News Archive

Toyota To Assist Car Owners In Need Of Recall Repairs
March 3, 2010
–– South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that arranging recall repairs will now be easier for Toyota owners in South Carolina. Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Lancaster Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 23, 2010
–Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Floyd Wayne Daniels, 40, of 528 Creekside Park Lane in Lancaster, South Carolina, was arrested on February 22, 2010, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

Aiken Sheriff Arrests Georgia Man in Internet Predator Investigation
February 23, 2010
–Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Joshua David Taylor, 21, of 4608 Holly Hill Road in Evans, Georgia, was arrested on February 18, 2010, in an Internet Predator case investigated by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Statement by Attorney General Henry McMaster Regarding Yucca Mountain
February 24, 2010, 2010
–South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster today issued the following statement:
“South Carolina has a vested interest in insuring that the Yucca Mountain licensing proceedings continue, so that the spent fuel and other nuclear material now being temporarily stored in our state will be safely placed in the Yucca Mountain repository, as mandated by the United States Congress.
Following a review of South Carolina’s legal options, this office will file a Petition to Intervene with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission this week, and will take additional legal action in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.” Read more...

Statement by Attorney General Henry McMaster Regarding Yucca Mountain
February 16, 2010, 2010
–South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster issued the following statement concerning President Obama’s decision on February 1, 2010, to terminate plans for nuclear waste storage at the Yucca Mountain facility in Nevada. Read more...

McMaster Joins Effort to Protect Religious Groups’ Legal Rights
February 4, 2010, 2010
–South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster has joined a brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court that defends the right of the Christian Legal Society (“CLS”) at the University of California Hastings to determine the group’s membership based on adherence to its basic viewpoints. The university has denied recognition of the religious student organization because the group requires its officers and voting members to agree with its core religious values. Read more...

Five Indicted By State Grand Jury In Criminal Gang Case
January 14, 2010, 2010
–Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced that five (5) individuals were indicted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, by the state grand jury for their participation in criminal gang activities. Read more...

McMaster To Organize Group Of State Attorneys General To Review Senate Health Care Bill
December 22, 2009, 2009
–“This morning, I received a letter from South Carolina's two United States Senators, Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, asking me, as Attorney General, to investigate the legality of the special funding arrangements negotiated with Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson to secure his vote for the Senate Democrat's health care reform bill which moved forward toward eventual passage in the Senate by a vote of 60-40. " Read more...

Irmo Man Arrested in Internet Predator Sting
December 4, 2009, 2009
–Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Richard M. Lipkin, 54, of 413 Misty Glen Circle in Irmo, South Carolina, was arrested on December 3, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Attorney General’s Office. Read more...

SLED Arrests Columbia Man in Internet Predator Investigation
December 3, 2009, 2009
–Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Andrew Steven Beaty, 23, of 318 Catawba Circle in Columbia, South Carolina, was arrested on December 3, 2009, in an Internet Predator case investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Myrtle Beach Man In Internet Predator Sting
December 3, 2009, 2009
–Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that David Ernest Hardee, III, 23, of 185 Village Drive in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was arrested on December 2, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

SLED Arrests Dillon County Man in Internet Predator Investigation
December 3, 2009, 2009
–Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that William Truett Rogers, 29, of 1160 Old River Road in Fork, South Carolina, was arrested on December 1, 2009, in an Internet Predator case investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Lancaster Man In Internet Predator Sting
November 23, 2009, 2009
–Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Benjamin James Threatt, 20, of 1784 Saddle Club Road in Lancaster, South Carolina, was arrested on November 19, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

36 Defendants Charged In Cockfighting Stings
November 20, 2009, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced warrants have been issued for thirty-six (36) individuals charged for their involvement in two (2) cockfighting operations in Lexington and Williamsburg Counties. The action is the result of a thirteen (13) month undercover investigation in which S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers attended cockfighting events near Swansea in Lexington County and near Oceida in Williamsburg County. Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Swansea Man in Internet Predator Sting
November 13, 2009, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that William James Delano Keadle, 26, of 160 Calhoun Road in Swansea, South Carolina, was arrested on November 10, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

