10th Circuit Solicitor

Anderson, S.C. – Matthew Hemmings, a/k/a Heartnel Powell, 32, a Jamaican national, and Huntley Anthony Dixon, 30, of Loganville, Georgia, were sentenced Wednesday to twenty-five (25) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections after being convicted of Trafficking Cocaine by an Anderson County jury, announced Solicitor Micah E. Black.

The pair were arrested following a June 14, 2023, traffic stop by Master Deputy Kaleb Grant of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Directed Patrol Unit. The stop occurred on Interstate 85 after deputies observed multiple traffic violations. Deputies noted significant nervous behavior from both occupants and conflicting statements about their travel, prompting them to deploy a trained law enforcement canine to conduct a free-air sniff of the vehicle. The canine alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle, leading to a further search. Concealed inside a Bluetooth speaker in the back seat deputies discovered over two (2) kilograms of cocaine. Testimony at trial revealed the street value of the cocaine was over $200,000. Deputies later determined Hemmings was an undocumented immigrant utilizing an alias after previously being deported under his birth name.
The Honorable Judge R. Scott Sprouse presided over the trial and imposed the twenty-five (25) year sentence on each defendant. Both defendants must serve at least 85 percent of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole. The convictions are also considered violent and serious, and count as a strike under South Carolina’s “three strikes and you are out” law.

Assistant Solicitor Mary Catherine Harbin prosecuted the case for the State, and was assisted by Assistant Solicitor Chase Kinsey, Investigator Michael Cox, and Paralegal Bonnie Dickerson. Hemmings was represented by William Yarborough, of the Greenville County Bar. Dixon was represented by Clark Grounsell, also of the Greenville County Bar.
Solicitor Black commended the investigative work that led to the convictions.
“Interstate drug traffickers continue to use our highways as a pipeline for illegal narcotics,” Solicitor Black stated. “Thanks to the vigilance of Sheriff’s Offices deputies—and the strong, coordinated effort of our law enforcement partners—these dangerous offenders were stopped before these drugs ever reached our communities. Our office will continue to pursue the maximum lawful penalties against those who traffic large quantities of narcotics in Anderson County.”

A Starr man pled guilty this week rather than face an upcoming trial for sexually abusing his niece, announced Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Donovan Stamps, 21, pled guilty on August 26, 2026, to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the First Degree. Circuit Court Judge J. Derham Cole, Jr. sentenced Stamps to thirty (30) years in prison. Stamps will not be parole eligible and will be considered a violent offender while in the South Carolina Department of Correction. Stamps is now a registered sex offender and will be subject to a court ordered an ankle monitor upon his release from prison.

On March 21, 2024, the minor victim’s mother contacted the Anderson County Sheriff’s office in reference to her family member sexually assaulting her minor child. The mother informed law enforcement that she walked into Donavan Stamps bedroom at the back of the family home looking for her minor daughter, and she observed the defendant performing oral sex on her minor daughter. The minor child was immediately taken to Prisma Health in Greenville for a medical examination by her mother, and later forensic testing from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed the occurrence of the assault. Law Enforcement interviewed the defendant after he was arrested, and the defendant did confess to actions.

Solicitor Micah Black prosecuted the case for the State, with the assistance of his staff Donna Baxter and Investigator Frank Wooten. Stamps was represented by Patrick Yon of the Anderson Bar. Black praised the work of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and investigator Travis Bolton in securing a conviction against Stamps.

“Donavan Stamps will spend the next three decades in prison due to the swift actions of the victim’s mother upon her discovery of this heinous crime and the thorough investigation of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office,” stated Solicitor Black. “I am thankful that the victim is now safe and my prayer is that the family will be able to heal and move forward from this awful act knowing that this abuser will spend the next 30 years locked up at the Department of Corrections.”

Walhalla Man Sentenced to 13 years for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

A Walhalla man pled guilty on the eve of trial, and was sentenced to thirteen years in state prison following a drug investigation with a seizure of 22.29 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime on July 27, 2026, in Oconee County announced Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Robert James Friesel Jr. of Walhalla, South Carolina pleaded guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine 2nd offense, 10-28 grams, after a search warrant was executed at his residence at 628 Adams Sullivan Road in Walhalla on August 19, 2024. Lt. Anna Orr with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office along with the assistance of additional law enforcement agencies executed the search warrant at the residence following an ongoing narcotics investigation. Execution of the search warrant yielded 22.29 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.

This Trafficking Methamphetamine 2nd offense under South Carolina Law is considered both “violent” and “serious” and a “strike” under South Carolina’s “three strikes and you are out law.”  Friesel Jr. must serve 85% of the thirteen-year sentence before he is eligible for community supervision.

Deputy Solicitor Christopher Beeco prosecuted the case for the state, with assistance of Investigator Jessica Sanders of the Tenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Solicitor Micah Black praised the efforts of his team and the deputies at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work on this case. “Another Oconee County drug dealer is heading to the Department of Corrections for a long prison sentence,” Black stated. “I am thankful for the hard work of these Oconee County Officers and my prosecutors who continue to put a dent in the narcotics enterprise in this county.”

Anderson, South Carolina: August 6, 2026 – An Oconee County man was convicted and sentenced to consecutive life sentences late Wednesday afternoon for Kidnapping, Assault with Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Conduct, and Grand Larceny involving a Clemson University Student in 2024, Solicitor Micah E. Black announced this morning.

Darrel Scott Brooks, 59, was tried this week in Anderson County for charges stemming from a September 10, 2024, incident where Brooks convinced a female Clemson student to give him a ride to work claiming he was a university employee whose vehicle had broken down.

The victim agreed to give Brooks a ride with him directing her where to drive as they left her apartment complex. After driving for approximately fifteen (15) minutes, Brooks ultimately directed her to stop at Fants Grove Baptist Church, a secluded area in Anderson County. Once there, Brooks told the victim to follow him inside the church. When she expressed fear and hesitation, Brooks assaulted her—slamming her head against the center console and pulling out a boxcutter knife. He attempted to drag her into the church and, when unsuccessful, tried to force her into the backseat of her vehicle.

A Good Samaritan who was checking public dove fields nearby heard the victim’s cries for help and saw her struggling inside the vehicle. As he pulled into the parking lot, the victim broke free from Brooks’s grip and ran to safety. The Good Samaritan reported seeing Brooks holding shoes and pulling up his pants before fleeing the scene in the victim’s SUV. The victim suffered a cut from the boxcutter but was able to contact law enforcement with the Good Samaritan’s help.

Anderson County Deputies arrived on scene and quickly issued a BOLO for the stolen vehicle. Oconee County Deputies located the vehicle using FLOCK camera system hits and attempted a stop along US 76 near Westminster. Brooks refused to stop, leading officers on a high‑speed chase that ended when he a crash near the Georgia state line. He was arrested after a brief foot chase.

Brooks later gave multiple conflicting statements to investigators. Physical evidence recovered from the vehicle—including his DNA on the boxcutter handle found under the passenger seat—directly contradicted his accounts.

Solicitor Black and Assistant Solicitor Madeline Cromer prosecuted the case for the State with the assistance of Tenth Circuit Solicitors Office Investigator Frank Wooten and Victim advocate Stephanie Joseph. Brooks was represented by Randy Chambers and Elizabeth Chambers with the Tenth Circuit Public Defenders Office.

