District of South Carolina

Contact Person: Winston Holliday (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that former Covan World Wide Moving, Inc., manager Ronald James Niemi, Jr., age 45, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, has been convicted of Mail Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341, after a five-day trial in Columbia that concluded Monday.  Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia presided over the trial and will sentence Niemi at a later date.

Evidence presented at the trial established that Ronald James Niemi was the manager of Covan’s Augusta facility from 2009 through 2011.  Covan packs and moves soldiers when they are transferred from one base to another.  Covan is paid according to the weight of the household goods moved.  Niemi falsified certificates indicating the net weight of the household goods was higher than it actually was, causing the United States to pay more to move soldiers than it should have.  At trial, the Government demonstrated forty instances when this took place.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for Mail Fraud is imprisonment for 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Army Criminal Investigation Command and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  Assistant United States Attorneys Winston Holliday and Ben Garner of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

COLUMBIA, SC----United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced that on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, members of the United States Attorney’s Office and their local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will meet with students from across South Carolina, as part of South Carolina’s 14th annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence.

With a focus on keeping their schools and communities safe, students in middle school and high school will sign a voluntary pledge promising that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes.  Elementary school children will make a simpler commitment, pledging that if they see a gun they will not touch it, they will assume that any gun they see might be loaded, and they will tell a teacher or a trusted adult.

The effort is part of South Carolina’s Project CeaseFire, which is South Carolina’s implementation of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which is aimed at reducing gun violence.  The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national program that recognizes the role that young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence.  This campaign against youth gun violence culminates each October in a “Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence.” The program provides a means for beginning the conversation with young people about gun violence.  Students from around the country will join together in pledging to do their part to end gun violence.  Over the years, millions of students nationwide have signed the pledge.

Mr. Nettles said that, just as in years past, the response to the pledge campaign has been outstanding, with approximately 27, 832 students from 60 schools across the state agreeing to take part.   "Our office is pleased to take this opportunity to reach out to South Carolina students with an effort to engage students, teachers, and administrators to facilitate a dialogue with students about gun violence and the importance of making good decisions," stated Mr. Nettles.

The U.S. Attorney's Office worked with schools, student resource officers, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state to make the pledges available, providing the pledges to participating schools as well as scheduling presentations for some 28 of the schools that requested speakers.  Below is a list of South Carolina schools that are participating in this year's pledge.  For information on any events scheduled for a particular school, please contact the school. For additional information concerning the pledge, visit the national Student Pledge website at www.pledge.org

 

Participating Schools:

Airport High School                                                                   James Island High School

West Columbia, SC                                                                   Charleston, SC

Arden Elementary School                                                          Joseph Keels Elementary School

          Columbia, SC                                                                            Columbia, SC

Augusta Circle Elementary School                                             La France Elementary School

          Greenville, SC                                                                           Pendleton, SC

Allendale-Fairfax Middle School                                                Lakeview Middle School

          Fairfax, SC                                                                               Greenville, SC

Allendale-Fairfax High School                                                   Lamar Elementary School

          Fairfax, SC                                                                               Darlington, SC

Baptist Hills Middle High School                                                Lamar High School

          Charleston, SC                                                                         Darlington, SC

Barnwell 45 Elementary School                                                 Lincoln Middle-High School

          Barnwell, SC                                                                             McClellanville, SC

Bridge Creek Elementary School                                               Luther Vaughn Elementary School

          Elgin, SC                                                                                  Gaffney, SC

Brockington Elementary School                                                 Macedonia Middle School

          Darlington, SC                                                                          Moncks Corner, SC

Brookdale Elementary School                                                    Malcolm C. Hursey Elementary School

          Orangeburg, SC                                                                        North Charleston, SC

Carolina School for Inquiry                                                       Manning Elementary School

          Columbia, SC                                                                            Manning, SC

Carvers Bay Middle School                                                        Mary Bramlett Elementary School

          Hemingway, SC                                                                        Gaffney, SC

Central Elementary School                                                        Mayewood Middle School

          Central, SC                                                                               Sumter, SC

Clay Hill Elementary School                                                       Myrtle Beach High School

          Ridgeville, SC                                                                           Myrtle Beach, SC

Croswell Drive Elementary School                                             Mitchell Math and Science Elementary School

          Sumter, SC                                                                               Charleston, SC

Dent Middle School                                                                   Mullins High School

          Columbia, SC                                                                            Mullins, SC

Douglas Elementary School                                                      Northwest Elementary School

          Trenton, SC                                                                              Gaffney, SC

East Elementary School                                                            Northwest Middle School

          Dillon, SC                                                                                 Travelers Rest, SC

Fairfax Elementary School                                                        Ocean Drive Elementary School

          Fairfax, SC                                                                               North Myrtle Beach, SC

Forestbrook Middle School                                                        Orange Grove Elementary Charter School

          Myrtle Beach, SC                                                                      Charleston,SC

Goucher Elementary School                                                      Orange Grove Middle Charter School

          Gaffney, SC                                                                              Charleston, SC

Greenville Tech Charter High School                                         Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School

          Greenville, SC                                                                           Orangeburg, SC

Hampton Elementary School                                                     Petersburg Primary School

          Hampton, SC                                                                            Pageland, SC

Hand Middle School                                                                  Pine Grove Elementary School

          Columbia, SC                                                                            Columbia, SC

Hemingway M.B. Lee Middle School                                        Powdersville Middle School

          Hemingway, SC                                                                        Powdersville, SC

High Hills Elementary School                                                   Rollings Middle School

          Shaw AFB, SC                                                                           Summerville, SC

Holly Hill Elementary School                                                      South Elementary School

          Holly Hill, SC                                                                             Dillon, SC

Hopkins Middle School                                                              Spaulding Middle School

          Columbia, SC                                                                            Dillon, SC

Horrell Hill Elementary School                                                   Summerville Elementary School

          Hopkins, SC                                                                              Summerville, SC

J. K. Gourdin Elementary School                                               Travelers Rest High School

          Pineville, SC                                                                             Travelers Rest, SC

 

#####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

COLUMBIA, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles, announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina is proud to join the Aiken Department of Public Safety and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) as a host for the P.A.C.E. (Police and Community Engagement) Conference in Aiken on November 5-6, 2015.  The goal of this conference, which includes a plenary session with both law enforcement and members of the community, is to provide both the community and law enforcement with an understanding of their roles in 21st Century policing.

Topics will include verbal communications skills to help de-escalate volatile situations, strengthening community partnerships, the power of partnerships, and successful joint efforts between the community and law enforcement to keep communities in South Carolina safe, to include the Aiken Safe Communities program. 

Launched in early 2013, the Aiken Safe Communities Initiative is a unified, proactive community approach to engage, educate, and encourage recurring offenders to change their behavior and make healthy life choices.  The initiative also bands together local, state, and federal law enforcement to expedite the investigation and prosecution of individuals who reoffend in lieu of accepting opportunities and assistance offered by the community during public notification meetings held at Aiken City Hall several times a year.

From 2012-2013, the City of Aiken experienced an 86% reduction in murders.  Earlier this year, the South Carolina Community Development Association presented the City of Aiken with its 2014 Award of Excellence, recognizing community development efforts that have significantly improved the quality of life in the community.

All participants must register on-line with SCLEOA at www.scleoa.org/lecc.  

P.A.C.E. Training announcement attached below:

#####

Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Stedman J. Bates, age 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 135 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Bates.

The evidence at the change of plea hearing established that Bates owned and operated marijuana grow houses in California. He arranged for large quantities of marijuana to be transported to Georgia for redistribution in South Carolina. In addition, Bates also sold kilogram quantities of powder cocaine and used a stash house in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. Bates used various drug couriers to bring his product from Atlanta to Fountain Inn. Once the couriers had delivered the drugs, they would return to Georgia and turn over the money for the drugs to Bates. Law enforcement estimates that Bates arranged for upwards of 50 kilograms of cocaine to be sold in South Carolina.

The case was investigated by agents the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

#####

Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Chernoh A. Jalloh, age 28, and Abraham B. Freeman, age 30, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to a conspiracy to defraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Greenville accepted the pleas and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

During the search of the vehicle, officers located more than 90 credit and debit/gift cards secreted in various locations throughout the vehicle.  Of these cards, at least twenty-three (23) were embossed with Jalloh’s name.  Eight (8) of the cards were located in a wallet which was in the vehicle seat which Freeman had occupied.  Of these eight (8) cards, five (5) were embossed with Freeman’s name.

In the vehicle, officers also discovered a laptop computer and a device capable of encoding the magnetic stripe data on credit, debit, and similar magnetic-striped cards.

All of the twenty-three (23) cards embossed with Jalloh’s name were found to be encoded with magnetic stripe data that did not match the number embossed on the cards.  All of the eight (8) cards found in Freeman’s wallet, including the five (5) cards embossed with Freeman’s name, were also found to be encoded with magnetic stripe data that did not match the number embossed on the cards.  Law enforcement estimates that over $40,000 in fraudulent transactions are connected to the counterfeit and altered cards found in the vehicle.

