District of South Carolina

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Daniel Turner Widner, 26, of Roebuck, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. *

Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing established that Widner was the moderator of an online chat group focused on the trading of child sexual abuse material. An undercover law enforcement officer infiltrated the group and posed as an 11-year-old girl. Widner sent the officer multiple images of child sexual abuse material. Believing he was chatting with a minor, Widner asked the undercover officer to be his girlfriend and to send him compromising pictures.

Further investigation led authorities to discover Widner’s home address, and a search warrant was conducted. All of Widner’s electronic devices were seized and law enforcement found over 80,000 images of child sexual abuse material on his devices.

Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Widner to 15 years' imprisonment and lifetime supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins 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 Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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NOTE: The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Omar D. Milligan, 47, of Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring and possessing with intent to distribute 5 kilograms of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Evidence presented to the Court established that Milligan played a key role in a drug trafficking organization operating in Charleston, with national and international ties. On March 25, 2022, Milligan received approximately 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, which he intended to deliver to another member of the organization for further distribution into the community. He had also arranged to obtain an additional 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl once the first shipment was delivered.

As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement discovered that Milligan was using a local apartment as a base of operations for his drug trafficking activities. During the investigation, he was observed selling both fentanyl and cocaine directly to others. On Aug. 23, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the apartment and recovered a kilogram of marijuana, 6 grams of cocaine, and ammunition. Milligan previously served time in federal prison for drug and firearm related felony offenses.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Milligan to 10 years in prison, to be followed by a 10-year term of court ordered supervision.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Charleston Police Department, and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.

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FLORENCE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a 43-count indictment against Talisha Cooper, 44, of Coward, for preparing false tax returns.

The indictment alleges that Cooper was a tax return preparer and manager of Tax Fusions, located in Florence. Beginning in 2019 and through 2023, Cooper knowingly filed numerous returns that were fraudulent. The returns reported false fuel tax credits, family and sick leave credits, employee business expenses and Schedule C business profits or losses. The investigation revealed at least 43 instances of false returns with a total loss of $374,349.

Cooper was arrested today and arraigned in federal court this afternoon. Cooper faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine.

The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former banker Russell Lucius Laffitte, 54, of Estill, has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; wire fraud; bank fraud; and three counts of misapplication of bank funds.

“Russell Laffitte and Alex Murdaugh abused their positions of power to victimize people who trusted them,” said Ben Garner, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division. “As of today, both have pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility for their crimes in federal court. We appreciate the exhaustive work of our partners at the FBI, SLED, and South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to ensure justice for Laffitte and Murdaugh’s victims.”

Laffitte was an officer and executive at Palmetto State Bank in Hampton, South Carolina. His co-conspirator, Alex Murdaugh, was a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Hampton.

As part of his guilty plea, Laffitte admitted that he agreed to serve as conservator and personal representative for several of Murdaugh’s clients, knowing that he would personally profit from doing so. Beginning in 2011, Laffitte began extending himself and Murdaugh loans from conservator accounts Laffitte was charged with managing. Laffitte did not disclose the loans to the conservatees, despite owing them a fiduciary duty.

Around that time, Murdaugh devised a scheme to obtain money belonging to his clients. In furtherance of the scheme, Murdaugh directed law firm employees to make clients’ checks payable to Palmetto State Bank. The checks were drawn on the law firm’s client trust account, identified the clients on the memo lines, and corresponded to amounts set forth in the clients’ disbursement sheets.

As to two of Murdaugh’s clients, Laffitte—their conservator—saw their disbursement sheets and knew that the bank was supposed to receive their settlement funds. Murdaugh presented the clients’ checks to Laffitte and directed that they be used for Murdaugh’s personal benefit, including to pay off loans Laffitte had extended from conservator accounts. Laffitte negotiated nine separate transactions for Murdaugh’s benefit, knowing that the funds belonged to the clients.

Laffitte also aided and abetted the structuring of transactions from a second check belonging to one of the clients, disbursing the funds at Murdaugh’s direction and for Murdaugh’s personal benefit.

As to a third client of Murdaugh’s, Laffitte negotiated 12 separate transactions, disbursing $1,325,000 in client settlement funds for Murdaugh’s benefit. Despite knowing they were client funds, Laffitte allowed Murdaugh to use the funds to repay Murdaugh’s personal loans, repay loans Laffitte extended from a conservator account, purchase vehicles and equipment, and receive cash back. Laffitte also deposited some of the funds into Murdaugh’s personal account.

Laffitte received $75,000 in conservator fees and $35,000 in personal representative fees from these three clients. He intentionally failed to report this income on his tax returns, knowing that he could hide the income because the fee checks were drafted to Palmetto State Bank rather than to him personally. Laffitte also structured transactions to avoid reporting requirements and intentionally failed to file suspicious activity reports.

In 2015, Laffitte misapplied bank funds by extending over $284,000 from a line of credit that was supposed to be for farming to repay Murdaugh’s remaining loans from the conservatorship.

Laffitte also misapplied bank funds on two other occasions. In July 2021, he extended Murdaugh a $750,000 loan for the stated purpose of beach house renovations. But Laffitte authorized a $350,000 wire transfer to an attorney and then transferred $400,000 of “loan proceeds” to Murdaugh’s account to cover over $367,000 in overdraft, knowing that these funds had nothing to do with beach house renovations.

In October 2021, the law firm uncovered that Murdaugh had stolen from clients. Laffitte knew he had negotiated stolen checks at Murdaugh’s direction despite knowing the funds did not belong to Murdaugh. Laffitte then paid the law firm $680,000 in bank funds without the knowledge or consent of the full bank Board of Directors or Executive Committee in an attempt to settle the matter with the law firm.

A federal jury previously convicted Laffitte of these same six charges in 2022. His conviction was overturned by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in late 2024.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Laffitte agrees to pay $3,555,884.80 in criminal restitution before sentencing. Laffitte also agrees that his guilty plea prohibits him from controlling or participating in the conduct of any federally insured bank or credit union, and he cannot serve as a director or officer of any such bank or credit union without permission.

If Laffitte complies with the plea agreement’s terms, the parties agree that the appropriate sentence is five years in prison, and the Government agrees not to file any additional related charges against Laffitte.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will impose a sentence at a later date.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting this case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. —Lauren H. DeLoach, 69, of Saint Helena Island, has pleaded guilty to Lacey Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) charges for importing and selling sperm whale teeth and bones.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DeLoach admitted to, from September 2021 through September 2024, importing sperm whale parts to South Carolina, including at least 30 shipments from Australia, Latvia, Norway, and Ukraine. Records showed that DeLoach instructed suppliers to label the items as “plastic” so they would not be seized by U.S. customs authorities. From July 2022 through September 2024, DeLoach acknowledged selling the teeth and bones in violation of the Lacey Act. He sold at least 85 items on eBay worth over $18,000, and agents seized approximately $20,000 worth of sperm whale parts from DeLoach’s residence during a search warrant.

The MMPA prohibits importing any marine mammal, which includes whales, except for limited public display, scientific research, or enhancement of a species survival. The Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife protection law and makes it unlawful to sell any wildlife that was illegally imported.

The sperm whale is the largest species of toothed whale, reaching up to 78 feet and 45 tons. Individuals prize their teeth and bones as decorations or as a scrimshaw or painting medium. Sperm whale have been listed under the Endangered Species Act as endangered since 1970 and are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The United States and the countries from which imported DeLoach are signatories to CITES, an international agreement to protect fish, wildlife, and plants that are or may become threatened with extinction.

“Illegal wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar global business that endangers protected animals and fuels organized crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to enforce the Lacey Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act so vulnerable species like the sperm whale are not killed and sold for parts.”

“Whales are among the world's most iconic species, and they're also among the most vulnerable to illegal harvest driven by commercialization. The illicit trade in sperm whale teeth and ear bones contributes to the monetization of at-risk marine mammal populations that America protects through federal laws and international treaties," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Doug Ault. "As part of 'Operation Raw Deal' — a nationwide crackdown on the illegal trade in whale parts — this investigation demonstrates our commitment to bringing justice to those who exploit protected wildlife for profit."

DeLoach faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the felony Lacey Act charge and a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the misdemeanor MMPA violation. United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence DeLoach after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina, and Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle Klein and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case with Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tyrone Grailford, 41, of Hopkins, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Dec. 12, 2021, the City of Columbia Police Department officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert at a residence on Fairfield Road. When officers arrived Grailford was standing near the open passenger side door of a vehicle and told officers the gunshot came from another location. Officers detained Grailford and found a spent shell casing on the ground near where he was standing. Officers also found a firearm sitting on the passenger’s seat of the vehicle.

Witnesses confirmed the gunshot came from the yard of the Fairfield Road residence and one witness who heard the gunshot saw Grailford standing near the passenger’s side of the vehicle immediately after. Officers placed Grailford under arrest and found a box of 9mm ammunition in his pocket.

