COLUMBIA BLOODS MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY TO FIREARM AND DRUG CHARGES

Columbia, South Carolina – United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that TRAVIS SANTEL DWYER, a/k/a "Jap," age 29, of Columbia, South Carolina pled guilty today in federal court. DWYER plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) and Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia accepted the plea and will impose his sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on October 6, 2011, officers with the Columbia Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on River Drive in Columbia. Inside the residence, officers found DWYER, who lived at the residence, and two other individuals. Officers also recovered a quantity of crack cocaine, a small amount of marijuana and a loaded Taurus .40 caliber firearm.

DWYER, an admitted Bloods gang member, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior state convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2 counts) and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine 2nd offense.

Mr. Nettles stated that DWYER faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge and a maximum of thirty (30) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $2,000,000 on the drug charge.

The case was investigated by the Columbia Police Department and the ATF, and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.

Arrest of Murder Suspect Christian Antonio Ulloa

ATLANTA—Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, in conjunction with Columbus, Georgia Police Chief Ricky Boren, announces the arrest and return to the U.S. of murder suspect Christian Antonio Ulloa.

Christian Antonio Ulloa, age 19, is charged with the murder of Alton Lewis Tucker, which occurred on June 24, 2011 inColumbus, Georgia. A federal unlawful flight to avoid prosecution (UFAP) warrant was obtained when it was learned that Ulloa fled the country.

Ulloa surrendered to authorities in Guadalajara, Mexico, and is being escorted back to the Columbus, Georgia, today, July 17, 2012, by FBI agents, where he will be turned over to local authorities there.

The public should be reminded that the above are mere allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bloods Street Gang Members and Associates Arrested Following the Return of a 134-Count Federal RICO Indictment

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles and Special Agent in Charge David A. Thomas of the Federal Bureau of Investigation stated a number of individuals were arrested yesterday after the return of a 134-count indictment charging members and associates of the United Blood Nation (UBN, also called the Bloods Street Gang) with various violations of federal law, including racketeering conspiracy (RICO-18 U.S.C. §1962) and with numerous other crimes. The sealed indictment also charges various defendants with: (1) violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR-18 U.S.C §1959); (2) narcotics violations (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 843, 846 and 860); (3) robberies affecting interstate commerce in violation of the Hobbs Act (18 U.S.C. §1951); (4) federal firearms violations (18 U.S.C. §§ 922 and 924; (5) interstate prostitution and sex trafficking (18 U.S.C. §§ 1951, 1591, 2421 and 2422); (6) using interstate facilities to file false income tax returns (wire fraud; 18 U.S.C. §1343 and 1349); and (7) making false statements to federal agencies (18 U.S.C. §1001).

The sealed indictment was returned on June 18, 2012, and was unsealed this morning following the arrests of approximately 23 defendants in the Columbia area and the arrest of lead defendant David Andrea Jenkins in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Defendants were already in state custody based on charges related to count one. Nine defendants are currently fugitives. Jenkins is a native of Columbia, South Carolina, who now lives in Huntington Beach, California. All of the other defendants are residents and/or natives of the Columbia area. The 35 defendants charged in count one of the indictment (the racketeering count) are:

