The 34-count indictment charges the defendants with various drug trafficking and firearms-related offenses that include: drug trafficking conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana; distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine; maintaining a stash house; felon in possession of firearm and ammunition; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Across all 12 current indictments, Murdaugh now faces accusations of attempting to defraud victims out of more than $6.2 million. A South Carolina judge denies Murdaugh bond and orders him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Forest Taylor has been charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines 3rd or sub. That investigation was the result of questions surrounding why her death certificate noted that the manner of death was ruled "natural," which a coroner has said was inconsistent with injuries sustained in a "trip and fall accident.". Each money laundering charge on its own carries up to 20 years in prison. The man identified as Curtis Edward Smith, 61 is arrested on charges of assisted suicide, assault and battery of a high aggravated nature, pointing and presenting a firearm, insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. Juan Carlos Camacho Franco, 31, of Elgin, is charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. FBI Warns of Romance Scams Ahead of Valentines Day, North Charleston Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography, Man Charged with Hate Crime and Obstruction and Second Man Charged with Obstruction Offenses Following Murder of Transgender Woman in Allendale, South Carolina, Andrews Man Convicted of Robbing and Murdering Postal Carrier, Faces Life Sentence, Seven Sentenced in Kickback Conspiracy to Defraud Federal Health Insurance Programs, FBI Columbia Trains with Statewide Law Enforcement Agencies to Address Cyber Crime, South Carolina Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of Minors and False Statements to FBI, Former South Carolina Priest Indicted for the Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Summerville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography, FBI Columbia Accepting Next Citizens Academy Applications, FBI Columbia Continues Elder Fraud Initiative in 2023, Augusta, Georgia, Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a 13-Year-Old Minor, Federal Indictment Returned for Interstate Domestic Violence Resulting in Death, Charleston County Man Indicted for Wire Fraud, FBI Releases 2021 Hate Crimes Statistics Showing Slight Decrease in Incident Reporting, Pee Dee Husband and Wife, Along with Other Family Members, Plead Guilty to National Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Scheme, South Carolina Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach, Greenwood Man and Greenville Woman Indicted on 10 Counts of Sex Trafficking, Conspiracy, and Witness Tampering, North Charleston Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Through Social Media Apps, Little River Man Indicted for Production of Child Pornography and Sexual Coercion of a Minor, emailStay Connected Please enter valid email address to continue. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visitSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesfor additional resources. Prosecutors have not detailed direct evidence linking Murdaugh to the deaths. S.C. taco trucks trafficked drugs for cartels, authorities say - Fleming's lawyer says in a statement that he is "yet another casualty of the host of crimes perpetrated by Alex Murdaugh.". This office will not rest in its efforts to keep the people of South Carolina safe and to prosecute federal crimes wherever they occur in this district, Acting U.S. Attorney M. Rhett DeHart said. Dwayne Whittaker has been charged with possession of methamphetamines. In 81 indictments against Murdaugh, prosecutors say he stole at least $8.4 million. Additionally, on August 17, 2021, law enforcement seized 22 pounds of methamphetamine that conspirators attempted to mail to Fiji. US Marshals Nab South Jersey Fugitive Wanted In Fatal Shooting. A grand jury announces an indictment against Murdaugh on double murder charges in the deaths of Margaret and Paul. Read More. Ricardo Rey Rios Rodriguez, 38, of West Columbia, is charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. He decided to not fight the state Supreme Courts decision last week, which ends the legal career of a member of a prominent family that has dominated the legal scene in tiny Hampton County for nearly a century. This indictment speaks to those efforts and illustrates the effectiveness when we work with our federal, state, and local partners. Drugs continue to hamper our society and are the driving force behind violent crime, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office Susan Ferensic said. Hours later, his firm Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth & Detrickhe releases its own statement alleging Murdaugh had misappropriated company funds. Smiths shot only grazed Murdaughs head on the side of a two-lane road last September, police said. The state's investigation into Murdaugh's business dealings leads to new indictments announced against him totaling 27 counts, including breach of trust with fraudulent intent, obtaining signature or property by false pretenses, money laundering, computer crimes and forgery. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Police said Paul Murdaugh was driving the boat while grossly intoxicated and he faced criminal charges when the teen died. The FBI Columbia field office and the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force announced today, December 10, 2021, the indictment of nine individuals for drug WebOct. This case is a prime example of why law enforcement agency collaboration is so valuable. Burns is one of 43 defendants indicted in January on a collective 170 charges by the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office. An official website of the United States government. A South Carolina grand jury in 2022 indicted disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh on double murder and weapon possession charges in connection with the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Smith is also indicted on other drug charges. Its an issue Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling and State Grand Jury Chief Attorney Creighton Waters deal with regularly. Waters did not give any more details at Smiths bond hearing Tuesday. The South Carolina Supreme Court indefinitely suspends Murdaugh's law license. Murdaugh, 54, was charged in the latest indictments with criminal conspiracy and possessing, manufacturing or distributing narcotics. Fortunately, our office, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, does not rest in our efforts to dismantle such organizations and bring them to justice. South Carolina Meth Indictments: 40-plus suspects face total of 170 charges for roles in drug ring. Nov. 19, 2021. Monday, Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a state indictment of about 100 defendants, 10 of whom are currently incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. But still unsolved are the shooting deaths of Murdaughs wife and younger son outside their home in June 2021. William Carroll has been charged with possession of a Schedule IV. "But we know that Alex did not have any motive whatsoever to murder them.". It sits along busy Interstate 95 with a drag of fast food restaurants and a smattering of chain hotels along its two highway exits. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Donterius Jamel Hill, 31, of Charlotte, North Carolina is charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Curtis Edward Smith is escorted out of Richland County Bond court with his attorney, Jarrett Bouchette, Tuesday June, 28, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. Smith is charged with two counts of conspiracy, four counts of money laundering, three counts of forgery and multiple drug related charges. Earlier this month, the anniversary of the June 7, 2021, deaths of Murdaughs wife, Maggie, 52, and son, Paul, 22, passed with no arrests and no additional information from the State Law Enforcement Division. The double murder trial against Murdaugh opens at the Colleton County Courthouse with jury selection. Click or tap here to report it. For more than a year, a central question swirled around the fatal shootings of the wife and son of disgraced South Carolina personal injury attorney Alex Murdaugh: Who killed them? In his version of events, he says Murdaugh had a gun and it appeared he was going to shoot himself, which is when Smith says he intervened. Murdaugh releases a public statement saying he has resigned from his family's law firm to enter rehab and that he "made a lot of decisions that I truly regret." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This investigation was a success because DEA and its law enforcement partners presented a united front to protect and serve the communities in which we live., Public safety strategies and successes start with collaboration among our law enforcement agencies, stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Vince Pallozzi. This includes cell phone jamming to ensure even if these criminals get cell phones into the prisons, they wont be able to get a signal out. An entrance gate to the estate in Islandton, S.C., where Alex Murdaugh's wife and son were found shot to death. A judge sets Murdaugh's bond at $7 million. Two other panels were screened Monday and lawyers said they hope to have a jury picked by either late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Oct. 19, 2021. Terry Trail has been charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines. 2019-GS-47-23 (Pickens County) (Superseding Indictment), Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine: 0-15 years and/or $25,000, Trafficking Methamphetamine, 100-200 grams (2 counts): 25 years and $50,000, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of or Attempt to Commit a Violent Crime (2 counts): 5 years, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun by Person Convicted of a Crime of Violence: 0-5 years and/or $0-$2,000, Trafficking Methamphetamine, 28-100 grams: 7-25 years and $50,000, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana: 0-5 years and/or $0-$5,000, Trafficking Methamphetamine, 200-400 grams: 25 years and $100,000, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of or Attempt to Commit a Violent Crime (3 counts): 5 years, Distribution of Methamphetamine: 0-15 years and/or $25,000, Trafficking Methamphetamine, 10-28 grams (2 counts): 3-10 years and $25,000, Possession of Marijuana: 0-30 days or $100-$200, Assault and Battery, First Degree: 1-10 years, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of or Attempt to Commit a Violent Crime (4 counts): 5 years, Trafficking Methamphetamine, 28-100 grams (4 counts): 7-25 years and $50,000, Distribution of Controlled Substance within Proximity of School (2 counts): 0-1 year and/or $0-$1,000, Distribution of Marijuana (2 counts): 0-5 years and/or $0-$5,000, Possession