Solicitor Black praised the work of Anderson Count Sheriff’s Office Deputies including lead investigator Will Freestate and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, including Investigator Nina McKee and Deputy Joshua Entsminger, in tracking down and apprehending this dangerous criminal and in securing this conviction.  Brooks had previously served prison time for Criminal Sexual Conduct and Kidnapping and had been released only four months prior to the 2024 attack.

“The joint efforts between Anderson County and Oconee County Sheriff’s offices to swiftly bring Darrell Brooks to justice cannot be understated,” said Solicitor Black. “I am thankful for Law Enforcement and for the Good Samaritan driving that rural road that September morning who saved the victim; my prayers are that she will be able move forward knowing that she is safe, and that her abductor and attempted rapist will be serving consecutive life sentences at the South Carolina Department of Corrections.”

A Liberty Man who was scheduled for trial in September pled guilty last week and received the maximum sentence allowed under the law, announced Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Donavan Jessie Austin Jr., 33, pled guilty on July 8, 2026, to Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in Anderson County. Circuit Judge R. Scott Sprouse sentenced Austin to fifteen (15) years in prison, which is the maximum sentence allowed under South Carolina law. This charge is considered both “violent” and “serious,” and Austin must also register as a sex offender and be subject to wearing a lifetime ankle monitor upon his release from prison.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that between January 1st and August 16th, 2023, Austin inappropriately touched a minor victim and exposed himself to the minor on several occasions. The minor victim disclosed the defendant’s behavior to their family, and Austin later admitted to these crimes to a therapist who reported him to authorities.

Solicitor Black prosecuted the case for the State, with the assistance of Victim Advocate Stephanie Joseph. Black praised the work of Investigator Kirstie Erskine with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for her work in securing a conviction in this case.

“Donavan Austin broke the trust of the minor victim’s family and stole the innocence of this child,” stated Solicitor Black. “While no sentence from the Court will ever be able to undo the evil this child experienced, my prayer is that this child and the family will be able to move forward. My office will continue every day to aggressively prosecute those who harm our children.”

An Anderson man with an extensive criminal record is heading to the South Carolina Department of Corrections for 12 years after entering a guilty plea, announced 10^th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.

Fernandus Mandez Allen, 54, pleaded guilty last week to one count of trafficking in fentanyl and two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine. Circuit Judge R. Scott Sprouse sentenced Allen to twelve (12) years in prison for the three (3) separate crimes.

On November 11, 2024, Officers had outstanding arrest warrants for Allen in hand when they located him at a Days Inn in Anderson.  When he was placed under arrest, Allen had a small quantity of methamphetamine in his pocket, and informed officers there were more drugs in the hotel room he was occupying.  A further search of that room uncovered approximately twenty-nine (29) grams of methamphetamine.

On July 29, 2025, Allen was stopped for a traffic violation in Anderson County.   Officers became suspicious Allen was committing more than traffic offenses, and a canine officer was called to the scene.  The canine alerted on Allen’s car, and a subsequent search of the vehicle located over five (5) grams of fentanyl.

On October 28, 2025, narcotics officers executed a search warrant at an apartment on Clemson Boulevard where they located Allen in possession of over twenty (20) grams of methamphetamine.  Allen has a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute narcotics.

Assistant Solicitor Mary Holahan prosecuted the case for the state. Solicitor Black praised the work of his team and narcotics investigators for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in bringing Allen to justice. “This conviction is the result of the hard work law enforcement is doing to stop the flow of this poison in our communities” Black stated, “and we will continue making sure that hard work translates to convictions and prison sentences like this one.”

An Anderson County Jury found a Williamston man guilty of molesting his son and abusing his daughter after a week-long trial last week, announced Solicitor Micah E. Black

Leo Lopez III, 46, went to trial on June 22, 2026, on numerous charges of child physical and sexual abuse.  On June 26, 2026, a jury convicted Lopez of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor and five (5) counts of Unlawful Conduct Towards a Child.

Evidence presented at trial showed that from May 2020 to July 2022, Lopez performed fellatio on, masturbated, and anally penetrated his own son, who was twelve (12) to fourteen (14) years old at the time. During this same timeframe, Lopez would also punch his son and his daughter in the face and stomach, and use a belt to discipline them, often leaving visible injuries on the children that had to be concealed with makeup.  When investigators confronted Lopez with the allegations against him during the investigation, he smirked and claimed the children had multiple personality disorders.  The children were treated by doctors and mental health professionals and were never diagnosed with multiple personality disorders as Lopez claimed. However, evidence presented at trial showed the victims did suffer from severe trauma as a result of experiencing years of sexual and physical abuse at the hands of Lopez.

Senior Assistant Solicitor Derek Polsinello prosecuted the case for the State, with help from Assistant Solicitor Alexandra Guarin, Assistant Solicitor Grayson Horton, Investigator Heather Purdy, and Victim Advocate Stephanie Joseph.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team in securing this conviction.  He also praised Former Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Gleynnda Miller for her dedication to seeing this case through to a guilty verdict.

During the sentencing phase of the trial, the State urged the Court to consider the heinous nature of the crimes Lopez committed and asked the Court for the maximum sentence as the law allows. Lopez was facing up to seventy (70) year’s incarceration for the convictions. Circuit Court Judge Dale Van Slambrook sentenced Cole to fifteen (15) years in prison suspended to eight (8) years in the Department of Corrections followed by five (5) years probation. Lopez will be considered a violent offender while in the Department of Corrections and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

“No punishment the court could give would ever be adequate for what Leo Lopez did to his own children in this case,” Solicitor Black stated after the verdict, “but this office will never back down from taking tough cases like this one to trial and standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.”

Mountain Rest Man Sentenced to 12 years for Trafficking Methamphetamine

A Mountain Rest man changed his plea to Guilty after a jury was seated and his trial to was scheduled to begin on Tuesday June 16, 2026, in Oconee County announced 10^th Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Doyle E. McCall Jr, of Mountain Rest, South Carolina pleaded guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine 2^nd offense, 10-28 grams, after being stopped in the City of Walhalla on October 9, 2023. Officer Patrick Heaton of the Walhalla Police department initiated a traffic stop on Main Street on a vehicle for defective brake lights early that October morning. After conversing with Mr. McCall and completing a brief investigation, including utilizing a canine who alerted to officers indicating the presence of drugs inside the vehicle, Officer Heaton and other Walhalla Police Officers located approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine inside a baggie located in the vehicle. McCall, the driver and lone occupant in the vehicle, gave officers several conflicting stories during the traffic stop as the investigation unfolded.

This Trafficking Methamphetamine 2^nd offense under South Carolina Law is considered both “violent” and “serious” and a “strike” under South Carolina’s “three strikes and you are out law.”  McCall must serve 85% of the 12-year sentence before he is eligible for community supervision.

Assistant Solicitor Cory Jones prosecuted the case for the state, with assistance of 10th Circuit Investigator Jessica Sanders. Solicitor Micah Black praised his team and the officers of the Walhalla City Police Department for their hard work and dedication in this case. “This sentence sends a strong message to the community that trafficking illicit drugs will not be tolerated in Oconee County,” Black stated. “I am thankful for the Walhalla City officers that did their job in finding these illegal narcotics back in 2023 and for the assistance Oconee County Sheriff’s Deputies last week for ensuring that justice could be done and not further delayed.”

