Myrtle Beach Identity Thief Gets 7 Years

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Abdurrahman Cetin, age 43, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced in federal court for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Cetin to 84 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years on supervised release. Cetin was also ordered to pay $40,246.53 in restitution.

Evidence presented at trial established that Cetin collected the personal and financial information of customers of a Toyota dealer in Long Island, New York, while working there as a salesman in 1999. Cetin saved the information and when he moved to Myrtle Beach, he used the information to open five bank accounts and obtain lines of credit at two Myrtle Beach banks. When opening the accounts, Cetin supplied other people’s names, dates of birth, and social security numbers. Cetin then withdrew money on the lines of credit he had established. Cetin was arrested at one of the banks and a search of his residence turned up six drivers licenses with Cetin’s picture on them but in other people’s names, and 37 credit cards which had been issued matching the names on the counterfeit drivers licenses. Other individuals’ credit reports and a computer used by Cetin to order counterfeit drivers licenses were also found.

The case was investigated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department and agents of the United State Secret Service Administration. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, Il, of the Florence office handled the case.

Myrtle Beach Woman Sentenced for Bank Robberies

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Elysia Nicole Nolan, age 20, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for bank robbery, and for committing another bank robbery while out on bond. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence imposed the sentence, and also ordered Nolan to pay restitution in the amount of $10,093.00.

Ms. Nolan and Maurice Russell Small, age 24, also of Myrtle Beach, robbed the Georgetown Craft Credit Union in Georgetown on May 21, 2008, the Citizen’s Bank in Florence on May 29, 2008, and the Anderson Brother’s Bank in Loris on June 2, 2008. They were arrested after the Loris robbery, but were released after posting bond. Less than a month later, the pair robbed the Branch Banking and Trust branch in Murrell’s Inlet on June 26, 2008.

Small was sentenced earlier this year for his participation in the robberies, receiving a prison term of 87 months.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Florence office handled the case.

Hwy 31 Wildfire Update

The fire is 100 percent contained.

Weather generally has cooperated, but fog idled most overnight SCFC
personnel.

Work is focused in the areas of Long Bay and Water Tower roads today.
Divisions C and D are particularly hot.

SCFC has begun to demobilize crews. Several will remain for mop-up and
fire line reinforcement as necessary.

Aerial drops have ceased. Reconnaissance flights by fixed-wing aircraft
will continue to be a daily part of operations.

Mop-up continues in all areas of the fire. This process is expected to
continue for several weeks and involves heavy equipment operated by men
and women whose visibility could be limited by their working
environment. These firefighters should be given a wide berth.

The burned area will continue to produce heat, smoke and flare-ups for
some time to come. Smoke and hotspots in burned out areas could be an
issue until autumn if rainfall this summer is scarce. Stump holes,
smoldering soil, and snags (dead trees which are still standing) should
be considered extremely dangerous to anyone on foot or operating motor
vehicles of any kind.

Smoke on roads will persist prompting road closures as needed.
Unnecessary travel should be avoided at night and early morning hours.
Heavy equipment will be in operation, avoid excessive speeds at all
times in all areas where the fire has burned.

Re-burns are possible among fuels which weren't entirely burned the
first time the fire moved through. For example, if a dead tree casts
its needles over peat which is still smoldering, a re-burn is possible.

Controlled vs. Contained: The fire is 100% contained, but will not be
labeled "controlled" until there is no longer any heat produced anywhere
inside the line.

Update on Myrtle Beach Wildfire

· Containment is currently 98%

· Acreage is 19,600

· There is potential for reburn on this fire. After a fire burns an area, trees drop their brown leaves and needles leaving a fresh layer of fuel on the ground. Sparks from smoldering material can ignite this fuel and cause a fire to reburn through the already burned area. These fires can be quite intense and have the potential to jump established control lines. Fire crews continue to identify these areas and strengthen control lines where needed.

· Hot spots continue to burn in the Long Bay/Hwy 31 area and around the fire origin. Water will be used today to cool these areas. This will be a cooperative effort between the SC Forestry Commission (SCFC) and Horry County Fire Rescue.

· Overnight SCFC crews worked closely with Horry County Fire Rescue patrolling and reinforcing plowed control lines.

· The SCFC has begun reducing the number of personnel on the fire. 20 people have been released thus far and 11 more are scheduled to leave this afternoon.

· Today (all divisions) - crews will continue to mop up, patrol and reinforce control lines.