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

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

#####

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:

Georgia Resident Indicted for Possession of Counterfeit Access Devices
Daniel Sampah Aryertey, age 25, of Union City, Georgia, was charged in a 1-count indictment with possession of at least fifteen counterfeit access devices, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3).  The maximum penalty Aryertey could receive is ten years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.  The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Two New York Men Indicted for Counterfeit Access Device Conspiracy
Jamal J. Wint, age 26, of Rosedale, New York, and Stephen S. Wint, age 25, of Far Rockaway, New York, were charged in a 1-count indictment with conspiracy to possess fifteen or more counterfeit access devices, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).  The maximum penalty the defendants could receive is five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents 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.

####

Contact Person: Bill Day (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Roberto Luis Molinary, Jr, age 49, of Columbia, South Carolina has been indicted by the Grand Jury, in Columbia, with a three-count indictment for inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct, receiving and possessing child pornography in violation of 18  U.S.C. § 2251, 2252A and 2256.  Mr. Nettles stated the penalty for sexual exploitation of children is imprisonment of not less than 15 to 30 years. The penalty for receiving child pornography is imprisonment of 5 to 20 years. The maximum penalty for possession of child pornography is 20 years.   The case was investigated by the University of South Carolina Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

#####

Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Robert  S. Leben,  of Columbia, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the defendant concocted a scheme that defrauded 11 investors of over three million dollars.  The defendant’s scheme promised high rates of returns (8-16 percent) based on a combination of AAA rated U.S. Treasury debt obligations and the commodities markets.  Despite these assurances, the defendant stole the money, converted the funds to cash, purchased and furnished a $500,000 house, installed an elaborate backyard pool and landscape costing about $180,000, gave over $100,000 to his sons, went on numerous ski vacations around the country, paid for surgical procedures for his wife, all while also paying for his daily expenses.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud is imprisonment for 5 years and/or a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI.  Assistant United States Attorneys Winston Holliday and Jim May of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.

#####

Contact Person: Chuvalo Truesdell (404) 893-7124                                      

COLUMBIA, SC. – South Carolinians participating in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) tenth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Initiative (NTBI) held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, turned in 5,320 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. This amount  exceeded the previous statewide total during the last event, which yielded 4,776 pounds.

“Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “DEA’s tenth Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign was a huge success both locally and nationally. While South Carolinians turned in 5,320 pounds of unwanted or expired medications, nationally, more than 720,365 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription medications were collected in more than 5,000 sites that were available across the United States. The local amount collected was the third highest total collected out of the ten previous Take-Back events. I would like to thank the multitude of partners (both law enforcement and non-law enforcement) who worked tirelessly to make this event another great success.”

The NTBI addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.5 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs.  That same study showed that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  The DEA’s NTBI events are also a significant piece of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s prescription drug abuse prevention strategy.

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

#####

Contact Person: William Witherspoon (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Mitchell Narada Kelly, a/k/a “Duncey,” age 36, of Lancaster County, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that members of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics’ Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigations developed a cooperating witness that made controlled purchases of cocaine from Kelly on April 9, 2015, June 3, 2015 and June 24, 2015. The cooperating witness was followed by the police to and from Kelly’s home where they purchased cocaine directly from him. The cocaine purchased in each controlled purchase weighed between one and three ounces. During the guilty plea hearing, Kelly admitted to having five (5) prior felony drug convictions before these purchases.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for this charge is imprisonment for 30 years and/or a fine of $2,000,000 plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office Narcotics’ Unit. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon of the Columbia is prosecuting the case.

#####

Contact Person: Chuvalo Truesdell (404) 893-7124

Event will take place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, September 26.

Columbia, SC - The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) South Carolina District Office is partnering with national, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, as well as community coalition groups, to hold its 10th state-wide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.  This one-day event will make it convenient for the public to rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs. At the event, South Carolinians will be able to drop off their expired, unused, and unwanted pills at sites across the state free of charge, no questions asked.  By doing so, they will help prevent prescription drug abuse and theft. South Carolinians participating in DEA’s last take-back, held on September 27, 2014, yielded 4,776 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. Collection can be found by going to www.dea.gov  or calling 800-882-9539.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses vital public safety and health issues. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medications, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – posing safety and environmental hazards.

Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “DEA is committed to making our communities safer by raising public awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. The Prescription Drug Take-Back program will allow Americans to properly and safely dispose of their prescription medication which could otherwise be abused for non-medical purposes. This event is free and anonymous. Simply turn in your unused, unwanted, unneeded medication, no questions asked. This is just one of example of how DEA is working hand-in-hand with its law enforcement and community partners in an effort to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse.” 

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

#####

Contact Person: John Douglas (843) 727-4381

Columbia, SC– United States Attorney Bill Nettles today announced an agreement with Cook Out – Conway, Inc., which operates a Cook Out restaurant in Conway, South Carolina.  The agreement resolves allegations that the restaurant violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by refusing service to an individual on the basis of his disability. The Settlement Agreement concludes an investigation which began in August of 2014, when a complaint was filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The complaint alleged that a man attempted to obtain service at the Cook Out, but was refused because he was accompanied by his service animal.

Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Cook Out – Conway, Inc. agreed not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability and to provide service to all persons with disabilities, including those accompanied by a service animal. Cook Out – Conway, Inc. also agreed to adopt an ADA compliant service animal policy.

The Settlement Agreement is part of a broader effort by the Department of Justice to enforce the ADA and to educate the public about the ADA’s requirements. “This settlement exemplifies the U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to protecting the civil rights of all citizens of South Carolina, including those with disabilities,” United States Attorney Nettles said.

The ADA prohibits public and private entities from discriminating against persons with disabilities. Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed, including restaurants, movie theaters, stores, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and fairs.

The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities to comply with the ADA, including guidance on service animals.  Those publications can be found online at www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm.  For more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, go to www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). ADA complaints may be filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or online at www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm.

This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John Douglas.

** The restaurant name was misidentified in the previous press release that was issued on 23 September 2015.  It should have read “Cook Out.”

#####

Contact Person: Dean Secor (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Steven Baker, age 35, of Holly Hill, and Ray Roberson, age 68, of Cottageville, have been sentenced in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Wildlife Trafficking (Lacey Act violations) under 16 U.S.C. ?? 3372(a)(2)(A) and 3373(d)(2).

Baker was sentenced on September 22, 2015 by United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston to Probation for 3 years for the Wildlife Trafficking offense. He was also sentenced for Possession of Weapons and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and received a sentence of Probation for 3 years to run concurrently with the Wildlife Trafficking offense.

Roberson was sentenced on August 13, 2015, 2015 by United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston to Time Served for Wildlife Trafficking.

The southeastern United States is recognized as a “Turtle Priority Area” for conservation due to its rich turtle biodiversity. However, the turtle population of the region is susceptible to decline due to commercial over-exploitation of turtles for consumption, high nest mortality, and delayed maturity. The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata) are classified in the Emydidae family. The Spotted Turtle, in particular, has suffered from these effects so much so that it was recently listed for protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Spotted Turtle was accepted for listing under Appendix II of CITES, meaning that it is recognized as a species not necessarily in immediate threat of extinction, but which may become so unless trade of the species is subject to strict regulation in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.

South Carolina state law makes it unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, import, export, process, sell, offer for sale, ship or receive for shipment any Spotted Turtle without a state permit.

Section 3372(a)(2)(A) of The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. § 3371, et seq.) makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wildlife taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any law or regulation of any State or in violation of any foreign law. Section 3373(d)(2) specifies the criminal penalty for any person who knowingly engages in conduct prohibited in Section 3372(a)(2)(A) and in the exercise of due care should know the wildlife was taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of law.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services agents received information that Baker was engaged in the unlawful sale and possession of turtles. Agents established that Baker d/b/a Southeastern Reptile Locators operated his business from his home in Holly Hill, South Carolina. The agents also determined that Baker did not hold a permit to possess Spotted Turtles. The agents then conducted an undercover investigation of Baker for unlawfully possessing and selling turtles.

On August 18, 2012, Baker drove to the Daytona Beach (Florida) Reptile Breeders Exposition and sold an undercover agent seventeen (17) spotted turtles for $1,200. The amount paid represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.

On May 21, 2013, Baker sent a UPS shipment to the same undercover agent in Orlando, Florida, which contained eighteen (18) spotted turtles and some other species of turtles. The undercover agent paid Baker $1,710 for the shipment via PayPal. The amount paid represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.

On August 1, 2013, a search warrant was executed at Baker’s home. In addition to turtle-related evidence, wildlife agents found firearms and ammunition in Baker’s home. Baker was a convicted felon and was not allowed to possess those items. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents subsequently determined that the weapons and ammunition were manufactured outside of South Carolina and therefore had traveled in interstate commerce.