An Oconee County man who tried to kill several officers in 2023 was sentenced to over 180 years in prison today, announced Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Gregory Wayne Maxwell, 52, was convicted early Thursday evening of six (6) counts of Attempted Murder, and one count each of Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, Failure to Stop for a Blue Light, and Failing to Register a Vehicle.

Maxwell’s convictions stem from his actions on November 16, 2023, when a routine traffic stop over a fake license place tragically ended with Maxwell shooting Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Lucas Watts in what witnesses and investigators called “nothing short of an ambush.”  Watts barely survived the gunshot wound to his head, and suffers severe long-term damage from the injury Maxwell inflicted on him.  Maxwell also nearly killed another officer and his K9 partner during the ambush.  Later, Maxwell returned to his residence and armed himself with an AR-15 style rifle before engaging in a second shootout with Pickens and Oconee County Deputies attempting to take him into custody.

After three (3) days of testimony and almost 200 exhibits (including several hours of body camera and dash camera footage) Oconee County jury deliberated for less than three (3) hours before returning the guilty verdicts.  The Honorable R. Lawton McIntosh sentenced Maxwell to the maximum sentence on each charge, and ordered the sentences to be served consecutively with each other.  In total, Maxwell was sentenced to 183 years and 30 days in prison.

Solicitor Black prosecuted the case for the State, with the assistance of Deputy Solicitor Josh Thomas, Investigator Mike Arflin, and Victim Advocate Brandi Davis.  Maxwell, who considers himself a “sovereign citizen,” represented himself at trial.  The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville Department of Public Safety, and Black praise the work of those agencies, in particular lead investigator Sergeant Blake Wolfe.

After the conviction and sentence, Solicitor Black made the following statement:  “Lucas Watts’s life, and the life of his family, was changed forever on November 16, 2023, because of the selfish and depraved actions of Gregory Maxwell.  Law enforcement in this case treated Maxwell with nothing but the utmost respect and professionalism, and in return he tried to take the life of Lucas and his colleagues.  I could not be prouder to have stood in the courtroom this week with the brave men and women of the Oconee and Pickens County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the investigators from Greenville County, as justice was served in this case.  As the judge said at sentencing, Gregory Maxwell has no regard for the rule of law or the sanctity of human life.  As the Watts family continues healing from this incident, I hope they can find some peace knowing the man responsible will spend the rest of his days behind bars.”

A long-time drug dealer in both Oconee and Anderson County changed his plea to Guilty after a jury was selected and a trial was scheduled to begin on Monday afternoon, April 13, 2026, in Oconee County, announced 10^th Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Fredrico Craig, 45, pleaded guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine 28-100 grams and received a 15-year sentence from the Honorable Vernon F. Dunbar who was scheduled to preside over the case scheduled for trial. This offense is considered violent and serious under South Carolina Law, and Craig must serve 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible to be released. Craig was represented by Don Smith Esquire, of the Anderson Bar.

On March 29, 2022, Seneca City Officers responded to 511 Bypass 123, the Best Western Hotel, regarding suspicious activity. After arriving at the hotel officers approached the suspicious vehicle that employees identified as the subject of the report. While speaking with the occupants and the driver of the vehicle, officers observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Officers then searched the vehicle and located a black backpack containing digital scales and several baggies of methamphetamine weighing close to 40 grams. Craig’s photo identification and other personal effects were located inside the bag along with the drugs.

Assistant Solicitor Cory Jones prosecuted the case for the State, with the assistance of Assistant Solicitor Holden Freel and Solicitor’s Office Investigator Jessica Sanders. Seneca City Officer Jerry Wirtz responded to the scene and investigated the case.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team along with the work from the Seneca City Police Department in securing the lengthy prison sentence. “Fredrico Craig has a long history of peddling poison in both Anderson and Oconee Counties, having already spent several stints at the South Carolina Department of Corrections for similar crimes,” stated Black.  “We will continue to work with law enforcement across the circuit to identify and prosecute repeat drug traffickers to put a dent in this poison that is so prevalent in our community.”

An Anderson Woman who shot her boyfriend and attempted to stage the crime scene to make it look like self-defense is headed to prison for the next three decades following a weeklong jury trial, announced Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Andreana Shanice Ware, 37, was found guilty by an Anderson County jury late Friday afternoon of Murder and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Circuit Judge R. Scott Sprouse then handed down a sentence of thirty (30) years in prison on the murder charge and five (5) years in prison on the weapon charge, with the sentences running concurrently. South Carolina law mandates the sentence be served day-for-day, meaning Ware will not be eligible for parole.

On February 3, 2024, Anderson City Police responded to a home on E Street after receiving a 911 call from Ware stating she had shot her boyfriend.  Ware’s initial statement to first responders was that she accidentally shot the victim, but she later changed her story to say he had kicked down her door and strangled her for several minutes before she shot him in self-defense.  Investigators immediately observed that the crime scene did not match Ware’s story.  There were no signs of forced entry, and the victim lived at the residence and had the code to unlock the door.  Additionally, investigators utilized forensic tools to discover that large amounts of blood had been wiped up from the floor where the victim had been shot.  Investigators ultimately determined that Ware had shot the victim as he walked in the door and spent upwards of 30 minutes cleaning up the crime scene before calling 911.  Ware had a history of violence with the victim, and the jury got to hear a voicemail the victim left a family member earlier in the day where he can be heard begging Ware to stop waving a pistol around.

Senior Assistant Solicitor Derek Polsinello and Assistant Solicitor Chase Kinsey presented the case for the State, with assistance from Investigator Heather Purdy and Victim Advocates Merri Parker and Brenda Smith.  Solicitor’s Office Investigator Joseph Burke played a pivotal role in securing the conviction, as he was the lead investigator for the City of Anderson Police Department at the time of the incident. Ware was represented by Don Smith of the Anderson County Bar.

Solicitor Black praised the work of his staff, along with investigators from the City of Anderson Police Department, in preparing the case for trial and securing the conviction.

“This was a deliberate and violent act, followed by an obvious attempt to cover it up and escape responsibility,” Solicitor Black said. “Because of a total team effort, the truth prevailed and a violent killer has been held accountable. We will continue to be unwavering in our commitment to seeking justice for crime victims and to keeping our community safe.”

Thomas Britt Alewine of Williamston pled guilty last month to Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery for an incident at the Dollar General located on Highway 252 in Belton, South Carolina. The Honorable Scott R. Sprouse sentenced Alewine to 20 years at the South Carolina Department of Corrections. He will not be eligible for parole as the offenses are considered violent and most serious under South Carolina Law.

Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Dollar General outside of Belton off Highway 252 on February 19, 2025, in reference to an armed robbery and shooting. When officers arrived, they found the victim on scene having been shot by an unknown white male who pulled out a gun and demanded money from the employees working the store. After a brief argument between the employees and Alewine, he fired a revolver at the victim, grabbed money from the register, and exited the building and the premises. The victim was struck by a bullet and was transported to the hospital and treated. Doctors determined that the bullet passed through the victim’s shoulder, avoiding striking any bones or any major arteries.

As the investigation progressed, Alewine became a suspect based on surveillance images made public by the Anderson County Sheriff Office.  Tips received at the Sheriff’s Office led investigators to the suspect’s home in Williamston. A search warrant from the suspect’s home security system from the day of the incident showed Alewine wearing the same exact clothing that the shooter wore at the Dollar General. Alewine ultimately confessed his actions to investigators.