Lexington Sheriff Arrests Bluffton Man in Internet Predator Sting
October 30, 2009, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Edward Joseph Kestler, 29, of 84 Baywood Drive in Bluffton, South Carolina, was arrested on October 26, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

$45 Million Eli Lilly Settlement Nation’s Largest
October 22, 2009, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today South Carolina has reached a record-breaking $45 million dollar settlement agreement with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly over the company’s marketing of the anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa. It is the largest monetary settlement any individual state in the nation has won from Eli Lilly and the second largest state settlement in South Carolina history. Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Newberry County Man in Internet Predator Sting
October 21, 2009, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Edward Rosson Slaton, 22, of 2314 Old Jollystreet Road in Prosperity, South Carolina, was arrested on October 19, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

Columbia Man Arrested in Internet Predator Sting
October 12, 2009, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Aaron Louis Smalls, 21, of 1922 Bentley Court in Columbia, was arrested on October 8, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Attorney General’s Office. Read more...

Orangeburg Police Arrest Oconee County Man in Internet Predator Sting
October 2, 2009, 2009
– Orangeburg Police Arrest Oconee County Man in Internet Predator Sting Read more...

Greenville Police Arrest Columbia Man in Internet Predator Sting
September 28, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Joe H. Culler, Jr., 61, of 2426 Wilmot Avenue in Columbia, was arrested on September 25, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department. Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Lexington Man in Internet Predator Sting
September 2, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Marc Murphy, 49, of 124 Baskin Hills Road in Lexington, South Carolina, was arrested on September 22, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

Greenville Police Arrest Pelzer Pastor in Internet Predator Sting
September 2, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John David Helmuth, 44, of 9 Beattie Street in Pelzer, South Carolina, was arrested on September 22, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department. Read more...

AG’s Internet Predator Task Force Prosecution Record: 101-0
September 2, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the Attorney General’s Office and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force it oversees has successfully prosecuted one hundred one (101) Internet Child Predators since the Criminal Solicitation of a Minor law (ten (10) year felony) was passed in April 2004. Read more...

Laurens Sheriff Arrests Westminster Man in Internet Predator Sting
August 28, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Danny Wayne Long, 41, of 111 Thornhill Court in Westminster, South Carolina, was arrested on August 27, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Greenwood Man in Internet Predator Case
August 18, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John Richard Sherrill, II, 24, of 111 Thornhill Court in Greenwood, was arrested on August 17, 2009, in an Internet Predator sting conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

Manning Man Arrested in Internet Predator Sting
August 14, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Donald Crawford Bailey, 39, of 1321 W. R. Simpson Road in Manning, South Carolina, was arrested on August 12, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Attorney General’s Office. Read more...

Lexington Sheriff Arrests Local Man in Internet Predator Case
August 11, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Chad Michael Rabon, 19, of 321 Crestwood Arch in Lexington, was arrested on August 7, 2009, in an Internet Predator case investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Read more...

Camden Man Arrested in Internet Predator Sting
July 30, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Tyrone Horton, 50, of 1205 Duell Street in Camden, South Carolina, was arrested on July 27, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Attorney General’s Office. Read more...

Water - the fight for our economic future
July 24, 2009
– As recently reported, North Carolina is taking actions which could leave parts of South Carolina high and dry, and Charlotte-based Duke Energy is helping them. Their actions would cut off a significant portion of South Carolina’s water supply and we are engaged in an unprecedented legal battle to stop them. Read more...

McMaster Joins Effort to Protect Second Amendment Rights
July 9, 2009
– South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster has joined a brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court that defends the right to keep and bear arms. The amicus brief, which was filed on behalf of thirty-three (33) state attorneys general, supports a legal challenge by Otis McDonald, a community activist who lives in a high-crime Chicago neighborhood. McDonald’s work to improve his neighborhood has subjected him to violent threats from drug dealers, but city ordinances prohibit him from obtaining a handgun to protect himself. The state attorneys general argue that cities cannot simply ignore the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and impose a blanket ban on handguns. Read more...

