his truck, Albright got back into the truck and fled. Officers observed Albright drive across Highway 378/Sunset Boulevard and drive into a neighborhood. Shortly thereafter, officers observed Albright’s truck in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the area, the driver’s door was open and the truck was still running. Other officers then observed Albright along a wood line. After a brief chase, Albright was arrested. A search incident to arrest revealed numerous pill bottles containing individually bagged pills, cocaine, and marijuana both on Albright’s person and in a book bag he discarded while running. Officers also located a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver and additional rounds of ammunition on Albright. A check of the firearm revealed that it had previously been reported stolen in Richland County. Albright is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior state convictions in Fairfield, Richland, and Marlboro counties for burglary 2nd degree (3 separate convictions), strong arm robbery (3 separate convictions), and manslaughter.

Mr. Nettles stated that Albright faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge unless he is deemed an armed career criminal by the court based upon his extensive prior convictions and then he would face a mandatory minimum of 15 years imprisonment with a maximum of life.

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

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Contact Person: Bill Nettles (803) 929-3000

Columbia, SC-------United States Attorney Bill Nettles, in collaboration with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies announce the launch of initiative “Ceasefire Columbia!”  This initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence in the 29203 neighborhoods of North Columbia.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook stated, “Last year the Columbia Police Department received over 1400 calls of shots fired of which there were 118 confirmed victims shot.  A high and disproportionate number of these calls were located in the 29203 neighborhoods of North Columbia.  Therefore, our focused goal is to address individuals most prone to commit violent crimes or be victim to violent crime, all while improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

Operation “Ceasefire” was first introduced in Boston in the mid 90’s.  This strategy has proven successful in reducing gun violence, reducing arrests and imprisonment, and strengthening disadvantaged communities.  Similar focused deterrent strategies have proven successful around the state in cities such as Greenville, Aiken, North Charleston and Conway.

On Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 6:30 p.m., approximately 50 individuals who are currently on probation or parole will convene at the Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203, where they will face law enforcement representatives, as well as members of their own community, who will let them know that “enough is enough.”  The message will be clear:  If any of these individuals are caught with a firearm or ammunition, they will immediately be taken into custody and charged in federal and/or state court, where they will face substantial prison sentences.

In addition to law enforcement, service providers will be present to discuss services which will help make it less likely for the attendees to reoffend.  They will be offered assistance with issues they face, such as drug and alcohol dependency, housing issues, anger management, and employment.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Joel Estrada-Secundino, age 49, of Central, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B). United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Greenville accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in April 2015 agents investigating crimes against children downloaded two files from the Ares computer network that appeared to be child pornography. The files were being shared by the computer’s owner. The IP address was traced to Estrada-Secundino’s apartment in Central, South Carolina.

After further investigation, on August 19, 2015, a federal search warrant was executed at the apartment. Once inside the residence, law enforcement located Estrada-Secundino in an upstairs bedroom with a HP laptop computer in his possession. During a post-Miranda interview, Estrada-Secundino confirmed his laptop did contain pornography with children engaged in sexual activity. A forensic examination of the computer revealed multiple images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Estrada-Secundino can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, supervised release for life, plus a special assessment of $100.

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

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Contact Person: JD Rowell (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that a federal jury in Columbia South Carolina needed only 45 minutes on Friday, October 23, 2015, to convict Juan Fuentes-Morales and Ruben Ceja-Rangel on 8 charges related to the armed abduction of a St. Mathews man that occurred in July of 2014.  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 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, 2015, 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 and Fuentes-Morales were convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, hostage taking, brandishing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and lying to the FBI.  Ceja-Rangel was also convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The defendants face a statutory mandatory minimum 32 years on the firearms charges alone, and could face potential life sentences on the kidnapping and hostage taking charges. A sentencing hearing will be held after a presentencing report is prepared by the United States Probation Office.  Judge Michelle Childs of Columbia presided over the trial and will sentence the defendants.

Mr. Nettles stated that drug trafficking begets violent crime, and the conduct of the two convicted defendants exemplifies the violence associated with international drug trafficking organizations that are operating here in the United States. Mr. Nettles added that the FBI did extraordinary work in executing a difficult operational plan to ensure that lives were not lost as a result of the kidnapping that grew out of drug trafficking here in South Carolina.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Dave Thomas added, “The jury's verdict in this matter validates the work of the dedicated professionals who worked quickly and tirelessly to recover the victim, bring justice to the accused and ultimately make South Carolina a safer place.”

