He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A major drug bust in upstate South Carolina resulted in 124 charges against 34 defendants allegedly involved with a Mexican cartel trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine in the southeast. COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA David Ruger, 44, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced to more than 7 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA Marek Cortez Brewer, Jr., 24, of Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA Patricia Ann Hemphill, 51, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison after pleading guilty relating to a multi-state drug operation out of Main Office: Additional information can be found on the docket of the United States District Court, Criminal Case Numbers 4:20-CR-189 and 4:20-CR-490. Sheriffs deputies said they executed a search warrant last week on Golden Pond Drive and another on Sherwood Circle. Huckabee, Bishop and Childress were denied bond Friday. Legal Statement. Florence:(843) 665-6688. (York County Sheriff's Office). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Lock The McCoys were served with Notice of the States Intention to Seek Sentencing of Life Without the Possibility of Parole at their bond hearings last week. Got a tip for a story? "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. The arrests and indictments were part of Operation Broken Branch, which targeted violent crime in the Cedar Branch area near Loris. Taco trucks owned by the Los Primos owners also allegedly played a role in the operation which according to a statewide grand jury appears to be connected to some proverbial bad hombres., In fact, the investigation revealed alleged connections to Mexican drug trafficking cartels operating in South Carolina and Georgia.. He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Its something he hopes will soon be put to an end. According to The State newspaper: 11 Miami area men were rescued 50 to 60 miles off the coast near St. Helena Sound. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. In his 2022 Netflix special The Kings Jester, comedian Hasan Minhaj confessed that the pursuit of social media clout had Durant was acquired from Brooklyn in a blockbuster trade three weeks ago but was sidelined until Wednesday with a sprained Senate Republicans on Wednesday bashed President Bidens pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, accusing him of not being qualified We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Federal Communications Commission passed a rule that will allow state prisons to identify contraband cellphones and require carriers to turn the phone signals off in 2021.We were the first state prison system to apply under this rule and months later, five vendors that have completed the vendor application process are still waiting on the FCC to approve the applications to provide this service, SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. Just as important, it is a further example of our use of the state grand jury to partner state prosecutorial and law enforcement resources with county, local, and federal agencies, Wilson added. "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. Related charges some suspects are facing include resisting. "We can identify where it's located in the prison yard, and then we can turn it over to the industry and within five days, they will turn it off. Defendant Michael Pardi allegedly fled last month, according to Wilson. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. The cooperation with our Upstate partners both local and federal was particularly successful in this case, and this office looks forward to continuing to synch its efforts with the hard work and expertise of all the agencies involved. 43 people associated with Mexican drug cartels charged in South Carolina, AG says. Deputies seize 15 guns, more than 2000 grams of drugs in drug bust, The Greenville County Sheriff's Office said deputies recently took part in a multi-jurisdictional investigation that resulted in the seizure of the items, Murdaugh defense to make closing arguments at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Murdaugh Trial, Day 26: Testimony gets heated during states rebuttal, Attorney Jack Swerling Discusses Closing Arguments in Murdaugh Trial, High School in Rutherford Co. responds to reported threat, Veterans Museum of The Carolinas Launches Lecture Series, Upstate Mom Turns Grief Into Action After Son's Death From Hazing, Missing man found dead in Madison Co. following extensive search, kelli.radcliff@foxcarolina.com - 864-213-2103. Make sure you see our stories daily directly to your inbox. Wilson announced the arrests at a press conference held in his offices on the grounds of the State House in downtown Columbia, S.C. on Wednesday. They also make the criminal aware that law enforcement will always pursue illegal operations that effect the safety of our citizens. Published: Nov. 15, 2022 at 8:29 AM PST GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville County Sheriff's Office announced multiple drugs and guns were seized after a multi-jurisdictional. Published: Aug. 7, 2022 at 5:52 PM PDT. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Columbia, SC 29201, Columbia:(803) 929-3000 Published: May. There are about 150 overdose deaths per day in the United States. The SCDC says it's called on the FCC to allow state facilities to jam cellphones. Deputies said on Thursday, June 30, a. GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A Greenville restaurant was busted for trafficking kilos of meth, cocaine and heroin for Mexican cartels, according to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office. He says they have a system at one state prison that would allow them to do this. By signing up to the Blaze News newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from Blaze Media that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. These operations require technology, experience, and boots on the ground in order to gather enough information to arrest and successfully prosecute participants in the drug trade. ", Six people have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina. 