Report: New Law Helped Deter Price Gouging in 2008
July 8, 2009
– Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced the findings of a nine-month investigation into gas price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Ike, which struck the gulf coast in September 2008. Read more...

STATEMENT: McMaster Requests SLED Review All Sanford Travel Records in Light of New Revelations
June 30, 2009
– “In light of the governor's disclosure of additional travel today, I have requested that SLED conduct a preliminary review of all Governor Sanford's travel records to determine if any laws have been broken or any state funds misused.” Read more...

Statement By Attorney General McMaster On Calls For Investigating Mark Sanford
June 26, 2009
– “I have confidence in the professionalism and objectivity of SLED. If there is anything we don't know, or if there is any credible evidence that any laws have been broken, then appropriate action should be taken."Read more...

Chester County Man Arrested in Internet Predator Sting
June 24, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Ronald Delean Johnson, 32, of 2006 Old Mule Road in Richburg, South Carolina, was arrested on June 22, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Attorney General’s Office.Read more...

Statement by South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster On New State Unemployment Figures
June 19, 2009
“This is no time to play the blame game. We’re facing an historic crisis. It’s time to stop the infighting and work together for a change. " Read more...

Greenville Police Arrest Laurens Man in Internet Predator Sting
June 17, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Corey Glenn Lancaster, 23, of 97 Snake Trail in Laurens, was arrested on June 16, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department Read more...

Aiken Sheriff Arrests Charlotte Man in Internet Predator Case
June 8, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Sampson Nimmo, 25, of 2420 Belvedere Avenue in Charlotte, N.C., was arrested on June 5, 2009, in an Internet Predator investigation conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Orangeburg Police Arrest Goose Creek Man in Internet Predator Sting
June 2, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Zachary M. Hille, 21, of 101 NNPTC Circle in Goose Creek (Charleston Naval Weapons Station) was arrested on June 1, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. Read more...

Hartsville Police Arrest Mt. Pleasant Man in Internet Predator Sting
May 29, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Andrew Martin Keery, 23, of 633 Palmetto Street in Mt. Pleasant, was arrested on May 28, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Hartsville Police Department. Read more...

Sumter Police Arrest Virginia Man in Internet Predator Sting
May 27, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Nathanel C. Smith, 21, of 1713 Tree Duck Court in Chesapeake, Virginia, was arrested on May 15, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Sumter Police Department Read more...

Greenville Police Arrest Local Man in Internet Predator Sting
May 15, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Julian David Tarleton, 48, of 335 Pimlico Road in Greenville, was arrested on May 14, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department. Read more...

Craigslist Told to Remove Illegal Content in Ten Days or Face Possible Prosecution
May 5, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster today called on the CEO of the Internet classified site “craigslist” to remove “the portions of the Internet site dedicated to South Carolina and its municipal regions which contain categories for and functions allowing for the solicitation of prostitution and the dissemination and posting of graphic pornographic material” within ten (10) days. Read more...

McMaster Launches PSA Campaign On Video Game Ratings
May 4, 2009
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to explain and encourage parents to use video game ratings, which are assigned by the non-profit Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In the TV and radio ads, McMaster urges parents to check the rating each time they purchase or rent a video game to ensure that it is appropriate for their children and family, as well as to set the parental controls on their game system.Read more...

McMaster Statement Regarding Stimulus Lawsuit
April 16, 2009
“I'm pleased the Supreme Court is expeditiously addressing this lawsuit, as its premature filing may be perceived as partisan and politically motivated --because the governor and legislature still have time to resolve the issue prior to the end of the legislative session.”Read more...

Sumter Sheriff Arrests Rembert Man in Child Predator Case
March 25, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Tyrone T. Diggs, 20, of 5410 Mattie McDaniel Road in Rembert, was arrested on March 23, 2009, in a child predator investigation by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.Read more...

SLED Arrests Columbia Man in Internet Predator Sting
March 11, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Mark Cyril Mann, 19, of 404 Castle Ridge Drive in Columbia, was arrested on March 11, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).Read more...