· Divisions C and D - crews are focusing on securing houses by reinforcing plow lines behind houses in case of a re-burn.

· Highway 31 will remain closed due to continued helicopter water drops.

· Poor visibility in the area due to smoke and morning fog is expected to continue for some time.

· Stump holes, snags, operation of heavy equipment, helicopter drops and smoke still pose many dangers for residents venturing into the fire area. Fire managers continue to encourage people to stay out of the burned area.

· Statewide Burning Ban remains in effect.

Highway 31 fire in Horry County Fact Sheet

Acreage: approximately 20,000

SCFC personal on fire: 77

Main objectives of the SCFC team:
1. Ensure safety of firefighters and fight fire aggressively by
following the standard firefighting orders
2. Protect structures by coordination the Horry County fire/ Rescue, NMB
fire and SCFC efforts into a unified command by keeping open
communication while achieving zero injuries.
3. Establish fire breaks and utilize cost-effective measures in the
suppression efforts and implement effective mop-operation especially
near residences.

Controlled burn-- 500 acres overnight to secure lines.

Teams of SCFC tractors, fire trucks and personal from all agencies
working together to on fire lines to strengthen existing lines

Having air drops by P 3 Orion - out of Kingston, NC. 2000 gal. fire
retardant, SC Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters with buckets
dropping water. Air patrol up all day are patrolling sensitive areas
and helping direct ground units.

Weather cooperated overnight-higher humidity, calmer winds, cooler temps

Crews currently preparing for sea breezes which are expected to be
stronger today.

Heavy fuel and poor soil conditions making control difficult.

No structures destroyed in the last 24 hours.

No injuries or deaths reported.

No cause has been determined. Investigation continues.

Two tickets have been issued but not determined to be cause of this
particular fire yet.

Governor expected to speak at SC Forestry Commission Incident Command
Post (1886 Hwy 90)

Facts about the Wildfire in Myrtle Beach

Fire size is approximately 14,500 acres.

Houses and neighborhoods along Highway 90 between Hwy 22 and Long Branch Road are threatened. Areas around Long Branch Rd and on the southside of Hwy 31 are also threatened.

Fire is advancing to the Northeast currently.

SCFC has approximately 18 tractors working the fire and additional support vehicles. Totaling approximately SCFC 36 personnel.

No injuries have been reported. No fatalities have been reported.

Helicopter drops from SC Army National Guard of water have been used to control some hot spots.

Last night two SCFC firefighters deployed their emergency fire shelters when they became surrounded by flames. Both are unhurt.

Tips on How to File an Insurance Claim After the Wildfire

Victims in the Myrtle Beach area whose property was damaged by wildfires should contact their insurance company immediately. Damage caused by fire and smoke is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies and under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. There is also coverage for water or other damage incurred by firefighters in the course of extinguishing a fire.

If your property was damaged in the wildfires, the South Carolina Insurance News Service offers the following advice to speed the insurance claims settlement process:

Be prepared to give your agent or insurance company representative a description of the damage to your property. Also, provide your agent with a copy of your home inventory if you have one. Your agent will report the loss immediately to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible in order to arrange an inspection of the damage. Make sure you give your agent a telephone number where you can be reached.

If it is safe to access the area, take photographs of the damaged property. Visual documentation will help with the claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.

Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Make two copies—one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.

Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.

Make whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows and damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save the receipts for any supplies and materials you purchase as your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.

Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home or business from a licensed contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.

If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep a record of all expenses, such as hotel and restaurant receipts, as these may be covered by the Additional Living Expenses section of your homeowner’s policy.

If your business has been damaged, and you have business income (business interruption) insurance, it covers the profits your business would have earned, based on financial records, had the disaster not occurred. The policy covers additional operating expenses incurred as a result of the disaster, such as the extra expense of operating out of a temporary location.

The most serious losses will be given priority.

If your home has been destroyed or seriously damaged, your agent will do everything possible to ensure your claim is given priority.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service has a free brochure, Settling Insurance Claims after a Disaster. Consumers can get a copy on the South Carolina Insurance News Service web site at www.scinsurance.net.


The Institute for Business & Home Safety also provides wildfire protection tips at www.disastersafety.org

Applications Being Accepted for Vendors for Sun Fun Festival

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications from arts/crafts and food vendors for its 58th annual Sun Fun Festival June 5 and 6 and 4th annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival Sept. 4 and 5.

Online applications are available for both festivals at SunFunFestival.com. The deadline to submit completed applications is April 15. Space is limited.