In Roberson’s case, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services agents received information that Roberson was engaged in the unlawful sale and possession of turtles. The agents determined that Roberson d/b/a Apostle Reptiles was issued a permit on May 15, 2008 to possess up to nine (9) wild-caught Spotted Turtles for personal use as pets or for research and/or educational purposes. Roberson's permit expired on May 15, 2013. The agents then conducted an undercover investigation of Roberson for unlawfully possessing and selling turtles.

On July 14, 2012, an undercover agent contacted Roberson at his sales table in the Columbia, South Carolina Repticon Reptile Exposition. Roberson told the undercover agent that he was in possession of 119 Spotted Turtles for sale.

On March 21, 2013, Roberson shipped 24 Spotted Turtles to the undercover agent in Orlando, Florida. The agent paid $2,400 for the Spotted Turtles. The amount represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.

On July 1, 2013, Roberson shipped 23 Spotted Turtles to the undercover agent in Orlando, Florida. The agent paid $2,520.00 for the 23 Spotted Turtles. The amount paid represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.

The cases against Baker and Roberson were investigated by agents of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted in the investigation of Baker. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office prosecuted the cases.   ####

Contact Person: Chuvalo Truesdell (404) 893-7124

Event will take place from 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, September 26

COLUMBIA, SC. - The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) South Carolina District Office is partnering with national, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, as well as community coalition groups, to hold its 10thstate-wide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. This one-day event will make it convenient for the public to rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs. At the event, South Carolinians will be able to drop off their expired, unused, and unwanted pills at sites across the state free of charge, no questions asked. By doing so, they will help prevent prescription drug abuse and theft. South Carolinians participating in DEA’s last take-back, held on September 27, 2014, yielded 4,776 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. Collection can be found by going to www.dea.gov or calling 800-882-9539. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses vital public safety and health issues. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medications, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – posing safety and environmental hazards. Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “DEA is committed to making our communities safer by raising public awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. The Prescription Drug Take-Back program will allow Americans to properly and safely dispose of their prescription medication which could otherwise be abused for non-medical purposes. This event is free and anonymous. Simply turn in your unused, unwanted, unneeded medication, no questions asked. This is just one of example of how DEA is working hand-in-hand with its law enforcement and community partners in an effort to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse.”   The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justhinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.comand www.dea.gov.   #####

Contact Person: Winston Holliday (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that ERIC ANTHONY ROME, age 26, formerly of Mauldin, South Carolina, currently incarcerated at the Kirkland Correctional Institution in Columbia, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Making Threats Against the President of the United States, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 871. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia sentenced Rome to 41 months of incarceration.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on May 16, 2014, Eric Anthony Rome left a message with the Inspector General of the South Carolina Department of Corrections stating that he planned to kill President Obama upon his release from prison on August 22, 2015.   When interviewed by Agents, Rome admitted to calling the Inspector General’s office and leaving the voicemail. He claimed he had been a member of the Aryan nation since he was seventeen-years-old and that he would obtain money from them. He also claimed he was offered money previously by the Aryan Nation to assassinate President Obama. Further, Rome claimed his plan is to use the money from the Aryan nation to purchase a rifle and for traveling to Washington, D.C., and “lay and wait” for an accurate shot. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Winston Holliday of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.   #####

Contact Person: Dean Secor (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that Horace Leon Crosby, Jr., age 43, of Johns Island, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Accessing with Intent to View Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(5)(B) and 2252A(b)(2). United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston sentenced Crosby to 120 months and Lifetime Supervised Release.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Charleston, South Carolina initiated an investigation into a Peer to Peer (P2P) internet software user utilizing an internet protocol (IP) address located in Johns Island.   In April 2013, undercover ICE-HSI agents were able to determine that the P2P user’s shared folder had listed multiple files with titles indicative of child pornography. Further investigation revealed that Crosby was the internet subscriber and P2P user for the IP address.On June 20, 2013, ICE-HSI agents and the Charleston County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Crosby’s residence and his computer was seized. During the execution of the search warrant, Crosby was interviewed and convicted in state court in South Carolina in 1990 and 1996 for Committing Lewd Acts on Minors. Those prior convictions increased the penalties faced by Crosby in this child pornography case.   The case was investigated by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) with the assistance of the Charleston 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.   #####

Contact Person: Bill Watkins 864-282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Denis B.L. Kearney, age 32, of Mauldin, South Carolina, was sentenced to 77 months for conspiracy to steal mail, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and for making a false statement to purchase a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6).  United States District J. Michelle Childs of Greenville sentenced Kearney to 77 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  

The evidence at the change of plea hearing established that Kearney was part of a conspiracy to steal mail, make fraudulent identification documents, create counterfeit checks, and create fraudulent prescriptions.  On January 25, 2014, law enforcement recovered fraudulent prescriptions, multiple false identification documents, and genuine means of identification, from a vehicle driven by Kearney and his associates.  The materials seized were used by Kearney to aid in the commission of fraud.

Further investigation revealed that four days prior to the search of the automobile, Kearney used a false identification document when purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer in Anderson, South Carolina.  Multiple prior felony convictions barred Kearney from owning or possessing any firearm. 

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

#####

Contact: Public Affairs (202) 514-2007

WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s commitment to building trust and transparency between law enforcement and the communities they serve, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today announced that the Justice Department has awarded grants totaling more than $23.2 million to 73 local and tribal agencies in 32 states to expand the use of body-worn cameras and explore their impact.  The body-worn camera pilot program announced in May 2015 includes $19.3 million to purchase body-worn cameras, $2 million for training and technical assistance and $1.9 million to examine the impact of their use.  The grants, awarded by the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), build on President Obama’s proposal to purchase 50,000 body-worn cameras for law enforcement agencies within three years. 

“This vital pilot program is designed to assist local jurisdictions that are interested in exploring and expanding the use of body-worn cameras in order to enhance transparency, accountability and credibility,” said Attorney General Lynch.  “The impact of body-worn cameras touches on a range of outcomes that build upon efforts to mend the fabric of trust, respect and common purpose that all communities need to thrive.”

The grants, which require a 50/50 in-kind or cash match, can be used to purchase equipment and require that applicants establish a strong implementation plan and a robust training policy before purchasing cameras.  Each agency awarded a grant is responsible for developing a plan for long-term storage, including the cost of storing data.

In addition to funds to help purchase body-worn cameras and train officers in their use, grants under the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA’s) Smart Policing Initiative will support police departments in Miami, Milwaukee and Phoenix as they examine the impact of body-worn cameras on citizen complaints, internal investigations, privacy, community relationships and cost effectiveness.  Each of these three departments will partner with a research institution to gain insight on the merits of deploying body-worn camera programs.

Lynch announced the award today during a White House Champions of Change event co-hosted by OJP and the Community Oriented Policing Services Office (COPS Office).  The event honored law enforcement officers and young people who are leading efforts to improve relationships between law enforcement and youth in their communities.

BJA has launched a comprehensive online toolkit that consolidates research, promising practices, model policies and other tools that address issues surrounding body-worn cameras, including implementation requirements; image retention; concerns of policy makers, prosecutors, victim and privacy advocates; and community engagement and funding considerations.  The toolkit is available at https://www.bja.gov/bwc/.

OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics is collecting data on body-worn camera usage through surveys of law enforcement agencies.  It is also designing data collection forms for future surveys of prosecutors and public defenders to measure how body-worn camera footage is being used by the courts in criminal cases.

For additional information about the BWC Pilot Implementation Program, visit

 http://www.bja.gov/bwc/pdfs/BWCPIP-Award-Fact-Sheet.pdf.

About the Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

OJP, headed by Assistant Attorney General Karol V. Mason, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims.  OJP has six components: BJA; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking.  More information about OJP can be found at www.ojp.gov

# # #

15-1145

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

Contact: Public Affairs (202) 514-2007

Remarks as prepared for delivery

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Thank you, Roy [Austin], for that kind introduction – and for the extraordinary work  that you and so many of your colleagues at the White House do to lift up our communities, to inspire our young people and to mobilize change agents like those we’re here to honor today.  It’s a pleasure – and an immense privilege – to join so many passionate advocates, dedicated public servants and devoted law enforcement officers as we recognize 14 truly remarkable civic leaders: our Champions of Change.

These outstanding individuals exemplify the selfless men and women across the United States who are asking what they can do to improve the lives of others – and then doing it.  They are working to ensure that our youth have the chance to fulfill their potential; that cycles of poverty, criminality and incarceration are dismantled; and that those grappling with homelessness, violence and addiction obtain a second chance at a better life.  And by devoting their precious time and wide-ranging talents to the causes they champion, they are helping to mend the fabric of trust, respect and common purpose that all communities need to thrive.   They exemplify what we have come to know: that change that can galvanize a nation often begins with a single human connection.