U.S. Solicitor General Supports S.C.’s Water War Arguments
February 23, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced the United States Solicitor General, Edwin S. Kneedler, has filed an amicus brief in support of South Carolina’s argument to exclude interveners in the state’s Catawba River water war versus North Carolina.Read more...

Clinton Police Arrest Columbia Man in Internet Predator Sting
January 26, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Michael Eugene Gregor, 43, of 34 Paperbark Court in Columbia, was arrested on January 24, 2009, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Clinton Department of Public Safety.Read more...

York County Sheriff Arrests Lake Wylie Man in Internet Predator Sting
January 26, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Donald Wayne Bettis, 60, of Building 14, #538 Hamilton Bay Court in Lake Wylie, was arrested on January 22, 2009, in an undercover Internet predator case investigated by the York County Sheriff’s Office.Read more...

Sumter Dogfighter/Drug Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years
January 15, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Greg Wright, 39, of 4915 Silo Road in Sumter, was found guilty on January 14, 2009.Read more...

McMaster Rips Faulty Internet Predator Report
January 14, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster today criticized a report issued by Harvard University that downplayed the threat children face online from sex predators. The report was commissioned by a National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) working group looking into the problem of Internet predators lurking on social networking sites such as MySpace.com.Read more...

Attorneys General work deal to debug Dell’s customer service
January 12, 2009
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today an agreement between the Attorneys General of 34 states and Dell under which Dell will provide restitution to Dell customers who experienced problems with the company’s financing promotions, rebate offers, technical support and repair policies.Read more...

Greenville Police Arrest Columbia Man in Internet Predator Sting
December 15, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Gregory Keith Ethridge, 28, of 200 Berryhill Road, Apt. 235, in Columbia, was arrested on December 13, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department.Read more...

Myrtle Beach Police Arrest Abbeville County Man In Internet Predator Sting
November 13, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Earl Lynn Brooks, 45, of 14 West Summit Drive, Lot 18 in Ware Shoals, was arrested on November 10, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Myrtle Beach Police Department.Read more...

Myrtle Beach Police Arrest Ohio Man In Internet Predator Sting
October 29, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Stephen M. Krum, 38, of 1518 County Road 44 in Ironton, Ohio, was arrested on October 28, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Myrtle Beach Police Department.Read more...

Silent Witness Ceremony Honored 2007 Victims of Fatal Domestic Violence
October 6, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster led participants through the annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony that was held today on the South steps of the State House in Columbia. Read more...

McMaster: South Carolina Price Gouging Law To Remain In Effect
September 26, 2008
As of noon tomorrow, September 27, 2008, Attorney General McMaster will renew the state’s price gouging prohibition statute and has issued the following statement: “Due to continued disruption of supply of petroleum products resulting from Hurricane Ike’s landfall, it is necessary to renew the state’s price gouging statute for another fifteen (15) day period. Pursuant to SC Code Section 39-5-145, the attorney general now gives notice of a continuing “abnormal disruption of the market” for gasoline and other petroleum products in South Carolina. Read more...

Attorney General McMaster: South Carolina Price Gouging Law In Effect
September 12, 2008
As of noon today, September 12, 2008, Attorney General McMaster has invoked the state’s price gouging prohibition statute and issued the following statement: “President Bush has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana and Texas due to Hurricane Ike. Pursuant to SC Code Section 39-5-145, the attorney general now gives notice of an “abnormal disruption of the market” for gasoline and other petroleum products in South Carolina. Read more...

Clinton Police Arrest Local Man In Internet Predator Sting
August 29, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Benjamin Maurice Rhodes, 31, of 67 Palmetto Street in Clinton, was arrested on August 28, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Clinton Department of Public Safety.Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Westminster Man In Internet Predator Sting
August 22, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Tony Michael Grogan, 39, of 309 N. Bibb Street in Westminster, was arrested on August 21, 2008, in an Internet predator investigation conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

Greenville Sheriff Arrests Boiling Springs Man In Internet Predator Case
August 18, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Alan Dean Sims, 36, of 148 Gossamer Drive, in Boiling Springs, was arrested on August 15, 2008, in an Internet predator investigation conducted by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.Read more...

