U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina
Recent News About U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina
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A federal grand jury has indicted five people—including an inmate—for allegedly defrauding over $1 million through PPP loans meant for COVID-19 relief programs in South Carolina. The defendants face multiple charges related to wire fraud and destruction of records.
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Kayla Tisdale has pleaded guilty to hiding efforts that laundered money gained from drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Federal investigators uncovered evidence showing she helped conceal at least $750,000 using various financial methods. Sentencing will follow review by Judge Joseph Dawson.
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Carlos Antwon Lewis has pleaded guilty in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm after prior felony convictions were discovered during a traffic stop in Richland County. He faces up to fifteen years in prison pending sentencing by Judge Mary Geiger Lewis.
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Timothy Markee Gayton has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison following convictions related to major drug trafficking operations based out of Rock Hill. Authorities say he operated clandestine labs producing illegal fentanyl pills distributed across state lines.
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Sandino Savalas Moses has been sentenced to probation after failing to report attempted bribery while serving on North Charleston City Council. The U.S. Attorney's Office handled prosecution following an FBI-led investigation into payments related to a zoning change request.
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Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, former Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem and councilman, will remain in federal custody after waiving his detention hearing on April 20 following charges related to possession and production of child sexual abuse material. Federal investigators allege he paid minors for explicit content using online payment services since December 2021. The U.S. Attorney's Office for South Carolina continues its work prosecuting such cases under Project Safe Childhood.
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Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks has been sentenced to over a year in federal prison after admitting involvement in bribery schemes aimed at influencing North Charleston City Council decisions about zoning changes tied to an industrial project. The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by authorities across South Carolina against public corruption.
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A Columbia grand jury indicted Devron Jakell Duncan for illegally possessing a firearm after an early morning traffic stop near Five Points led police to recover a loaded pistol he allegedly discarded while fleeing officers. Prosecutors say prior felony convictions bar him from owning guns; if convicted again he could face up to fifteen years in prison.
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A Lancaster man has been sentenced to over seventeen years in federal prison after being convicted on drug trafficking charges involving methamphetamine sales totaling more than 700 grams. Law enforcement recovered multiple firearms and large quantities of various drugs during their investigation.
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Six people have been indicted following an investigation into drug trafficking activities in Sumter and Lee counties. Authorities recovered illegal drugs and firearms during their operation targeting gang-related crime. Defendants face multiple charges but remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Two Lexington men have been sentenced to over two years in federal prison after being found guilty of illegally possessing firearms while having prior felony convictions. Authorities recovered multiple loaded weapons following their arrest during a traffic stop last year.
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A Chinese national serving in the U.S. Navy has been indicted by a Charleston grand jury for allegedly conspiring to obstruct justice during an investigation involving foreign contacts and potential fraud. Yuan Li faces significant prison time if convicted but remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, Hanahan's Mayor Pro Tem and councilman, has been charged with possessing and producing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by federal authorities. The case involves allegations spanning digital payments for illicit content involving minors over several years.
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Hason Tatorian “Tory” Fields has been sentenced to over a year in federal prison after being convicted on bribery-related charges tied to a North Charleston public corruption scheme. He is one of eight defendants facing prosecution related to efforts influencing city council decisions on rezoning matters.
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Five people have been indicted in South Carolina for allegedly running a sweepstakes scam that defrauded victims out of more than $3.5 million. Prosecutors say over 100 people lost money after being told they needed to pay fees before collecting fake prizes.
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Davante Jamar Moore has pleaded guilty to possessing an illegal firearm following a traffic stop in Richland County. Authorities found drugs and a loaded gun during their search of his vehicle. Sentencing will follow completion of an official report.
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Demondre Laquari Wright has been indicted following an undercover FBI operation involving alleged armed robbery during an attempted gun sale in St. George earlier this month. Prosecutors say he faces serious federal charges including brandishing a firearm while committing robbery.
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A Columbia man has pleaded guilty to violating his neighbor's housing rights in a racially charged incident. Jonathan Andrew Felkel admitted firing a gun and shouting threats at his Black neighbor. He faces up to ten years in prison with sentencing set for a later date.
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Deon Lathel Gibson of Charleston has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses following his guilty plea. The case involved nearly half a kilogram of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol found during a traffic stop while he was out on bond for another alleged crime.
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A federal grand jury has indicted three individuals from Greenville and Atlanta on charges related to an alleged multi-million dollar health care fraud scheme involving COVID-19 testing services. The accused face significant penalties if convicted but remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.