Actions like theirs are needed now more than ever.  Over the course of the last year, we have seen all too frequently how relationships between communities and law enforcement can grow strained; how trust can be broken or lost; and how simmering tensions can erupt into unrest.  The consequences are real – for sincere public safety officers, the guardians, who seek to ensure that all are sheltered under their umbrella of protection and for residents, particularly residents of color, who feel a sense of disconnection and despair that is all too familiar from a long and painful history of discrimination – and who often feel like they’re not being heard; like they’re not being believed; and like they’re not being protected.  This is an intensely challenging issue and I could not be more proud of these Champions of Change and those like them throughout the nation, who believe that – despite the magnitude of the challenges we face – all of us can play a part in working together to ensure that every American is treated with fairness, with dignity and with respect; to maintain safe neighborhoods and supportive environments; and to establish a sense of community – of common aims and common efforts – in cities and towns across America.  We are here today to honor those who exemplify nothing less than the essentially American belief that no matter the odds or the problem, change is possible and that it can begin with them.

The Department of Justice is committed to doing our part to help.  Last September, we launched the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice, a comprehensive effort to modernize training; develop evidence-based strategies; and advance research that will bolster law enforcement credibility, enhance procedural justice, reduce implicit bias and drive racial reconciliation.  Our Civil Rights Division continues to work with police departments around the country to ensure constitutional policing in their jurisdictions.  And our Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is leading and supporting a variety of community-centered efforts to reduce youth and gang violence.

Of course, real change is spearheaded by those who are grappling with real problems every day.  Our goal is to also tap into the innovative programs and exciting ideas that are emerging from communities across the country.  That is why I’ve convened a series of community policing roundtables that have allowed me to see the extraordinary work that’s underway in diverse neighborhoods from coast to coast.  In Birmingham, Alabama, I learned about the Citizen’s Police Academy, which allows local young people to form positive relationships with law enforcement officers and to understand the difficult jobs they do every day.  In Cincinnati, Ohio, I observed an innovative mentoring program that puts police in the classroom as tutors, helping the children they work with see them as helpers, friends and peacemakers.  In East Haven, Connecticut, I saw community leaders and public officials speak with pride about the strides they had made together just three years after a Justice Department investigation uncovered discriminatory tactics and the use of excessive force.  And in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I saw a police department newly committed to operating with accountability and to pursuing excellence.  Later this week, I will complete the first phase of my tour with roundtables in Seattle, Washington and Richmond, California and I am excited to keep these important conversations going as more communities undertake the difficult but necessary work of growing more cohesive, more unified and more empowered.  all of these cities have come back from the brink of profoundly challenged police community relationships to build a working relationship that recognizes that our communities are large enough to encompass those who protect them, that our guardians are strengthened when they truly know their charges and their needs and that all voices must be at the table to create and sustain meaningful change.

All of us at the Justice Department strongly support and encourage that work and those goals.  That’s why I’m proud to announce today that the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services – more commonly known as the COPS Office – is providing more than $107 million in new grants to support the hiring and retention of approximately 870 officers at roughly 200 agencies and municipalities throughout the United States.  These awards will not only keep more officers on the beat – they will address specific issue areas like violent crime, school safety, homeland security and that which underlies it all: community trust.  They will help local agencies deliver on the recommendations for community policing developed by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.  And they will extend the remarkable record of support, leadership and results that the COPS Office has earned over the last two decades.

I am also pleased to give you a major update on the Body-Worn Camera Pilot Partnership Program that we kicked off in May.  Our Bureau of Justice Assistance designed the program to assist local jurisdictions that are interested in exploring and expanding the use of body-worn cameras in order to enhance transparency, accountability and credibility.  Initial expectations were that we would be able to support approximately 50 agencies.  But today, I am happy to report that we intend to fund 73 local and tribal agencies across the country with more than $19.3 million for their body-worn camera programs.  An additional $2 million will go toward training and technical assistance for agencies looking to develop or expand their programs.  And another $1.9 million will support research in three police departments – Miami, Milwaukee and Phoenix – on the impact of body-worn cameras on a range of outcomes, including community relations.  That kind of evaluation is crucial as we continue to weigh the advantages of more widespread use of cameras in policing.

A third and final piece of news comes from our Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which is launching a new initiative to bring young people together with the police officers in their communities.  OJJDP is awarding $500,000 to a joint effort of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice to convene a youth and law enforcement roundtable and to develop an institute for disseminating best practices and sharing new approaches on issues of juvenile justice.  Their unique partnership will go a long way toward fostering strong, collaborative relationships among young people, their families and those charged with their protection.  And it unites a wealth of experience and expertise that will be an asset to law enforcement agencies developing strategic plans for their long-term improvement.

Each of these new efforts gives me hope that we can help to address these vital and complicated issues through sustained attention, honest conversation and thoughtful public policy.  Each of the leaders here this afternoon gives me confidence that our commitment will yield progress.  And each of the Champions we’re here to celebrate reminds me that our ultimate success depends on the goodwill, imagination and determination of motivated men, women and children across this country.  I want to thank each of you for your exceptional work.  I want to applaud each of you for your inspiring example.  And I want you to know that I am honored to stand beside you and proud to count you as partners in our common pursuit of equality, opportunity and justice for all.

And now, I invite everyone to join me in saluting our Champions of Change, whom it’s my privilege to introduce at this time:

• Sergeant Alex Bielawski from Grand Prairie, Texas – a 30-year veteran of the Grand Prairie Police Department and founder of a youth boxing program that  brings together police officers, young athletes, parents and school officials.
• Indeya Smith from Grand Prairie, Texas – a student at Tarrant County Community College, an intern with the Grand Prairie Police Department and a nationally ranked boxer who has trained with the Grand Prairie Police Youth Boxing Program.
• Anthony Davis from Bonner Springs, Kansas – a School Resource Officer for the Bonner Springs/Edwardsville School District and a criminal justice teacher at Bonner Springs High School.
• Blake McMahan from Bonner Springs, Kansas – the President of the Criminal Justice Club at Bonner Springs High School and a volunteer for the Bonner Springs Police Department.
• Ric DeLand from Portland, Oregon – a 25-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau and the leader of an innovative, relationship-based foot patrol pilot project that reduced crime by 25 percent and strengthened community cooperation.
• Celia Luce from Portland, Oregon – a Peer Mentor with Outside In, an organization helping to connect homeless youth with the resources and the support they need.
• Captain Jacques Gilbert from Apex, North Carolina – a 25-year veteran of the Apex Police Department for over 25 years who worked with young people to build a public skate park for local youth.
• Tracy Stallworth from Apex, North Carolina – an aspiring professional skate boarder who worked with Captain Gilbert to make the Rodgers Family Skate Plaza a reality.
• Hiram Otero from Hartford, Connecticut – a Faith Based Initiative Community Service Officer for the South District of Hartford and organizer of the Charter Oak Cultural Center’s Good Vibrations youth mentoring program.
• Kayke Lopes from Hartford, Connecticut – a seventh-grader at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy and a participant in the Good Vibrations program.
• Laurie Reyes from Montgomery County, Maryland – a 17-year veteran of the Montgomery County Police Department and founder of the Department’s Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Outreach Program.
• Jake Edwards from Germantown, Maryland – a seventh-grader at Kennedy Krieger School and an advocate for enhanced understanding between law enforcement and those with autism.
• Bill Singleton from Milwaukee, Wisconsin – an officer in the Milwaukee Police Department’s Office of Community Outreach & Education and a National Advisor for the Center for Court Innovation’s Police-Youth Dialogue Project.
• And finally, Erica Lofton from Milwaukee, Wisconsin – a 14-year-old violence-prevention advocate and founder of Girls in Action, Inc., an organization that promotes leadership among young girls.

Ladies and gentlemen – our Champions of Change.

# # #

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

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

WASHINGTON – Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division, and U. S. Attorney Bill Nettles of the District of South Carolina announced today an indictment charging Joseph Carlton Meek, 21, of Lexington, South Carolina, with misprision of a felony and making false statements.

Meek is alleged to have taken steps to conceal his knowledge of the crimes committed by Dylann Storm Roof, and to have made materially false statements when Meek told a Special Agent of the FBI that he did not know specifics of Roof’s plan to shoot individuals on a Wednesday, during Bible Study, at an AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, prior to Roof’s attack on June 17, 2015.  The misprision count carries up to three years in prison and the false statement charge carries up to five years in prison.      

The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Charleston Police Department and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Nathan Williams of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

# # #

 

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division, and U. S. Attorney Bill Nettles of the District of South Carolina announced today an indictment charging Joseph Carlton Meek, 21, of Lexington, South Carolina, with misprision of a felony and making false statements.

Meek is alleged to have taken steps to conceal his knowledge of the crimes committed by Dylann Storm Roof, and to have made materially false statements when Meek told a Special Agent of the FBI that he did not know specifics of Roof’s plan to shoot individuals on a Wednesday, during Bible Study, at an AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, prior to Roof’s attack on June 17, 2015.  The misprision count carries up to three years in prison and the false statement charge carries up to five years in prison.       