Grailford has prior convictions for burglary, assault and battery with intent to kill, threatening the life of a public official, and domestic violence second degree, all of which prohibit him from possessing a firearm under federal law.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Grailford to 77 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system

This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.

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FLORENCE, S.C. —Michael David Brown, 44, of Myrtle Beach, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Jan. 10, 2024, officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department spotted a vehicle in a motel parking lot with a man slumped over behind the wheel. Officers stopped to check on the man and determined he was intoxicated. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded handgun on the passenger seat.

Brown is a felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. He has previous convictions for domestic violence, assault and battery.

Brown faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine, restitution, and supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Brown after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report from the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. —Alexander Wright, 33, of Chester, has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Chester County Sheriff’s Department began investigating Wright after complaints from his neighbors. The neighbors reported several cars coming to his home and staying for short periods of time and leaving. Law enforcement began watching the home and confirmed the reports from the neighbors.

After confirming the information, the police used an informant to make several buys from Wright. On June 5, 2023, the informant contacted Wright to purchase methamphetamine. Under surveillance by the police, the informant went to Wright’s home and purchased 2 ounces of methamphetamine. The informant was instructed by Wright that the drugs were in the rear passenger door of a car parked in his yard and told the informant to leave the money in the car.   After the deal and still under surveillance, the informant returned to law enforcement. The drugs were recovered and were tested with a 96% purity rate for methamphetamine and weighed 56.42 grams.

Wright faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.  He also faces a fine of up to $10 million, and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Wright after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Charles McKinley Griffin, 55, Tika Michelle Griffin, 48, and Kirk Nathan Evans, 54, all of Lancaster, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Charles and Tika Griffin owned and operated a business called Transformation Services. Transformation Services purported to provide behavioral health services to Medicaid beneficiaries.  Transformation Services worked together to recruit beneficiaries from disadvantaged backgrounds, sign the beneficiaries up as clients, and to then submit bills and records to the State of South Carolina for behavioral health services that were never rendered. The conspirators also provided services by unlicensed counselors in violation of the law.  Through this scheme Transformation Services defrauded the state Medicaid program of at least $246, 335.12.

The Transformation Services scheme came after Charles Griffin was barred from serving as a provider in the Medicaid program following an investigation into a similar potential scheme through a different entity. Following that action by the state, Transformation Services was established with Tika Griffin, Charles Griffin’s spouse, as the president of Transformation Services, and with Charles Griffin given no formal role in the organizing documents.

Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. They also face a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence each defendant after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott Daniels and Scott Matthews are prosecuting the case.

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WASHINGTON — Three South Carolina men and one woman have been sentenced for violent crimes targeting Hispanics in Columbia, South Carolina. Charles Antonio Clippard, 27, was sentenced to 420 months in prison; Michael Joseph Knox, 29, was sentenced to 303 months in prison; Gabriel Brunson, 21, was sentenced to 100 months in prison; and Sierra Fletcher, 34, was sentenced to 200 months in prison.

All four defendants previously pleaded guilty to carjacking, conspiracy, firearms, and criminal civil rights charges in connection with the string of armed robberies. According to court documents, beginning in January 2021 and continuing through February 2021, the four defendants conspired to target Hispanic victims for armed robberies. The group would wait for their victims at gas stations and grocery stores and then follow them to their homes or other locations to rob their victims at gunpoint. All four defendants admitted their involvement in a Jan. 30, 2021, armed robbery and carjacking targeting a Hispanic victim after following him from a gas station to his home. In another series of robberies on Jan. 30, 2021, three members of the group carjacked one victim, and invaded the home of another group of victims. The group stole cash, cellphones, driver’s licenses, and credit cards from multiple victims.

“The defendants hunted victims based on their ethnicity and terrorized an entire community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Their acts of bias-motivated violence have no place in South Carolina. These four defendants will spend a total of 85 years in federal prison as a result of law enforcement coordination at the federal, state, and local level. We are all committed to making sure the Palmetto State remains a safe place for everyone.”

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Brook Andrews and Acting Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI Columbia Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Columbia Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Town of Lexington Police Department and Columbia Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Garner for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorneys Katherine McCallister and Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Everette Kale Wanamaker, 37, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on multiple occasions between November 2022 and February 2023, Wanamaker sold 15 firearms, including firearms with high-capacity magazines and obliterated serial numbers to undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Wanamaker also sold approximately 30 grams of fentanyl and 55 grams of counterfeit heroin to undercover agents. On Feb. 13, 2023, Wanamaker was arrested with three additional firearms, including one that was stolen and 28 grams of fentanyl.

Wanamaker is a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Wanamaker has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, domestic violence 2nd degree, financial identity fraud, possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamine.

United States District Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Wanamaker to 151 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jocobia Dozier-Eaddy, 37, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Dozier-Eaddy and others were responsible for shipping and selling cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills made with fentanyl through the U.S. Postal Service from Arizona into South Carolina. During this investigation agents seized marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and counterfeit oxycodone pills. Agents were able to identify Dozier-Eaddy following his sale of counterfeit pills to an undercover agent. During the sale, Dozier-Eaddy sold the undercover agent 200 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. 

Following his identification, the agents learned that Dozier-Eaddy called the USPS to inquire about a package that had been seized by them. The package contained two individually wrapped packages containing over 900 grams of cocaine and 5 grams of crack cocaine. The package was supposed to be delivered that day. Dozier-Eaddy confirmed the package seized was the correct package and gave the correct tracking number, his cellular telephone number, and the correct address for delivery. During the time of this conspiracy, Dozier-Eaddy also wired money to the supplier of the drugs in Arizona, who was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations in a separate investigation in Arizona.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Dozier-Eaddy to 46 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — True Heaven Heflin, 25, of Greenville, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for trafficking a 15-year-old Greenville student.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the minor victim went to a party over Christmas break in 2022 where she met Heflin. Heflin then took the minor victim to her residence and forced the victim to engage in sexual acts for money. Heflin held the minor victim for over a week before the teen was able to escape.

“If you abuse and exploit children for money, we will find you, we will charge you, and we will ensure you go to prison. Human trafficking inflicts profound and lasting damage on its victims and our community," declared Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, will continue to tirelessly investigate and prosecute these despicable acts until our children and communities are safe.”

“The successful prosecution and sentencing of True Heflin exemplifies what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies collaborate to tackle the horrific crime of human trafficking. This case serves as a reminder of our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and holding traffickers accountable,” said Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis. “Human trafficking has been — and will continue to be — a top priority for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. We will persist in defending and advocating for those who cannot defend themselves, ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are brought to justice.”

United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Heflin to 300 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Heflin was also ordered to pay the victim $5,000 in restitution. Heflin pleaded guilty to human trafficking conspiracy in November 2024.

If anyone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For more information on reporting and to learn the signs of human trafficking, visit https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/report-human-trafficking

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Terry Leslie Washington, 46, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that a Columbia Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for operating without a tag light. Washington was the lone occupant. Washington informed the officer that he did not have a valid driver’s license. Washington told the officer he had a gun and marijuana with him in the car. The officer conducted an inventory of the vehicle, where he found a loaded 9mm pistol along with three plastic pouches of marijuana and a clear plastic baggie containing psilocybin mushrooms. Washington was arrested.

Washington was prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon prior convictions for strong-armed robbery, robbery/armed with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, robbery while armed or allegedly armed with a deadly weapon and attempted armed robbery.

United States District Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Washington to 180 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. —A federal jury has convicted Don Michael Rynn, 61, of Augustine, Florida, following a three-day trial. Rynn was found guilty of making false statements on trip reports about the amount and quality of the fish he caught, as well as lying to federal agents.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Don Michael Rynn managed several commercial fishing vessels in the McClellanville area, which included the Maximum Retriever and Crystal C. The vessels docked at Carolina Seafood, a federally licensed dealer. 

On March 21, 2023, the Maximum Retriever embarked on a commercial fishing trip captained by the defendant’s son, who was told by Rynn to catch as many fish as he could – ignoring federally imposed quotas – which would be taken care of when he got back. The Maximum Retriever returned to McClellanville shortly after midnight on March 27 with almost three times the limit of Snowy Grouper on board, and one and a half times the allowable number of Grey Tilefish. Rynn was waiting for the boat to arrive. Once the Maximum Retriever was in place, the Crystal C was maneuvered so that the two boats were side by side.

Shortly afterwards, and under the direction of Rynn, the deckhands moved fish from the ice hold of the Maximum Retriever to the Crystal C. Additional fish were carried from the Maximum Retriever to Rynn’s truck and were transported to another seafood dealer in Georgetown.

In a mandatory trip report filed shortly thereafter, Rynn reported his catch only up to the limit, hiding the fact that the Maximum Retriever had vastly overfished, and attributing a substantial number to the Crystal C, which hadn’t caught any.