The Grand Strand’s summer festival season begins with the Sun Fun Festival and ends with the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival. Both festivals will take place at Grand Park across from The Market Common on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Festival events are free and family-friendly, with a great line-up of concerts, entertainment, activities and much more.

MYRTLE BEACH MAN ADMITS MARRIAGE FRAUD CONSPIRACY

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Timothy Staie, age 26, of Myrtle Beach, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the plea and will sentence Staie at a later date.

In July 2006, federal agents initiated an investigation into a marriage fraud scheme involving U.S. citizens and Israeli nationals residing in Horry County, South Carolina. The investigation , dubbed ”Operation Wedding Planner,” revealed that U.S. citizens were being paid $1,400.00 to $4,000.00 to marry the Israelis, who would then apply for permanent resident status in the United States based on the marriages to U.S. citizens.

Evidence presented in court established that Hanna Logasi was a citizen of Israel, trying to become a U.S. citizen. Staie was paid to marry Logasi on April 19, 2005, in Horry County. The couple then filed forms with immigration authorities, claiming that they lived together as husband and wife. Staie admitted in court that he never lived with Logasi, and that the marriage was arranged only for Logasi to receive authorization to stay in the country.

Logasi is a fugitive in the case.

Mr. Wilkins stated the maximum penalty Staie can receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and imprisonment for five years.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Florence office handled the case.

McMaster to Address Myrtle Beach GOP Club

Attorney General Henry McMaster will address the Myrtle Beach Republican Club on Monday, February 16 at 12 noon. The meeting will take place at: Damon’s Oceanfront Restaurant, 2985 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach.

2009 Myrtle Beach Visitation Outlook

Today the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hosted two research presentations to address the 2009 Myrtle Beach visitation outlook. John Pelletier, chairman, Equation Research, and Dr. Donald Schunk, research economist, Coastal Carolina University’s BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development, presented their findings to the MBACC board of directors and local elected officials.

Total tourism demand nets the Palmetto state roughly $16 billion annually, with the economic impact of tourism expenditures in the Myrtle Beach area around $5.8 billion. According to Schunk, current trends could lead to a potential loss of more than $400 million in tourism revenues in 2009 if market share remains consistent. That figure could decrease if the destination gains market share or increase if the destination loses market share.

Anticipating a reduction in its 2009 promotional budget, the MBACC commissioned Equation Research to conduct a study on destination metrics. The purpose of the research was to gauge travel planning trends, travel expectations and other factors impacting tourism in the Myrtle Beach area in 2009.

An online survey was conducted Jan. 14-18 in the Top 10 visitor states outside the Carolinas. Respondents were 25-54 years of age who traveled last year and plan to travel this year. The survey was divided evenly among travelers who had visited in the past two years (Myrtle Beach visitors) and those who had not visited in the past two years (nonvisitors). Survey results revealed:

Awareness and desirability of the Myrtle Beach area are growing, largely due to increased advertising in 2007 and 2008:

· Desirability of the destination is increasing: 43 percent of Myrtle Beach visitors, 26 percent of nonvisitors. (When first measured in fall 2006, the average rating for the Myrtle Beach area was roughly 16 percent.) This ranks favorably with competitor destinations (Daytona, Virginia Beach, Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge and Orlando). Myrtle Beach visitors rated Orlando, the closest competitor, 33 percent; nonvisitors, 28 percent.

· Sixty-two percent of Myrtle Beach visitors and 36 percent of nonvisitors reported seeing advertisements promoting the destination. (When first measured in fall 2006, the average rating for the Myrtle Beach area was roughly 12 percent for visitors/nonvisitors.)

· This rating compares favorably to most competitor destinations (Virginia Beach, Daytona Beach and Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge), except Orlando. Seventy-nine
percent of Myrtle Beach visitors and 72 percent of nonvisitors reported seeing Orlando advertisements.

Awareness due to advertising will likely decline in 2009 due to reduced marketing dollars, both at the state and local levels:

· The 2009 promotional budget is roughly half the level of advertising in 2007 and 2008.

Myrtle Beach visitors reported high levels of satisfaction and tended to view the area as affordable:

· Ninety-two percent of visitors reported being either “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied.”

· Seventy-six percent of visitors believe the Myrtle Beach area is an “affordable vacation destination,” and 74 percent believe the destination offers “good value.”

Many Myrtle Beach visitors plan to cut back on travel and travel expenditures in 2009, largely due to the economy:

· The key factors that will negatively impact travel planning in 2009 are uncertainty about the economy (52 percent) and reduced disposable income (39 percent).

