document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth? "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.". 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. Legal Statement. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. 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A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Greenville:(864) 282-2100 Defendant Michael Pardi allegedly fled last month, according to Wilson. Updated: 9:06 PM EDT October 24, 2022 YORK COUNTY, S.C. The York County Sheriff's Office held a news conference Monday morning to discuss a years-long investigation into a drug trafficking. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. More than 40 people have been charged in the Upstate of South Carolina as part of a drug-trafficking case known as "Las Seoritas," according to Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilkins said the amount of drugs flowing through upstate South Carolina is at the highest level he's ever seen. The. Bond hearings for several of these defendants were held on Monday, May 16, 2022 in the virtual courtroom of S.C. circuit court judge Alison Lee. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! 1 cause of death for American adults between the ages of 18 and 45 last year. Deputies said the drug trafficking ring was coordinated by Kenneth Huckabee who was already behind bars for other crimes, including a 30-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated nature in the killing of Jerry Bridwell. 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. Oct 06, 2022 08:40am; One Lancaster County man died and another was rescued in a hang glider crash in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Published: May. The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe., 15th Circuit Solicitors Office, Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Dean Bishop, This demonstrates how the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office Drug Enforcement Unit, along with our partners, will serve our communities by focusing on violent drug traffickers., Coastal Carolina University Police Department Chief David Roper, Due to the complex nature of large-scale drug operations, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies work together to combat such organizations. Or an issue youd like to address proactively? Evidence presented in court filings reflects that the Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization was an interstate conspiracy that was involved in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms. Huckabee, Bishop and Childress were denied bond Friday. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. They have 24/7 365 to think of ways to get it in," Stirling said. 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. 2022 Blaze Media LLC. 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. Columbia, SC 29201, Columbia:(803) 929-3000 (This) office and SLED are committed to fight the corrosive effect drug trafficking has on our communities, Wilson said in a statement. "We can identify that number," Stirling said. GREENVILLE, S.C. . MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA Less than twenty months after 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach-area drug traffickers were indicted based on a federal wiretap investigation into narcotics and violence, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation: FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization. "Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming," Young County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said. Solicitor Barnette said the issues stretch far beyond the Upstate. "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. Stirling says federal prisons are allowed to do so, but states are not.Stirling says this would allow them to track the cellphones inside the prisons and shut them off. 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. WALHALLA, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said nine suspects were indicted by a State Grand Jury in the second phase of the ongoing Operation Rocket Fuel drug trafficking conspiracy investigation. Investigators alleged the drug operation was linked to a Mexican drug cartel. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. 5, 2022 at 4:26 PM PDT HODGES, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Nine people were arrested after deputies found nearly eight pounds of meth and other drugs at a compound during a search,. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. For more information about our use of cookies, our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information generally, and any rights you may have to access, delete, or opt out of the sale of your personal information, please view our Privacy Policy. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "Theyre twin siblings. He said defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. "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. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust. The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe, said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. "Wilson said between Feb. 1, 2021, and Dec. 14, 2022, law enforcement seized over 25 kilograms of methamphetamine (street value of approximately $800,000.00) and 30 guns as part of this investigation.SCDC Inmates Darrell Foster McCoy Jr. a/k/a DJ, and Matthew David McCoy have been involved in drug trafficking since 2011, Wilson said. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. If you engage in this illicit type of activity, drug trafficking, youre going to eventually get busted and were going to put you away, Wilson said. They also make the criminal aware that law enforcement will always pursue illegal operations that effect the safety of our citizens. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina announced on Monday that 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach area gang members and drug trafficking associates have been sentenced in . BELTON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said arrested a man after finding a large amount of drugs and multiple guns at his . The restaurant served as a regional hub for an operation which allegedly trafficked cocaine and methamphetamine to numerous other states. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the operation started on Saturday when deputies did a roundup of dealers and suppliers who are major suppliers of illegal narcotics in Cherokee. 18, 2022 at 10:15 AM PDT COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina's attorney general said an investigation into a drug ring operating in South Carolina and Georgia resulted in 124 criminal charges against 34 people. Investigators say Los Primos, a Mexican restaurant in Greenville, SC, was trafficking drugs for cartels. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Largest Database of South Carolina Mugshots. All rights reserved. Updated: 8:03 PM EDT May 5, 2022 GREENWOOD, S.C. A joint operation in one South Carolina county has ended with a major drug bust with pills counted in the hundreds and raw drugs measured in . I want to thank our law enforcement partners who all played a vital role in bringing this case to a successful closure. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. Updated October 21, 2022 8:37 AM. Fentanyl seized by York County Sheriff's deputies. These are illegal cell phones that are smuggled in, flown in by drones, thrown over fences, mailed in delivery trucks, any way you can think about it, said Bryan Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. 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 cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. 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. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Share Copy Link . Someone in NC won $2M in Saturdays Powerball drawing, Swing State with Mark Walker & Odell Cleveland, Here are NCs proposed rules for medical marijuana, NC medical marijuana bill sees stronger odds of passing, These are the countries that have banned TikTok. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. These defendants received the following sentences: Copyright 2022 WMBF. Investigators said Finch, Huckabees wife, allegedly helped him distribute drugs while he was behind bars. "We can identify that number," Stirling said. An official website of the United States government. He said both brothers have been incarcerated at SCDC since 2015 and have allegedly continued trafficking methamphetamine from prison using contraband cell phones. 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. 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. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. All rights reserved. According to Prado, the powerful La Familia cartel based in the Mexican state of Michoacn was linked to the Los Primos hub. Six people have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina. Market data provided by Factset. A Year Later Many Companies Cant, or Wont. The Sheriffs Office said over the past year and a-half, deputies continued their ongoing investigation of individuals who are trafficking large quantities of meth and heroin into Oconee County, as well as the distribution of controlled substances, including fentanyl and carfentanil. 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. Witnesses testified that the 2007 shooting was a drug deal gone array.. 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 U.S. Department of Justice says 11 were charged by indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. We do not give them cell phones. Wilson announced Thursday that the South Carolina State Grand Jury has issued indictments that contain 170 charges against 43 defendants. He says they have a system at one state prison that would allow them to do this. In May 20, the South Carolina Attorney General's Office announced that 26 people had been indicted for their alleged participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy operation, known as. The investigation focused on a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Pickens, Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, and Oconee counties. Leave Russia? Until we get around it and taking care of the cell phone until we can handle it we are going to keep having this problem, said Barnette. Constantly updated. Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. 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. $1.5M WORTH OF DRUGS SEIZED FROM VACANT SEATTLE APARTMENT. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. Slideshow. These co-conspirators are also facing multiple charges related to their role in the DTO. CLICK HERE. Let this case serve as an example to those introducing drugs in Horry County that this criminal activity will not be tolerated., With our continued support we continue to battle the drugs and make a big difference in our community. Deputies said he used multiple contraband cell phones to coordinate the illegal activity while he was in jail. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. she is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 400 grams. The owners of Los Primos on West Parker Road were trafficking drugs out of the restaurant and through taco trucks as well, investigators said. While no deaths have been linked to this specific drug operation, Mondays press conference was attended by family members who have lost loved ones to fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin. The wiretap investigation into the Cedar Branch organization was led by the FBI alongside other agencies. PHOTOS: Kilos of drugs seized from Greenville restaurant allegedly trafficking for cartel, 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, Greenville restaurant used food trucks to traffic drugs for cartels, AG says, kelli.radcliff@foxcarolina.com - 864-213-2103. Ricky Lainer Gay, 48 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. A locked padlock Sheriffs deputies said they executed a search warrant last week on Golden Pond Drive and another on Sherwood Circle. Its members were supplied with controlled substances from multiple interstate sources of supply, including one with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) from Jalisco, Mexico. The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office released photos of drugs, weapons and cash seized amid the investigation. "They were working with inmates currently residing in the Department of Corrections who were able to, through command and control and the use of cellphones, support and facilitate this drug trafficking ring. Wilson said the Seoritas would allegedly coordinate with SCDC inmates via contraband cell phones to have drugs, primarily methamphetamine, delivered to co-conspirators in the South Carolina Upstate. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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: HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) A massive investigation into gang members and drug traffickers in Horry County helped to dismantle a violent criminal enterprise, according to federal authorities. 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. Kilos of meth, cocaine and heroin were seized in the bust and 34 people are charged . 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. Sixteen people were charged Friday in a major drug trafficking organization that operated out of Lancaster County, South Carolina, McCoy said. More than two dozen people were charged by a grand jury in connection with the bust. 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. Angela Diana Childers, 40 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. In addition to the statewide grand jury and SLED, the office of S.C. thirteenth circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins was involved in the operation. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. Search arrest records and find latests mugshots and bookings for Misdemeanors and Felonies. Will we know who won the $747M Powerball jackpot? The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. 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. Wilson said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with local law enforcement, began making arrests as part of this investigation on Tuesday. Lock by Will Folks May 18, 2022 0 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. Defendant Michael Pardi allegedly fled last month, according to Wilson. Official websites use .gov Charges range from drug trafficking and . Additionally, some of the defendants have been charged with various firearms offenses. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Prado also indicated Interstate 85 in South Carolina was a major pipeline for trafficking. All rights reserved. As we said before, Myrtle Beach is not a safe haven for criminals. More than 40 people have been charged in the Upstate of South Carolina as part of a drug-trafficking case known as "Las Seoritas," according to Attorney General Alan Wilson . or redistributed. A South Carolina sheriff's office has concluded a one-year investigation into a major drug operation that saw them seizing enough fentanyl to kill around 15 million people. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. They have 24/7 365 to think of ways to get it in," Stirling said. . One of them was married to one of the cartel members," Wilson said. "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. Information from the Los Banditos investigation was used to make another bust in Atlanta, where authorities seized approximately 200 kilos (441 pounds) of methamphetamine, 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds) of cocaine, 3.2 kilos (7 pounds) of heroin, 5 ounces of cocaine mixed with fentanyl, 183 pounds of marijuana, 900 Xanax pills, and multiple firearms from stash houses in apartments, the attorney general's office said. While this organization has ties from Mexico to numerous cities in the United States, its drug trafficking efforts and locations in Greenville County were continuing to pump poison directly into our communities. Legal Statement. The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several local, state and federal agencies including the Horry County Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. High Point man arrested during SWAT Team drug bust in home near school; police seize over 30 guns, trafficking amounts of drugs, around $50,000 . 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.