The case was initiated by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department and was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from Columbia Field Division and the Charlotte Field Division.    Assistant United States Attorneys JD Rowell and Kelly Wilson Hall of the Columbia are prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Jeffrey Scott Green, age 53, and Lisa Flaugher-Green, age 52, both of Easley, were sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, for a conspiracy to defraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.  Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville sentenced Jeffrey Scott Green to 30 months in prison and Lisa Flaugher-Green to 27 months in prison.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that this was an Electronic Funds Transfer (“EFT”) debt elimination case.  Various branches of the Sovereign Citizen movement, which denies the jurisdiction and authority of the federal government, teach that they can discharge debts by presenting a check written off a closed account.  The debtor writes on the check “EFT only for discharge of debt.”  On the back he writes “authorized representative without recourse.”  Sovereign-Citizen groups falsely teach that if the creditor accepts the instrument then the debt is discharged even though no money ever changes hands.  The Defendants were part of a group that endorsed the use of EFT instruments.

It was a part of the scheme and artifice to defraud that Jeffrey Scott Green and Lisa Flaugher-Green wrote checks on closed accounts and noted on the checks “EFT only for discharge of debt.”   They then would mail these bogus “EFT instruments” and accompanying documents to creditors in an effort to trick the creditors into issuing documents noting that the debt was paid in full.   Once the creditor discovered the scam, Defendants would refuse further payment on the grounds of a discharge procured by “EFT instruments.” Agents estimate that the Defendants attempted to eliminate over half a million dollars in debt using the scheme.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, 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: Brad Parham (843) 665-6688

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Lauren E. Blackwell, age 29, of Bishopville, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence, to identity theft, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(a)(7).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that while working as a nursing assistant at a health care facility, Blackwell gained access to personal identifying information, including dates of birth and social security numbers, of co-workers and patients at the hospital. She then used this information to apply for unauthorized credit card accounts associated with the stolen identities.  Additionally, while a student, she was able to obtain similar personal identifying information of other students which she used to open other credit card accounts. She was successful in opening 15 such unauthorized accounts, several of which she used to charge thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for identity theft is imprisonment for 15 years and/or a fine of $250,000.

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

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Contact Person: Brad Parham (843) 665-6688

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Paul David Arrington, age 46, of Lowell, North Carolina and Amy Lynette Arrington, age 44, of Lowell, North Carolina each pled guilty in federal court in Florence, to conspiracy to communicate a false distress message, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Florence accepted the guilty plea today of Paul Arrington and will impose his sentence after she has reviewed the presentence reports which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.  Judge Hendricks accepted Amy Arrington’s guilty plea on June 17, 2015, and on October 20, 2015 imposed a sentence of 30 months imprisonment and ordered restitution in the amount of $47,597.80.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearings established that Paul and Amy Arrington conspired to fake the disappearance of Amy in order for her to avoid having to face charges pending against her in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  On July 5, 2014, the couple drove from Gastonia, North Carolina to North Myrtle Beach where Amy went into the water for a short period of time, then, as planned, left the beach and made her way to Florida.  Paul then falsely reported to a life guard on the beach that Amy was missing.  As a result of the false report, multiple agencies, including the United States Coast Guard, responded in a futile search for Amy.  Law enforcement agencies eventually detected the fraud and Amy turned herself in to authorities in North Carolina.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for conspiracy to communicate a false distress message is imprisonment for 5 years and/or a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Horry County Fire/Rescue.  Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles and Special Agent in Charge David A. Thomas of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Dan Salter of the Drug Enforcement Administration stated that 19 individuals have been recently indicted and arrested for conspiring to distribute cocaine across Aiken, Lexington, Saluda, Sumter, Richland, and Lee Counties in violation of Section 846 of Title 21, United States Code. Those recently indicted and arrested as part of this coordinated local, state and federal investigation were Juan Pablo Contreras, a/k/a “Juan David Montoya” (Sumter); Eduardo Esaid Contreras-Reyes (Sumter); Marco Antonio Castro, a/k/a “Chino” (West Columbia); Javier Toscano-Serrano (West Columbia); Andre LeWayne Brooks (Sumter); Jimmy Tony McDowell, a/k/a “Jimmy Fingers” (Sumter); Jermaine Terrell Hilton, a/k/a “Fifty” (Sumter); Michael Antonio Floyd, a/k/a “Tony,” “Tone,” and “Fat Tony” (Sumter); Rayshon Jamaal Foster, a/k/a “Shan” and “Terry Brown” (Sumter); Donald Antwon Dingle, a/k/a “Red” and “Flash” (Sumter); Corey Emanuel White, a/k/a “Chopper,” “Choppa,” and “El Chop” (Sumter); Damonion Mckinzie Bing (Aiken); Alvaro Valencia-Gonzalez, a/k/a “Shorty” (Aiken); Alejandro Quinones Leyva, a/k/a “Guero” (North Carolina); Travis Jermaine Pough (Aiken); Andre Maurice Hightower (Lexington); Antonio Terrill Sweat, a/k/a “Tony” (Aiken); Harold Matthew McFadden (Sumter); and Bryant Christopher Ford (Atlanta, Georgia).