The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Charleston Police Department and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Nathan Williams of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division. 

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

Contact Person: Carrie Fisher (864) 282-2100

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Justice today announced 206 awards, totaling more than $97 million, to American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, tribal consortia and tribal designees. The announcement was made at the 2015 Tribal Leader Briefing, sponsored by the National Congress of American Indians, and included Tribal leaders, Members of Congress and Administration officials.

The Catawba Nation received a grant totaling $422,393 for its tribal victim assistance program.  The Comprehensive Tribal Victim Assistance Program was created to support tribal nations’ efforts to develop or enhance and sustain a comprehensive victim assistance program that provides a coordinated multidisciplinary response to victims of crimes, their families, and communities and provides trauma-informed, culturally competent holistic services to the victims, their families, and communities.

The awards are made through the Department’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), a single application for tribal-specific grant programs.  The Department developed CTAS through its Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Office of Justice Programs and Office on Violence Against Women, and administered the first round of consolidated grants in September 2010.

“This grant will assist the Catawba Nation in strengthening its commitment and support of tribal victims and held provide for a safer and stronger Catawba Nation,” said U.S. Attorney William N. Nettles.

 “For the past five years, the CTAS program has helped tribes develop their own comprehensive approaches to making their communities safer and healthier,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Stuart F. Delery. “CTAS grants have funded hundreds of programs to better serve crime victims, promote community policing, and strengthen justice systems.  This year’s awards also support efforts to reduce domestic and dating violence, and promote wellness and healing for tribal youth, among many other programs.”

The awards are made through the Department’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), a single application for tribal-specific grant programs.  The Department developed CTAS through its Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Office of Justice Programs and Office on Violence Against Women, and administered the first round of consolidated grants in September 2010.

Since then, more than 1,400 grants totaling more than $620 million have been provided to enhance law enforcement practices, victim services, and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts in nine purpose areas; public safety and community policing; justice systems planning: alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; children’s justice act partnerships; services for victims of crime; violence against women; juvenile justice; and tribal youth programs.

American Indians and Alaska Natives experience disproportionate rates of violence and victimization and often encounter significant obstacles to identifying and accessing culturally relevant services.  CTAS funding helps tribes to develop and strengthen tribal justice systems’ response to crime, while significantly increasing programs and services available to them.

A listing of today’s awards is available at www.justice.gov/tribal/.

Today’s announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

#####

Contact Person: Nancy Wicker (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:

Two Men Indicted for Counterfeit Access Device Conspiracy
Chernoh A. Jalloh, age 28, and Abraham B. Freeman, age 27, were charged in a 1-count indictment with conspiracy to possess fifteen or more counterfeit access devices, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).  The maximum penalty Jalloh and Freeman could receive is five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Illegal Alien Indicted for Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
Joel Estrada-Secundino was charged in a 2-count indictment with possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B), and distribution of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2).  The maximum penalty Estrada-Secundino could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 for the possession charge, and not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 for the distribution charge.  The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.  This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Four Greenville Residents Charged with Conspiracy
Traci L. Albertson, a/k/a Traci L. Martin, age 43, Geoffrey R. Albertson, age 32, Keelan R. Fowler, age 34, and Donald B. Hudson, age 32, all of Greenville, South Carolina, were charged in a 1-count indictment with conspiracy to steal mail and possess stolen mail; to make, utter and possess counterfeit securities; and to use unauthorized access devices; in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  The maximum penalty the defendants could receive is five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service agents and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Social Security Fraud Indictment
Takenya Gallman Rookard, a/k/a “Takenya Natori Gallman,” age 33, of Greenville, was charged in a 2-count indictment.  Takenya Gallman Rookard was charged with Theft of Government Property, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and Social Security Fraud, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408.  The maximum penalty Rookard could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Office of Inspector General and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Social Security Fraud Indictment
William Evans, age 61, of Greenville, was charged in a 2-count indictment. William Evans was charged with Theft of Government Property, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and Social Security Fraud, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408.  The maximum penalty Evans could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Office of Inspector General and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Social Security Fraud Indictment
Donna Marie Clark, age 49, of Greenville, was charged in a 2-count indictment.  Donna Marie Clark was charged with Theft of Government Property, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and Identity Theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.  The maximum penalty Clark could receive is 12 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Office of Inspector General and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office for prosecution.

Illegal Alien Charged with Possession of a Firearm and Counterfeit Immigration Documents
Jose Manuel Rangel-Flores, age 45, was charged in a 2-count indictment. Jose Manuel Rangel-Flores was charged with being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g), and Possessing Counterfeit Immigration Documents, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546.  The maximum penalty Rangel-Flores could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Homeland Security and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen 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.

####

Contact Person: Nancy Wicker (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:

Bluffton Man Indicted for Illegal Reentry of an Alien
Arturo Luis Hernandez Hernandez, age 34, of Bluffton, was charged in a one-count Indictment with Illegal Reentry of an Alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). The maximum penalty Hernandez could receive is 2 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office for prosecution.

North Charleston Man Charged with Production and Possession of Child Pornography and Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Albert Taylor, age 51, of North Charleston, was charged in a three-count Indictment with Production of Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a), 2252A(a)(5)(B), and 922(g)(1) respectively. Taylor could receive a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of 30 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for the Production of Child Pornography count, a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for the Possession of Child Pornography count, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of Life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for the Felon in Possession of a Weapon count.  The case was investigated by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

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

####

Contact Person: James Leventis (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that Parsons Government Services Inc. has agreed to pay the United States $3.8 million to settle allegations that the company knowingly mischarged the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for ineligible or inflated short-term and long-term employee relocation costs in connection with its contract on the DOE Salt Waste Processing Facility Project (SWPF) at the DOE Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina.  Parsons is headquartered in Pasadena, California.

“The District of South Carolina continues to devote significant resources to pursuing claims under the False Claims Act and this is yet another example of how this commitment is benefiting the taxpayers by recovering funds for the government,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles of the District of South Carolina

“Those who expect to do business with the government must do so fairly and honestly,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “Today’s settlement demonstrates that the Department of Justice will pursue contractors that knowingly seek taxpayer funds to which they are not entitled.”

Since Sept. 1, 2002, Parsons has been the primary construction contractor on the DOE’s SWPF project at the Savannah River Site.  Pursuant to the terms of the SWPF contract, Parsons was entitled to be reimbursed for the payments it made to eligible employees for moving, meals, lodging and transportation expenses incurred when the employees were relocated or transferred by Parsons to work on the SWPF project in Aiken.  In order to be entitled to reimbursement by the DOE, however, Parsons was required to take steps to ensure that the employees met certain contractual requirements of eligibility, such as maintaining a permanent residence at the location from which they were transferred.  The United States alleged that Parsons sought and obtained reimbursement for these relocation expenses under the SWPF contract even for employees it knew did not qualify for these payments under the terms of the contract.

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the DOE Savannah River Operations Office and the DOE Office of Inspector General.

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

#####

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today an indictment charging Crystal A. Blakely, 26, and Hercules E. Baker, 27, both of Sumter, South Carolina, with their roles in a scheme to defraud the United States by claiming false and fraudulent federal tax refunds.

The indictment alleges that both defendants conspired to defraud the United States Department of Treasury between January 2012 and April 2014 by submitting federal income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service that claimed false tax refunds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 286.  Blakely is also charged with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and two counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.  The maximum penalty each could receive is ten years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy count, twenty years’ imprisonment for the wire fraud counts, and two years’ consecutive imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft counts.

The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service.  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.

#####

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Helen Jean Anderson, age 57, of Anderson, South Carolina, was sentenced to 105 months for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.  Senior United States District Henry M. Herlong, Jr. of Greenville imposed the sentence and ordered Anderson to pay $407,336.86 in restitution.

The evidence at the change of plea hearing established that Anderson and six co-conspirators, all of whom have been sentenced, would obtain the means of identification of other individuals and then file fraudulent tax returns.  Anderson was the leader of the conspiracy.  Once the treasury checks arrived, Anderson sought ways to negotiate them and recruited check passers in Anderson and Greenwood counties.  The owner of a convenience store in the upstate told law enforcement that Helen Anderson had recently been in the store and claimed to have 200 Treasury checks to cash and said that she would pay the store’s owner $500 per check to cash them.  The owner refused and contacted the police.

On August 6, 2013, a confidential informant working with United States Postal Inspectors met with Helen Anderson and was wired for audio and video.  Anderson gave the informant multiple Treasury checks to cash.  Anderson instructed the informant to bring her the money from the cashing of the checks within two days.  She told the informant that she might have more Treasury checks available to cash once the informant returned the money to her.

In order to hide her ties to the Treasury checks, Anderson paid co-conspirators to allow her to use their addresses so checks and other tax documents would be sent to those addresses and would not obviously be associated with Anderson.