On March 27, 2023, SCDNR received a tip of a suspected commercial fish overage, which led to the subsequent investigation.

The fish transported by Rynn to Georgetown were disposed of in order to evade law enforcement by disguising their source.

On Oct. 30, 2023, Rynn was interviewed by NOAA agents and lied to them, telling them the Snowy Grouper and Tilefish had been contaminated by a fuel spill while at sea, and that he had disposed of them in a dumpster. Rynn further implied that a U.S. Coast Guard report addressing an unlawful discharge into Jeremy Creek was inaccurate and should have been attributed to the Crystal C, which would have bolstered his fuel spill story.  

In total, the Maximum Retriever caught approximately 560 pounds of Snowy Grouper and 450 pounds of Tilefish.

"Those who attempt to circumvent federal fishing regulations and deceive law enforcement will be held accountable. Our marine resources are vital, and we will not tolerate those who prioritize personal gain over sustainable practices and the rule of law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This conviction underscores the collaborative efforts of NOAA and SCDNR in protecting our fisheries and ensuring fair competition for all."

“The prosecution of this case and the jury’s verdict emphasizes the importance of holding violators accountable for the harm caused by lying to law enforcement officers and undermining federal fishery regulations. We work closely with our state joint enforcement partners and other federal agencies to detect and identify potential illegal activity related to federal fisheries regulations,” NOAA Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division Acting Assistant Director Paige Casey said in a statement. “Through our partnerships, we are able to successfully prosecute and convict individuals, such as in this case, who lie to law enforcement officers and who illegally harvest marine resources that could disrupt our fair-trade market.”

“On behalf of all involved, we extend our deepest gratitude to NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and our dedicated officers for their unwavering commitment and collaboration in protecting our fisheries, said Colonel Chisholm Frampton of the SCDNR Law Enforcement Division. “Together, we have taken a stand against a blatant disregard for the law, ensuring our vital marine resources are preserved for future generations.”

Rynn faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel presided over the trial and will sentence Rynn after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the United States Coast Guard, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the SCDNR Saltwater Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Amy Bower are prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security announced yesterday the seizure of 45,600 pounds of illicit narcotics from smugglers in the Eastern Pacific Ocean worth more than $517 million. One of 14 mentioned interdictions will be prosecuted in the District of South Carolina.

On March 10, the USCGC Stone, utilizing their Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) aircrew, detected a suspect vessel in international waters approximately 234 miles southeast of the Galapagos Islands. The HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to stop the vessel, and Stone’s boarding team interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehended two suspected smugglers and seized approximately 4,000 pounds of cocaine.

The two smugglers aboard the vessel, Carlos Armando Cedeno, 29, and Jorge Augusto Mero Figueroa, 60, both of Ecuador, were arrested. Their case has been transferred to the District of South Carolina for prosecution due to an ongoing international drug trafficking investigation by federal law enforcement in Charleston.

"We’re proud to partner with the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard to combat transnational criminal organizations bringing dangerous narcotics into the U.S,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “The coordinated effort, culminating in arrests and the transfer of this case to the District of South Carolina, demonstrates the effectiveness of our interagency collaboration in disrupting the flow of illicit narcotics. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our borders and keep our communities safe."

Cedeno and Figueroa are charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine while on board a vessel subject to United States’ jurisdiction; and jettisoning (dumping into ocean) property that is subject to forfeiture under federal drug laws. Both defendants face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard with operational leads generated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service’s (CGIS) Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Division and Southeast Field Office in Miami, Florida who all cooperatively spearheaded efforts against foreign cartel threats along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case for the District of South Carolina.

All charges in the complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jimmy Franklin King, Jr., 35 of Charleston, has been sentenced to 115 months in federal prison for possessing seven firearms as a convicted felon, several of which were unregistered and untraceable “ghost guns.”

Evidence obtained during the investigation established that King imported firearms parts and components to his North Charleston residence from China, including an illegal silencer. A search warrant was executed on his home and agents discovered illegal firearms, ammunition, and 3D printed firearm components, including a machine gun conversion device, which is commonly used to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Also located in King’s residence were two 3D printers and a computer that contained software programs for 3D printing machine gun conversion devices. As a result of these discoveries, King was arrested in September 2023. During his arrest, agents found two more unregistered firearms on his person.

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced King to a sentence of 115 months in prison—the maximum sentence called for by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. King’s term of incarceration will be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole Shannon is prosecuting the case.

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RICHMOND, Va. — The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the 2022 conviction of Dominique Devonah Brand for kidnapping resulting in death, carjacking resulting in death, and using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in a manner constituting murder.

In a written opinion, the court affirmed Brand’s convictions following a multi-day bench trial in September 2022. Evidence presented at trial established that on Sunday, March 28, 2021, Brand entered the Nichols, South Carolina, home of Mary Ann Elvington, a retired elementary school teacher and stalwart in her church and community. In the days prior, Brand had burglarized another nearby residence, stealing a shotgun, in addition to burglarizing and vandalizing a local church. Brand forced Ms. Elvington to drive him from her house to Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, and back into South Carolina. During this trip, Brand sat behind Ms. Elvington with the shotgun before forcing her into the back seat and driving her to a remote crossroads in Marion County. Once there, he marched her behind an abandoned grocery store, held the shotgun to the back of her head, and pulled the trigger, executing her. Brand then drove Ms. Elvington’s car to Marion, where he hid it behind an abandoned club. Ms. Elvington’s body was located the following evening. During a post-arrest statement to authorities, Brand denied committing the murder, but his guilt was proven at trial with DNA evidence, cell phone analytics, and crime scene analysis.

“We are pleased that the Fourth Circuit has affirmed the convictions we proved beyond a reasonable doubt in the senseless kidnapping and murder of Ms. Mary Ann Elvington,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This has been a painful ordeal for her loved ones, and we send our continued support to Ms. Elvington’s family.”

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon presided over the trial and imposed two concurrent life sentences for the carjacking and kidnapping convictions, plus 10 consecutive years for using a firearm during the commission of these offenses. Brand, now 33, is in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons at USP Hazelton in West Virginia.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office with significant assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Horry County Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Lake View Police Department, and Nichols Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everett McMillian and Kathleen Stoughton prosecuted the case along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, who also serves as the Deputy Solicitor for the 15th Judicial Circuit.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a single-count indictment against Brandon Chanell Joyner, 28, of Columbia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that on July 18, 2023, Joyner possessed a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. On that date, Joyner was arrested on state charges from a shooting incident near Stoneridge Drive and Greystone Boulevard in Columbia that involved a significant law enforcement response from multiple agencies.

Joyner has previous felony convictions that prevent him from lawfully possessing a firearm. He is currently detained awaiting trial for the state charges related to the incident. He is only charged federally with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Joyner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Columbia Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sanford is prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Ibrahim Shedid, 29, and Ahmed Shedid, 35, of Summerville, were each sentenced to 26 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to sell and traffic counterfeit Viagra.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Ibrahim Shedid owned and operated Big Boss Puff Stuff and Ahmed Shedid owned and operated A2Z Warehouse. The brothers worked together to distribute and sell counterfeit Viagra to convenience stores, knowing the pills were counterfeit.

In January 2024, law enforcement intercepted a shipment of 20 boxes of counterfeit Viagra, which was being delivered to Big Boss Puff Stuff.  The evidence revealed that the 20 boxes that were intercepted contained more than 9,000 bottles of counterfeit Viagra.  After the January 2024 delivery was intercepted, more counterfeit Viagra was seized from a storage unit associated with both Ahmed Shedid and Ibrahim Shedid.  In total, more than 10,000 bottles of counterfeit Viagra were seized from the brothers. The retail value of all counterfeit Viagra seized from the defendants was more than $25 million.

“Trafficking counterfeit medication not only defrauds buyers but presents a public health risk. The $25 million value of these seized counterfeit drugs highlights the scale of this illegal operation and the potential harm it could have inflicted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who peddle these dangerous products, protecting the health and well-being of our community.”

“Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose a serious threat to public health. This conviction sends a clear message- those who manufacture and distribute fake medication will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant who leads Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, covering North and South Carolina. “HSI and our partners remain committed to protecting consumers from dangerous drugs.”

“The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is committed to holding drug traffickers accountable for peddling poison in our communities,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “This case is a testament to the great law enforcement partnerships we have in South Carolina.”

U.S. District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Ibrahim to 26 months to be followed by a three-year term of court ordered supervision. Ahmed was also sentenced to 26 months to be followed by a three-year term of court ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.  The brothers were also ordered to pay $25,584,130.85 in restitution pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, of James Island has been arrested on criminal charges related to an arson at a North Charleston Tesla charging station.

