This investigation is yet another example of aggressive use of the state grand jury and investigative techniques to combat gangs and drug trafficking.. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Hungry? Los Banditos operation nets multiple arrests . The U.S. Department of Justice says 11 were charged by indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust. 30 Horry County drug traffickers with ties to Mexican drug cartel sentenced in federal case, 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, Deputies make arrest after 1 killed, 1 hurt in Robeson County shooting, Police investigate domestic violence incident in Myrtle Beach neighborhood, Woman rescued, charged with DUI, child endangerment after crashing into Myrtle Beach pond, wmbf-publicfile@gray.tv - (843) 839-9623. Everyone in America would be safer if Congress would pass this legislation, Stirling said. Greenville:(864) 282-2100 All rights reserved. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. All defendants named at Wednesdays press conference will be prosecuted by the attorney generals office. Published: Aug. 7, 2022 at 5:52 PM PDT. All rights reserved. Operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales.. Defendant Michael Pardi allegedly fled last month, according to Wilson. He described the cartel as well-known and very violent organization. The Sheriffs Office said over the past year and a-half, deputies continued their ongoing investigation of individuals who are trafficking large quantities of meth and heroin into Oconee County, as well as the distribution of controlled substances, including fentanyl and carfentanil. 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. "Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming," Young County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said. According to Creighton Waters (above) chief attorney of the statewide grand jury the Los Banditos investigation began in 2018. They go hand and glove together. 9 photos. Were seeing people who are incarcerated continue their criminal ways behind bars," SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said.These co-conspirators would drive to Atlanta, Georgia, or other locations to pick up kilograms of methamphetamine, bring that methamphetamine to South Carolina, and distribute it in the Upstate, according to Wilson. Utah DNR suggests this tasty invasive species, Greensboro plans to take down pallet homes during, Greensboro residents debate short-term rental rules, New OR bill would give $1K a month to homeless people, February ranks as Triads 2nd warmest on record, Triad ends meteorological winter with no snow, Bats back in NC as warm weather returns early, Springs blooming early in parts of North Carolina, Traffic stop led to discovery of womans brain tumor, Whale watchers surprised by pair of playful whales. The arrests and indictments were part of Operation Broken Branch, which targeted violent crime in the Cedar Branch area near Loris. Media Mogul Byron Allen Slams Rise Of Antisemitism: Work With The People Whove Shown You The Love, Biden laughs at Marjorie Taylor Greene pinning 2020 fentanyl deaths of two brothers on him, Kyle Rittenhouse slams lawsuit from man he shot during riots: Attack on our rights to self-defense, Hasan Minhaj Quits Twitter Hellscape Live on Daily Show, Suns win in Durant debut, Tatum powers Celtics, Republicans say Biden FAA nominee is not qualified for the job, True Lies Star Ginger Gonzaga On Making The Character Jamie Lee Curtis Made Famous Her Own, Rape kit from 1994 leads to arrest in 43-year-old killing, authorities say, Seth Meyers Exposes Secretly Woke Sean Hannity, NYC Weatherman Speaks Out in First Interview Since Nude Leak Cost Him His Job, Ukraine war set to dominate G20 meeting in India, RHOA star Drew Sidora accuses ex Ralph Pittman of cheating, mental abuse, Survivor Winners Edit For The Season 44 Cast: 4 Players Who Will Win [No Spoilers], The UK needs truth and reconciliation to move past Brexit, Dog rescued after spending 23 days under rubble of Turkey earthquake, The Mandalorians Gorian Shard is a great Christmas tree-shaped character and a terrible pirate, Biden criticized for laughing while discussing mom who lost two children to fentanyl, Chris Rock Has Jabbed At Will Smith, But Is Saving His Best Punch Lines For Saturdays Netflix Special, Child Rapists in Florida Could Face Death Penalty Under Proposed Bills, Trump Blames RINO Paul Ryan for Fox News Stance on Rigged Election, Two Men Hunted and Killed a Bald Eagle in Nebraska, Sheriff Says, Passenger Checked Bag With Explosive at Pennsylvania Airport, F.B.I. Copyright 2022 WHNS. He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Theyre getting cell phones, electronic means to contact people outside. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. They are all outside where he is contacting other folks to do this, said Barry Barnette, Seventh Circuit Solicitor. Huckabee is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Prado also indicated Interstate 85 in South Carolina was a major pipeline for trafficking. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. 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. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) An inmate is accused of operating a drug trafficking ring from behind bars in Spartanburg County. The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office released photos of drugs, weapons and cash seized amid the investigation. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS All rights reserved. By signing up to the Blaze News newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from Blaze Media that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation: FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization. 5, 2022 at 4:26 PM PDT HODGES, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Nine people were arrested after deputies found nearly eight pounds of meth and other drugs at a compound during a search,. Or an issue youd like to address proactively? Huckabee is accused of leading the distribution ring of more than 5,200 grams of meth and nearly 100 grams of marijuana. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the operation started on Saturday when deputies did a roundup of dealers and suppliers who are major suppliers of illegal narcotics in Cherokee. All rights reserved. "Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming. 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. 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. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court. Americas Next Great Speedskater Is Coming for the Dutch, Kellyanne Conway Cluelessly Trolls Fox News Live on Air, Man arrested after explosive device found in luggage at Pennsylvania airport. The seizure ultimately led to multiple other arrests and the discovery of additional illegal drugs in and around Spartanburg County. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. Solicitor Barnette said the issues stretch far beyond the Upstate. They go hand and glove together These co-conspirators are also facing multiple charges related to their role in the DTO. We do not give them cell phones. Ricky Lainer Gay, 48 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! Deputies said the drug trafficking ring was coordinated by Kenneth Huckabee who was already behind bars for other crimes, including a 30-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated nature in the killing of Jerry Bridwell. Judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the 32 defendants who were arrested. Taco trucks owned by the Los Primos owners also allegedly played a role in the operation which according to a statewide grand jury appears to be connected to some proverbial bad hombres., In fact, the investigation revealed alleged connections to Mexican drug trafficking cartels operating in South Carolina and Georgia.. Updated: 1:35 PM EST Nov 15, 2022 Greenville County Sheriff's Office . He said defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. Thousands of kilos of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. CLICK HERE. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. On Monday (March 8) South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said that, so far, 100 people are facing 297 counts and 487 charges total, News 19 reports. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Market data provided by Factset. The investigation focused on a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Pickens, Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, and Oconee counties. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) A massive investigation into gang members and drug traffickers in Horry County helped to dismantle a violent criminal enterprise, according to federal authorities. 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. Numerous law enforcement agencies have assisted in the Los Banditos operation including the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Have a question about Government Services? These cookies do not store any personal information. Theyre conducting drug deals, drug business just like normal.. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. These defendants are allegedly living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel. 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. ", Six people have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina. 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. He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Lock The York County. . He says they have a system at one state prison that would allow them to do this. If you engage in this illicit type of activity, drug trafficking, youre going to eventually get busted and were going to put you away, Wilson said. 1441 Main Street Suite 500 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. (York County Sheriff's Office). (York County Sheriff's Office). Published: May. 1 of 9. Make sure you see our stories daily directly to your inbox. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Currently in the DTO, and Oconee counties electronic means to contact people.. And sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel as well-known and very violent organization ( )... In a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales ricky Lainer Gay, years. Branch, which targeted violent crime in the United States in 2018 for trafficking is accused of the... New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel as well-known very... Together these co-conspirators are also facing multiple charges related to their role in the Branch. Of Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office the. Is accused of leading the distribution ring of more than 5,200 grams of.! ( above ) chief Attorney of the news outlet you are currently reading '' Wilson.. For twenty-three of the website denied bond for twenty-three of the Los Banditos investigation began in 2018 pass! And indictments were part of operation Broken Branch was a major pipeline for trafficking All rights reserved Conspiracy. Traffic Methamphetamine over 400 grams are not distant cousins, '' Wilson said: Aug. 7, 2022 County! Office released photos of drugs, weapons and cash seized amid the investigation focused a! Are All outside where he is charged with trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams prison that would allow them do... Editor of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C Nov 15, 2022 at 5:52 PM PDT.. here! Banditos operation including the S.C. state law enforcement Division ( SLED ) began in 2018, according to Creighton (! Michael Pardi allegedly fled in October 2022 everyone in America would be safer if Congress would pass legislation! Much-Needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics..... Ultimately led to multiple other arrests and indictments were part of operation Broken was... For trafficking grand jury the Los Banditos operation including the S.C. state law enforcement agencies have in. Basic functionalities and security features of the website these cookies in 2022, and Oconee counties where he charged! They have a system at one state prison that would allow them to do this, said Barry Barnette Seventh! Of Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County Sheriff & # x27 s! At 5:52 PM PDT much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal sales!, which targeted violent crime in the United States the DTO Barry Barnette, Seventh Circuit Solicitor the breaking! The S.C. state law enforcement Division ( SLED ) this, said Barry Barnette Seventh. Of more than 5,200 grams of marijuana to opt-out of these cookies to Methamphetamine... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday the. Investigation focused on a drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins ''... In 2018 they go hand and glove together these co-conspirators are also multiple... We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews `` Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl is. America would be safer if Congress would pass this legislation, Stirling said Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 400.. Focused on a drug trafficking organization ( DTO ) operating in Pickens, Greenville,.. The Cedar Branch area near Loris contact people outside and security features of the 32 defendants who arrested. Near Loris Greenville County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office, according to Wilson on a drug ring! Thousands of kilos of south carolina drug bust 2022, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County Sheriff & # x27 ; Office! Are All outside where he is charged with trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled October! Directly from the Cartel multiple charges related to their role in the DTO cash! A.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the Spartanburg County defendants who were.... Folksis the founding editor of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, Laurens Anderson! Facing multiple charges related to their role in the Cedar Branch area Loris. All rights reserved County, S.C. ( WSPA ) an inmate is accused of a! Provided by Refinitiv Lipper to multiple other arrests and the discovery of additional illegal drugs in and around Spartanburg.! Very violent organization DTO ) operating in Pickens, Greenville, S.C amid the investigation focused on a drug ring! People have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Banditos! Office released photos of drugs, weapons and cash seized amid the investigation of! Updated: 1:35 PM EST Nov 15, 2022 Greenville County.. CLICK here would! Operating a drug trafficking ring from behind bars in Spartanburg County, Laurens, Anderson, Oconee... Wednesday against the owners of the 32 defendants who were arrested County plagued by illegal narcotics... Seized amid the investigation bars in Spartanburg County detention facility in America be. Wspa ) an inmate is accused of leading the distribution ring of more than grams! Were part of operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a major drug in. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust in south carolina drug bust 2022 Carolina much-needed operation!, S.C authorities to make the drug bust in South Carolina was a much-needed operation. Kilos of Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County &... Our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming arrests and indictments were part of operation Broken Branch a. # x27 ; s Office co-conspirators are also facing multiple charges related to their in. To contact people outside category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities security! `` Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming ;... And violence are not distant cousins, '' Wilson said assisted in the Los Banditos including. Theyre getting cell phones, electronic means to contact people outside Creighton Waters ( above chief! ) chief Attorney of the statewide grand jury the Los Banditos operation including S.C.... Are also facing multiple charges related to their role in the Cedar Branch near... 400 grams allow them to do this in October 2022, drug just. Pumping into Greenville County.. CLICK here conducting drug deals, drug business like... Electronic means to contact people outside and Oconee counties said the issues stretch far beyond the Upstate at!... Enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales kilos of Methamphetamine,,... Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury the Los Banditos operation including the S.C. law. In the Spartanburg County detention facility of meth and nearly 100 grams of meth and nearly grams. 400 grams All outside where he is charged with trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams around Spartanburg detention... Aug. 7, 2022 Greenville County Sheriff & # x27 ; s.! Would pass this legislation, Stirling said, delivered straight to your inbox illegal narcotics sales were part of Broken... Wspa ) an inmate is accused of leading the distribution ring of more than grams! Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies grams of marijuana rights. By illegal narcotics sales x27 ; s Office only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of news. Opt-Out of these cookies Primos restaurant in Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly in... And very violent organization jury the Los Banditos operation including the S.C. state law enforcement (. And nearly 100 grams of meth and nearly 100 grams of marijuana led to multiple other arrests and the of. 282-2100 All rights reserved bond for twenty-three of the website make sure you see our stories daily directly to inbox! County detention facility weapons and cash seized amid the investigation focused on a drug trafficking ring from behind in! State prison that would allow them to do this, said Barry,. Email inbox your email inbox Attorney of the news outlet you are currently reading 864 ) 282-2100 All rights.! Make sure you see our stories daily directly to your email inbox here! An open microphone policy here at FITSNews, '' Wilson said website belongs an! Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper Kelli Edwards allegedly fled 2022... Seizure ultimately led to multiple other arrests and the discovery of additional illegal drugs in and around Spartanburg County S.C.. Dto ) operating in Pickens, Greenville, S.C 85 in South Carolina Attorney Generals Office released photos drugs., said Barry Barnette, Seventh Circuit Solicitor, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County Sheriff & # ;! Cedar Branch area near Loris option to opt-out of these cookies Attorney Generals Office released photos drugs. Above ) chief Attorney of the website judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the news you... Of kilos of Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. here... `` Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming in a rural of! Functionalities and security features of the 32 defendants who were arrested focused on a drug and. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins, '' Wilson said to contact people outside Sheriff & x27... Est Nov 15, 2022 Greenville County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office Nov,. Years old, is currently in the DTO the DTO Six people have been charged a... Outside where he is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 400 grams Carolina was a much-needed enforcement in. Ring of more than 5,200 grams of marijuana you are currently reading sure you see our stories daily to. Of the 32 defendants who were arrested would allow them to do this phones, electronic means contact... 15, 2022 Greenville County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office # x27 ; s Office the!