10th Circuit Solicitor

I(Anderson, SC) Solicitor Chrissy Adams announced today the conviction of Eddie Bernard Lindsey in Anderson General Sessions Court for Armed Robbery and Assault & Battery with Intent to Kill. Judge Michael Baxley sentenced Lindsey to the maximum sentence of 30 years Armed Robbery as well as the maximum sentence of 20 years for Assault & Battery with Intent to Kill (ABWIK). The sentences are to be served concurrently.

In March of 2003 Lindsey robbed a local liquor store in Anderson, SC and during the course of the robbery assaulted a 77 year old employee. Lindsey attacked his victim with a brick resulting in serious brain injuries. “Today, our community is a safer place thanks to the dedicated work of law enforcement and our team of prosecutors,” commented Solicitor Adams. “This was a heinous crime that involved an assault on a senior citizen. Given the nature of this crime and the defendant’s history of violent offenses, I’m pleased that a verdict was reached which will keep him off our streets for the next thirty years.” 

Lindsey’s previous convictions include Strong Armed Robbery, numerous Criminal Domestic Violence and Assault & Battery charges, and a Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree charge. Defendant had previously failed to appear for court on the Armed Robbery and ABWIK and was later picked up on a bench warrant.

Steven Clayton McElrath, 19, of Clyde N.C. pleaded guilty in Anderson General Sessions Court today to Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Degree and Kidnapping in connection with an incident which took place at the Days Inn off Clemson Boulevard in Anderson, SC. The Honorable J. C. “Buddy” Nicholson sentenced McElrath to 40 years. He will not be eligible for parole and will be required to register as a sex offender. 

On February 8, 2007, McElrath approached a night clerk at the Days Inn front desk. He jumped the counter and began struggling with her, forcing her into the laundry room where he then raped her. After hearing a truck pull up, McElrath allowed her to meet the delivery driver at which time she indicated that she needed help. The delivery driver then called 911 and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded and arrested McElrath in his motel room. 

“The quick response time of law enforcement led to the immediate apprehension of the defendant and the collection of valuable evidence ensuring a strong case for prosecution.” Solicitor Chrissy Adams.

Immediately following juror qualification this morning in Anderson General Sessions Court, twenty-nine year old Roger Lee Anderson of Anderson pleaded guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime, Financial Transaction Card Fraud, and Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature. The Honorable J. C. “Buddy” Nicholson sentenced Anderson to 40 years in prison for the Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor; 5 years for the Weapon charge; 1 year for the Financial Transaction Card Fraud; and 10 years on the Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature. All sentences are to be served concurrently. Anderson will not be eligible for parole and will be required to register as a sex offender.

In August of 2006, Anderson raped a 10-year old girl after hitting her in the head with a pistol. He then forced her to take a shower while he fled the scene. Anderson was apprehended in New York, still in possession of the gun used in the assault. DNA evidence obtained from a sexual assault kit performed on the victim matched Anderson. 

“We were pleased with the Judge’s sentence in this case and relieved that the victim, although she was prepared, was not forced to testify against her attacker in open court. Only through thorough investigation and strong case preparation are outcomes like this possible. Hopefully this young lady can now put this behind her and begin the healing process.” Solicitor Chrissy Adams. 

Anderson Enforcing Underage Drinking Law Coalition Town Hall Meeting – Click item below to open in Adobe Reader

SOLICITOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES THE BEGINNING OF OCONEE COUNTY JUVENILE DRUG COURT – View with Adobe Reader:

March 17, 2008. Just minutes before jury selection was set to begin, 36 year old Andre Martin of Starr, SC, pleaded guilty to Distribution of Crack, 2nd Offense and Distribution of Crack within Proximity of a School. The Honorable J. C. Nicholson sentenced Martin to 7 years on each indictment. Martin will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence.

On September 16, 2006, Martin sold 5.85 grams of crack cocaine to an undercover operative working for the Seneca Police Department. The incident took place within one-half mile of Code Elementary. 

Twenty-two year-old Alicia Hunter of West Union, SC, pleaded guilty to Distribution of Crack Cocaine. This was Hunter’s second drug offense. She was sentenced to 10 years in the SC Department of Corrections.

Terry Ramsey, 25, of Seneca, SC, pleaded guilty to Distribution of Cocaine. Ramsey was sentenced to 5 years in the SC Department of Corrections.

“We appreciate the work done by our Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and Seneca Police Department narcotics officers. Their diligent pursuit of those attempting to “set up shop” in our communities by selling drugs and conducting other illegal activities has had a positive impact on keeping our homes and children safer. My office will continue to work with law enforcement to help make our communities safe.” Solicitor Chrissy Adams.

Twenty-year old Angel Rodriguez, Jr. pled guilty today in Oconee General Sessions Court to Trafficking Methamphetamines. The jury had been selected on Monday and before opening arguments could begin, the defendant made the decision to plead guilty. The Honorable Alex Macaulay sentenced Rodriguez to 5 years. Rodriguez’ prior record consisted of a Simple Assault and Battery charge in 2006. 

On June 16, 2006, Rodriguez sold approximately 11 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant working for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division. The crime took place in a residential neighborhood in Westminster. 

The following people pled guilty today in Anderson General Sessions Court to a series of armed robberies occurring between December 2005 and July 2006:

Neil Hoepfl: Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, and Criminal Conspiracy; 20 years 

Samantha Brooks: Armed Robbery X 2, Kidnapping, and Criminal Conspiracy X 2, Giving False Information to Law Enforcement; 15 years

Holly Knight: Armed Robbery x 2, Kidnapping, and Criminal Conspiracy x 2; 15 years

The Honorable Cordell Maddox was the presiding Judge. 

1/8/2008. Fifty-one year old Daniel Barnes of Anderson, SC pled guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2nd Degree and 4 counts of Lewd Act on a Child in Anderson General Sessions Court. The Honorable Cordell Maddox sentenced Barnes to 20 years suspended to 16 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of probation. Barnes will be placed on the sex offender registry upon release from prison. 

These incidents occurred at the defendant’s residence while the victim’s mother was at work over a period of approximately one and a half years.

Truancy Program receives national award – click to view document with Adobe Acrobat Reader: