Man Suspected of Kidnapping SC Teenager Will Appeal Ammo Conviction Last week, Freddie Grant, the main suspect in the kidnapping of Gabrielle Swainson in August 2012, was convicted on federal criminal charges for owning ammunition as a convicted felon. Now, Grant will appeal the 17-year sentence. On Monday, April 22nd, court documents were filed by Grant’s attorney asking the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the sentence. Reportedly, when investigators searched Grant’s house for evidence related to Gabbiee Swainson’s … [Read more...]
Kidnapping Suspect Sentenced for Owning Ammo
Main Kidnapping Suspect in Gabrielle Swainson’s Disappearance Sentenced for Ammo in Home Freddie Grant, the only kidnapping suspect in Gabrielle Swainson’s disappearance in August last year, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for being a convincted felon who owned ammunition. He has not yet gone to trial for Swainson’s kidnapping. During a raid on Grant’s home to find evidence related to Swainson’s disappearance and possible kidnapping, officers discovered that Grant owned a box of shotgun shells, and a box of .38 caliber bullets. He … [Read more...]
Attorney for Head of SC Illegal Gambling Ring Files “Stand Your Ground” Defense
Attorney for Man Accused of Double Murder, Illegal Gambling Operation, Motions for “Stand Your Ground” Defense Dave Fedor, the attorney for the notorious Brett Parker, has invoked South Carolina’s “stand your ground” defense in Parker’s murder case. Parker has been accused of murdering his wife, Tammy Parker, as well as one of his illegal gambling ring employees, Bryan Capnerhurst, in the Parkers’ upscale Irmo home in April 2012. Parker stated that Capnerhurst, who arrived at the home to collect over $20,000 in gambling debt, shot Parker’s … [Read more...]
Columbia Man Sentenced for False Tax Returns for Bloods Gang
SC Man Sent to Prison for Preparing and Filing False Tax Returns for the Bloods A Columbia, SC man was sentenced on Tuesday, April 16th, in federal court for preparing and filing false tax returns for the South Carolina branch of the Bloods gang. Daion Ali Bowers, 27, received $1.2 million in fraudulent tax returns, which he filed from a home computer and distributed to the gang through pre-paid credit cards, or split the money with those who provided personal information. Bowers is not a member of the Bloods, nor is he an accountant. … [Read more...]
Charleston Man Indicted on Federal Sex Crime of Child Prostitution
Senior Citizen in SC Indicted for Federal Sex Crimes A federal grand jury has indicted a Charleston-area senior citizen for the federal sex crime of child prostitution. Booker T. Vanderhorst, 65, has been charged with sex trafficking of children, use of interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The indictment was unsealed on Thursday, April 11th, by the United States Attorney General’s Office. Federal investigators say that Vanderhorst prostituted a minor female he knew to be … [Read more...]
Four Men Indicted on Hobbs Act Charges Plead Guilty to Federal Crimes
Men Arrested Last Fall for Violation of Hobbs Act Plead Guilty Last October, four Columbia, SC men were arrested on federal criminal charges, including violation of the Hobbs Act. In the first week of April, the men pled guilty to the federal charges, which include conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and other gun and drug charges. The four men are Jacquan Orlando Jones, 23; Travis Howard, 33; Vernon Davis, 23; and Eddie Wilbert Mobley, 26. Jones and Mobley were both convicted for using or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a … [Read more...]
35 Educators Indicted in Altanta Cheating Scandal
Atlanta Cheating Scandal, Led by School Superintendent, Implicates Hundreds of Educators Over Several Years On Tuesday, April 2nd, 35 educators were to report to the Fulton County Jail after being indicted as major players in the now infamous Atlanta Cheating Scandal. As of 10 PM, 27 had turned themselves in. Last week, a Fulton County grand jury indicted 35 educators, including teachers, testing coordinators, and principals. Hundreds of others were involved in the Atlanta cheating scandal. The 35 key players were indicted on federal … [Read more...]
SC Woman Faked Leukemia, Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud
Woman Who Bilked Insurance Company While Faking Leukemia Pleaded Guilty to Mail Fraud Charges A South Carolina woman faked having terminal leukemia in order to collect insurance money. She was arrested in September 2012. She pled guilty to one count of mail fraud, which is a serious federal offense. Jennifer Eden’s mail fraud charge has led her to be sentenced to 3 years in prison, and a restitution fine of $500,000. However, she has stalled her prison sentence with further concerns about her health. Prosecutors say that, between 2003 … [Read more...]
More Arrests for Illegal Gambling Made in Huge Gambling Ring Scandal
Illegal Gambling Ring Discovered After Criminal Charges, More People Arrested Five more men have been arrested in connection with the now infamous Brett Parker illegal gambling ring scandal. Deputies in Richland County have arrested Gregory McCoy, 43, Ben Yon, 33, Damon K. Johnson, 33, Edward Maracich, 50, and Nathan Chisom, 36. So far, 17 people total have been arrested since the illegal gambling ring was exposed last year. Most of the suspects were arrested the week of March 20th – 12 suspects total. The arrests have been piling up … [Read more...]
Midlands Doctor Arrested in Florida for Intended Federal Criminal Sexual Conduct
SC Doctor Intended Federal Criminal Sexual Conduct with Teenager in Florida An anesthesiologist from South Carolina was arrested in Florida in October 2012 on federal criminal sexual charges, and has been brought to Columbia for trial this coming week of March. Dr. John Francis Williams, 66, thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl when he was arrested in Volusia County, Florida. Arresting officials say he had wine, condoms, Viagra, various sex devices, and even a teddy bear with him to give to the teenager. He will go to trial the week … [Read more...]