Manning Man Charged with Stealing Benefits

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Sammie Lee Samuel, age 45, of Manning, was charged in a federal Indictment with theft of government property, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

The indictment alleges that Samuel embezzled and converted to his use Social Security benefits worth more than $1,000.00, by cashing the Social Security checks of a deceased person.

The maximum penalty that Samuel could receive is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment of 10 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Administration and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston 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.

Summerville Man Faces Child Pornography Charges

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Kevin J. Powers, age 47, of Summerville, was charged in a two-count Indictment with possession and receipt of child pornography.

The Indictment alleges that in March 2009, Powers knowingly possessed a computer, computer disks, and other materials that contained images of child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate commerce.

The maximum penalty that Powers could receive is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment for 20 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the FBI and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston 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.

Hanahan Man Faces Counterfeiting Charge

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that William Drake Distler, age 23, of Hanahan, was charged in a federal Indictment with manufacturing counterfeit currency, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 471.

The Indictment alleges that from October 2008 through December 2008, Distler falsely made, forged, and counterfeited $100 bills with the intent to defraud.

The maximum penalty that Distler could receive is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment of 20 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Secret Service and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston 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.

N. Charleston Woman Charged with Identity Theft, Fraud

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Shirley T. Watson, age 24, of North Charleston, was charged in a three-count federal Indictment with unlawful use of a Social Security Number, identity fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Federal investigators allege that Watson used the personal identification of her grandparents and a roommate without their knowledge to apply for more than $200,000.00 in student loans.

The maximum penalty Watson faces if convicted on all counts is 17 years in federal prison, plus a fine of $500,000.00.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston 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.

Columbia Farms Added to Federal Indictment of Greenville's Plant Alleged Hiring Violations

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Columbia Farms, Inc., was named in a 50-count Second Superseding Indictment charging federal violations involving the hiring of illegal aliens in its Greenville, South Carolina, processing plant. The company joins two of its employees, Human Resources Manager Elaine C. Crump and Complex Manager Barry Cronic, who were previously indicted by the federal grand jury for criminal violations related to their respective hiring activities.

The 29 charges naming Columbia Farms allege that through Crump and Cronic, Columbia Farms “did knowingly continue to employ the aliens listed below, in the United States, knowing such aliens had become unauthorized with respect to such employment on the dates set forth below....” The Indictment then lists 29 employees who worked at the facility, despite the alleged knowledge of Crump, Cronic, and Columbia Farms that the 29 were unauthorized by federal law to be employed.

Crump is named in all 50 counts, including 20 felony counts charging her with instructing employees of the plant’s human resources department to falsify employment documents required by federal authorities in the hiring of non-citizens, and one misdemeanor count of knowingly hiring unauthorized aliens. Cronic is named in 30 misdemeanor counts, including one count of knowingly hiring unauthorized aliens. Crump and Cronic face potential prison sentences and fines, while Columbia Farms could be fined if convicted.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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.

Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins announced that Otis J. Goodwin, Jr., 32, of Gadsden, South Carolina, pled guilty to one count of mail fraud. The Indictment charged that from about June 2006 through November 2007, Goodwin and his co-defendant Wendy Constance Evans, 45, of Columbia, opened checking accounts at a credit union using stolen identification information, including names and social security numbers. The pair allegedly opened the accounts to receive checks, which they intended to pass in the community. Evans pled guilty in December of 2008 to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Evans and Goodwin face 20 years in prison for each count of mail fraud, and a mandatory term of two years for each count of aggravated identity theft..

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah B. Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

Recruiter of DSS Check Cashiers Pleads Guilty

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Nova Johnson, age 40, of Columbia, South Carolina pled guilty today to theft of federal program funds for her role in an alleged scheme to embezzle more than $5.2 million dollars from DSS. Ms. Johnson admitted to cashing four DSS checks that were procured by fraud and to recruiting others to cash additional checks.

Paul Timothy Moore was indicted in February for allegedly using his position as the DSS Finance Director to authorize the issuance of hundreds of DSS checks between May 2004 and October 2008, in the approximate average amount of $7,000.00 each. The checks were made payable to names allegedly provided by a co-conspirator who also recruited the named individuals to cash the checks and split the proceeds.

Moore was recently released from federal custody and is awaiting trial.

The maximum possible penalty for theft of federal program funds is ten years and a fine of $250,000.00.

Mr. Wilkins stated, “Stealing money from DSS that could have been used to help the needy and underprivileged is reprehensible. These guilty pleas affirm our office’s commitment to prosecute those who illegally line their pockets with public dollars. We are committed to vigorously prosecuting each and every individual involved in any respect in this scheme.”

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case is being investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and SLED, and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

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.

