A federal grand jury in Columbia has indicted Derrick Gathers, a 38-year-old resident of Augusta, Georgia, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment states that on April 16, 2023, Gathers allegedly possessed a firearm and ammunition during an incident involving the shooting of a South Carolina State Trooper. In addition to the federal charge, Gathers is facing several state charges related to this event.
The trooper involved, Lance Corporal Frazier, has since recovered from the incident. Due to his prior felony conviction, Gathers is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. 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 fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; and Bamberg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall is handling the prosecution.
It should be noted that all charges are accusations at this stage and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