Senior Assistant Solicitor Patti Ferguson prosecuted the case for the State with the assistance of Victim Advocate Brenda Smith. Elizbeth Chambers represented the Defendant. Solicitor Micah Black praised the work of lead investigator Cody Rhoads from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and other investigators for their work in quickly solving the case and apprehending Alewine. Black stated, “Thomas Alewine will spend the next two decades behind bars for his senseless actions last year at the Belton Dollar General.  We are thankful for law enforcement’s quick actions that day in treating the victim and then ultimately apprehending the defendant in this case, and I pray that the victim will be able to continue to heel from the physical and emotional trauma this situation has caused her and her family.”

An Oconee County man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a drug investigation that ended with the seizure of trafficking weights of methamphetamine and cocaine, announced Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

William Justin Holliday, 45, of Walhalla, pled guilty last week in Oconee to Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Cocaine, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.  Holliday entered his guilty plea rather than face a trial scheduled for later in the month.  The Honorable R. Lawton McIntosh presided over the plea and sentenced Holliday to 15 years in the Department of Corrections.  This offense is considered both violent and serious and Holliday must serve 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible for parole. Holliday was represented by Catherine Wyse, Esquire, of Anderson County.

On December 12, 2024, Narcotic Investigators with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office uncovered the large quantity of methamphetamine and cocaine during the execution of a search warrant following several undercover buys from Holliday at his home on Rock Crusher Road.  Deputies placed Holliday under arrest after locating 14.93 grams of methamphetamine, 21.25 grams of cocaine, and a .22 caliber handgun in the home.  Lieutenant Anna Orr appeared before the Court and informed the Judge of Holliday’s history drug distribution and trafficking of narcotics in Oconee County. Holliday has numerous drug and property crime convictions in both South Carolina and Georgia.

Senior Assistant Solicitor Christopher Beeco prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance of Solicitor’s Office Investigator Jessica Sanders.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team, along with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, in securing the lengthy prison sentence.   “Our office is proud to report that another career criminal will be serving a long-term prison sentence,” Solicitor Black said. “This sentence sends a clear message to guys like William Holliday who repeatedly disregard our laws and disrespect our communities that our prosecutors will continue to fight alongside our law enforcement partners to do everything in our power to rid our communities of these deadly and destructive drugs.”

An Oconee County man has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison following a drug investigation that began with a police pursuit and ended with the seizure of 129 grams of methamphetamine.

David Wayne Howard, of Westminster, South Carolina, pled guilty last week to Trafficking Methamphetamine, Failure to Stop for Blue Lights, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Howard was represented by Lee Cole of the Anderson County Bar. The Honorable R. Scott Sprouse presided over the plea and sentenced Howard to 11 years in the Department of Corrections.

On August 9, 2024, Deputy Emily Jones with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office uncovered the large quantity of methamphetamine after attempting to stop Howard for separate traffic infractions.  The attempted traffic stop led to a pursuit and ended due to Howard colliding with a guard railing near Return Church Road.  Deputies placed Howard under arrest after finding him hiding in brush approximately twenty (20) feet from his overturned vehicle.  A search of the vehicle by Deputy Brody Pitts uncovered a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver, a Steoger 9mm pistol, and 129.53 grams of methamphetamine. Narcotics Lieutenant Anna Orr appeared in Court and informed the Judge of Howard’s sordid history of drug distribution and trafficking of narcotics in Oconee County.

Howard had a prior conviction for trafficking methamphetamine in 2020.  This current offense is considered both violent and serious and Howard must serve eighty-five percent (85%) of the eleven (11) year sentence before he is eligible for community supervision.  Additionally, this is now Howard’s second “strike” under South Carolina’s “three strikes and you are out” law.

Senior Assistant Solicitor Christopher Beeco prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance of Investigator Jessica Sanders.  “This sentence sends a strong message that drug trafficking and attempts to evade law enforcement will not be tolerated in our community,” Solicitor Black stated. “We are grateful for the work from the personnel at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office in this case, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat this poison and the people who traffic in it.”.

Jacquese Anderson-Savage pled guilty to Murder on Tuesday afternoon at the Oconee County Courthouse in Walhalla rather than face a trial for the 2024 murder of the victim Garrett White that occurred in Seneca at the Seneca Gardens Apartment complex on January 17, 2024, announced Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Judge R. Scott Sprouse sentenced Anderson-Savage to 45 years on Tuesday afternoon to the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Murder is classified as both violent and a “most serious” offense, and by statute, Anderson Savage must serve the entire 45-year sentence day-for-day before he is to be released.

On January 17, 2024, Seneca City Officers responded to the Seneca Gardens apartment complex on Laing Court at roughly 9:52 PM concerning a shooting in the parking lot. Officers found the victim deceased on scene with a gunshot wound to his upper back. Officers were able to speak with the victim’s girlfriend on scene, who was present during the shooting, and officers recovered a surveillance video from a neighbor to develop a profile of the suspect. Forensics officers recovered a spent shell casing at the crime scene that was discharged from a semiautomatic firearm, later proving to be a key piece of evidence in the investigation.

Several hours later, at 2:00 AM Seneca City Officers responded to a suspicious person call at a residence on Fox Creek Court, which is located beside the Seneca Gardens apartment complex. The caller reported that a suspicious individual knocked on their door and requested to use their telephone or their Wi-Fi password. This individual was described to dispatchers as wearing gym shorts and a T-shirt (despite temperatures being roughly 28 degrees at time), and the individual appearing to have leaves and brush in his hair and scratches on his body. Officers responded and they found Anderson-Savage hiding underneath a vehicle parked on the street at the residence where he was ultimately detained.  Canine Officer Austin Barnum then deployed K9 Bea, and she tracked a scent from where the defendant was detained on Fox Creek Court back to Seneca Gardens apartment complex where the shooting occurred roughly 4 hours earlier.

The next morning, day shift officers from Seneca PD responded back to the crime scene to further search the woods looking for any additional evidence, and officer Michael Durham found discarded clothing that matched the clothing identified as being worn from the shooter. In addition, a semiautomatic firearm was recovered beside the clothing in the woods. Those items were collected and sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED’s) Forensic Laboratory for testing. DNA results confirmed the clothing belonged to Anderson-Savage. Furthermore, the swabs taken from the firearm conclusively contained the defendant’s DNA. Finally, the shell casing recovered from the crime scene, matched the firearm recovered in the woods, determining that the recovered firearm was the murder weapon.

Solicitor Micah Black prosecuted the case for the State with assistance from Victim Advocate Brandi Davis and Investigator Jessica Sanders with the 10^th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Dick Warder, of the Greenville bar represented the defendant. Multiple officers with the Seneca Police Department played a pivotal role in the investigation and prosecution of the case including lead investigator Jason Sutherland, Investigator Mike Teramano, and Investigator Joe Sorenson. Solicitor Micah Black commended the team effort displayed by his office and the Seneca Police Department in ensuring justice was attained in this case for the White family.  “No amount of prison time will ever fill the void from the loss that the White family has experienced, but having witnessed the forgiveness they displayed publicly in court gives me hope that they will be able to move forward and have closure from this tragedy. However, my office will continue to prosecute the most heinous and violent criminals for their crimes, and we will work closely with law enforcement to ensure these violent offenders are removed from our community.”