Law enforcement estimates that Anderson and her co-conspirators negotiated $483,294.40 in Treasury checks derived from fraudulent returns.

According to Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III:  “The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation is committed to protecting the honest taxpayers’ hard-earned money from ID thieves who endeavor to use those funds for their personal aggrandizement.”

Regarding identity theft, Mr. Nettles said the following: “The loss and pain caused by identity theft is enormous. The financial loss in the United States is in the billions of dollars.  Victims spend untold hours trying to undo the damage caused by the offenders.  Preventing and punishing identity thieves is, and will remain, a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

#####

Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that Eric Shawn Bradley, a/k/a “E,” age 47, of Columbia, South Carolina and formerly of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to a total of 210 months (17.5 years) imprisonment today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, after earlier pleading guilty to the following charges: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, money laundering conspiracy, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B) and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(h), 922(g)(1), and 924(a)(2).  Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia imposed the sentence, which will be followed by 8 years of supervised release.

Bradley 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 Bradley and others were involved in the 2011 and 2012 importation of heroin into the United States 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. Bradley faced an enhanced sentence based upon his prior felony drug convictions. Bradley had prior state convictions for grand larceny, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of heroin, strong arm robbery, and possession of cocaine.

Five of Bradley’s co-defendants have plead guilty to their role in the drug conspiracy here in South Carolina and have been sentenced as follows: Kenneth Crawford, age 42, of Washington, D.C. and formerly of Columbia, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 8 years of supervised release to follow;  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.  Co-defendant Larry Bookman, age 52, of Columbia, has plead guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing. Four other co-defendants charged in the indictment remain fugitives.

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, United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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.

#####

Contact Person: Benjamin Garner (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Benita Dinkins-Robinson, age 40, of Bishopville, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for embezzling government funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641.  United States Chief District Judge Terry Wooten sentenced Dinkins-Robinson to 42 months’ imprisonment and ordered her to pay over $1.5 million in restitution.   

Evidence presented during the ten-day trial and during the asset forfeiture phase of the case established that from 2007 to 2013, Dinkins-Robinson embezzled more than a million dollars in federal funds supplied by United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Education that were intended to be used for the Mary L. Dinkins Higher Learning Academy, a charter school Dinkins-Robinson established in 2005. The jury also determined that Dinkins-Robinson must forfeit over $750,000 in annuities that she purchased while serving as the Executive Director of the charter school as well as her share in a Camden house that she owned.  

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Education Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Winston Holliday and Ben Garner of the Columbia office handled the case.

        #####

Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Larry W. Flynn, a/k/a “L.W. Flynn,” age 40, of Columbia, South Carolina has entered guilty pleas in federal court to Operating a Gambling Business, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1955, and Evading Federal Taxes, in violation of 26 U.S.C § 7201.  Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. 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 to the Court established that Flynn operated a video-poker gambling business in violation of South Carolina gambling laws and evaded paying taxes on the money he made from his gambling business. Between 2010 and 2013, Flynn owned and ran Magic Minutes, a South Carolina company that placed video-poker machines in various locations, such as convenience stores, liquor stores, party shops, and bowling alleys. On the machines owned by Flynn – as well as others who paid to utilize the name Magic Minutes – users could buy a “voucher” for phone minutes and then play black jack, keno, poker, and other games of chance. SLED seized over 200 Magic Minutes’ machines, which FBI experts determined to be illegal gambling devices.  In operating this illegal gambling business in 2011 and 2012, Flynn had a substantial taxable income yet took various steps to evade his tax responsibility including not filing tax returns, operating a significant portion of his business and personal life in cash, and paying employees in cash.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for operating a gambling business is imprisonment for 5 years and/or a fine of $250,000, and the maximum penalty for tax evasion is imprisonment for 5 years and/or a fine of $100,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, SLED, and IRS-CID.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Jay Richardson are prosecuting the case, along with attorneys from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

#####

Contact Person: Stacey 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 32, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina pled guilty today in federal court.  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. 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 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 an 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 two (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 went into the bedroom and came out with the dog.  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, as well as Lewis, was shot.  Both Barratt and Lewis were taken into custody.  Barratt later advised agents that she knew Lewis was in the residence, 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 with the gun, but did not tell the agents before allowing them to enter the bedroom.

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, 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.  Barratt is currently in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Barratt also may face deportation as a result of her conviction.

Mr. Nettles stated that Lewis faces a statutory mandatory minimum 25 years imprisonment consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years following the term of imprisonment.  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.  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.

#####

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 pled guilty today in federal court.  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. Senior United States District Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. 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 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.  At the time of the three distributions, Polk was on federal supervised release from a 2014 federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm out of the Spartanburg Division.  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.   

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.

#####

Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina. United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today that a federal jury convicted Alfredo De Jusus Ramirez this afternoon of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs had the U.S. Marshal take Mr. Ramirez into custody after the jury returned its verdict, and will sentence Mr. Ramirez after a presentence investigation report has been prepared by the United States Probation Office.

Witnesses testified that Mr. Ramirez was the source of supply for a group of Bamberg meth dealers, who supplied cohorts including members of a motorcycle gang.  One witness testified that Mr. Ramirez brought the meth from the Texas area in sealed bean cans.  The Drug Enforcement Administration tested the methamphetamine at 96 to 100 percent pure, which reflects that the meth was made in a “super lab” south of the Texas border.  The street-name for meth of this purity is “ICE.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Beth Drake.

#####

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ----- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned a multi-count Indictment alleging

• conspiracy to traffic in children by force for the purposes of prostitution in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594(c),
• substantive counts charging each coconspirator with trafficking in children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591, and
• the transportation of minors in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423. 

The following individuals were charged in the indictment: Brandon L. Littlejohn, age 26, D’Shawn C. Pitts, age 19, Dylan L. Patterson, age 19, Michael G. Riddle, age 20, Michael D. Whitaker, age 25, John A. Gossett, III, age, 22, and Bryson L. Stewart, age 23, all of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The indictment alleges that the defendants recruited minor victims and young women to work for them, and 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.”

U.S. Attorney Nettles said, “Because human trafficking takes a great personal and psychological toll on the victims and society as a whole, this office and our federal and state partners are committed to devoting the resources required so that all allegations of human trafficking in South Carolina are investigated.” 

“The defendants stand accused of exploiting under aged girls through a sex trafficking scheme across multiple states," said Special Agent in Charge Nick S. Annan, head of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta. "Thanks to some excellent police work by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and my special agents, we have rescued a number of victims and the perpetrators will be brought before the court to face justice."

The maximum penalty the Defendants 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.

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.

###

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:

Anderson Man Indicted
Darrell I. Hardy, age 68, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count indictment with False Impersonation of an Officer or Employee of the United States, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912.  The maximum penalty Hardy could receive is three (3) years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration 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.

####

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:

ICE Immigration Enforcement Agent Charged with False Scheme, False Statements, and Obstruction of ICE Proceedings
Clinzy Oliver, Jr., age 38, of Columbia, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Immigration Enforcement Agent, was charged in a 3-count indictment with false scheme, false statements, and obstruction of ICE proceedings, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1001(a)(1), 1001(a)(2), and 1505.  The maximum penalty Oliver could receive on each count is 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional Responsibility, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office for prosecution.

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

####

Contact Person: Eric Klumb (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney William N. Nettles stated today that Dr. Jian Yun Dong, aka John Dong, and the companies which he founded, GenPhar Inc. and Vaxima Inc., were convicted of multiple fraud-based charges following a five day trial in Federal Court that took place June 22 through 25, 2015. The case was submitted for decision to Judge David C. Norton, who issued the verdicts and a written decision today. The case was retried before Judge Norton after a jury hearing the case last November could not reach unanimous verdicts on all counts, although it did find the two corporate defendants guilty of most of the charges. After the two trials, all three defendants have been found guilty of one count of Conspiracy to Commit Grant Fraud, Wire Fraud, Theft of Government Property and Providing False Statements; one count of Theft of Government Funds; and 22 counts of Wire Fraud.

The trial began on November 5, 2014, and concluded on November 14, 2014. Testimony at trial established that federal grant money was obtained by GenPhar and Vaxima for purposes of biodefense research and vaccine development, but was used for other purposes, specifically to construct a commercial office building and pay lobbyists and others who were seeking to secure federal funding for the defendants. Testimony further established that a total of approximately six million dollars were spent on the construction, which included approximately at least three million dollars of improperly diverted grant money.

Mr. Nettles stated, “The real tragedy in this case is that millions of dollars intended for desperately needed vaccine research was diverted into a commercial real estate project. Most of the dedicated and accomplished scientists receiving these grants can be trusted to spend the funds on research, but those that seek to divert the funds to their own benefit need to know that we will pursue charges against them like any other fraudsters.”