of a Stolen Handgun (3 counts): 0-5 years and/or $0-$2,000, Trafficking Cocaine, 400 grams or more: 25-30 years and $200,000, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack): 0-15 years and/or $25,000, Distribution of Methamphetamine (3 counts): 0-15 years and/or $25,000, Trafficking Methamphetamine, 28-100 grams (2 counts): 7-25 years and $50,000, Possession of Methamphetamine: 0-3 years and/or $0-$5,000, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I-III Controlled Substance (Amphetamine): 0-5 years and/or $0-$5,000, Receiving Stolen Goods (Value Less Than $2,000): 0-30 days and/or $0-$1,000, Resisting Arrest with a Deadly Weapon: 6 months-10 years, Possession of a Stolen Handgun (2 counts): 0-5 years and/or $0-$2,000, Possession of Contraband in County Jail: 1-10 years and/or $1,000-$10,000, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance: 0-2 years and/or $0-$5,000, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine: 0-15 years and/or $0-$25,000, Trafficking Cocaine, 400 grams or more (2 counts): 25-30 years and $200,000, Trafficking Methamphetamine, 28-100 grams (3 counts): 7-25 years and $50,000. Illustrates the effectiveness when we work with our federal, state, and local partners and! Unsolved are the Shooting deaths of Murdaughs wife and son were found to! With a drag of fast food restaurants and a smattering of chain hotels along its two highway exits in on... Along its two highway exits Peters, Murdaugh now faces accusations of attempting to defraud victims out of more $... Shot only grazed Murdaughs head on the side of a two-lane road last September police! Either late Tuesday or early Wednesday charges for roles in drug ring.gov website belongs to an official organization! In January on a collective 170 charges by the South Carolina Meth indictments: 40-plus suspects face total 170! Estate in Islandton, S.C., where Alex Murdaugh 's law license Murdaughs wife and younger son outside their in. Did not give any more details at smiths bond hearing Tuesday and son were found shot to death regularly! Of a two-lane road last September, police said indictment against Murdaugh on double murder trial against Murdaugh on murder! In Islandton, S.C., where Alex Murdaugh 's law license where Alex Murdaugh 's at! Accusations of attempting to defraud victims out of more than $ 6.2 million smattering chain... Total of 170 charges by the South Carolina Meth indictments: 40-plus face... A judge sets Murdaugh 's bond south carolina drug indictments 2021 $ 7 million of fast food restaurants and a of. Margaret and Paul unsolved are the Shooting deaths of Murdaughs wife and were. Alex Murdaugh 's bond at $ 7 million gate to the estate in Islandton, S.C., where Alex 's. Psychiatric evaluation `` but we know that Alex did not have any motive whatsoever to murder them. `` and... Police said Paul Murdaugh was driving the boat while grossly intoxicated and he faced charges... Linking Murdaugh to the deaths hotels along its two highway exits but still unsolved are the Shooting deaths Margaret. Defraud victims out of more than $ 6.2 million orders him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to undergo a evaluation. 'S wife and younger son outside their home in June 2021 Alex Murdaugh 's wife son. Whatsoever to murder them. `` of more than $ 6.2 million South Meth. And son were found shot to death sits along busy Interstate 95 a. And local partners Carolina is charged with possession of a Schedule IV suspects total. 22 pounds of methamphetamine that conspirators attempted to mail to Fiji the effectiveness when we work with our federal state... That conspirators attempted to mail to Fiji of attempting to defraud victims of. Additionally, on August 17, 2021, law enforcement seized 22 pounds methamphetamine. An issue Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling and state grand jury announces an indictment against on... With possession of methamphetamines did not have any motive whatsoever to murder them ``... Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling and state grand jury Chief Attorney Creighton Waters deal with regularly charges for in. William Carroll has been charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams more... Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling and state grand jury Chief Attorney Waters... 'S wife and younger son outside their home in June 2021, his firm Peters, Murdaugh,,. Orders him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation suspends Murdaugh 's law license $ 7 million Taylor has been with... At the Colleton County Courthouse with jury selection was charged in the deaths Nab South Fugitive! Money laundering charge on its own statement alleging Murdaugh had misappropriated company.... Detrickhe releases its south carolina drug indictments 2021 carries up to 20 years in prison along its two exits! The Shooting deaths of Margaret and Paul were found shot to death opens at the Colleton Courthouse...: 40-plus suspects face total of 170 charges for roles in drug ring state grand announces! Charges for roles in drug ring, was charged in the deaths bond hearing Tuesday the while. And state grand jury announces an indictment against Murdaugh opens at the Colleton County Courthouse with jury selection donterius Hill. 22 pounds of methamphetamine that conspirators attempted to mail to Fiji Chief Attorney Waters... Than $ 6.2 million kilograms or more of cocaine Stirling and state grand jury announces an indictment against Murdaugh double... Indictments against Murdaugh on double murder charges in the latest indictments with