Faced with the prospect of going to trial next week, an Anderson man pled guilty Wednesday morning to charges stemming from a domestic assault in 2023, announced Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah E. Black.

Henry K. Brown, 48, pled guilty on January 21, 2026, to Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature.  The Honorable Thomas J. Rode sentenced Brown to fifteen (15) years in the Department of Corrections, where he will be considered a violent offender and will not be parole eligible.  This conviction also counts as a “strike” under South Carolina’s “three-strikes” law, meaning Brown may be subject to a life sentence if he is convicted of additional crimes when he completes his current prison term.

On October 15, 2023, Brown got into an argument with his wife at their residence in Anderson. Brown quickly escalated the argument into a physical one when he threw his wife to the ground, jumped on top of her, and began choking her.  Brown then retrieved a butcher knife, holding it to his wife’s face and threatening to kill her with it while she was still laying in floor dazed from the strangulation.  Brown then took his wife’s car keys, phone, and tablet and left the residence.  The wife ran across the street to a convenience store and called 911.  When Brown was located the next day, he still had his wife’s keys, phone, and tablet with him.

Assistant Solicitor Chase Kinsey prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Senior Assistant Solicitor Derek Polsinello, Investigator Joe Burke, and Victim Advocate Michele Carroll.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team preparing this case for trial, and for helping prepare Brown’s wife to face him in court for the last time.  Additionally, he commended the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for their professional work responding to the initial call for help and quickly bringing Brown to justice.

“Domestic violence continues to plague our communities in South Carolina and across the nation,” Solicitor Black said following the sentencing. “My office will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and other partners across the Tenth Circuit to fight for victims of domestic violence and give them a path to becoming a survivor instead of a victim.”

An Anderson man pled guilty this week rather than face an upcoming trial for raping his wife’s juvenile daughter, announced Solicitor Micah E. Black

Austin J. Cole, 35, pled guilty on January 8, 2026, to Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor.  Circuit Court Judge R. Scott Sprouse sentenced Cole to twenty (20) years in prison, which is the maximum sentence allowed under South Carolina law.  Cole will not be parole eligible and will be considered a violent offender while in the Department of Corrections.  Cole is also now a registered sex offender.

In late 2023, Cole’s estranged wife moved her two children, one of which was the victim in this case, into Cole’s home in Anderson County. While the children were living with him, Cole engaged in sexual intercourse with the eleven (11) year old female victim on numerous occasions.  Law enforcement became aware of the sexual assaults when the victim and her sibling were found in the early morning hours of February 23, 2024, walking along Highway 28.  The juveniles told officers they were trying to walk to their mother’s house in Georgia to escape Cole’s sexual abuse.  A sexual assault examination was performed on the female victim, which located sperm that DNA testing proved belonged to Cole.  Officers also discovered a photograph on Cole’s phone of him engaging in sex acts with the victim.

Deputy Solicitor Josh Thomas prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Senior Assistant Solicitor Patti Ferguson and Investigator Michael Cox.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team in securing this conviction.  He also praised Investigator Keonna Brooks of the Anderson Police Department for her diligent work building the case against Cole.

“Austin Cole was entrusted with the safety of the victim in this case, and he betrayed that trust in the worst way possible,” said Solicitor Black after the sentencing.  “No punishment the law provides can ever be adequate for what this offender did, but I take solace in the fact he received the maximum sentence the law allows and will serve the next two decades in prison.”

Solicitor Micah E. Black announced that the Tenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office recently completed its annual Christmas Toy Drive in conjunction with AIM Charity. Donations for the toy drive come from the participants in the Solicitor’s Diversion Programs as a part of their community service requirement. The donations provide Christmas gifts for children of all ages, from infant to teenager.

AIM takes pride in being an efficient non-profit organization that meets the needs of under-resourced individuals and families in Anderson and Oconee Counties.  AIM’s Christmas Program is only one of the many ways they serve our community.  Throughout the year AIM also provides many assistance programs such as Employment Pathways, Financial Stability, Hunger Ministries, Women & Children Succeeding, Pivotal Support Program and a Housing Rehabilitation Program, just to name a few.

This year’s donation from the Solicitor’s Office topped over $7,500 and will distribute gifts to over 500 children in our area.  Toys and gifts are also distributed throughout the community at events conducted in neighborhoods and local Fire Departments.

If you would like more information about the Solicitor’s Diversion Programs, you may contact the Solicitor’s Office at (864) 260-4042 or visit our website at www.solicitor10.org.  If you would like more information about the various community programs & support offered through AIM, you may contact them at (864) 226-CARE (2273) or visit their website at  www.aimcharity.org.

Two Anderson men were convicted this week for a string of crimes committed on December 29, 2022, that culminated in the death of an innocent 18-year-old woman, announced 10^th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.

On November 24, 2025, after a six-day trial, an Anderson County Jury deliberated for just over two hours before returning several guilty verdicts against Mikial Hykeem Nashaun Ferguson and Nigel Eneiko Valentin Barner.  The jury found both defendants guilty of Murder, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime, five (5) counts each of Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, and First-Degree Burglary.  The Honorable R. Scott Sprouse sentenced each defendant to forty (40) years in the Department of Corrections for the murder charge, and to several lengthy concurrent sentences on the remaining charges.  The lead sentence on the murder conviction must be served day-for-day, meaning the defendants will not be eligible for any kind of early release.

Barner and Ferguson’s crime spree began during the afternoon of December 29, 2022, when they kicked in the door of a residence in Anderson County.  The defendants believed the residence was empty, but inside they encountered a young mother and her infant child.  They held the woman at gunpoint and ransacked the house before leaving with some jewelry and an AR-15 style rifle.  Later that evening, the defendants took the stolen rifle to Fairview Gardens Apartments in the City of Anderson.  While there, they fired over 20 shots from multiple guns into an occupied apartment.  The barrage of bullets struck three people in the apartment, killing 18-year-old Imani Clemons.  Ferguson later took the stolen rifle used in the shooting to a bridge over Lake Hartwell and threw it into the water.  Divers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Underwater Search Team eventually recovered the rifle and confirmed it was the one stolen earlier in the day.  Local investigators also recovered cell phones from Barner and Ferguson, which included precise location data putting them at the scene of both crimes and incriminating messages bragging to others about committing the crimes.

Solicitor Black prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Deputy Solicitor Josh Thomas, Investigator Frank Wooten, and Victim Advocate Stephanie Joseph.  Multiple agencies helped in the investigation of this case, including the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson City Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Tenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.   Solicitor Black praised the cooperation and dedication of this multi-agency team in reaching this result, with particular credit to Detective Blake Vaughn and Lt. Brad Whitfield of the Anderson City Police Department and Detective Travis Bolton of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.  “No verdict or sentence can ever mend the hole left in the Clemons family from Imani’s tragic death, but I hope this conviction and sentence will bring some measure of peace to Imani’s family this holiday season,” Solicitor Black said after sentencing.  “I also hope it sends a message that Anderson County will not tolerate violence like these defendants engaged in that day, and that law enforcement and my office will continue to seek the full measure of justice for innocent victims like Imani.”

A Columbia, South Carolina, man was tried and convicted in his absence this week in Anderson County, announced 10th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.