· Thirty-one percent of visitors plan to take fewer trips, and 50 percent plan to spend less on leisure travel in 2009. (These figures are unprecedented and indicate that Myrtle Beach visitors are somewhat more likely to cut back in 2009.) The comparable percentages for nonvisitors are 29 percent and 44 percent, respectively.

Reduction in travel expenses will hit lodging, retail, restaurants and entertainment very hard:

· For those Myrtle Beach visitors planning to cut back:
Ø 46 percent will cut back on shopping
Ø 39 percent will spend less on souvenirs
Ø 32 percent will look for a more affordable hotel
Ø 32 percent will see fewer shows or spend less on entertainment
Ø 30 percent will visit fewer attractions
Ø 27 percent will reduce the number of nights they travel
Ø 23 percent will prepare more meals instead of eating out

Most are willing to change destinations in 2009 if it leads to savings:

· Forty-eight percent of Myrtle Beach visitors and 51 percent of nonvisitors have not chosen their destination for 2009.

· When asked if they will consider visiting a different destination in 2009, as compared to 2008:
Ø 67 percent of Myrtle Beach visitors said “yes” (only 8 percent said “no”)
Ø 68 percent of nonvisitors said “yes” (only 8 percent said “no”)

· The most powerful incentives are a free night stay, discounted travel packages and discounted airfare.

The research findings are available on the MBACC Web site, MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.

N.C. WOMAN GUILTY IN MYRTLE BEACH BANK FRAUD

United States Attorney W. WALTER WILKINS stated today that Doris Gardner Canty, age 54, of Wilmington, North Carolina, pled guilty February 4, 2009 in federal court in Florence, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

In January 2008, Canty was involved in manufacturing counterfeit commercial checks in the Wilmington, North Carolina, area. Canty traveled to Myrtle Beach and opened accounts at First Federal Bank using the counterfeit checks. After making deposits into her account, Canty would make withdrawals on the account at other First Federal branches throughout Horry County. Canty was arrested in January 2008 while attempting to conduct a transaction at a First Federal branch when she was recognized by the manager who called the police.

Mr. Wilkins stated the maximum penalty Canty can receive is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and imprisonment for 30 years.

The case was investigated by agents of the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Wilmington Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Florence office handled the case.

Myrtle Beach Man Indicted for Check Kiting Fraud

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Scott William Halterman, age 47, of Myrtle Beach, was charged in a federal Indictment with bank fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344.

Halterman is accused of kiting checks between accounts he controlled at two area banks, creating a loss of nearly $200,000.00 before the banks recognized the fraud.

The maximum penalty Halterman could receive is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and imprisonment of 30 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Florence office for prosecution.

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

Want to Be a Survivor?

A contestant search for “Survivor 19” will be held this Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tommy Bahama in The Market Common, Myrtle Beach.

Producers are looking for people who are strong-willed; outgoing; adventurous; physically and mentally adept; and adaptable to new environments. They’re also interested in applicants who have different lifestyles, backgrounds and personalities.

If selected, you must be willing to travel to a remote location for seven weeks between late June and mid-August this summer.

You must 18 years of age or older to audition.

Contestants could possibly qualify for follow-up interviews in March or later. Those interviews will take place in a host of major cities, including Atlanta and Miami.

The prize for this competition is $1,000,000.

Freedom of the Press ... Or Not

High school newspaper squelched in Myrtle Beach

From The Associated Press

Two high school newspapers were shut down recently after school administrators objected to editorial material.

In Myrtle Beach, The Academy Post at the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology was not distributed last month after students published an editorial advocating same-sex marriage without consulting administrators.

Full story here.

Talk Like A Pirate Contest

On June 7, Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach will celebrate the vernacular of the high seas with its first ever Ripley’s Talk Like a Pirate Contest! Being a pirate was mostly a man’s lot during 1650-1730, the heyday of piracy. However, in June, Ripley’s will be welcoming buccaneer wannabees of all sizes and persuasions with the winners taking home a bountiful boatload of booty. Pirates will compete in three categories, kids 14 and under, men and women, with each offering a total of $600 in cash and prizes.
For more information on Ripley’s Talk Like a Pirate Contest, including interactive links on creating a pirate name, suggestions on pirate attire and of course, pirate lingo – visit www.ripleysaquariums.com or Chad Netherland at Ripley’s Aquarium, 843-455-9302.