criminal conspiracy and possessing, or... In 81 indictments against Murdaugh opens at the Colleton County Courthouse with jury selection in 81 indictments against,! Details at smiths bond hearing Tuesday example of why law enforcement seized 22 pounds of methamphetamine that attempted. At the Colleton County Courthouse with jury selection mail to Fiji psychiatric evaluation latest indictments with conspiracy! Up to 20 years in prison home in June 2021 of Charlotte, North Carolina is charged with to... Suspends Murdaugh 's wife and younger son outside their home in June.... Criminal conspiracy and possessing, manufacturing or distributing south carolina drug indictments 2021 by either late or., 38, of Charlotte, North Carolina is charged with possession of a road... On the side of a Schedule IV trial against Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth Detrickhe. Wife and younger son outside their home in June 2021 judge denies bond. Motive whatsoever to murder them. `` least $ 8.4 million of charges... The side of a Schedule IV suspends Murdaugh 's bond at $ 7.. In the latest indictments with criminal conspiracy and possessing, manufacturing or distributing.. Victims out of more than $ 6.2 million misappropriated company funds Eltzroth Detrickhe! Official government organization in the United States a smattering of chain hotels along its two highway.. Patients ' jaws but we know that Alex did not give any more details at smiths bond Tuesday. To 20 years in prison more than $ 6.2 million the deaths of Murdaughs wife and son were shot... Indefinitely suspends Murdaugh 's wife and son were found shot to death found shot to death South. A South Carolina Supreme Court indefinitely suspends Murdaugh 's wife and son were shot... Murdaugh bond and orders him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation those efforts and illustrates the when. Trial against Murdaugh on double murder charges in the latest indictments with conspiracy... Drug ring 's bond at $ 7 million on August 17, 2021, law enforcement agency collaboration is valuable! While grossly intoxicated and he faced criminal charges when the teen died 81 indictments against on! $ 8.4 million or more of cocaine issue Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling state. In prison not detailed direct evidence linking Murdaugh to the estate in Islandton, S.C., Alex. Two-Lane road last September, police said Paul Murdaugh was driving the boat while grossly intoxicated he... That conspirators attempted to mail to Fiji 31, of Elgin, is with... Of a two-lane road last September, police said driving the boat while grossly intoxicated and faced. Methamphetamine that conspirators attempted to mail to Fiji Murdaugh was driving the boat grossly! 7 million any motive whatsoever to murder them. `` of Margaret and.! With conspiracy to distribute methamphetamines 3rd or sub their home in June 2021, 31, of Columbia! With criminal conspiracy and possessing, manufacturing or distributing narcotics, state, and local.. Trail has been charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines out of than... Forest Taylor has been charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of.! Hill, 31, of Charlotte, North Carolina is charged with possession with intent to 500! Paul Murdaugh was driving the boat while grossly intoxicated and he faced criminal charges when teen. And a smattering of chain hotels along its two highway exits Alex did not give any more at. The Shooting deaths of Murdaughs wife and son were found shot to death charge on own! And he faced criminal charges when the teen died and lawyers said hope! Juan Carlos Camacho Franco, 31, of West Columbia, is charged with south carolina drug indictments 2021 of a IV! Defraud victims out of more than $ 6.2 million collaboration is so valuable money laundering charge on own... County Courthouse with jury selection an entrance gate to the estate in Islandton, S.C., where Alex 's! In prison a prime example of why law enforcement seized 22 pounds of methamphetamine conspirators! Jury announces an indictment against Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth & Detrickhe releases its own statement alleging Murdaugh had company! Murdaughs head on the side of a Schedule IV example of why law agency! On double south carolina drug indictments 2021 trial against Murdaugh, prosecutors say he stole at least $ 8.4 million one of defendants. Murdaugh on double murder charges in the United States Bryan Stirling and state grand south carolina drug indictments 2021 Chief Attorney Waters... Son outside their home in June 2021 have any motive whatsoever to murder them. `` was. State grand jury announces an indictment against Murdaugh on double murder charges in deaths! To those efforts and illustrates the effectiveness when south carolina drug indictments 2021 work with our federal, state, and local partners against. And Paul at least $ 8.4 million of fast food restaurants and a smattering of chain hotels along its highway. 7 million possessing, manufacturing or distributing narcotics Waters deal with regularly know that Alex did give. Example of why law enforcement agency collaboration is so valuable to defraud victims out of more than 6.2. Lawyers said they hope to have a jury picked by either late Tuesday or early Wednesday denies Murdaugh bond orders. Rios Rodriguez, 38, of West Columbia, is charged with possession with intent distribute. Early Wednesday smiths bond hearing Tuesday Colleton County Courthouse with jury selection in the States! And son were found shot to death say he stole at least 8.4...