A jury found Kha Ree Bernard La’Tre Golden guilty of Trafficking in Cocaine (400 Grams or More) and Possession of Psilocybin after a traffic stop on Interstate 85 uncovered two kilos of cocaine and a large amount of mushrooms. Golden did not appear for his trial, but was represented in court by Ivan Toney of the Greenville Bar. The Honorable R. Lawton McIntosh presided over the trial and issued a sealed sentence and a bench warrant for Golden’s apprehension.  While the sentence is sealed until Golden is located, the trafficking charge carries a mandatory sentence of twenty-five (25) to thirty (30) years in prison and a fine of $200,000.  The charge is considered both violent and serious and Golden must serve 85 percent of whatever sentence he receives before he is eligible for parole.

On February 6, 2023, Sgt. Hunter Ruff with the Directed Patrol Until of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office uncovered the large quantity of drugs after stopping Golden for a separate traffic infraction.  When Sgt. Ruff went to conduct a search of Golden’s vehicle, Golden began running on foot into the woods near the interstate.  K9 officer Echo was deployed to track Golden, and eventually located him hiding in an abandoned structure next to Highway 24.  The search of Golden’s vehicle uncovered a large suitcase in the back seat containing two kilos of cocaine, almost a kilo of marijuana, and almost 6 ounces of psilocybin mushrooms. Testimony in court revealed that the cocaine alone would be valued on the street between $60,000 and $120,000 depending on how it was further distributed.

Assistant Solicitor Mary Catherine Harbin prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Assistant Solicitor Chase Kinsey. “Unfortunately, drug trafficking continues to be a profitable enterprise in our country and state,” Black stated. “I hope this conviction sends a message to those who would traffic drugs in Anderson County that their only reward here will be a long and uncomfortable prison sentence.  I am proud of the work of our prosecutors and our partners in law enforcement to continue fighting to hold these criminals accountable.”

Anderson County (SC)  Drug trafficker convicted and sentenced to 25 years for trafficking a kilo of cocaine

A Georgia man will spend the next 25 years in prison after being tried and convicted last week in Anderson County, announced 10th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.

Kevin Eugene Hicks, of Austell, Georgia, was convicted last week in Anderson for Trafficking in Cocaine-400 Grams or More after a traffic stop by an Anderson County Deputy on Interstate 85 yielded a kilo of cocaine. Hicks was represented by Chuck Allen of the Anderson Bar. The Honorable R. Lawton McIntosh presided over the trial and sentenced Hicks to 25 years after the guilty verdict was returned.

On November 16, 2022, Sgt. Hunter Ruff with the Directed Patrol Unit of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office uncovered the large quantity of cocaine after stopping Kevin Hicks for a separate traffic infraction. A search of the vehicle ultimately uncovered the drugs hidden in the trunk of the vehicle. Testimony in court revealed that the cocaine discovered would be valued on the street between $30,000 and $70,000, depending on how the drugs were sold.

Hicks must serve 25 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections as a result of his conviction. This offense is considered both violent and serious and Hicks must serve 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible for parole. Hicks had a prior conviction for trafficking cocaine in North Carolina in 2004.

Solicitor Black prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Assistant Solicitor Alexandra Guarin. “Illegal Narcotics continue to destroy our community each and every day,” Black stated. “I am thankful to work with the dedicated narcotics officers at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, who strive every day to crack down on those bringing drugs into our community. We will continue to fight in the courtroom with Sheriff McBride’s officers to prosecute those individuals to the fullest extent of the law.”

September 19, 2025

Anderson S.C. — An Anderson woman is headed to the South Carolina Department of Corrections after entering a guilty plea Thursday morning at the Anderson County Courthouse, announced Solicitor Micah Black.

Chianna Leshae Burgos, 23, pled guilty as charged to Kidnapping and Armed Robbery, and Circuit Judge R. Lawton McIntosh handed down a 15-year sentence. Kidnapping and Armed Robbery are all classified as violent and most serious, and are considered “no-parole” offenses, meaning Burgos must serve 85 percent of the sentence before being released.

On January 31, 2024, Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff Office responded to the QuikTrip Gas Station on Pearman Dairy Road in Anderson and found the victim lying on the ground bound with electrical tape around his legs and bleeding from his arm. Subsequent investigation determined that Burgos, her co-defendant Donovan Williford (who pled previously to a 20-year sentence), and another co-defendant orchestrated a plan to lure the victim to an address where he was later beaten and robbed. The co-defendants then transported the victim to the QuikTrip to attempt to use his debit card at an ATM machine. While Burgos was inside the QuikTrip attempting to use the victims debit card to steal money, the victim was able to free himself and attempted to escape. He was able to eventually escape but not before being shot in the arm after struggling with Williford over a firearm while he was still inside the vehicle. After this altercation, Burgos immediately ran out of the gas station, jumped back inside the vehicle with her co-defendant, and fled the scene.

Solicitor Micah Black prosecuted the case for the State with the assistance of Victim Advocate Merri Parker.  He praised the work of Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputies for their swift action at the QuikTrip, as well as their investigation and apprehension of the suspects in the case.  Lead investigator Jessica Jefferson, along with other officers, were able to secure the crime scene, follow up with leads, and ultimately secure the arrest that led to the conviction of the Defendant in this case.

“This was a coordinated effort between co-defendants to rob and steal and these individuals were willing to go to extreme lengths to carry out their plan,” said Solicitor Black. “The job law enforcement did to quickly arrive on scene, tend to the victim, and secure the evidence necessary to convict this defendant cannot be undersold. Anderson County is safer today and my prayer is that the victim can continue moving forward with his life with this defendant behind bars for a significant amount of time.”

Wanda Harvey, of Westminster, is headed to the South Carolina Department of Corrections for her role in a November 2022 stabbing near the Oakway Community in Oconee County after pleading guilty to Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature on Tuesday afternoon at the Oconee County Courthouse. The Honorable Scott R. Sprouse sentenced Harvey to 20 years, and required her to spend the first 15 years in the department of corrections, with the remainder of the sentence suspended to community supervision.  She will not be eligible for parole as this offense is considered both violent and serious under South                                                          Carolina Law.

Oconee County officers responded to an emergency call for service on November 13, 2022, in reference to a stabbing near the corner of West Oak Highway and Snow Creek Road. Officer Brandon Cobb with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling in the area and responded quickly to the scene. He observed a large pool of blood near the victim and heroically began life saving measures by applying pressure to the wound located on the victim’s neck to prevent further blood loss. The victim was transported by EMS to Prisma in Greenville where doctors and medical personnel were able to treat the victim.

Witnesses on scene stated to officers that an argument ensued between the Defendant and the other occupants inside a vehicle as they were driving down Westminster Highway. The Defendant became agitated during the argument and stated, “she was not afraid to die.” The Defendant then lunged towards the victim with a knife in hand, striking and injuring the victim with the knife. The other occupants intervened and pulled the Defendant off of the victim. Once the vehicle was stopped, the Defendant discarded the knife about 20 feet away from the vehicle. Law Enforcement and Investigators arrived on scene and interviewed witnesses, reviewed the physical evidence, and recovered the knife near the vehicle during their investigation.  Wanda Harvey was detained and arrested on scene for her actions.

