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.

Sheriff's Office Needs Help Locating Sexual Predator

Darlington County Sheriff’s office official needs your help I locate a sexual predator. Derrick Swinney is a registered sexual predator in the State of South Carolina and is wanted for criminal sexual conduct 1st degree and kidnapping charges that took place early this morning. Investigators say that Swinney assaulted the victim early this morning in a wooded area near East Old Camden road in the Green Hill community. Swinney has a record of sexual assault and is considered to be dangerous. If anyone has any information please contact the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office at 843-398-4501 or your local law enforcement.

Swinney is one of only two sexual predators in Darlington County. A sexual predator is different classification than sex offenders. Sexual predators have to register every 90 days while sex offenders only register every 6 months. Sexual predators are considered to be dangerous.

FLORENCE SEX OFFENDER GUILTY FOR NOT REGISTERING

United States Attorney W. WALTER WILKINS stated that Rakeem Lavone Everett, age 30, of Florence, pled guilty in federal court to 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 accepted the plea and will impose sentence at a later date.

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 Marshals office 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 as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Mr. Wilkins stated the maximum penalty Everett can receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and imprisonment for 10 years.

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

Sex Offenders Punishment

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled yesterday in a 5-4 decision that sex offenders could no longer be given the death penalty for child rape. Currently, only 2 men sit on death row for that crime and both in Louisiana. Read the ruling here.

The Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal has decided in lieu of execution, those convicted of "aggravated rape, forcible rape, second degree sexual battery, aggravated incest, molestation of a juvenile when the victim is under the age of 13, or an aggravated crime against nature," may be sentenced to castration. On a second offense, the court would be required to sentence castration in addition prison time. See the full story here.

Since South Carolina is one of the state's who prior to this ruling allowed the death penalty for child rape, what do you think? Should we adopt a law similar to Louisiana's castration law?

Do you agree with the Supreme Court's decision?