Former SC Trooper Senteced to Half-way House

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that former South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper John B. Sawyer, age 34, was sentenced today for repeatedly kicking an arrested driver following a lengthy chase. Chief United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Sawyer to a probation term of three years, the first of which he will serve in a half-way house.

On May 28, 2006, Sawyer and other law enforcement officers were involved in a 30-mile high speed chase of a dump truck driven by Sergio Caridi on Interstate 95. After the truck ran out of gas in Sumter County, Caridi exited the truck and surrendered, lying on the ground. Sawyer rushed over to Caridi at that point, kicking him in the head numerous times, injuring him. Dash-cam video of the incident captured the assault on tape.

Sawyer pled guilty in the case last January, admitting that his actions willfully deprived Caridi of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was the result of a joint investigation by agents of the FBI and SLED, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alston C. Badger of the Charleston office and former Civil Rights Division Deputy Chief Brent Alan Gray, now an Assistant United States Attorney in Atlanta. Mr. Wilkins also acknowledged the cooperation and assistance of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and its Director, Mark A. Keel.

Greenwood County Man Pleads No Contest to Fraud Involving Aircraft Parts

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Jerry Roy Comeaux, age 67, of Ninety-Six, South Carolina, pled no contest to a felony charge of fraud involving aircraft parts, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 38. United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville, accepted the plea and ordered Comeaux to pay the victims restitution of approximately $403,000. Comeaux is to serve three years probation. The United States agreed to dismiss charges against Vicky Comeaux, age 54, as part of the agreement.

According to facts presented in court, Comeaux operated Quality Aircraft Support, a business that repaired and overhauled aircraft parts. Comeaux was licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a repair station up until April 2006. At that time, he voluntarily surrendered his license; however, he continued to send out parts with fraudulent forms that gave the appearance that Quality Aircraft Support was licensed by the FAA. These parts were shipped to various commercial carriers in Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and other parts of the country.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

Seneca Man Guilty of $150K Fraud

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Antonio V. Robinson, age 40, of Seneca, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to five counts of fraud involving the misuse of a Social Security Number. Robinson faces a possible sentence of five years incarceration on each count. He will be sentenced later by United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., who accepted the plea of guilty.

Mr. Wilkins advised that Mr. Robinson used the Social Security Number of a former business partner to obtain loans from Wachovia, Advanta Bank Corporation, Wells Fargo, American Express, and Discover Financial Services. When investigators discovered the fraud, all of the loans were in default, with losses totaling approximately $150,000.00.

The case was investigated by Special Agent Rick Kerns of the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of Greenville.

Philadelphia Policeman Killed by Gun Traced Back to SC

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins, III, stated that Jason Allen Mack, age 29, of Dalzell, South Carolina, was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment today by United States District Judge Cameron M. Currie on federal firearms charges. Mack pled guilty last January to illegally possessing two firearms, and making a false statement to a firearms dealer to buy them.

Mack admitted buying a number of guns from pawn shops in South Carolina and selling them to Stephen Lashley, who in turned transported them to Philadelphia. Lashley faces federal charges in Pennsylvania for illegally transporting firearms across state lines and the possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

One of the guns purchased by Mack in Lancaster, South Carolina, and then sold to Lashley, was used to kill Philadelphia policeman Patrick McDonald last September. Federal agents and Philadelphia police are investigating the shooting case to determine how the alleged shooter, Daniel Giddings, obtained the weapon. Giddings was shot and killed by Philadelphia police officers responding to the McDonald shooting.

Mack is an admitted drug user, and is prohibited by federal law from possessing or purchasing firearms.

The case in South Carolina was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), engaged in a joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney, Robert C. Jendron, Jr., of the Columbia office was assigned to prosecute the case.

3 Midlands Residents Sentenced in Drug Case

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that three defendants were sentenced in federal court for their roles in a Columbia-based drug distribution conspiracy. Jimmy Dean, age 28, of Columbia, led the conspiracy, which involved transporting cocaine from Atlanta and supplying it and marijuana to various drug dealers in the Midlands. Agents seized six firearms and several cars used by the defendants to further their drug dealing enterprise.

The following defendants were sentenced by the United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie:

Jimmy DEAN, of Columbia, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison;

Michael LOGGINS, age 27, of Swansea, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison; and

Laura SURLES, age 26, of West Columbia, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison.

In addition to the prison sentences, the defendants forfeited cash, cars, firearms, and other assets used in the conspiracy or purchased with drug money.

The investigation was a joint effort of the Cayce Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant United States Attorney James Leventis of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

Florence Sex Offender Sent to Prison for Failing to Register

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Rakeem Lavone Everett, age 30, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for failing to register as a sex offender, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2250(a). United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Florence sentenced Everett to 26 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release.