The convictions are the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Klumb and Nathan Williams of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

  #####

Contact person: William E. Day, II (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Bobby Joe Haynes, age 61, of Columbia, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Theft of Government Funds, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641.  United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Haynes received medical treatment from VA Medical Center in Columbia, S.C. Veterans are reimbursed for mileage to and from their residence and the medical facility. Haynes was living in Columbia but falsely claimed to be living in Georgetown, S.C. so that he could receive higher mileage payments. Between March 2011 and October 2013 Haynes filed 140 false mileage claims resulting in losses to the Department of Veterans Affairs of $7,488.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for Theft of Government Funds is imprisonment for 10 years and/or a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Office of Inspector General, and the Criminal Investigations Division.  Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

####

 

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

 

Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Shayne Harrison Smith, age 47, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Florence, to Wire Fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty for Wire Fraud is imprisonment for 30 years and/or a fine of $1,000,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the F.B.I.  Assistant United States Attorney John C. Potterfield of the Florence is prosecuting the case.

#####

Contact Person: Dean Secor (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ----United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Daniel L. Maguire, III, age 71, of Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 [J&C signed 7/22 and filed 7/23] in federal court in Charleston, for possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2255A(a)(5)(B). Senior United States District Judge Sol Blatt, Jr., of Charleston, sentenced Maguire to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Maguire was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,000 and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that an undercover FBI agent was able to access files of child pornography being shared on the internet by a peer-to-peer software user located in Charleston. Agents traced the Internet Protocol (IP) address being used to Maguire’s home in Charleston. Agents then executed a federal search warrant at Maguire’s home and seized two computers and an external hard drive. Agents conducted a forensic examination of the devices and discovered thousands of still images and videos of child pornography, including still images and videos of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office handled the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.

####

Contact: (202) 514-2007

Washington - Attorney General Lynch released the following statement after the federal grand jury released its indictment against Dylann Storm Roof:

“Good afternoon and thank you for coming.

“I am joined here today by Vanita Gupta, the head of the department’s Civil Rights Division and Mark Giuliano, Deputy Director of the FBI.

“We are here today to announce that a federal grand jury in South Carolina has returned a 33-count indictment against Dylann Storm Roof, charging him with federal hate crimes and firearms charges for killing and attempting to kill African-American parishioners at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, because of their race and in order to interfere with their exercise of their religion.

“As set forth in the indictment, several months prior to the tragic events of June 17, Roof conceived of his goal of increasing racial tensions throughout the nation and seeking retribution for perceived wrongs he believed African Americans had committed against white people.

“To carry out these twin goals of fanning racial flames and exacting revenge, Roof further decided to seek out and murder African Americans because of their race.   An essential element of his plan, however, was to find his victims inside of a church, specifically an African-American church, to ensure the greatest notoriety and attention to his actions.

“As alleged, Roof set forth the evening of June 17, 2015 to carry out this plan and drove to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, known as “Mother Emanuel.”  Mother Emanuel was his destination specifically because it was a historically African-American church of significance to the people of Charleston, of South Carolina and the nation.

“On that summer evening, Dylann Roof found his targets, African Americans engaged in worship.  Met with welcome by the ministers of the church and its parishioners, he joined them in their bible study group.  The parishioners had bibles.  Dylann Roof had his 45 caliber glock pistol and eight magazines loaded with hollow point bullets.  And as set forth in the indictment, while the parishioners of Mother Emanuel were engaged in religious worship and bible study, Dylann Roof drew his pistol and opened fire on them, ultimately killing nine church members.

“As you know, the state of South Carolina is also prosecuting Roof for the murders, attempted murders and firearms offenses he is alleged to have committed.  We commend the state authorities for their tremendous work and quick response.  It is important to note, however, that South Carolina does not have a hate crimes statute and as a result, the state charges do not reflect the alleged hate crime offenses presented in the federal indictment returned today. 

“The federal indictment returned today charges Roof with nine murders and three attempted murders under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act.  This federal hate crimes law prohibits using a dangerous weapon to cause bodily injury, or attempting to do so, on the basis of race or color.  The Shepard Byrd Act was enacted specifically to vindicate the unique harms caused by racially motivated violence.

“Roof is also charged with nine murders and three attempted murders under a second federal hate crimes statute that prohibits the use or threat of force to obstruct any person’s free exercise of their religious beliefs.

“Finally, Roof has been charged with multiple counts of using a firearm in the commission of these racially motivated murders and attempted murders.

“For these crimes, Roof faces penalties of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.  No decision has been made on whether to seek the death penalty in this case.  The department will follow our usual rigorous protocol to thoroughly consider all factual and legal issues relevant to that decision, which will necessarily involve counsel for the defendant Roof.  In addition, consultation with the victims’ families is an important part of this decision making process and no decision will be made before conferring with them.

“The family members of those killed at Emanuel AME and the survivors were informed of these federal charges earlier today.

“I also note that this indictment contains allegations and is not evidence of the defendant’s guilt.

“This federal grand jury indictment follows an announcement I made on June 18, 2015, that the Department of Justice was conducting a hate crime investigation into the shooting incident at Emanuel AME.  Immediately following the shooting, experienced prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina and the Civil Rights Division began working closely with the FBI, ATF and state and local law enforcement officials including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division – or SLED – Charleston Police and the Solicitor’s Office for the Ninth Circuit of South Carolina, in thoroughly investigating these crimes.  I would like to the many state and federal law enforcement officials for their dedication and hard work to ensure that this investigation was conducted thoroughly and expeditiously.  I would also like to thank South Carolina U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles for his and his office’s tremendous efforts on this case, as well as the dedicated attorneys from the Civil Rights Division.

“In particular, I would like to thank Charleston Solicitor Scarlett Wilson for being such a cooperative and effective partner in this matter.  We have a strong working relationship with Solicitor Wilson and her office and we look forward to our continued collaboration as these parallel state and federal prosecutions work their way through their respective court systems.”

Questions?”

# # #

15-916

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

Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that DeMario Ontrey Ware, age 27, of Rock Hill, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court to 46 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release to follow.  The sentence is to be served consecutive to the 12 year state sentence Ware is currently serving for armed robbery, burglary 2nd degree, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime.  In February of this year, Ware 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) and 924(a)(2).  Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie imposed the sentence and ran it consecutive to the current state sentence in light of Ware’s criminal history.

Evidence presented at the earlier change of plea hearing established that on the morning of May 22, 2014, officers with the Rock Hill Police Department Violent Crimes Unit were patrolling when they noticed Ware, a known gang member, on the front porch of a residence on Hickory Lane. Officers knew that Ware had an outstanding warrant for criminal domestic violence, so they approached him and placed him under arrest for that warrant.  During a search incident of Ware incident to his arrest, officers located a loaded Bryco .380 caliber handgun in his front pocket.  Ware is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior federal conviction for armed bank robbery and his prior state convictions for discharging a firearm into a dwelling, and criminal conspiracy to commit assault and battery 1st degree.   

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

#####

Contact Person: Nancy Wicker (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA –Lance Wright, age 49, of Columbia, South Carolina; Michael Bartley, age 51, of Orangeburg, South Carolina; Robert Anthony Williams, age 57, of Tampa, Florida; and Phillip Mims, age 46, of Columbia, South Carolina, were sentenced today in federal court by United States District Judge David C. Norton.  The court heard motions by the government for reduced sentences which detailed the defendants’ cooperation and assistance in the prosecution of United States v. Jonathon Pinson, and then imposed the following reduced sentences:

Wright, Williams and Mims:  sentenced to 3 years probation, 3 months in a half-way house, ordered to pay $993,777.65 in restitution and a $200 special assessment.

Bartley:  sentenced to 3 years probation, 100 hours of community service and a $100 special assessment.

Wright, Bartley, Williams and Mims had previously pled guilty to the following charges:

Bartley:  One count of conspiring to use his influence as Chief of Police of South Carolina State University to promote the sale of property to SCSU in exchange for a gratuity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

Wright, Williams and Mims:  One count of conspiring to steal and convert public funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and one count of bank fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344.

The charges in these cases were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nancy Wicker, Jane Taylor, J.D. Rowell and Dewayne Pearson of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.                                                  

#####

Contact Person: Nancy Wicker (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina – Sentencings have been scheduled in United States v. Lance Wright, 3:13-970; United States v. Michael Bartley, 3:13-036, United States v. Robert A. “Tony” Williams, 3:13-971; and United States v. Phil D. Mims, 3:13-971.  United States District Court Judge David C. Norton will preside over the proceeding.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 21, 2015

11:00 a.m. - Wright
12:00 p.m. - Bartley
  2:00 p.m. - Williams
  2:30 p.m. - Mims

WHERE: Hollings Judicial Center 83 Meeting Street
Courtroom #2
Charleston, SC

 

####

Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100

COLUMBIA, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles, stated today that Marcus Dalton Hemingway and James Earl Spain, II, both of Conway, entered guilty pleas on drug conspiracy charges in federal court in Florence late yesterday afternoon.  Hemingway and Spain were indicted earlier this year by a federal grand jury in a superseding indictment charging conspiracy to possess cocaine and crack cocaine.  Mr. Nettles stated the penalty for conspiracy to possess cocaine and crack cocaine is a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least three years in addition to any term of imprisonment, plus a special assessment of $100.

