A federal grand jury in Columbia has indicted James Robert Peterson, 37, of Prosperity, on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment follows an incident on June 11, during which Peterson allegedly shot and killed South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) K9 Agent Coba while law enforcement was attempting to arrest him. In addition to the federal charge, Peterson faces several state charges related to the same incident. His previous felony conviction prohibits him from possessing a firearm.

Peterson is currently detained and awaiting trial. If convicted on the federal charge, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs emphasized that "all charges in the indictment are merely accusations" and that "defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."