Evidence established that in March 1998, Everett was convicted of endangering the welfare of a child in New Jersey and designated as a sex offender. Everett failed to maintain or update his registration as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. In May 2008, New Jersey authorities requested the assistance of the United States Marshal Service in South Carolina in apprehending Everett, and he was arrested in Florence on June 4, 2008. Everett admitted he failed to notify New Jersey authorities that he was moving, and failed to register in South Carolina as a sex offender when he settled in the state.

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

Man Sentenced for Burglarizing Bank

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Michael Lee Faulkenberry, age 30, of Garden City, South Carolina, was sentenced this week in federal court for bank burglary, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Florence sentenced Faulkenberry to 34 months imprisonment, three years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,225.75.

Evidence established that Faulkenberry gained access to Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union at 1610 Highway 17 South, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, on June 6th and August 17, 2008, using the keys and access codes provided to his aunt who was a member of the bank’s cleaning crew. Once in the bank, Faulkenberry stole any money that was not in the vault, consisting mainly of coins that he loaded into trash bags.

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

Florida Man Sentenced for Conway Bank Robbery

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Eric Lee Scott, age 38, of Florida City, Florida, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Scott to 90 months in prison, followed by three years supervised release, and ordered him to pay restitution of $2,019.00.

On September 11, 2008, Scott entered the Horry County State Bank at 2301 Highway 701 North in Conway, shouting demands for money. Scott gave a note to a teller, instructing her to put money into a small backpack. Scott then ran out of the bank with the backpack and drove away. Scott subsequently abandoned the car, and investigators traced it to Scott’s nephew. Scott was later arrested in Florida.

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

Murrells Inlet Man Sentenced for Drug Dealing

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Xavier Fabio Reyes, age 43, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute OxyCodone. United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Florence sentenced Reyes to 33 months imprisonment and three years supervised release.

Reyes admitted he sold Oxycodone and Hydrocodone to undercover agents on four occasions in July 2008 in Horry County. Reyes was arrested the following month when attempting to negotiate an additional sale of 50 Oxycodone tablets to an undercover agent.

The case was investigated by agents of the Horry County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Florence office handled the case.

3 S.C. Men Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charges

The Justice Department announced today that a federal grand jury in Florence, S.C., indicted three men from Marlboro County, S.C., on charges relating to their attack on an African-American man and two white men in December 2007.

Thomas Howard Blue Sr., 48, Thomas Howard Blue Jr., 28, and Judson Hartley Talbert, 34, were charged in a 21-count indictment with violating and conspiracy to violate the civil rights of three South Carolina citizens, carjacking, use of fire to commit a felony, use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, evidence tampering and grand jury perjury. Each civil rights count carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine. A trial has not yet been scheduled. An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The grand jury charged that Thomas Howard Blue Sr. forcibly escorted Dahndre Moore out of his establishment known as the Stop and Shop because Moore is African-American. Once outside, Thomas Howard Blue Sr. forced Moore to the ground and Thomas Howard Blue Jr. threatened Moore with a chainsaw. While Moore was being attacked by the father and son, Judson Hartley Talbert stole Moore’s car and drove it to a site along the Great Pee Dee River known as Blue’s Landing. After being chased by the Blues, Moore escaped by running up the road and seeking refuge in a local home.

According to the indictment, Thomas Howard Blue Sr. retrieved a pistol and attacked Jackson Hayes, a white man whom Blue believed to be aiding Moore, and used the pistol to threaten another white man, Jamie Gray, who came to the Stop and Shop to retrieve Moore’s car. Thomas Howard Blue Sr. and Judson Hartley later burnt Moore’s car in an attempt to cover up their crimes. The indictment also alleges the three defendants committed perjury when testifying before a federal grand jury that was investigating the incident.

The case is being investigated by FBI Special Agent Steven Stokes with assistance from Special Agent Jeff Key of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Investigator Shawn Feldner of the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Bradley Parham and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Frank are prosecuting this case.

Former Greenwood Bank Manager Gets Prison for Embezzlement

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney W. WALTER WILKINS stated today that Donna B. Beardsley, age 46, of Greenwood, was sentenced today in federal court in Spartanburg, for bank embezzlement, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 656. United States District Judge Henry F. Floyd sentenced Beardsley to 18 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Evidence in the case which was presented at her guilty plea hearing on December 17, 2008, established that between April 2007 and July 2008, Beardsley, who was the branch manager at a location of Carolina First Bank in Greenwood, took more than $612,000.00, from various customers' accounts and spent the money for herself . When confronted by bank officials and agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Beardsley admitted her wrongdoing and confessed to embezzling the money which, among other things, she used to pay off credit cards, make home improvements, and purchase land. (The land has since been sold and the proceeds paid to the bank.)

Beardsley has repaid the bank about $210,000.00. Judge Floyd ordered that she repay the difference as part of a restitution order.

The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney William C. Lucius of the Greenville office handled the case.