David Andrea Jenkins, a/k/a Arma G, a/k/a Dread; Titus Will Bowman, a/k/a TI; Torrean Antwon Sims, a/k/a Slim, a/k/a Arsonist; Andre Jamel Cummings, a/k/a Dre; Craig Xaiver Alston, a/k/a CK; Darrell Antonio Alston, a/k/a Hell Rell; Nicholas Jason Wright, a/k/a Tater Head; Stewart Jamaul Stroman, a/k/a Stew; Brandon DeShawn Hawkins, Sr., a/k/a Shotgun, a/k/a Gun; Steven Benjamin Bradley, a/k/a Red Boy; Nathaniel Jamal Farmer, a/k/a Gucci; Davante Henry Christopher Lane, a/k/a Lil D; Tashanda Nicole Parker, a/k/a Big Mama, a/k/a Big Mama Blood; Jarius Octavis Jones, a/k/a Buck; Bernard Kentrell Breeland, Jr., a/k/a Bneezy; Calvin James Hall, a/k/a Kebo; Kenneth Ray Cottoy, a/k/a Fish, a/k/a Koppo, a/k/a Kapone; Edmond Levy, Jr., a/k/a Southside; Alex Russell Anderson, a/k/a Black; Antwain Emanuel Brisbon, a/k/a Tweeze, a/k/a Twan G; Shantane Simmons, a/k/a Shantane L. Craft; Odell Martin, Jr., a/k/a Teazy; Karish Mali Brown, a/k/a KB; James E. London, a/k/a Prince, a/k/a Rockaroni; Michael Antonio Taylor, a/k/a Puncho; Shonta Marie Harrison, a/k/a Ta; Tameka Danielle Smith, a/k/a Meka; Christen Michelle Spencer; Joshua Alexander Kitt, a/k/a Metro; Tyrone Lewis, a/k/a Ty Ty; Michael Oshay Long, a/k/a Killer; Frank Henderson, III; Hassaan R. Brown, a/k/a Hossy; Degregory Reaves, a/k/a Junior; and Dameon Antonio Burgess.

A number of the defendants named above are also charged in substantive counts. Two other defendants, Daion Bowers and Rhonda Baker, are charged only in wire fraud counts. The final defendant, Tevin Ramsey, is charged in count two only, a VICAR count also naming Darrell Alston. Count one, the racketeering conspiracy count, alleges that the racketeering activity included drug dealing, murder, kidnapping, robbery, interstate prostitution, and the filing of false tax returns through the Internet.

The arrest warrants were served along with the execution of six search warrants in South Carolina and California. During these searches, law enforcement agents seized drugs and U.S. currency and also seized approximately six firearms, including one assault rifle and at least one bulletproof vest. These arrests follow a two-year interagency Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation targeting the Bloods Street Gang and their drug suppliers. In 2011, approximately 30 defendants in the drug supply chain were charged in federal court after they were intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps. Most of the defendants charged in this initial phase have entered guilty pleas and are cooperating; one defendant (Daryl Washington) was convicted by a jury on June 26, 2012, of various federal drug and firearms offenses. Washington faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years without parole, and he will be sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. in approximately 90 days. The investigation (which is continuing) involved a number of different investigative techniques, including, but not limited to, court-authorized wiretaps, undercover operations, surveillance, witness debriefings, and a review of financial records. The primary agencies participating in the investigation and today’s operation were the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); State Law Enforcement Division (SLED); Columbia Police Department (CPD); and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD); assisted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD); and the United States Marshals’ Service (USMS).

Gang investigations are a national priority for the FBI and the UBN operates throughout the United States, so agents involved in this investigation have worked closely with their counterparts in other federal districts. Agents and prosecutors from South Carolina have hosted meetings with agents and prosecutors from other districts to share information and to discuss targeting strategies. This investigation involved close coordination with a Charlotte, North Carolina investigation targeting the UBN, and approximately 28 Bloods members and affiliates were charged with racketeering conspiracy and other offenses in federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina in May 2012. Two of the defendants charged in the Charlotte case, New York natives Daryl Wilkinson, a/k/a “OG Powerful,” and Samantha Williams, a/k/a “Lady Sam,” are named as unindicted co-conspirators in count one of the South Carolina indictment.

United States Attorney Bill Nettles commended the inter-agency cooperation by saying, “Today’s arrests and seizures are an important step in our ongoing fight against criminal gangs like the Bloods who operate in South and North Carolina. The indictment in this case alleges that the Bloods Street Gang is involved in a number of serious crimes which pose real problems for people who live in communities plagued by gang violence. The OCDETF program brings different agencies and expertises together to combat complex criminal enterprises, and this investigation is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished through a close partnership among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in South Carolina and beyond. I would like to thank United States Attorney Anne Tompkins of the Western District of North Carolina and all of the agents, officers, and prosecutors involved in the Charlotte prosecution for their outstanding work and their cooperation with this prosecution.”

Special Agent in Charge David Thomas stated, “People should not have to live in fear of gang members and the violence they perpetrate. The FBI and its task force partners will be relentless in dismantling criminal enterprises throughout South Carolina.”

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott stated, “This is an example of the continued effort between the Sheriff’s Department and our federal and state partners. We have focused on violent gangs in our communities through education, awareness, and aggressive enforcement of the law—creating partnerships that are improving our quality of life. While we have made a lot of progress, we will continue the fight to make our neighborhoods safer for our children.”

The Columbia Police Department also assisted in the investigation and arrests. Chief Randy Scott stated, “The Columbia Police Department continues to foster its relationship with the FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force. Such a partnership improves the quality of life for Columbia citizens. We don’t want residents to be fearful. We need them to be proactive and report criminal activity. In this recent operation, officers identified the source of gang and narcotics violence in order to get suspected criminals and weapons off of the streets. The cycle of violence must end.”

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys JD Rowell, William Witherspoon, and Mark C. Moore.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Columbia Gang Member Sentenced to 120 Months on Firearm Charge

COLUMBIA, South Carolina — James Anthony Ashford, a/k/a “Pop–A–Lot”, age 27, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced today to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment, which will be followed by three (3) years supervised release. Chief United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour imposed the sentence today after Ashford’s earlier guilty plea to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentence was the maximum allowed under the law.

Evidence presented at the earlier guilty plea hearing and during the contested sentencing hearing established that on April 20, 2011, officers with the Columbia Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at the Colony Apartments, off Beltline Boulevard. When officers arrived, they found a 24 year old male, who had been shot twice, once in the groin and once in the buttocks. A female stated that the shooter, identified as Ashford, had also fired at her twice before running away. Officers were able to locate Ashford, a Folk gang member, a short time later and recovered a .38 caliber revolver from him. During the contested sentencing hearing, Ashford testified, “I tote a gun everyday because the neighborhood...is dangerous because of gang members.” The shooting allegedly stemmed from a verbal altercation earlier in the day between several individuals.

Ashford is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and/or ammunition based upon his prior separate state convictions for trafficking crack cocaine and possession of crack cocaine. Ashford also has prior state convictions, which include unlawful weapon, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, receiving stolen goods, and use of motor vehicle without owner’s permission. In light of the fact that Ashford used the firearm to shoot the victim, during sentencing, the court applied a cross–reference to attempted second degree murder and sentenced Ashford to the maximum statutory sentence of 120 months imprisonment.

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department, and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the prosecution of the case.

Gun–Trafficking Ring in the Greenview Community of Columbia Dismantled by Joint Efforts of ATF, Columbia Police, and US Attorney

Columbia, South Carolina — United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Andre Moss, a/k/a "Dre" (22); Anthony Brevard, a/k/a "Amp" (20); Torrian Gleaton (22); Johnathan Bailey, a/k/a "Brandon" (21); Antonio Keller, a/k/a "Hollywood" (22); Allan Boyd (19); Travis Hayes, a/k/a "Trav" (21); and Dexter Clifford Savage, a/k/a "D–boi" (24) were sentenced to a combined 41 ½ years in prison as a result of an effort to focus on removing firearms and criminals from the Greenview Community in Columbia, SC. Mr. Nettles went on to say: "We are pleased to have helped the citizens of Greenview as they fight to ensure their community remains safe and civil. As part of our ongoing Project CeaseFire initiative, we will continue to devote resources to removing firearms and criminals from the Greenview Community so that residents can safely raise their families and enjoy their neighborhood."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Columbia Police Department (CPD) combined to remove twenty firearms from the community, including two SKS 7.62mm Cugir Model 56 assault rifles; one Norinco 7.62mm assault rifle; three Taurus .45 caliber semi–automatic pistols; two Taurus .40 caliber semi–automatic pistols; a Ruger .40 caliber semi–automatic pistol; a Harrington & Richardson .32 caliber revolver; a Hi–point 9mm semi–automatic pistol; a Bersa .380 caliber semi–automatic pistol; a Ruger .44 magnum revolver; a Charter Arms .38 caliber revolver; a Taurus .38 caliber revolver; a Rossi .38 caliber revolver; Smith and Wesson .357 revolver; a Marlin Glenfield 12–gauge sawed–off shotgun; a Mossberg 12–gauge shotgun; a Mossberg 20–gauge shotgun; and an assortment of ammunition for use in a variety of firearms. Moreover, nine individuals plead guilty to charges in federal court and were sentenced to up to ten years in prison in addition to three years of supervised release: Moss (120 months), Hopkins (92 months), Hayes (90 months), Brevard (46 months), Savage (33 months), Bailey (33 months), Keller (33 months), Gleaton (27 months), and Boyd (24 months).

