10th Circuit Solicitor

October 8, 2008

(Anderson, SC) Jerry Duane Conwell, 42, of Anderson, SC, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Monday to 2 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 1st Degree, Lewd Act upon a Child, and Exposure of Private Parts in Anderson General Sessions Court. The Honorable J. C. “Buddy” Nicholson sentenced Conwell to 40 years in prison. 

Over a period of 8 months during 2007, Conwell molested the daughter of a relative while living in their home. The victim was 7 years old at the time of the incidents. 

“The defendant in this case is the worst kind of predator,” said Solicitor Adams. “His actions are horrific and thankfully he will have four decades to think about his crime.” 

(Anderson, SC) 10th Circuit Solicitor Chrissy Adams announced today that a guilty verdict had been reached in the murder trial of Sammy Scott age 19. The defendant was charged with murder, 4 counts of assault and battery with intent to kill and 5 counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The charges stem from an incident on 7/10/2006 in a Publix parking lot that resulted in the shooting death of 15 year old victim Javaris Clinkscales. Mr. Scott fired a shotgun multiple times into a crowd killing the victim and wounding four others. The defendant’s sister was subsequently charged with accessory after the fact and his mother was charged with obstruction of justice. The defendant presented no witnesses during the four day trial. 



After approximately an hour and a half of deliberations, the jury delivered a verdict of guilty on all 10 counts. The defendant received a sentence of 55 years on the murder charge, 5 years on each count of weapon possession and 20 years on each of the assault charges. All sentences are to be served concurrently. 



“I want to thank law enforcement, Assistant Solicitor Catherine Huey, Judge Buddy Nicholson and the men and women of the jury for their work on this case,” said Solicitor Adams. “Today’s verdict shows that this community will not tolerate anyone including our younger citizens using guns and committing violent crimes. One teenager lost their life because of these actions and another will now spend 55 years in prison. Let’s hope that others will learn from this verdict and think twice before picking up a gun.” 



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(Anderson, SC) James Junior Wright pled guilty this week to 2 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a minor 1st degree involving girls ages 8 and 9. One charge originated in Anderson County and the other occurred in Oconee County, however, the defendant agreed to a change in venue to handle both charges in Anderson. 



The defendant was sentenced by Judge. J.C. “Buddy” Nicholson to 20 years suspended on the service of 12 years and 5 years of probation to follow. He will be required to register as a sex offender and have no contact with the girls after his release. The grandmother of the victims spoke on their behalf and asked the judge to keep the defendant in jail until the girls had completed their high school educations making them adults. 



“Those who prey on the innocence of children are the lowest form of criminal,” said Solicitor Adams. “Mr. Wright’s conviction will keep him away from his victims for the rest of his life and behind bars where he belongs for more than a decade. Nothing can undo what he did to those girls but hopefully with this decision the healing process can begin.” 



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(Walhalla, SC) 10th Circuit Solicitor Chrissy Adams announced a guilty plea today
in the case against Roy Adger Blackwell. After jury selection had been
completed, Mr. Blackwell pled guilty to criminal domestic violence of a high and
aggravated nature and to spousal sexual battery today before Judge McMahon.
Mr. Blackwell beat his wife in their home and sexually assaulted her on February
12, 2008. The Blackwell’s 14 month son witnessed the attack. Mr. Blackwell
received the maximum sentence of 10 years on both charges, and Judge
McMahon ordered the sentences served consecutively. Mr. Blackwell will also
be placed on the sex offender registry and DNA database for the spousal sexual
battery.
“Domestic violence is a serious problem across South Carolina,” said Solicitor
Adams. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases and I am
pleased that today’s guilty plea resulted in the maximum sentence and will keep
a violent man behind bars for the next twenty years.”
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10th Circuit Solicitor Chrissy Adams announced today convictions in two separate drug trafficking cases. “The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and Narcotics Division did an excellent job in getting the evidence needed to secure these convictions,” said Solicitor Adams. “Our staff fought hard for tough sentences and thanks to their efforts these drug dealers will be off the streets.” 

Patrick Miller pled guilty on 7/29/2008 to trafficking cocaine and possession of a stolen vehicle. Miller was stopped on I-85 on 3/25/2008 by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office while driving a stolen 2007 H2 Hummer. During the traffic stop, Miller was found to be in possession of trafficking weight powder cocaine. He received a 10 year sentence on each count, to be served concurrently.

Waymond Moore pled guilty on 7/30/2008 to trafficking crack cocaine. On 11/16/2007, the Oconee County Narcotics Division went to Moore’s residence to serve drug warrants and subsequently executed a search warrant which revealed Moore to be in possession of trafficking level weight crack cocaine. His conviction resulted in a 15 year prison sentence.

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: