Georgia Man Sentenced for Gun Charge from 2023 S.C. Trooper Shooting

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Derrick Gathers, 40, of Augusta, Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm when he shot a patrolman. Eighty months of his 180-month sentence will be served consecutively to his current state sentence. 

According to statements made in court, on Aug. 16, 2023, Lance Corporal Frazier with the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) stopped Gathers for speeding on Highway 78 in Bamberg County. Gathers gave Trooper Frazier a license and vehicle registration, and Trooper Frazier took those items back to his patrol vehicle to run a routine records check. Trooper Frazier had concerns about the authenticity of the driver’s license, and when Trooper Frazier reapproached the driver’s side of the vehicle to investigate, Gathers pulled out a firearm, shot trooper Frazier in the face, and sped away. Trooper Frazier’s injuries were non-life threatening. A Bamberg County Sheriff’s Department (BCSD) deputy was providing support during the traffic stop, and both officers returned fire at Gather’s fleeing vehicle. Gather’s vehicle was located by law enforcement, including by members of the Bamberg Police Department, SCHP, and BCSD. During the chase, Gathers lost control of the vehicle and crashed in Branchville. Gathers was thereafter taken into custody.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found a pistol loaded with 9mm ammunition under the brake pedal. SLED confirmed that the pistol found on Gather’s floorboard matched the firearm used to shoot Trooper Frazier.

“This case highlights two realities: law enforcement put their lives at risk every day, and felons with guns pose a serious threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to support our law enforcement partners by federally prosecuting offenders that put law enforcement and the public’s lives at risk.”

“An attack on law enforcement is an attack on the entire community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Threats against our law enforcement cannot be tolerated, and ATF will apply every resource we have available to help protect our partners.”

Gathers has previous felony convictions for 3rd degree rape and 2nd degree criminal possession of a weapon out of New York, both of which prevent him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Gathers to 180 months in federal prison. Eighty months of his 180-month sentence will be served consecutively to his current state sentence. One hundred months of the federal sentence will be served concurrently to the state sentence.  He will also have a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bamberg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall prosecuted the case.

Myrtle Beach-Area Bank Robber Sentenced

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Anthony Joseph Jennings, age 44, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for armed bank robbery, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a) and (d), and for use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Florence, sentenced Jennings to 105 months’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release, and ordered him to pay $18,102 in restitution.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Jennings robbed four Myrtle Beach area banks between February 8 and April 4, 2011. Jennings robbed: Carolina First, 4100 Postal Way, Myrtle Beach, on February 8, 2011; First Citizens Bank on 440 River Oaks Drive, Myrtle Beach, on May 1, 2011; Carolina First, 1801 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, on March 16, 2011; and BB&T at 2300 Highway 501 East, Conway, South Carolina, on April 4, 2011. In addition to a sentence of imprisonment, Judge Wooten also ordered forfeiture of the $15,700, which was seized when Jennings was arrested.

The case was investigated by the Horry County Police Department and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Florence office handled the case.

Mexican National Sentenced for Role in Drug Conspiracy

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Adrian Cienfuegos-Aguirre, age 32, of Guerrero, Mexico, was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment yesterday in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, after earlier pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia, imposed the sentence, which will be followed by three years of supervised release.

Adrian Cienfuegos-Aguirre, who had no prior record, was one of over 116 defendants initially charged in 2009 following a series of court-authorized, FBI-monitored wiretaps over multiple telephones in the Columbia/Lexington area. Cienfuegos-Aguirre was a fugitive on the federal charge until his arrest at the Texas/Mexico border in September 2011. The evidence in the case indicated that Cienfuegos-Aguirre, a resident alien lawfully in the United States, was involved in the transportation of drug proceeds after the sale of kilogram quantities of cocaine and in maintaining a stash house for the drugs. Evidence presented in court showed that on January 21, 2009, following a multi-kilogram deal, which was under surveillance by agents, Cienfuegos-Aguirre was stopped in a vehicle with another co-defendant, and found in possession of $153,640, which was seized by law enforcement. All co-defendants have been convicted and sentenced, with the exception of one remaining fugitive in the indictment.

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), 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.

Rock Hill Man Sentenced to 20 Years After Being Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles announced today Hendrick “Tony” Cousar (33) was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison. Cousar had previously been convicted after a trial of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine (Title 21, United States Code, Section 846). Mr. Nettles stated that based on the substantial drug weight found by the jury and Cousar’s prior drug convictions, Cousar was sentenced to a mandatory 20-year sentence by United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson.

Evidence presented at sentencing and during the trial from law enforcement and cooperating citizens showed that Cousar distributed substantial quantities of crack cocaine in and around Rock Hill, South Carolina. In 2004, Cousar was arrested, and subsequently convicted by York County, for the distribution of crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine in close proximity to a park. After being released from custody, Cousar resumed supplying crack cocaine. Law enforcement caught up with Cousar again when, in May 2011, agents utilized a cooperating citizen to make two controlled buys of crack cocaine from Cousar’s crack cocaine organization. Following his arrest on May 11, 2011, Cousar admitted to agents that over the last year he had been supplying hundreds of grams of crack cocaine in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Two of Cousar’s co-conspirators, George Gore and Laventa Murray, earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, and each was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated primarily by Chester County Sheriff’s Office, York County Multi-jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, State Law Enforcement Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay N. Richardson.

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.

Eastover Man Pleads Guilty to Bomb Threat, Child Pornography Charges

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Sidney L. Myers, age 21, of Eastover, pled guilty in federal court to willfully making a threat to damage buildings by means of explosive, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e); and possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., of Columbia accepted the plea and will impose a sentence after the pre-sentence report has been prepared.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Myers placed two phone calls to Eau Claire High School in Columbia on the morning of November 2, 2011. He claimed to have put six bombs around the school. Subsequent investigation into phone records linked the threats to Myers’ number. When confronted, Myers eventually confessed to placing the calls.

During the bomb threat investigation, FBI agents analyzed Myers’ phone and found that it contained five videos of him engaging in sexual activity with his girlfriend, who was 16 years old. Because the phone had traveled in interstate commerce, this constituted a federal child pornography offense.

Mr. Nettles stated, “The security of South Carolina’s citizens in our public buildings will not be compromised. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute those who threaten our citizens—particularly school children—no matter how ill-conceived the threat.”

“Additionally, this case should make clear that possessing explicit cell phone images of underage subjects is a very bad idea that will send you to jail.”

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Myers can receive on each count is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Dean Eichelberger and Winston Holliday of the Columbia office handled the case.

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.