The complaint alleges that on March 7, the North Charleston Police Department and North Charleston Fire Department responded to a Tesla charging station on Tanger Outlet Boulevard to reports of an arson. Witnesses reported that a man spray painted in red paint, “F*ck Trump” and “Long Live Ukraine” in a Tesla charging station parking spot. The man then pulled out five incendiary explosive devices, commonly known Molotov cocktails, and threw them at the Tesla chargers, damaging the chargers. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the arson and identified a defendant, Daniel Clarke-Pounder. He was arrested last night and arraigned this afternoon in federal court.

"While we will defend the public’s right to peaceful protest, we will not hesitate to act when protest crosses the line into violence and mayhem. These kinds of attacks have no place in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful for the prompt response of our first responders and law enforcement. We must remain united in our commitment to safety and respect for all, regardless of political differences.”

“We’re very proud of the response from our Special Agents and the collaborative effort on this investigation between ATF, the North Charleston Police Department, and the North Charleston Fire Department,” said Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Our Certified Fire Investigators played an especially critical role here in identifying the evidence that led us to the suspect. Our fire investigation program proved to be an important factor in the outcome of this investigation and we’re grateful to have played a part in bringing this individual to justice.”

Clarke-Pounder faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. He is currently detained pending a detention hearing and preliminary hearing scheduled for March 17 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the North Charleston Police Department, and the North Charleston Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cole Shannon and Everett McMillian are prosecuting the case. 

All charges in the complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — John Maurice Anderson, 40, of Hampton, was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute high potency methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Evidence presented to the court showed that beginning in January 2023 and continuing through June 2023, Anderson conspired with others to distribute and did distribute over 340 grams of high potency methamphetamine and approximately 5 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating source and undercover officer. During a search of Anderson’s vehicle after his arrest, agents located two loaded firearms and a loaded extended magazine. During a search of Anderson’s residence in Hampton, agents located nine loaded firearms, two of which were stolen; approximately 1.9 grams of fentanyl, 29 grams of high potency methamphetamine, 26 grams of cocaine, 23 grams of crack cocaine, and 8 grams of bath salts; various drug trafficking supplies; and over $35,000 in cash.

"Anderson's distribution of illegal narcotics presented a grave threat to the public, and this prison sentence makes our community safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal operations that bring drugs and violence into our community.”

“Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The success of this investigation is proof that those trying to destroy our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable.”

“Drug trafficking has plagued our communities for far too long,” said Hampton County Sheriff Anthony Russell. “This case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect our citizens. Their efforts have made a significant impact in our fight against crime, and we will continue to stand together to ensure the safety of our communities.”

“I’d like to thank all the agencies, local, state, and federal, involved in this case,”  said Hampton Police Chief Perry McAlhaney. “Prior to this operation our community had an overwhelming number of overdoses and this cut down on those significantly, removing dangerous fentanyl and meth from our streets.”

United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Anderson to 130 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton Police Department, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra Henderson is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jerome S. Goldstein, 78, of Long Beach, New York, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

Evidence presented to the court showed that in late 2022, members of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), conducted an undercover investigation targeting online sexual offenders. As part of this investigation, an officer created an undercover online persona of a 13-year-old girl on a social messaging app.

Between Nov. 28, 2022, and Feb. 15, 2023, Goldstein communicated online with the undercover officer.  In their conversations, Goldstein requested that the purported 13-year-old child engage in sexual acts and send him child sexual abuse material. He also informed her that he planned to travel from New York to South Carolina to have sex with her.

On Feb. 15, 2023, Goldstein drove from Long Beach, New York to Goose Creek, South Carolina to meet the purported 13-year-old, and to engage in illicit sexual conduct with her. When Goldstein arrived, he encountered law enforcement officers instead and was placed under arrest. Goldstein admitted that he traveled from New York to South Carolina to engage in illicit sexual conduct with the girl. Goldstein had planned to take to a hotel room he had reserved.

United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Goldstein to 46 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), including the FBI Columbia field office, Homeland Security Investigations, Goose Creek Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean H. Secor is prosecuting the case.

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ANDERSON, S.C. — Tyler Michael Berlick, 36, of Muskego, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to production of child sexual abuse materials.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Berlick met a girl he believed to be 13 years old located in Greenville, South Carolina in an online game. He sent the child sexually explicit messages and produced sexual abuse materials of the child over the internet. Berlick also traveled from Wisconsin to South Carolina and engaged in sexual activity with the child and then traveled with the minor to Florida and further engaged in sexual activity with the child. 

“This defendant targeted and exploited someone he knew was a child, and this sentence reflects magnitude of such an offense,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This child was brought home safely due to law enforcement coordination across multiple states. Our office will continue to bring every resource we have to bear in the fight to keep our child safe from predators like this.”

"The FBI is steadfast in its commitment to combating violent crime, especially cases involving the exploitation of children," said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. "This defendant, preyed on a child, and he is now facing justice. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will always prioritize safeguarding children and pursuing those who pose a threat to their safety."

United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Berlick to 360 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia field office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI Miami Field Office, the Latana Police Department (Florida), the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department (Wisconsin). Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Marosek is prosecuting the case.

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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages use of the phrase “child pornography.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gerald Congdon, M.D., of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Gbenga Aluko, M.D., of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Anup Banerjee, M.D., of Gastonia, North Carolina, and their medical practices, as well as Curis Healthcare Inc., of Chicago, Illinois, Omar Hussain, of South Miami, Florida, and Saeed Medical Group Ltd. d/b/a Alliance Immediate and Primary Care, of Chicago, Illinois, agreed to pay a total of $1,913,808 to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. The parties have agreed to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, TRICARE, and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

The settlements announced today resolve allegations that healthcare providers received kickbacks in return for their referrals to a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, and that a marketer and his marketing company received kickbacks from that South Carolina laboratory to arrange for laboratory testing referrals, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The kickbacks allegedly resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

• Dr. Gerald Congdon, Coastal Urgent Care, LLC, and Coastal Wellness Center, LLC. Dr. Congdon and his medical practices in Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that from May 2016 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
• Dr. Gbenga Aluko and Eagle Medical Center, PC. Dr. Aluko and his medical practice in Charlotte, North Carolina agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that from May 2016 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental, phlebotomy, and toxicology payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
• Dr. Anup Banerjee and Gastonia Medical Specialty Clinic P.A. Dr. Banerjee and his medical practice in Gastonia, North Carolina agreed to pay $206,000 to resolve allegations that from April 2017 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
• Omar Hussain and Curis Healthcare Inc. Hussain and his marketing company agreed to pay $817,808 to resolve allegations that from April 2020 to August 2021, Hussain and his company received commissions from the South Carolina laboratory as independent contractors based on the volume and/or value of the Medicare and TRICARE referrals for laboratory testing that they arranged for and/or recommended.
• Saeed Medical Group Ltd., Omar Hussain, and Curis Healthcare Inc. Saeed Medical Group and Hussain and his marketing company agreed to pay $240,000 to resolve allegations that from April 2020 to August 2021, Saeed Medical Group received thousands of dollars in remuneration in the form of cash payments from Hussain and his company in return for ordering testing from the South Carolina laboratory.

“Integrity must be the standard in our health care system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Kickback schemes divert funds and focus away from patients and their medical needs.”

“The public puts immense trust in medical professionals, and disdain for the rule of law damages that trust and erodes their credibility,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “These settlements should serve as a reminder that the FBI and its partners are committed to holding medical practitioners accountable for kickbacks.”

“Kickback schemes undermine medical decision-making and jeopardize the integrity of federally funded health care programs,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our commitment is to safeguard taxpayer-funded health care and the patients who rely on it, and we will rigorously pursue any allegations of False Claims Act violations.”

“The trust of the American taxpayer and the wellbeing of our Service members are undermined when laboratories and physicians engage in collusive financial relationships,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves by prioritizing kickbacks over patient care.”

The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, and the FBI. The settlements announced today were handled by Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. The United States previously resolved allegations that physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Texas received kickbacks from the same South Carolina laboratory.

The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Three brothers have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud. Two brothers, William Chan, 40, and Siu Chan, 32, both of Georgia, pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy. The third brother, Ka Ho Chan, 33, who also resides in Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. The brothers, along with other family members, operate a string of restaurants in the Charleston area.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that beginning in March 2020, the Chan brothers applied for Paycheck Protect Program (PPP) and Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) funds using false representations and fraudulent documentation. 

The evidence presented for William and Siu Chan revealed that at least 22 PPP and EIDL loans were applied for and received totaling more than $2.5 million. The investigation further revealed that a handful of the loans applied for by William and Siu were legitimate applications but the funds we not used for legitimate business purposes once funded. For example, the Government uncovered evidence that the brothers used PPP and EIDL loan funds to make personal car purchases and pay personal credit card expenses.

Ka Ha Chan pleaded to a separate information charging him with wire fraud for an EIDL loan and grant he received. Moreover, in Ka Ha Chan’s plea agreement, he agreed to a restitution figure between $300,000 to $350,000 based on his receipt of fraudulent loan proceeds applied for by his brothers during their conspiracy. The evidence revealed that all the funds received by Ka Ho, though his own wire fraud scheme, and the funds he received from his brothers were not used for legitimate business purposes and were used for personal expenses, such as vehicle purchases and personal credit cards.