The facts presented at the change of plea hearing established that the DEA Florence Resident Office, in concert with local law enforcement including the 15th Judicial Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), launched an investigation into a cocaine/crack distribution organization operating in and around the Conway, South Carolina, area.  Defendant Marcus Hemingway headed this drug distribution organization—an organization that many associated with the moniker “LAB CITY.”  The evidence in the case includes historical witness statements as well as undercover drug purchases and seizures of drugs as well as seizures of U.S. currency.  The investigation uncovered a conspiracy ultimately responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine as well as multi-ounce quantities of crack cocaine in the Conway, SC, area, and elsewhere, dating back to approximately the year 2000.

During the takedown on April 9, 2015, law enforcement effected state and federal arrests and executed federal search warrants on multiple residences in the Conway area, seizing over $50,000 in cash.  Agents also seized multiple firearms, to include an AK47, from the residence where Marcus Hemingway was arrested.  Later that same day, agents seized $106,000 in cash from a safe in a storage unit in the Myrtle Beach area—money being held by a Hemingway relative for Marcus Hemingway.  Additionally, a kilogram of what field-tested positive as cocaine was seized on that date from co-conspirator James Earl Spain II.  Spain told law enforcement that he was holding the kilogram for Marcus Hemingway.

The guilty pleas today follow a year-long undercover investigation by local, state, and federal law enforcement. The investigation is part of the “C-S.T.A.N.D.” program launched in Conway in late 2013.  The program, an acronym for “Conway—Starting Toward a New Direction” is an application of the Drug Market Intervention program, coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office, and recently utilized in the  Charleston Farms community in North Charleston beginning in 2011.

The initiative is a unified, proactive approach that bands together local, state, and federal law enforcement with community partners in an effort to eradicate open drug dealing in a multiple block area of Conway. In addition to the federal and state arrests effected on April 9, 2015, seven individuals, who are considered by law enforcement to be lower-level targets, were not arrested that day—instead they received notice to attend a public “call in” meeting with the community and law enforcement held the week after the arrests at the Conway Recreation Center.  All seven candidates attended the meeting, entered the “C-S.T.A.N.D.” program, and currently, all are slated for graduation in late August.  The Conway community, law enforcement, and family members are working with the seven C-S.T.A.N.D. participants to support the candidates in a disciplined effort to engage in law-abiding life choices to include completing their education and obtaining employment.

Members of the law enforcement team involved in this initiative includes the Conway Police Department, the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, the Horry County Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Florence Police Department, the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Taylor of the Florence office.

####

Contact Person: Jay Richardson (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Jason Amodio (46) of Lexington, South Carolina was sentenced to eight months of home confinement and four years of probation. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. sentenced Amodio in federal court in Columbia, for Lying to a Federal Grand Jury, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1623.  Evidence established that during a joint federal and state investigation into illegal gambling, extortion under color of law, mail and wire fraud, and related public corruption in Lexington County, Amodio appeared before a federal grand jury. Asked about the purpose of a particular check payable to Amodio, Amodio claimed that the check was a loan. In fact, Amodio knew this was false and that the check was an improper payment from an attorney in Lexington. Amodio had assisted in convincing a family to hire that attorney to file a civil lawsuit after a car wreck had left one member of the family dead and one injured. When the attorney received a fee in return for his representation, that attorney then paid Amodio through an intermediary.

United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated, “We must ensure that the public has confidence that officials have integrity and are truthful.  Mr. Amodio transported himself from the Chief of Police to a felon because he betrayed this basic tenant.”

The Court arrived at the sentence by factoring in the cooperation that Mr. Amodio has provided and is currently providing in an on-going public corruption probe.  Additionally, Mr. Amodio has agreed to plead guilty in state court to a charge of misconduct in office.  This case is part of a joint investigation of the FBI, SLED, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office into public corruption and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay N. Richardson and Jim May and Assistant Deputy Attorney Generals Creighton Waters and Brian Petrano.

#####

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:

Area Couple Indicted for Manufacturing Counterfeit Gift Cards and Identity Theft
Javon Richardson, age 32, of Ladson, and Latoya Simpson, age 31, of North Charleston, were charged in a 2-count Indictment with Making Counterfeit Gift Cards and Aggravated Identity Theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029 and 1028A.  The maximum penalty that Richardson and Simpson could receive is 10 years imprisonment.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and the North Charleston Police Department and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

Guatemalans Charged with Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens
Juan Gomez-Calmo, age 30, and Romeo Sales-Lopez, age 32, both of Guatemala, were charged in a 2-count Indictment with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and transportation of illegal aliens within the United States, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii), (a)(1)(A)(v)(I), and (a)(1)(B)(i).  The maximum penalty Gomez-Calmo and Sales-Lopez could each receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.  The case was investigated by agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Dean H. Secor and Matt Austin of the Charleston office for prosecution.

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

####

Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

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

Gaffney Man Indicted for Food Stamp Fraud
Mickey Dean Allison, Jr., age 39, owner of Original Allison’s Produce, from Gaffney, South Carolina, was charged in a two-count indictment.  Allison was charged with Food Stamp Fraud, a violation of Title 7, United States Code, Section 2024, and Defrauding the United States Government, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  The maximum penalty Allison could receive is 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The case was investigated by agents of the Office of Inspector General for the USDA and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen 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.

####

Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Wendy B. Sisk, age 44, Crystal D. Hudson, age 33, both of Honea Path, Jason Tomsha, age 46, of Greenville, Shannon D. Ashworth, age 33, Tonya M. Reid, age 38, John T. Eskew, age 28, Casey Hembree, age 20, Justin D. Powers, age 24, Whitney Strickland, age 27, Danny C. Buford, age 47, Ashley N. Burdette, age 29, James M. Day, age 44, Andrew C. Keaton, age 23, and Bonnie Reid, age 57, all of Anderson, pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Anderson, to conspiracy to steal United States mail, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  United States District Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson accepted the pleas and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that 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 personal identifying information, created altered or counterfeit checks, and created false identification documents.  Multiple counterfeit and altered checks were passed throughout the upstate.  Law enforcement estimates that the losses from the activities of the conspiracy exceed $160,000.  Most of the fraud was conducted in an effort to obtain funds to purchase methamphetamine.  Since the arrest of the Defendants in April 2015, Postal Inspectors report that complaints of mail theft in Anderson County have markedly dropped.

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

The case was investigated by agents of 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.

#####

Contact Person: Bill Nettles (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, settled claims of fraud with Covan World Wide Moving, Inc., Coleman American Moving Services, Inc., and other related entities with home offices in Dothan, Alabama. The United States contended that Covan and others increased the weights of shipments and storage of servicemember’s and federal employee’s household goods and then submitted claims for payment to the government for the inflated weights.

The investigation began with the filing of whistleblower lawsuits called qui tams lawsuits under the False Claims Act.  The suits were filed by employees of Covan’s Augusta, Georgia facility who witnessed the falsification of weight tickets ultimately used to bill the government.  The False Claim Act allows the government to recover actual damages and penalties of three times the actual damages and up to $11,000 per false claim.  This settlement includes repayment of actual damages and penalties. 

The False Claims Act allows individuals to file lawsuits with allegations that fraud has been committed against the federal government on behalf of the government.  Whistleblowers, referred to as Relators in the False Claims Act, are entitled to share in any recovery received by the government.  In this case, the two relators collectively will receive 25% of the funds of the settlement or $1,250,000.00 plus they are entitled to attorney fees. 

Mr. Nettles said “fraud on the government is high priority in this office. Monies paid to Covan for inflated weights could have been used for the benefit of our servicemembers.  Our aggressive pursuit of this case is further proof of our commitment to combat fraudulent claims made against the Federal Government.”

This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Fran Trapp, Jennifer Aldrich and Stan Ragsdale.  The case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U. S. Army Criminal Investigative Command, and the Office of the Inspector General for General Services Administration.

Frank Robey, the director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit said "We are very pleased with today's announcement and the result of all the hard investigative work and agency cooperation regarding this investigation.  We would also like to thank the honest citizens who came forward and did the right thing which allowed us to fully investigate these allegations and reach today's settlement."

John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Southeast Field Office stated "The transportation of household goods is essential to the military's logistics program,  enabling our warfighters and their families to get to station and ready to assume their duties, wherever on the globe they may be assigned.  The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) remains vigilant to ensure DOD programs are free from fraud and those who wish to take advantage of the U.S. Military."

General Robert C. Erickson, General Services Administration Acting Inspector General said "I appreciate all of the hard work on this case. We will continue working with law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of fraud against the United States."

####