The joint ATF and CPD operation utilized a confidential informant in March and April of 2010 to purchase firearms and ammunition from members of the group. Then in June of 2010, members of the group robbed the confidential informant at gunpoint when he arrived at an apartment complex for a pre–arranged purchase of five firearms – including an AK–47 Assault Rifle and an Uzi.

Columbia Police Department Chief Randy Scott stated: "This operation was a cure for a persistent illness that the Greenview community has been suffering with for quite some time. The suspects will not be returning to the Greenview/Northeast community to continue their criminal acts. Law abiding residents have been taking proactive measures with the Columbia Police Department to safeguard their backyards. Efforts like this crime suppression operation will continue."

The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department, and lead by Task Force Officer Brian Vanhouten. The prosecution was part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Assistant United States Attorney Jay N. Richardson of the Columbia office handled the case.

Major Mexican Drug Dealer Gets 20 Years

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Frediberto Pineda, a/k/a “Calero,” a/k/a “Samuel Hernandez-Pimental,” a/k/a “Samuel P. Hernandez,” a/k/a “Jorge Rodriguez-Berruquin,” a/k/a “Jorge Rodriguez-Barruquin,” age 32, of Gaston, South Carolina and Guerrerro, Mexico, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code; and illegal re-entry after deportation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a). United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia sentenced Pineda, whose true birth name is Samuel Hernandez-Pimental, to 20 years (240 months) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Pineda will be deported after serving his active sentence.

Pineda was one of over 116 defendants charged in 2009 following a series of court-authorized, FBI-monitored wiretaps over multiple telephones in the Columbia area. The evidence in the case indicated that Pineda, a Mexican citizen who illegally re-entered the United States following an earlier deportation, assisted by his brother Alfredo Pimental, a/k/a “Buli,” a/k/a “Alfredo Pimentel,” a/k/a “Alfredo Hernandez-Pimentel,” a/k/a “Alfredo Pimentel-Hernandez,” who is currently a fugitive, was a major supplier of kilogram quantities of cocaine to a number of local drug organizations.

The case was investigated by agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

Lexington County Drug Dealer Convicted at Trial

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Terry Wainwright Mitchell, age 34, of West Columbia, was convicted today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, following a two-day trial. The federal jury convicted Mitchell on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and three counts of use of a telephone in furtherance of a drug felony, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).

United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia presided over the trial and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Mitchell faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life, along with $4,000,000 fine and four years of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment.

Mitchell was one of 116 defendants charged in 2009 following a series of court-authorized, FBI-monitored wiretaps over multiple telephones in the Columbia area. The evidence in the case indicated that Mitchell, a tow truck driver, was part of a vast conspiracy of local drug dealers who were obtaining large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine from Mexican suppliers and then distributing it in Richland and Lexington Counties. Thus far, 110 of the charged defendants have entered guilty pleas and four remain fugitives.

The case was investigated by the FBI-led Columbia Violent Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office prosecuted the trial of the case.