U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina

09/15/2026

A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a four-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Lamonica “Monti” Valrie, 66, of Hollywood, Florida, for wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme that defrauded Allen University (AU), the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church (AU’s parent organization), and other victims of over $6 million.

FBI - Columbia investigated.

Read the full release: justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/florida-man-indicted-defrauding-columbia-hbcu-3m-football-stadium-scheme

09/15/2026

Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering S.C. EMS Worker

Jaremy Alexander Smith, 35, of Marion, has pleaded guilty to the 2024 kidnapping, carjacking, and murder of a Florence County EMS worker.

FBI - Columbia, ATF, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division - SLED and the Marion County Sheriff's Office-South Carolina investigated.

Read the full release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/marion-man-pleads-guilty-murdering-sc-ems-worker

09/14/2026

Registered S*x Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Online Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

Robert W. Nazzaro, 70, of Charleston, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempted online coercion and enticement of a minor.

Homeland Security Investigations, Charleston County Sheriff's Office, and the South Carolina Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force with assistance from the City of Charleston Police Department and Mount Pleasant Police Department investigated.

Read the full release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/registered-sex-offender-sentenced-10-years-federal-prison-attempted-online-coercion-and

09/14/2026

Join our team as an investigator! This position conducts extraordinarily difficult and complex investigations of violations of the False Claims Act, as well as other civil enforcement actions within the jurisdiction of the United States Attorney's Office.

This role will work in our Columbia office and closes Sept. 21, 2026.

To learn more and apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/883531200

09/11/2026

Today, we solemnly remember the nearly 3,000 people who perished on September 11, 2001. On this 25th anniversary, we honor the brave first responders, the resolute members of our military, and the ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary courage and compassion in the face of tragedy. We remain grateful for their sacrifice and for the strength our nation demonstrated in the days and years that followed.

09/10/2026

Colombian National Indicted in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation into $135M Money Laundering Conspiracy

A federal grand jury in Greenville returned a single-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging William Andres Holguin Mendez, 40, of Colombia, for his role in a $135 million money laundering conspiracy.

Read the full release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/colombian-national-indicted-homeland-security-task-force-investigation-135m-money

09/10/2026

U.S. Attorney Stirling and the U.S. Attorney's Office sends our heartfelt condolences to the Charleston community and the loved ones of Deputy Hendricks, who died in an on-duty crash yesterday.

It has been a difficult time for our law enforcement community recently and we are constantly reminded of the dangers they face in serving our community.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of 33-year-old Charleston County Deputy Michael Hendricks, who was involved in a vehicle collision Wednesday, September 9, 2026, while on duty. Deputy Hendricks joined the Sheriff’s Office in April of 2023, and most recently served as a member of our Metro Unit.

This news has deeply affected all of us. Deputy Hendricks was known for showing up every day ready to serve and ready to help others—that commitment didn’t stop when he went home.

We are grieving alongside his family, friends, and coworkers, and ask our community to keep them in their thoughts. Out of respect for the family, we will share additional information when appropriate.

09/10/2026

Ricardo Gonzalez Bahena, 43, an illegal alien residing in Graniteville, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for identity theft and passport fraud. Gonzalez Bahena, a Mexican national, will be deported after serving his sentence.

Read the full release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/mexican-national-sentenced-2-years-federal-prison-identity-theft-and-passport-fraud

09/09/2026

“This is the behavior of a monster. Nicholson and his codefendants exploited these children in the most vulnerable way possible,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “I commend law enforcement for working together at the federal, state and local level to intervene and rescue these children, who are survivors of such heinous acts.”

Department of Homeland Security Investigations, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division - SLED and Columbia Police Department, SC investigated.

Read the full release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/final-defendant-child-sex-trafficking-ring-sentenced-25-years-federal-prison

09/07/2026

Happy ! Today, we honor those Americans whose contributions have turned our country into an economic powerhouse, and we renew our commitment to create an environment that puts American Workers First.