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 . People are sentenced to the Department of Corrections for long periods of time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The York County. 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. The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy. These defendants received the following sentences: Copyright 2022 WMBF. An official website of the United States government. 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. 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. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 200 grams and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Six people have been charged in the operation: Javaris Johnson, 35; Quonzy Hope, 34; Thomas Perry, 29; Timario Gayton, 30; India Dixon, 36; and Jajuana Johnson, 32. Shandon Paige Hammett, 34 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. Shonda Michelle Finch, 45 years old, is currently in the Department of Corrections. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. Wilson said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with local law enforcement, began making arrests as part of this investigation on Tuesday. They have 24/7 365 to think of ways to get it in," Stirling said. Investigators alleged the drug operation was linked to a Mexican drug cartel. Nine indicted in Oconee Co. Operation Rocket Fuel drug bust, Trafficking meth 400 grams or more conspiracy, Possession of a schedule III controlled substance (Buprenorphine), Possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (Alprazolam), Possession of a firearm during commission of or attempt to commit a violent crime, Trafficking heroin greater than 28 grams (Conspiracy), Distribution of a narcotic schedule II controlled substance (Carfentanil), Trafficking methamphetamine 400 grams or more (Conspiracy), Distribution of narcotic schedule II controlled substance (Fentanyl), Possession of schedule III controlled substance (Buprenorphine and Naloxone), Trafficking methamphetamine 100-200 grams, Trafficking methamphetamine 400 grams or more, Possession of scheduled III controlled substance (Buprenorphine and Naloxone), Possession of a firearm during commission or attempt to commit a violent crime, Trafficking heroin 28 grams or more (Conspiracy), 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, Judge to hear pending motions in Murdaugh case Friday, kelli.radcliff@foxcarolina.com - 864-213-2103. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. According to Prado, the powerful La Familia cartel based in the Mexican state of Michoacn was linked to the Los Primos hub. Wilson announced the arrests at a press conference held in his offices on the grounds of the State House in downtown Columbia, S.C. on Wednesday. Legal Statement. Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to one of two indictments that collectively contained 72 counts of violations of federal law ranging from drug conspiracy and firearms violations to using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. A Year Later Many Companies Cant, or Wont. 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. Additionally, some of the defendants have been charged with various firearms offenses. An assortment of other illicit narcotics were discovered at an additional address, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and mushrooms, authorities said. 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: Kilos of meth, cocaine and heroin were seized in the bust and 34 people are charged . (York County Sheriff's Office). A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The crash . A locked padlock GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A Greenville restaurant was busted for trafficking kilos of meth, cocaine and heroin for Mexican cartels, according to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office. The investigation is named Las Seoritas because several of the main targets are women who have allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. The restaurant served as a regional hub for an operation which allegedly trafficked cocaine and methamphetamine to numerous other states. 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. Each agency brings unique assets to the table that enhances their ability for success. Per the DEA, just two milligrams could be potentially fatal, meaning that the deputies discovered enough fentanyl to kill approximately 15 million people. Wilkins said the amount of drugs flowing through upstate South Carolina is at the highest level he's ever seen. The hard work and dedication of the Greenville drug enforcement unit, SLED, and the South Carolina state grand jury has significantly decreased the availability of drugs in the Greenville community and arrested some of its worst drug dealers. Stirling says federal prisons are allowed to do so, but states are not. 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. 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. Updated: 1:35 PM EST Nov 15, 2022 Greenville County Sheriff's Office . GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville County Sheriffs Office announced multiple drugs and guns were seized after a multi-jurisdictional investigation. 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. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. In addition to the statewide grand jury and SLED, the office of S.C. thirteenth circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins was involved in the operation. Each has now also been sentenced, with several of the organizations leaders and suppliers receiving sentences of ten years or more in federal prison, as follows: This operation dismantled a violent criminal enterprise, put its members behind bars, and made communities in South Carolina safer, said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. Its been a problem throughout the state of South Carolina. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The names of those individuals are as follows: The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said they are still searching for the following two suspects: MORE NEWS: Judge to hear pending motions in Murdaugh case Friday. He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Chelsie Marie Anderson, Jennifer Nicole Burns, and Amy Deanna Cobb a/k/a Emma, allegedly fled to Mexico in late 2018-2020, Wilson said. During the traffic stop, deputies said 2,004.8 grams of methamphetamine was seized. Huckabee, Bishop and Childress were denied bond Friday. Official websites use .gov Copyright 2022 WHNS. Lock 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. 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. The case, dubbed "Los Banditos" by investigators, has to date resulted in the seizure of nearly 11 kilograms (24 pounds) of methamphetamine, 584 grams (1.3 pounds) of cocaine, approximately $63,000 in cash, and over 20 firearms in South Carolina, according to the attorney general. By working with our partners at SLED and local agencies, were able to investigate and prosecute complex trafficking conspiracies like this one and defend the rule of law. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina, Thirty Horry County Gang Members and Drug Trafficking Associates with Ties to Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced in Federal Court, California Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Columbia Man Affiliated with Street Gang Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Drug Offenses, Rock Hill Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Involvement in Fentanyl Distribution Ring, Thirty Horry County Gang Members and Drug Trafficking Associates With Ties To Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced In Federal Court, Teontric Jackson, 30, of Loris 180 months, Darrell Jackson, 48, of Myrtle Beach 120 months, Lisa Garcia, 50, of Delano, CA 120 months, Angelo Jackson, 25, of Loris 108 months, Timothy Long, 40, of Tabor City, NC 100 months, Winferd Sherman, 24, of Loris 72 months, Shaquan Hemingway, 23, of Loris 70 months, Phillip Johnson, 29, of Loris 57 months, Devante Squires, 27, of Loris 36 months, Alfredo Gore, 43, of Tabor City, NC 24 months, Bradley Griffin, 36, of Longwood, NC 22 months, Tyruss Hemingway, 21, of Loris 15 months, James Riggins, 44, of Tabor City, NC 12 months, Lateice Griffin, 30, of Longwood, NC, Montel Hyppolite, 23, of Loris, Robert Attaway, 37, of Myrtle Beach, Mildred Mann, 44, of Little River, Billie Lee Green, 60, of Loris, and Kenneth Nobles, 31, of Loris, all received sentences under a year. 2,004.8 grams of Methamphetamine was seized Corrections for long periods of time the Spartanburg County detention facility Enforcement Force... 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