The arrest warrants were served along with the execution of seventeen search warrants in the midlands of South Carolina. During the arrests and search warrants as part of this coordinated effort, law enforcement seized approximately ten kilograms of cocaine, more than three-quarters of a million dollars in cash, numerous vehicles, a bulletproof vest, ammunition, and more than forty firearms (including eleven assault rifles) used as part of this drug trafficking network.

These arrests follow months of intense investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement partners that began with concerns raised by local law enforcement in Aiken, Lexington, Saluda, Sumter, Richland, and Lee Counties about violence, gangs, and substantial drug trafficking. As a result, federal agencies joined with our state and local counterparts to target both the street gangs and the sources of this cocaine supply. That investigation resulted in the identification of 22 individuals responsible for importing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Atlanta into South Carolina and then distributing across the Midlands. Assisting in the investigation and today?s operation included the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, US Postal Inspectors, SLED, SC DPPPS, Sumter Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, Aiken Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Police Department, Lee County Sherriff’s Office, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

United States Attorney Bill Nettles explained: “If we are going to effectively fight violent crime and gangs, we must seek to curtail illegal drugs, the fuel that powers these gangs. In order to do this, the law enforcement community must stand together and present a unified front, seamlessly sharing information and each department undertaking the tasks that they are best prepared to address. This case is a sterling example of that type of teamwork.”

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J.D. Rowell and Kelly Hall. The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- United States Attorney Bill Nettles, Special Agent in Charge David A. Thomas of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Dan Salters of the Drug Enforcement Administration will hold a press conference Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at the United States Attorney’s Office to announce the coordinated indictment and arrest of multiple drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Aiken, Lexington, Saluda, Sumter, Lee, Orangeburg, Chester, and Richland Counties.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 TIME: 2:00 p.m. WHERE:

United States Attorney's Office
1441 Main Street, Suite 500
Columbia, SC

NOTE: All media must present government-issued photo id (such as driver’s license).  Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Beth Drake, 803-929-3061.  All media should be in place 20 minutes prior to start. Please be aware that the U.S. Attorney’s Office does not have the ability to validate parking.  Paid parking is available in the lot behind the Wells Fargo Building located at 1441 Main Street.

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Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that  Larkin Thaddeus Viers, age 37, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina sentenced today in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for money laundering, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957.  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Florence sentenced Viers to 37 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release and payment of $875,000.00 in restitution.

Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that Marlon Weaver was the president and owner of Weaver Company, Inc., a construction company which was located in Conway, SC.  In 2008, the company was awarded a contract with the South Carolina Department of Transportation [SCDOT], to perform paving and asphalt operations on a road construction project on Interstate 95.  Weaver Co. was required to supply a performance and payment bond and general indemnity agreement in order to work on the project.  SafeCo Insurance Company of America sold, wrote and acted as a surety on the bond.  SafeCo required that Marlon Weaver agree to reimburse them if SafeCo suffered any losses as a result of issuing bonds to the company. Weaver provided a financial statement reflecting assets that SafeCo would be entitled to if Weaver Co. caused losses to SafeCo.  Reflected on this financial statement were Weaver’s investment in a company, Gold & Silver, LLC, and his one-fifth interest in Bucks Port Marina held by Weaver Five, LLC.

