Frederick Siou Beaufort, a 41-year-old resident of Camden, South Carolina, has been sentenced to over two years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. The sentence follows an incident on September 3, 2023, when a Kershaw County sheriff's deputy observed Beaufort driving without a seatbelt. During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed a large hand-rolled cigarette on the front passenger seat. When questioned, Beaufort identified it as a "blunt," referring to a marijuana cigarette. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a handgun under the driver's side floor mat. Beaufort admitted he did not have a concealed weapons permit and acknowledged his status as a convicted felon.
At the time of his arrest, Beaufort had prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, resisting arrest, and distribution of crack cocaine. He was also out on bond for murder charges.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis handed down a sentence of 27 months imprisonment followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites various levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is handling the prosecution.