Assistant Solicitor Cory Jones prosecuted the case for the State with assistance from Victim Advocate Kim Rutz. The Defendant was represented by Joey Opperman. Solicitor Black praised the work of his team and lead Investigator Charles “Rashad” Crooks of the Oconee County Sherriff’s Office for quickly solving this case and Officer Brandon Cobb for his efforts in providing immediate life saving measures for the victim. “I am thankful today that Deputy Brandon Cobb and Oconee County and Emergency personnel responded so quickly and were able to save the life of the victim in this case” stated Solicitor Black. “Their quick action and thorough investigation allowed for justice to be served in this matter, and I pray the victim will be able to move forward from this terrible experience to have a wonderful and meaningful life.”

A Philadelphia man will spend the next 40 years in prison after being convicted of Murder, announced 10th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.  

On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, David Delgado Jr. appeared in the Oconee County Courthouse in Walhalla with jury selection scheduled to begin around 10:00 AM. However, Mr. Delgado changed his plea of not guilty to guilty to Murder and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime relating to the Murder of Ahjai Gambrell. The Honorable R. Lawton McIntosh sentenced Delgado to the Department of Correction for 40 years on the Murder charge and 5 years on the weapons charge, with those sentences to be served concurrently. Under South Carolina Law, Delgado must serve this sentence day-for-day and will be ineligible for parole.

On May 29, 2023, Delgado murdered Ahjai Gambrell in her parent’s home in Seneca after her family left the residence for a short time to run errands. Upon their return, Ms. Gambrell’s mother and stepfather observed Delgado exiting the residence appearing “distraught” as they later described to law enforcement.  Once inside the house, her family noticed misplaced items, and they observed blood in various locations throughout the house and on towels and rugs that had been removed from the house and placed in a trash bag outside of the residence. After attempting to communicate with their daughter, they contacted authorities. Law Enforcement arrived and began processing the home after observing blood throughout the house. Officers also located a bullet hole in the hall bathroom located in the bathtub. The investigation revealed the defendant traveling back to Pennsylvania that same evening and a BOLO was issued to law enforcement partners in Virginia. Chesterfield County Police officers stopped Mr. Delgado on Interstate 95, but not before a high-speed chase ensued. Delgado ultimately was apprehended after wrecking his vehicle as he was attempting to flee law enforcement. Blood was observed on the backseat of the vehicle and DNA from swabs collected in the vehicle and throughout the home matched the DNA from the victim. Delgado gave several different accounts of the incident to law enforcement, ultimately confessing to killing the victim in the hallway bathtub at her parent’s home and led officers to the location where he disposed of the victim’s body near Porche Lane in Seneca.

Solicitor Black prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Senior Assistant Solicitor Blair Stoudemire, Investigator Mike Arflin, and Victim Advocate Kim Rutz. Delgado was represented by Keith Denny of the Oconee Bar.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team, as well as Investigators Clay Sheriff, Adam Logan, and James Hellams from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office for securing the conviction and 40 year sentence. “Domestic violence and murder as a result of domestic violence have no place in our community.” Solicitor Black said following the sentence. “I hope and pray that Ms. Gambrell’s family is able to gain some measure of closure and begin to heal from the terrible act of violence that should never occur. We will continue to fight with law enforcement to ensure justice for surviving families that have experienced these terrible tragedies.”

An Anderson man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of a double homicide, announced 10^th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.

On August 14, 2025, after a four day trial, an Anderson County jury deliberated for just over an hour before convicting Frank Thomas Rhoads of two counts of murder and one count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.  The Honorable R. Lawton McIntosh then sentenced Rhoads to the Department of Correction for the remainder of his natural life without the possibility of parole.

On February 6, 2021, Rhoads gunned down Dequavious Tillison and Lorenzo Hunter as they sat in a vehicle outside Tillison’s house in the City of Anderson.  Earlier in the evening, Rhoads and two family members confronted Tillison at a local bar about his relationship with Rhoads’ step-daughter.  After the bar closed, Rhoads and his two co-defendants drove to Tillison’s house.  When Tillison arrived shortly thereafter, Rhoads approached the vehicle being driven by Hunter and fired seven shots at Tillison and Hunter.  Tillison was shot twice in the head, and Hunter – still seated in the driver’s seat – was hit 4 times.  Rhoads then fled the scene with his co-defendants and proceeded to go on the run across the southeast.  They were eventually captured in Virginia six days later after leading authorities there on a high speed chase down the wrong side of the interstate.

Solicitor Black prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Deputy Solicitor Josh Thomas, Investigator Michael Cox, and Victim Advocate Stephanie Joseph.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team, as well as Sergeant Matthew Anderson and other investigators from the Anderson Police Department for securing the conviction and life sentence.  “Our community will simply not continue to stand for violence on our streets,” Solicitor Black said following the sentencing. “I hope that this life-without-parole sentence sends a clear message that my office will continue to fight alongside our partners in law enforcement to keep our community safe.”

A Belton man will spend over two decades in prison after being convicted of manslaughter this week, announced 10^th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.

On July 23, 2025, an Anderson County jury convicted Glenn Theadore Curry Jr. of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after a three-day jury trial.  The Honorable Jessica A. Salvini then sentenced Curry to the Department of Corrections for twenty-two (22) years.

The conviction stems from a shooting incident on October 4, 2021, at the intersection of Highway 29 and Griffin Road in Belton.  Witnesses observed Curry and his wife exit a vehicle and shoot the victim – who’s car was broken down on the side of the road – once in the chest.  Sheriff’s deputies arrived as Curry and his wife were taking items from the victim’s car, and they led deputies on a high-speed chase before being apprehended with the gun used to kill the victim.  Charges remain pending against Curry’s wife.

Deputy Solicitor Josh Thomas prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Assistant Solicitor Mary Catherine Harbin, Investigator Michael Cox, and Victim Advocate Stephanie Joseph.  Solicitor Black praised the work of his team, as well as deputies from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, for securing the conviction and sentence against Curry.  “My heart goes out to the family of this victim, who lost a loved one to another senseless act of gun violence” Black stated. “I hope this sentence and conviction will show that men like Glenn Curry who resort to violence to settle petty scores will be held accountable for the damage they cause in this community.”

July 16, 2025:  An Anderson woman with an extensive criminal record is heading to the South Carolina Department of Corrections for 15 years after entering a guilty plea, announced 10^th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black.

Tonya Michelle Reid, 48, pleaded guilty on Monday afternoon to one count of trafficking in methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Circuit Judge Lawton McIntosh sentenced Reid to 15 years in the Department of Corrections.

On March 20, 2024, Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the Belton area of the county where they found Reid with a large quantity of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat of the vehicle she was operating.

On February 20, 2025, Deputies again conducted another traffic stop on Reid in the Belton community. A search of the vehicle during the traffic stop yielded another large quantity of methamphetamine. In sum, close to 300 grams of methamphetamine were seized between the two traffic stops.

Solicitor Micah Black prosecuted the case for the state. Black praised the work of Anderson County Detective Brandon Brewer and Deputy Daniel Hagen in securing the convictions and sentence against Reid. “Methamphetamine and other illegal narcotics have ravaged our community for far too long” Black stated. “I am pleased to work with talented and dedicated officers at the Sheriff’s Office to prosecute those individuals that sell this poison in our community.”

Anderson, S.C.; April 17, 2025 – A Pelzer man was convicted late Wednesday afternoon of the attempted murder of an Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputy in 2018, Solicitor Micah E. Black announced this morning.

George Ernest Morgan, 67, was tried this week in the Anderson County General Sessions Court for charges stemming from a December 6, 2018, incident where he shot at an Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputy who was conducting a welfare check on Morgan at the request of his wife.