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She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. He says they have a system at one state prison that would allow them to do this. Numerous law enforcement agencies have assisted in the Los Banditos operation including the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The seizure ultimately led to multiple other arrests and the discovery of additional illegal drugs in and around Spartanburg County. I urge the commission to act quickly so we can stop this stop this criminal activity from being orchestrated from behind our nations state prison walls. While South Carolina has long lobbied Congress to pass the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act, which would allow state prison systems to jam cellphone signals, the act has never received a hearing.Everyone in America would be safer if Congress would pass this legislation, Stirling said.Judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the 32 defendants who were arrested. Investigators believe the alleged drug traffickers were responsible for moving more than 1,000 kilograms (more than one ton) of methamphetamine, 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of cocaine, and 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of heroin in the state. The Federal Communications Commission passed a rule that will allow state prisons to identify contraband cellphones and require carriers to turn the phone signals off in 2021. Published: Oct. 24, 2022 at 3:06 AM PDT | Updated: Oct. 24, 2022 at 6:55 AM PDT YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) - The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. "But the biggest thing is they use the cellphone they have to coordinate the deliveries, as the General said, of drone drops, staff. The SCDC says it's called on the FCC to allow state facilities to jam cellphones. One of them was married to one of the cartel members," Wilson said. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. The York County. "A well-known, very violent cartel thats operated for many years in Mexico.. Additionally, a record 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses and poisonings last year, driven by fentanyl. The following people have been arrested and charged in connection to the case: Kenneth Lee Huckabee, 41 years old, is currently in the Department of Corrections. The restaurant served as a regional hub for an operation which allegedly trafficked cocaine and methamphetamine to numerous other states. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. According to the attorney general, much of the drug trafficking was run and facilitated by the owners of the Los Primos restaurant located in Greenville, South Carolina. The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several agencies including the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriffs Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. All rights reserved. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all the different agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and everyone behind the scenes who have helped in this case.. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? They dont want you to see this Big Tech does its best to limit what news you see. A South Carolina sheriffs office has concluded a one-year investigation into a major drug operation that saw them seizing enough fentanyl to kill around 15 million people. On March 9, 2022, deputies said that a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle that left Shonda Finchs house on Boot Hill Court in Spartanburg County. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Investigators seized 11 kilograms of meth, 584 grams of cocaine, over 20 firearms and $63,000 in cash during the investigation. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 200 grams and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. They believe more than 1,000 kilograms of meth, 100 kilograms of cocaine and 2 kilograms of heroin were trafficked through South Carolina by the operation. Its much more organized, as seen in this case. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Nearly three dozen defendants are staring down more than 120 charges in connection with a major drug sting dubbed Los Banditos, according to the office of South Carolina attorney general Alan Wilson. Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. The case, dubbed "Los Banditos" by investigators, has to date resulted in the seizure of nearly 11 kilograms (24 pounds) of methamphetamine, 584 grams (1.3 pounds) of cocaine, approximately $63,000 in cash, and over 20 firearms in South Carolina, according to the attorney general. Updated: 8:44 PM EDT March 29, 2022. Sixteen people were charged Friday in a major drug trafficking organization that operated out of Lancaster County, South Carolina, McCoy said. Shonda Michelle Finch, 45 years old, is currently in the Department of Corrections. Were seeing people who are incarcerated continue their criminal ways behind bars," SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. All rights reserved. Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson told WMBF News a couple of weeks ago that Operation Broken Branch is a perfect example of how federal, state and local agencies worked together to bring down a criminal organization and help make the communities feel safer. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. 1 cause of death for American adults between the ages of 18 and 45 last year. These defendants are allegedly living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel. Per the DEA, just two milligrams could be potentially fatal, meaning that the deputies discovered enough fentanyl to kill approximately 15 million people. Were seeing people who are incarcerated continue their criminal ways behind bars," SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said.These co-conspirators would drive to Atlanta, Georgia, or other locations to pick up kilograms of methamphetamine, bring that methamphetamine to South Carolina, and distribute it in the Upstate, according to Wilson. According to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, deputies were seeking 33 suspects with arrest warrants based on controlled purchases of narcotics by undercover operators working at the direction. In addition to the statewide grand jury and SLED, the office of S.C. thirteenth circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins was involved in the operation. A locked padlock Pictures: Fentanyl, meth, LSD, mushrooms, pot, 15 guns seized from South Carolina home. According to Creighton Waters (above) chief attorney of the statewide grand jury the Los Banditos investigation began in 2018. "But the biggest thing is they use the cellphone they have to coordinate the deliveries, as the General said, of drone drops, staff.. As with anyone accused of committing any crime, all defendants connected to this investigation are considered innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system or until such time as they may wish to enter some form of allocution in connection with a plea agreement with prosecutors related to any of the charges that may be filed against them. Forty-three co-conspirators are charged with trafficking methamphetamine, 400 grams or more, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years. The organization was based in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County, and had ties across the state line into North Carolina. A substantial portion of those seized drugs were allegedly intended for South Carolina, a statement from the attorney generals office noted. 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