On November 20, 2009, the contractor for the SCDOT informed Weaver and SafeCo that it declared Weaver Co. in default of the contract under the bond resulting in SafeCo being required to pay approximately $6,000,000.00 to SCDOT.  Weaver back-dated documents to make it appear that he had transferred his interest in the Gold and Silver, LLC and Bucks Port Marina to his daughters on September 1, 2009, prior to defaulting on the project.  In fact, Weaver retained control of the assets at all times.  Weaver mailed these back-dated, fraudulent documents to SafeCo’s attorney, who was representing the insurance company in a civil suit against Marlon Weaver and others.  These documents were received by SafeCo on or about December 18, 2009.

Gold & Silver, LLC, was an investment business owned and operated by Archie Evans, which invested in the futures market.  To make it appear that Weaver had transferred his investment in Gold & Silver to his daughter prior to SafeCo incurring losses, Evans agreed to back-date documents to reflect that Weaver’s investment was transferred to the daughter on September 1, 2009. These documents were also mailed to SafeCo’s attorney on April 26, 2010.

Weaver hired Thad Viers to represent him in the civil case filed against him by SafeCo.  Weaver informed Viers that he was trying to hide his assets from SafeCo.  On December 1, 2009, Weaver and Viers entered into a written legal fee/service contract which reflects a nonrefundable retainer fee of $500,000.  Weaver gave Viers $500,000 in the form of two cashier’s checks, one in the amount of $490,000 and the other in the amount of $10,000.  Only the $10,000 check was payment for the retainer fee.  The $490,000 was money that Weaver was attempting to conceal from SafeCo.  The source of the $500,000 was funds that Weaver had pulled out of Weaver Company to prevent SafeCo from getting it.  Viers deposited the $490,000 cashier’s check into his operating account at Anderson Brothers Bank on December 4, 2009, then immediately wrote a check to Archie Evans Ministries for $400,000.  The $400,000 was additional money that Weaver was secretly investing with Evans’ company, Gold & Silver.  The difference of $90,000, Viers was to deposit into his campaign account.  After earning approximately $30,000 in legal fees, Viers returned the remainder of the funds to Weaver.

On January 21, 2010, BEJ, LLC, was created by Viers to conceal the proceeds from the sale of Weaver’s interest in the marina he had previously pledged as collateral to SafeCo.  The marina was sold in February 2010 and Weaver received approximately $501,000.  Weaver laundered these funds through several bank accounts to include a First Citizens bank account set up in the name BEJ, LLC.  Between May 18, 2010 and July 22, 2010, Weaver withdrew $400,000 from the BEJ, LLC. account of which approximately $375,000 was converted to cashier’s checks and cashed.  This cash was given to Archie Evans in increments which Evans structured into his bank accounts in increments of less than $10,000.00, to avoid bank filings.

In January 2011, Viers set up a trust account at the First Citizens Bank, at Weaver’s request, and agreed to have funds wired or deposited into the account by Evans.  Once the funds were credited to the account, Viers contacted the bank to authorize withdrawal of the funds by Weaver.  Each withdrawal authorized by Viers was for $10,000 or more.  Weaver withdrew the funds purchasing numerous cashier’s checks just under the $10,001 bank reporting requirement, ranging from $7,500 to $9,500.  Weaver would then cash these cashier’s checks at various branches and give the currency back to Archie Evans, in increments of $25,000 to $50,000, so that Evans could structure deposits into his bank accounts. This cycle of banking activity was repeated numerous times.  Between 1/21/2011 and 10/3/2011, $692,000 was credited to Vier’s First Citizen’s Trust account on behalf of Weaver which was sourced by Evans’ bank account.  Of the amount credited, 375,000 was proceeds from the sale of the marina.

During the course of this conspiracy, Viers either knew the funds involved were proceeds of some criminal activity, or he was aware of a high probability the funds were the proceeds of some criminal activity and he deliberately avoided learning of the activity, i.e. he deliberately made himself blind to that fact. The funds involved were proceeds of criminal activity as Weaver committed mail fraud when he mailed SafeCo’s attorney back-dated documents concerning the sale of the marina and his investments with Gold & Silver.

Evans previously pled guilty for his involvement in the Ponzi scheme related to this case and was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. Weaver pled guilty to conspiracy to launder money and was sentenced to 1 year imprisonment.

The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Secret Service.  Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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