Deputy Ben Morris was dispatched to Morgan’s home on Lebby Street in Pelzer after his wife called law enforcement following a domestic incident earlier in the day.  When Deputy Morris arrived, Morgan exited the house brandishing a semi-automatic pistol.  Morgan refused Deputy Morris’s commands to drop the firearm, pointed the pistol at Deputy Morris, and fired at him.  Deputy Morris returned fire, and took cover behind a tree while Morgan continued firing until the pistol was out of ammunition.  Deputy Morris struck Morgan twice during the exchange, but Deputy Morris was not injured.  Morgan retreated into the house where he twice reloaded his pistol while continuing to shoot at police vehicles on scene.  Eventually, Morgan ran out of ammunition and exited the house and was taken into custody by Deputy Morris and Detective Ivey Parker.  Morgan later told emergency medical personnel that he was angry at the world and figured he “might as well go out with a bang.”

An Anderson County jury took just over an hour to find Morgan guilty of Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.  The Honorable R. Scott Sprouse then sentenced Morgan to fifteen (15) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.  This sentence is considered violent, most serious, and is not parole-eligible.

Solicitor Black and Deputy Solicitor Josh Thomas prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Tenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office Investigator Michael Cox and Victim Advocate Brenda Smith.  Morgan was represented by Ivan Toney of the Greenville County Bar.

Solicitor Black praised the work of Anderson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and State Law Enforcement Division investigators in helping to secure the conviction in this case.  He also commended Deputy Morris, whose courage under fire likely saved his own life as well as the lives of innocent bystanders.

“The men and women who put on the badge every day when they come to work just want to serve their community and return home safely to their families at the end of their shift,” said Solicitor Black.  “I hope this conviction sends a message to the community that people like George Morgan who put the lives of our brave law enforcement in jeopardy through their malicious actions can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

March 13, 2025 Anderson S.C. — An Anderson man is headed to the South Carolina Department of Corrections after having entered a guilty plea on Wednesday afternoon at the Anderson County Courthouse relating to an Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, and Assault that occurred January 31, 2024, announced Solicitor Micah Black.

Donavan Williford, 29, pled guilty as charged to Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Assault and Battery of High and Aggravated Nature (ABHAN), and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime. Circuit Judge R. Lawton McIntosh handed down a 20-year sentence to Mr. Williford. Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, and ABHAN are all classified as violent crimes, and are considered “no-parole” offenses, meaning Williford must serve 85 percent of the sentence before being released. These convictions are also considered strikes under South Carolina’s “three-strikes” law, meaning Williford may be subject to a life sentence for further convictions.

On January 31, 2024, Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff Office responded to the QuikTrip Gas Station on Pearman Dairy Road in Anderson and found the victim lying on the ground bound with electrical tape around his legs and bleeding from his arm. Subsequent investigation determined that Williford, along with other co-defendants, orchestrated a plan to lure the victim to an address where he was later beaten and robbed. The co-defendants then transported the victim to the QuikTrip to attempt to use his debit card at an ATM.  The victim was able to free himself and attempted to escape while they were stopped at the QuikTrip. He was able to eventually escape but not before being shot in the arm after struggling with Williford over the firearm while still inside the vehicle.

Solicitor Micah Black prosecuted the case for the State.  He praised the work of Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for their swift action at the QuikTrip, as well as their investigation and apprehension of the suspects in the case.  Lead investigator Jessica Jefferson, along with other officers, were able to secure the crime scene, follow up with leads, and ultimately secure the arrest that led to the conviction of the Defendant in this case.

“This was an utterly senseless crime motivated by greed,” said Solicitor Black. “The job law enforcement did to quickly arrive on scene and tend to the victim and secure the evidence necessary to convict this defendant cannot be undersold. Without their work investigating this violent act, we would not have secured a conviction and lengthy sentence against this perpetrator. Anderson County is safer today with this violent and dangerous criminal off the streets, and my prayer is that the victim can put this unfortunate incident behind him and begin to move forward in life.”

(Walhalla, SC).  On April 18, 2023 William David Gunn broke into the residence of the late Peggy Shaw with the intent to steal items that remained inside.  Senior Assistant Solicitor Beth Blundy showed the jury the numerous tools he used to break inside including a crowbar and screwdriver.  Thanks to the swift response of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office F. Sgt Alexander and deputy Josh Entsminger decided to make entry into the home with the assistance of K9 Coss and Officer Shedd of the Walhalla PD.  The Defendant was found alone in the residence.  He was convicted of Burglary 2nd Degree Violent, Possession of Tools in the Commission of a Crime, Resisting Arrest, and Malicious Injury Real Property and sentenced to 17 years.

December 9, 2021

(Anderson, SC) Yesterday in Anderson County General Sessions Court defendant Bradley Aldrich entered a Guilty but Mentally Ill plea to 2 counts of Murder, 1 count of Attempted Murder, and 2 counts of Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.  The Honorable Judge Lawton McIntosh sentenced Aldrich to 40 years.  

Just after 1 am on May 6, 2018, Aldrich shot at Shane Massey several times hitting him in the chest with a .22 caliber handgun.  The two were acquainted through mutual drug use, and Massey is a convicted drug dealer.  According to witnesses, Aldrich was using drugs at the time of the incident and spoke of two devils living inside him.  Aldrich fled the scene of the shooting and Massey was treated for his injuries.

Several hours later, Aldrich’s mother and grandmother were found deceased at a home they shared at 110 Overbrook Street.  Aldrich had been living in a tent behind this residence.  Aldrich’s cousin found both bodies in a bedroom. Theresa Wright, age 50, the Defendant’s mother, was lying on the floor.  She had been beaten, stabbed, strangled, and shot.  His grandmother, Judith Calvert, 79, was lying in bed. She had been stabbed and shot.  Both victims had methamphetamine in their systems at the time of their death, according to toxicology reports.  

The Defendant was initially arrested for the attempted murder of Shane Massey, and then questioned about the murders of his mother and grandmother. He at first blamed Massey for the murders and claimed this is why he had shot Massey.  He claimed that he had been “looking for Lucifer” after shooting methamphetamine and cocaine all day, and he had only found his mother and grandmother dead.  He went on to say that if the police were to find his DNA though then he was the one who did it.  The DNA of the Defendant was located in fingernail scrapings from both victims, which is typically indicative of a struggle. The jeans the Defendant was wearing when he was arrested also had the blood of both victims on them.  

Solicitor David Wagner said this, following the sentencing:  “Drug use is the genesis of so many crimes of violence in the Upstate and in our Country.  I hope that drug users in Anderson County will see the lessons in this tragic matter and change their behavior before it is too late for them, and they too wind up hurting or killing someone they love.  This is a pattern we are seeing all too often.  I am grateful for the hard work done by Sgt. Jeff Finley with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and by my Deputy Solicitor Catherine Huey, who secured these convictions and sentence.” 

Solicitor David Wagner said this, following the sentencing:  “Drug use is the genesis of so many crimes of violence in the Upstate and in our Country.  I hope that drug users in Anderson County will see the lessons in this tragic matter and change their behavior before it is too late for them, and they too wind up hurting or killing someone they love.  This is a pattern we are seeing all too often.  I am grateful for the hard work done by Sgt. Jeff Finley with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and by my Deputy Solicitor Catherine Huey, who secured these convictions and sentence.”