"These defendants exploited a program intended to help struggling businesses during a critical time. Their greed led them to defraud the government and taxpayers, diverting millions of dollars intended for legitimate economic relief,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This sentencing sends a clear message: those who attempt to profit from pandemic aid through fraud will be held accountable."

“We will not tolerate those who exploit programs designed to support small businesses, and these defendants are now facing the consequences for their actions,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office.  “The FBI remains committed to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those who attempt undermine our financial institutions for personal gain.”

United States District Richard M. Gergel sentenced William Chan to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Siu Chan was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Ka Ho Chan was sentenced to 12 months and one day imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. 

There is no parole in the federal system. The total amount of fraudulent loans and misuse of EIDL and PPP loan funds presented to the court during sentencing exceeded $2.8 million. In advance of sentencing, efforts had been made by the brothers to pay restitution. As a result, the outstanding restitution owed in the amount of $1,268,386.50 was ordered. 

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and Small Business Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Rashaad Green, 31, of Union, and Shaquille Barber, 30, of Moore, have been sentenced to 15 years and seven years in federal prison for trafficking in marijuana, money laundering, and possession of firearms in connection with drug trafficking.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that from approximately 2020 to 2024 Green and Barber regularly flew to California and other western states obtaining pounds of marijuana for distribution in South Carolina. Green and Barber engaged in money exchanges at their respective financial institutions using cash from drug proceeds. Green and Barber’s financial records showed hundreds of thousands of dollars flowing through the associated accounts. During this time, Green and Barber were also found to have possessed firearms in connection with the marijuana trafficking.

United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Green to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court further ordered the forfeiture of jewelry, firearms, and cash and imposed a forfeiture judgment of $500,000 against Green.

United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Barber to 84 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court further ordered the forfeiture of jewelry, a Rolex watch, a 2019 Audi Q8, a firearm, and cash and imposed a forfeiture judgment of $250,000 against Barber.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and Union County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Joseph Edward Gallagher, 67, of Greenville was sentenced to more than three years in federal for committing wire fraud after defrauding his company to build a beach house. 

Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing established that Gallagher served as the president and CEO of AFL Telecommunications, which is owned by Fujikura, Inc. Despite receiving yearly compensation in excess of $2 million, Gallagher devised a scheme to have AFL pay for the construction of a personal beach house. Gallagher created a false business documents indicating EPIC Development Group, LLC, was serving as a consultant for AFL Telecommunications in the field of government contracts and optical infrastructure. In truth, EPIC was a builder and was constructing Gallagher’s beach house on Kiawah Island. 

When EPIC submitted invoices for construction costs, Gallagher would alter them to indicate that the recipient of the services was AFL and that the services involved consulting rather than construction. Gallagher would further submit the altered invoices to AFL for payment. Gallagher succeeded, through fraud and deceit, in obtaining approximately $2.5 million from AFL for the construction of the beach house. EPIC had no knowledge that Gallagher was defrauding his employer.  

“Gallagher’s actions represent a serious breach of trust. He abused his position of authority diverting millions from his company to fund a personal luxury,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This sentence underscores that such brazen acts of fraud, regardless of an individual's status, will be met with serious consequences."

U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Gallagher to 41 months imprisonment. She also ordered Gallagher to pay a $34,000 fine. She will decide the issue of restitution at a later hearing.  

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case. 

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COLUMBIA, S.C. —Shia Lee, 35, of Burlington, North Carolina has pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm in connection with a violent crime for the armed carjacking of an off-duty South Carolina police detective and his wife.

According to evidence presented in court, on Dec. 19, 2020, the detective and his wife were travelling on Interstate 26 passing through the Orangeburg area when they stopped to switch drivers. Their car was parked with the detective in the passenger seat and his wife in the drivers before they exited the vehicle.

Lee walked up to the driver’s side, demanded the car, and the victim driver fought back and resisted. Lee then brandished a firearm at the victim and ordered her out of the vehicle. With the firearm pointed at her, she complied. Lee entered the car, saw the officer in the passenger seat, and pointed the firearm at the second victim, which the officer recognized to be a 9mm or a .380 caliber pistol.  The second victim exited the vehicle, and Lee took control of the car.  Lee then drove the victims’ Jeep Cherokee away from the rest stop along with the police detective’s duty weapon and police badge.

One day later, 911 dispatch received a call for service associated with a separate alleged vehicle theft from a gas station in Branchville while the victim was inside. Lee was arrested in that car after the Denmark Police Department pursued Lee in a chase and deployed stop sticks. The off-duty officer’s car was found abandoned on a local road, and Lee’s car was found by the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office at the rest stop with another firearm inside, along with Lee’s identifying documents.

The carjacking victims identified Lee in a photo lineup, and Lee admitted his involvement to Orangeburg County deputies. A federal grand jury then indicted Lee on charges of carjacking and the brandish of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.

Lee faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum of seven years. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution for any losses incurred by the victims, and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Lee after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Denmark Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Daisean Montez Skeeters, 31, of Columbia, has been sentenced to a total of 57 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, which violated both federal criminal law and his federal supervised release from a previous conviction.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on July 17, 2024, Columbia Police Department officers responded to a domestic violence call at Skeeters’ home. After arriving, police learned there might be firearms in the home. Because Skeeters was already on federal supervised release for a previous weapons conviction, agents also spoke to his U.S. Probation Officer, who said that he was also advised of firearms in the home. Agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and located two firearms. Agents obtained a second search warrant for Skeeters’ DNA to compare to swabs taken from those firearms. DNA testing confirmed an extremely high probability that Skeeters’ DNA was present on one of the firearms. Skeeters entered a guilty plea to knowingly possessing that particular firearm as a convicted felon.

Skeeters was already on federal supervised release following a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, this conviction was also a violation of the terms of that supervised release. Skeeters was also a high-ranking member of a violent street gang in Columbia.

United States District Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Skeeters to a total of 57 months’ imprisonment, which was comprised of a 24-month revocation of his supervised release and a consecutive term of 33 months’ imprisonment for the new criminal charge, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott Daniels and Matthew Sanford are prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kayla Martin, 34, of Cayce, was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Martin and Michael Tart were arrested in April 2022 after Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department investigators seized over a kilogram of methamphetamine and a firearm from a vehicle Tart was driving on I-77 North in Richland County. Martin had previously arranged for Tart to pick up the methamphetamine from her home. A subsequent search of Martin’s home uncovered a .380 pistol along with drug residue and other drug paraphernalia. At the time, Martin was a convicted felon and on supervised release from a 2020 federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Martin’s conviction for the April 2022 incident was a violation of her supervised release. Martin also faces charges with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office in another drug-related incident in 2020. Tart has pleaded guilty for his part in this incident and is awaiting sentencing.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Martin to 123 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rock Hill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Taylor and William K. Witherspoon are prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. —Following Wednesday’s announcement of eight people charged in a public corruption scheme, four have pleaded guilty. The four men, including two former city council members, were each granted release pending sentencing on unsecured bonds.

These four defendants entered guilty pleas in federal court today:

Jerome Sydney Heyward, 61, Former North Charleston City Councilmember;

Sandino Savalas Moses, 50, Former North Charleston City Councilmember;

Donavan Laval Moten, 46, founder of Core4Success Foundation; and

Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 37, resident of North Charleston.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence Heyward, Moses, Moten, and Hicks after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Heyward and Moten each face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Hicks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Moses faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of one year.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Eight people have been charged in federal court for a series of bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes following a public corruption investigation in North Charleston. Three of the individuals charged are elected members of the North Charleston City Council.

Four individuals have been charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty:

Jerome Sydney Heyward, 61, North Charleston City Councilmember;

Sandino Savalas Moses, 50, North Charleston City Councilmember;

Donavan Laval Moten, 46, founder of Core4Success Foundation; and

Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 37, resident of North Charleston.

A federal grand jury returned indictments against four others:

Mike A. Brown, 46, North Charleston City Council Member;

Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields, 51, a Goose Creek resident;

Rose Emily Lorenzo, 65, a North Carolina resident; and

Michelle Stent-Hilton, 56, a North Charleston resident.

Heyward is charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest and faithful services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten, Rose Lorenzo, and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle funds belonging to North Charleston by soliciting and accepting kickbacks from non-profit organizations run by Moten and Stent-Hilton that received violence reduction grant funds from the City.

Heyward has agreed to plead guilty to: extortion under color of official right and using fear of economic harm; multiple counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; multiple counts of bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds; and multiple counts of money laundering. Heyward faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Heyward has agreed to cooperate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Mike A. Brown is charged with conspiring with Heyward and Hicks to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Mike A. Brown, while serving as a North Charleston City Councilmember, solicited and accepted bribes from Hicks—working on behalf of a company requesting the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site—in exchange for his support of the rezoning application. Mike A. Brown faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. He will be arraigned on these charges in March.

Aaron Hicks is charged with a conspiracy to pay bribes to Mike A. Brown and Jerome Heyward and a separate conspiracy with Hason Tatorian Fields to bribe Sandino Moses in exchange for their influence on North Charleston City Council and their support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Hicks has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. Hicks has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Hicks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Fields conspired with Hicks to pay bribes to Sandino Moses. Thereafter, Fields paid Moses two bribes in an attempt to influence him in connection with his official action regarding the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Fields faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

Sandino Moses is charged with misprision of a felony. The Information alleges that Moses knew that Fields and others attempted to bribe him and paid him bribes but he failed to disclose that criminal conduct and instead took steps to conceal the bribes by returning the money to Fields. Moses has agreed to plead guilty and to cooperate fully with federal state and local law enforcement agencies. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of one year.

Donavan Laval Moten has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The information alleges that Moten conspired with Jerome Heyward and Rose Lorenzo to kick back a portion of funds that Moten’s nonprofit received from North Charleston to Heyward, who at the time was on North Charleston’s City Council. The indictment further alleges that after receiving the money from North Charleston, Moten laundered Heyward’s portion through Lorenzo. Moten has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local enforcement officials. Moten faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

Michelle Stent-Hilton is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Stent-Hilton, who is affiliated with a non-profit and served as Jerome Heyward’s personal assistant, promised to pay Heyward a portion of money the non-profit received from the city of North Charleston. At the time, Heyward was serving on North Charleston City Council and voted on the grant proposal to distribute funds to non-profits, including Stent-Hilton’s. The indictment further alleges that after receiving money from North Charleston, Stent-Hilton laundered Heyward’s kick back through Rose Lorenzo. Stent-Hilton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

Rose Emily Lorenzo is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Lorenzo conspired with Jerome Heyward and others to kick back a portion of City of North Charleston grant funds that were awarded to non-profits affiliated with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to Heyward. The indictment further alleges that Lorenzo agreed to launder the funds by acting as an intermediary who received the funds from Moten and Stent-Hilton, and then wired them to Heyward for the purpose of concealing the true purpose of the transaction. Lorenzo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

Heyward, Moten, Hicks, and Moses are scheduled to plead guilty before the Honorable Richard M. Gergel on Friday, Feb. 28.

“When elected officials take their oath of office, they make a sacred promise to the people they serve.  They pledge to uphold the law, to act with integrity, and to place the public interest above their own,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Public service should never merely be a job – it is a public trust. The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”

“Public corruption at any level of government cannot be tolerated,” said Steve Jensen Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Citizens have a right to expect honesty, fairness, and integrity from their leaders. The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to aggressively investigating corruption and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”

“SLED Agents worked hand-in-hand with our federal partners to ensure that justice will be served,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “No matter who you are, or what position you hold, you will be held accountable for breaking the law. Elected officials and citizens should be working together to better their community, not exploiting others.”

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kenneth J. Brown, 45, and Nicholas R. Shepard, 46, both of Lexington, have each been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud for their involvement in business email compromise and romance scams.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Brown and Shepard coordinated with others to receive checks from victims of the business email compromise and romance scams through the United States mail to their business, Golden Eagle Precious Metals Exchange in Irmo. After receiving the checks, Brown and Shepard deposited them into their business account and then converted the money into cryptocurrency.

Senior United States District Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Brown and Shepard to 16 months imprisonment each, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Although a potential fine was waived, they were ordered to pay $415,196.66 in restitution to the victims of their crimes. Brown and Shepard are jointly and severally liable for the restitution.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Daniel Criswell Lee, 55, of Sumter, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $2.8 million in restitution.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Lee worked as project manager for Agile Infrastructure Service, LLC. As project manager, Lee represented Agile in the bidding process to obtain government contracts. Once Agile was awarded a project, Lee diverted money paid by the government for work on the project to corporations under his control. Lee was then used the funds for his own benefit. The illegally obtained funds totaled at least $2.8 million.

United States District Court Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Lee to 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. He was also ordered to pay $2.8 million in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID) and Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Charleston Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potterfield is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Emmanuel Deon Foster, 36, and Bobby Antoinios Hall, 41, both of Rock Hill, have been sentenced for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.   

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Foster and Hall had a close relationship with the leader of the conspiracy. Based upon law enforcement efforts, they learned both Foster and Hall purchased fentanyl-lased pills during the time of the conspiracy from the leader.  These pills were then sold to other dealers in the Rock Hill area. Foster also purchased and sold cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. These drugs were purchased from other members of the conspiracy and sold to other dealers. This operation has been responsible for the arrest and conviction of more than 20 individuals during its existence.

United States District Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Foster to a total of 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. Hall was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This joint law enforcement activity and prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Fermin Ortuno Valdovinos, 47, of Summerville, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for illegal reentry of an alien after removal, subsequent to a conviction of an aggravated felony, and violation of supervised release.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Valdovinos has a lengthy criminal history. He has reentered the country three times following three separate deportations. Additionally, Valdovinos has convictions for child sex crimes in the U.S.

On July 13, 2009, ICE officers encountered Valdovinos in the Anaheim City Jail in California where he was being held for charges of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 and forcible lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14. Valdovinos was interviewed and questioned regarding his immigration status in the United States and admitted entering the United States without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by an Immigration Officer.

On March 28, 2011, Valdovinos was convicted in the California Superior Court in Orange County, California of the offense of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, and for two counts of the offense of forcible lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14. He was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.

While serving his sentence for child sex crimes, an Immigration official in San Berdino, California ordered Valdovinos to be removed to Mexico. Valdovinos was removed from the United States to Mexico on July 2, 2019. 

Days later on July 11, 2019, near Sasabe, Arizona, Valdovinos illegally entered the United States and was encountered by a United States Border Patrol (USBP) agent. On Oct. 1, 2019, Valdovinos pleaded guilty to illegal reentry into the United States, subsequent to a conviction for a felony, in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. On Jan. 6, 2020, Valdovinos was sentenced to 24-months’ imprisonment and 36-months’ supervised release.

On April 14, 2021, the Order of Removal was executed, whereby Valdovinos was removed from the United States to Mexico for a second time.

On July 8, 2022, in San Clemente, California, Valdovinos illegally entered the United States and was encountered by the USBP.  On Sept. 21, 2022, Valdovinos pled guilty to improper attempted entry by an alien, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.  He received a six month sentence. On Oct. 31, 2022, Valdovinos was found to be in violation of the terms of his supervised release in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment and 24 months’ supervised release.

On July 5, 2023, the Order of Removal was executed, whereby Valdovinos was removed from the United States to Mexico for the third time.

At some point following the third removal, Valdovinos again reentered the U.S. On June 20, 2024, the Berkeley County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office arrested Valdovinos for failing to register as a sex offender.

Valdovinos was charged with illegal reentry of an alien after removal, subsequent to a conviction of an aggravated felony. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergelsentenced Valdovinos to 50 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Gergel also sentenced Valdovinos to 10 months imprisonment for violation of supervised release, to be served consecutive to the 50-month term of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean H. Secor is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Peter J. Strauss, 46, of Hilton Head, has been sentenced to nine months in federal prison for knowingly transferring, and aiding and abetting the transfer of, $3 million to prevent the lawful seizure of the funds.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Strauss directed and aided and abetted the transfer of $3 million for Jeff and Paulette Carpoff following the execution of federal search and seizure warrants in California. Strauss directed the transfer of $3 million from an account in the Bahamas to his trust account, thereafter, combining the funds for his personal use.

Jeff and Paulette Carpoff owned and operated DC Solar Solutions, Inc. and DC Solar Distribution, Inc. (DC Solar), California corporations that designed, manufactured, and leased renewable energy products, specializing predominantly in the production of mobile solar generators.

On Dec. 18, 2018, the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies executed numerous search warrants on the businesses associated with DC Solar, as well as the personal residences of Jeff and Paulette Carpoff. Several seizure warrants were also executed on bank accounts and assets associated with DC Solar and its principals. The search warrants were conducted in conjunction with a large-scale investigation regarding an investment fraud and money laundering scheme being operated by the principals of DC Solar.

Following the execution of search and seizure warrants related to an investigation into the Carpoffs’ company, Strauss received $11 million from the Carpoffs. On Dec. 19, 2018, the first $5 million was transferred into Strauss’ trust account and thereafter distributed to various criminal defense attorneys and bankruptcy counsel and to Carpoffs’ captive insurance funds, managed by Strauss’ captive insurance management company. Thereafter, on Dec. 28, 2018, Strauss received an additional $3 million, largely used to pay for the Carpoffs’ captive insurance fund premiums. Finally, on Jan. 15, 2019, the Carpoffs wired Strauss $3 million into Strauss’ trust account. The combined funds in Strauss’ trust account were completely spent over the next few months.

Jeff Carpoff pleaded guilty in California to money laundering and wire fraud in January 2020 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. In November 2021, Paulette Carpoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and money laundering. Paulette was sentenced to 11 years and three months.

Strauss pleaded guilty in November 2023 to removal of property to prevent seizure, admitting that by the time of the $3 million transfer in January 2019, he knowingly transferred and aided and abetted the transfer of funds from Carpoff to prevent and impair the government’s lawful authority to take the property into its custody and control.

United States District Richard M. Gergel sentenced Strauss to nine months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Strauss was ordered to pay $2.7 million in restitution, which Strauss previously paid in compliance with the terms of his plea agreement.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Cameron Jones, 26, of Camden, has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on April 1, 2022, an officer with the Camden Police Department was patrolling a local park due to recent violence in the area. When the officer approached the park, Cameron Jones began to run from the officer while holding his waistband. The officer chased Jones and saw Jones throw items into some bushes. The officer eventually caught Jones. While Jones was detained, officers with the Camden Police Department and Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office went back to the area where Jones threw items into the bushes and found a tan pistol with a drum magazine and 24.11 grams of cocaine. Additionally, Jones had over $3,700 in cash in his pockets. Further investigation revealed that Jones' DNA was on the firearm and that he had previously posted pictures with the firearm on social media.

The court also heard information that on Dec. 19, 2023, FBI agents and officers with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and Camden Police Department arrested Jones after he was indicted by a grand jury for his conduct on April 1, 2022. After his arrest, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on his home and found, multiple handgun magazines, marijuana, methamphetamine, and 18 machine gun conversion devices (also known as Glock switches), and a magazine matching the firearm from April 1, 2022.

Jones has a prior conviction for distribution of cocaine which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition and was a known member of a gang at the time of his arrest.

United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson sentenced Cameron Jones to 93 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and the Camden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sanford are prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. —Twenty-Nine out of 31 indicted defendants have pleaded guilty in a five-year investigation into a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 unemployment benefits led by SCDC inmates along with family members and friends outside the prison system.

Evidence presented in court revealed that incarcerated inmates harvested personal information, such as social security numbers and dates of birth, from other inmates and used the information to apply for COVID unemployment benefits in the names of those inmates as well as themselves. Some inmates provided their details willingly to the named defendants in exchange for a portion of the proceeds derived from the unemployment benefits. Other inmates had no knowledge that unemployment benefits were being applied for on their behalf. The incarcerated defendants also obtained the information of unwitting individuals outside of the Department of Corrections using various extortion schemes.

One of the primary schemes utilized by the defendants was known as “Johning.” Using contraband cellphones within the Department of Corrections, inmates posed as younger males or females and lured individuals to send them nude or compromising photos. After obtaining the photos, the inmates used a second line feature on their contraband cell phones and contacted the victim posing as law enforcement. The inmates then extorted the victims into sending them money and/or photos of their social security cards and driver’s license.

After the defendants applied for unemployment benefits in the names of the extortion victims and Department of Corrections inmates, the benefits were diverted to the incarcerated defendants with the assistances of the non-incarcerated defendants. The non-incarcerated defendants received government checks and prepaid Visa debit cards in the mail. The non-incarcerated defendants then utilized ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, and mobile banking applications such as Zelle, Venmo, Green Dot, and Cash App to make the proceeds available to the incarcerated defendants.

The indictment alleges the named defendants submitted COVID-19 unemployment applications in multiple states. Fraudulent benefit applications were filed in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, Missouri, Arizona, and California. In total, the fraudulent scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $4,996,673.00 to the United States Government. 

“This extensive fraud scheme exploited and misused individuals’ personal information, some unknowingly, for financial gain at the expense of American taxpayers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “The individuals involved showed a complete disregard for the law and used deception, manipulation, and extortion to unlawfully obtain nearly $5 million in unemployment benefits. Our agencies remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that such fraudulent schemes do not undermine public trust in vital government programs.”

“Inmates using this brazen scheme stole millions of dollars from an effort to help everyday Americans survive the COVID-19 pandemic,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “It is shameful, and the taxpayers deserve better. I am grateful to everyone involved in bringing these defendants to justice.”

Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon has accepted 29 guilty pleas and handed down sentences for 14 of the defendants thus far. The remaining defendants will be sentenced after the court receives and reviews a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. One defendant, Jessica Ann Howell, passed away and another defendant, Christine Hankins, remains at large as a fugitive.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Scott Matthews are prosecuting the case.

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First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews is now Acting U.S. Attorney

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced today the departure of Adair Ford Boroughs as U.S. Attorney following termination by the new administration.

Under the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews is now the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina.  As Acting U.S. Attorney, Andrews is the chief federal law enforcement official in the state of South Carolina.

Andrews is a career federal prosecutor who first joined the Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program in 2009. In addition to serving as First Assistant, Andrews previously served as Deputy Criminal Chief over the White Collar and General Crimes Section, District Ethics Officer, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney handling a wide range of criminal, civil, and appellate matters. Andrews received an undergraduate degree from Davidson College, a master’s degree from the George Washington University, and a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Before joining the Department of Justice, Andrews clerked for U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour of the District of South Carolina, and Chief Justice Jean Toal of the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Boroughs was sworn in as United States Attorney in July of 2022, following a nomination by President Biden and confirmation by the U.S. Senate. As United States Attorney, Boroughs oversaw a staff that included approximately 140 attorneys and support personnel. During her tenure, Boroughs prioritized enforcement of federal civil rights laws and partnering with local, state, and federal law enforcement to address violent crime. The office secured five federal hate crime convictions and hosted seven United Against Hate events around the state in partnership with FBI Columbia to educate the public on the existence of a federal hate crime statute and encourage the reporting of hate crime incidents. Boroughs prioritized the prosecution of offenders driving violence in South Carolina communities and recognized the value of local partners in identifying these offenders. Under her tenure, the office announced multi-defendant indictments and takedowns disrupting gun trafficking rings, illegal narcotics operations, and gang violence. She also oversaw multiple human trafficking, child exploitation, and white-collar prosecutions, including the recent indictment and extradition of a Nigerian national for a sextortion scheme resulting in the death of a 17-year-old Gavin Guffey. 

“It has been the honor of my career to return to the Department of Justice and to serve alongside the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Adair Ford Boroughs, “The career men and women of this office work tirelessly day in and day out to meet the Department’s mission–to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights. It has been my honor to support them in this critical and patriotic work however I could for as long as I could. To my colleagues, our law enforcement partners, and our South Carolina community, thank you for trusting me with this work.”

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FLORENCE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence has returned a two-count indictment charging Rafael Contreras, 38, of Mexico, with distributing cocaine and heroin and money laundering. Contreras was extradited from Mexico and arraigned in federal court in Florence this morning.

The indictment alleges that Contreras directed the sale and distribution of large quantities of heroin and cocaine from Mexico, with the narcotics largely being sold in Horry County.

“The extradition of this defendant marks a victory in our fight against transnational criminal organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful for the close cooperation with our law enforcement partners in Mexico and here in the United States. This extradition demonstrates our unwavering commitment to prosecuting those bringing illegal narcostics into our communities.”

“This indictment and extradition send a clear message: the FBI is relentless in its pursuit of the criminals behind large-scale drug operations,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “The defendant, as alleged, caused significant harm to Horry County by directing the distribution of lethal amounts of heroin and cocaine. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to expose and root out international drug trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities.”

Contreras faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. He is currently detained pending trial.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Contreras. The U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Contreras from Mexico to the District of South Carolina. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Angel Cooper Vause, 57, of Georgetown, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to lying to federal investigators about her role in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of Brittanee Drexel.

According to evidence presented in court, Vause concealed the truth of what happened to Brittanee and her involvement for more than 13 years. Vause told investigators that Brittanee willingly joined her and Raymond Moody, that she left Moody and Brittanee at the Pole Yard Boat Landing near Georgetown, and that she did not take Brittanee’s cell phone with her, when in reality, she participated in Brittanee’s abduction and was complicit in her rape and murder. On the night of Brittanee’s disappearance in April 2009, Vause assisted Moody in luring the 17-year-old into their vehicle, promising her a ride to her hotel. Vause left Brittanee alone with Moody at the site of her rape and murder taking her cellphone, her only chance of survival, with her. The judge noted during the sentencing hearing that Vause was a “key participant in this tragedy, facilitating the kidnapping of a child.”

“For more than a decade, Brittanee’s loved ones were left to imagine the worst possible scenario in Brittanee’s disappearance while Vause withheld the truth,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We hope Brittanee’s loved ones can now have both the closure and a measure of justice that comes with this sentence. May she rest in peace knowing that her mother Dawn was relentless in her pursuit of justice.”

“The FBI is committed to following the evidence to uncover the truth,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “This sentence underscores the gravity of lying during an investigation. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will always investigate the facts and hold accountable anyone who distorts the truth to obstruct justice.”

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Vause to 216 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case.

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FLORENCE, S.C. — David Carlos Rodriguez, Jr., 50, of Florence, was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing Oxycodone outside the scope of medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Rodriguez provided 15 prescriptions for Oxycodone over an eight-month period to a patient who felt pressured to engage in sexual activity with the doctor to obtain the pills. In total, Rodriguez distributed more than 600 Oxycodone pills to the patient during the eight months. At one point, one of the prescriptions Rodriguez had written the patient was rejected by a pharmacy because the patient was taking Suboxone, and a patient should not be taking both Suboxone and Oxycodone. When Rodriguez was notified of the pharmacy’s refusal to fill the Oxycodone prescription, he responded by requesting the patient send him pictures of various body parts. He then sent a new Oxycodone prescription to a different pharmacy. Rodriguez pleaded guilty in August 2024.

“Medical providers should be a place of safety and healing, not criminal exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “This sentence underscores our commitment to prosecuting those who abuse the vulnerable regardless of their profession.”

Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division stated, “DEA investigators did remarkable work in uncovering this doctor’s unlawful acts. The DEA will continue to aggressively pursue healthcare providers who distribute outside the scope of medical practice and without a medical purpose.” 

United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced Rodriguez to 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Flynn and Lauren Hummel are prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. —Cody Lee Anderson, 37, of Aiken, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud in connection with the signing of a will of an 88-year-old woman who passed away in 2022.

Evidence presented in court showed that sometime during the pandemic, a will was executed by a woman in Aiken that purported to leave the entirety of her estate, which was worth approximately $20 million to co-conspirator Thomas Allen Bateman, Jr. Anderson was designated as the personal representative and stood to be paid a fee of 5%. Evidence developed during the investigation indicated the 88-year-old woman did not have the mental capacity to make an informed decision regarding the disposition of her assets.

Anderson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $1 million and a total of five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Anderson at a future date after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.  Anderson’s co-conspirator, Bateman, previously plead guilty on Aug. 13, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ashley Clark Ingram, 35, of Columbia, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to theft of government funds for misappropriating funds from Habitat for Humanity of Central South Carolina.

Evidence presented to the court showed that while employed as the director of finance and operations for Habitat for Humanity, Ingram applied for an employee retention tax credit for retaining employees during the COVID-19 pandemic from the IRS on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, but without the knowledge of the nonprofit. Ingram then received checks totaling $388,550.75 from the United States Treasury and deposited the funds into a Habitat for Humanity account that she controlled then transferred the money from the Habitat for Humanity account into her own bank accounts. In total, Ingram misappropriated approximately $514,672.37 from Habitat for Humanity and the United States Government.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Ingram to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. Ms. Ingram was ordered to pay a remaining balance of $30,165.47 in restitution to Habitat, which she rendered today. Ms. Ingram was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and a $100 special assessment fee.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Michael J. French, 41, of Pendleton, has pleaded guilty to operating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme and to stalking two social media content creators. 

Evidence put forth at the plea hearing established that French owned MJF Holdings, LLC and MJF Capital, LLC.  Beginning in March 2019, through these companies, French offered promissory notes to investors that projected annual returns of 12 percent. He represented to investors that their funds would be used to provide loans to small businesses and that he had experience in the financial industry, including underwriting the loans in which the investor would be invested. French represented to investors that he would not receive compensation unless the promissory notes earned in excess of the 12 percent guaranteed to investors. 

These were false representations. French paid previous investors with new investor monies because his investment product was not generating returns. This lulled investors into believing the product was successful, when, in fact, French was spending investor money to maintain a lavish lifestyle that included supporting female social media content creators by paying them thousands of dollars each month.

At one point, the content creators stopped communicating with French. He became angry with the women and began harassing them through various “burner” phone numbers and fake email accounts. French claimed that he was a sniper, had killed people, and that the police could not protect them. French traveled to one woman’s home unannounced, forcing her to hide in a locked vehicle in the garage with her 2-year-old child.  She called 911 as French attempted to force his way into the home. He was arrested by local police before he could reach them. 

United State Chief District Judge Timothy Cain accepted French’s guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report from the U.S. Probation Office. French faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.

The FBI Columbia Field Office and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins is prosecuting the case.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jonathan Ramaci, 60, of Mt. Pleasant, was sentenced to one and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and filing a false income tax return.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Ramaci defrauded the Small Business Administration in his application and receipt of approximately $214,000 of fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) loans that were authorized pursuant to the CARES Act. Evidence showed that Ramaci submitted fraudulent tax documentation to the SBA and its approved third-party lenders, which were relied on to fund a PPP loan Ramaci received. For the fraudulent EIDL loans, Ramaci falsely represented to the SBA revenue and costs of goods sold for the businesses he was applying for. 

As for Ramaci’s tax offense, evidence submitted to the court showed that from 2017 to 2021, Ramaci either failed to file and/or filed false income tax returns and owes the IRS $289,531. Specifically, Ramaci was paying for personal expenses from a business he owned and operated, Elements of Genius, headquartered in Charleston and was not reporting the expenses paid as income.

“This defendant’s actions, as evidenced by his guilty plea to two separate fraud schemes, cost the taxpayer and the government hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “His deceptive financial scheme warrants this prison sentence and sends the message that such practices will not be tolerated.”

“Financial fraud erodes public confidence in our financial institutions and jeopardizes America’s economic future, said Steve Jensen Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to vigorously investigating and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously pursue individuals who do not properly report or file taxes,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS-CI. "This guilty plea and sentence reinforces the IRS’ commitment to ensuringall Americans are held to the same standard of paying their tax obligations."

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Ramaci to 18 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. As part of the judgement, the court ordered Ramaci to pay $538,178.88 in restitution for the offenses of conviction.  The court also ordered Ramaci to pay restitution in the amount of $1,009,684.00 to victims of offenses that the defendant did not plead guilty to, which was agreed to by the parties in the plea agreement.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a single-count indictment against Derrick Gathers, 38, of Augusta, Georgia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that on April 16, 2023, Gathers possessed a firearm and ammunition during an incident where he shot at a South Carolina State Trooper. Gathers has been charged in state court for a number of other charges related to the incident. Gathers has a previous felony conviction that prevents him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The trooper, Lance Corporal Frazier, has recovered.

Gathers faces a maximum penalty of 15 years. Gathers was already detained on state charges.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bamberg Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall is prosecuting the case.

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

COLUMBIA, S.C. —Christine Mary Livingston, 47, of Gaston, has pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud conspiracy for her role in a bribery scheme in a South Carolina prison.

According to evidence presented in court, the investigation revealed that Livingston was a 16-year veteran of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) at the time of her resignation in November 2021. By virtue of her position as Captain at the Broad River Correctional Institute (BRCI) from 2016 through 2021, she managed security operations at BRCI and was responsible for enforcing contraband policy and law.  SCDC policy and state law prohibited her from accepting bribes or anything of value to influence the exercise of her official responsibilities.

From July 2018 through November 2021, however, Livingston accepted bribes from a least 45 prisoners and three family members of prisoners in exchange for smuggling contraband into BRCI and in exchange for failing to enforce contraband law and policy. She operated at least 14 peer-to-peer payment accounts on platforms such as Cash App that were established in false names but were linked to her legitimate bank accounts. One of her Cash App accounts received at least $279,000 in bribes, of which more than $225,000 was transferred to her personal bank accounts.  She then used the proceeds for personal enrichment including on shopping, ATM cash withdraws, and the purchase of cryptocurrency.

At least 173 cell phones were purchased by Livingston on her personal Amazon account during the conspiracy, along with 130 SIM cards and phone accessories, headphones, screen protectors, and phone chargers. At least eight witnesses would have cooperated against Livingston at trial, including family members of prisoners, and records obtained from Facebook and contraband phones recovered by SCDC confirmed the bribery scheme.

“Livingston used her position and rank for personal, criminal gain which endangered other staff members and those housed at Broad River Correctional Institute,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work with SCDC to prosecute those who commit crimes within prison walls.”

“This is one more example of how illegal cellphones ruin lives, including those of correctional officers who get involved in the contraband trade,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “We appreciate the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office investigating and prosecuting this case and holding these criminals accountable for their actions.”

Jerell Reaves, a co-defendant and prisoner responsible for more than $42,000 in bribes to Livingston, was recently sentenced to 60 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon, to be followed by three years of supervision by U.S. Probation.

Livingston faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with the Government agreeing to recommend up to eight years as a part of her plea agreement, to be followed by court ordered supervision, $250,000 in monetary penalties, and forfeiture of assets including up to the full value of the bribes. Livingston is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon on June 30 at 10:00 a.m.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the SCDC Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case.

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