Ten Indicted in Meth Ring
August 8, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster, along with Greenville County Sheriff Steve Loftis, Laurens County Sheriff Ricky Chastain, and Anderson County Sheriff David Crenshaw today announced a significant Methamphetamine (“meth”) bust and drug dealer roundup in the Upstate.Read more...

Hartsville Police Arrest N.C. Man in Internet Predator Sting
August 4, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Timothy Michael Farris, 20, of 7910 Hillanby Court in Waxhaw, North Carolina, was arrested on August 1, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Hartsville Police Department.Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Simpsonville Man in Internet Predator Sting
July 28, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Michael L. Pellett, Jr., 35, of 10 Capewood Road, Apt. 202, in Simpsonville, was arrested on July 25, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department.Read more...

Oconee County Sheriff Arrests Townville Man in Internet Predator Sting
July 15, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jordan Robert Hicks, 22, of 1300 Double Springs Road in Townville, was arrested on July 11, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Local Man in Internet Predator Sting
July 9, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Matthew Wrenn Althaus, 27, of 107-A Woodland Drive in Anderson, was arrested on July 2, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department.Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Newberry Man in Internet Predator Sting
July 9, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Joey Edward Nelson, 52, of 771 Green Meadow Drive in Newberry, was arrested on July 2, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Attorney General Henry McMaster Statement: U.S. Supreme Court, 2nd Amendment Ruling
June 26, 2008
“A strong Second Amendment is essential to our freedom. It is comforting that our highest court reaffirmed that right so clearly today.” Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Conway Man in Internet Predator Sting
June 11, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Norman Lee Beberg, 29, of 1101 Chicora Boulevard in Conway, was arrested on June 6, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

Lexington Sheriff Arrests Orangeburg Man in Internet Predator Case
June 5, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Byron Bondrell James, 27, of 3795 Charleston Highway in Orangeburg, was arrested on June 4, 2008, in an Internet predator investigation conducted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Read more...

Greenville Sheriff Arrests Alabama Man In Internet Predator Case
May 22, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jared Heath Gaskey, 21, of 515 George Wallace Drive, Apt. C25, in Gadsden, Alabama, was arrested on May 8, 2008, in an Internet predator investigation conducted by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Sumter Sheriff Arrests Darlington Man in Internet Predator Sting
May 20, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Wade Joe Brumett, 43, of 138 Geneva Drive in Darlington, was arrested on May 13, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Expanding Effort Against Animal Fighting Announced
May 15, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster was joined by Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Lexington County Sheriff Jimmy Metts, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, and a number of law enforcement officers at Lamar Advertising in Columbia to announce an important new expansion of the partnership in the state’s battle against animal fighting. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Lexington Man in Internet Predator Sting
May 13, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Junior Bryant, 36, of 208 Sweetberry Lane in Lexington, was arrested on May 12, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Sumter Sheriff Arrests Clarendon County Man in Internet Predator Sting
May 8, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Orlin Franklin Morris, Jr., 24, of 1962 Newman Branch Road in New Zion, was arrested on May 6, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Internet Yellow Pages Company Settles With Attorney General’s Office
April 18, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that South Carolina businesses, schools, churches and non-profit organizations that were billed by a Florida company for Internet advertising they didn’t know they were purchasing are eligible for restitution under a twenty-six (26) state settlement. The agreement is the result of a lawsuit filed by McMaster and other state Attorneys General regarding the use of “activation checks” by Directory Billing LLC, which does business as USDirectory.com. Read more...

Dorchester County Prison Official Indicted
April 17, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Arnold Ramos Pastor, 44, of 134 Club Road in Saint George, was indicted on April 16, 2007, by the state grand jury for embezzling public funds. Read more...

Greenville Police, Sheriff Arrest Central Man In Internet Predator Sting
April 16, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James D. Brown, 46, of 129 Dogwood Court in Central, was arrested on April 15, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Statement by SC Attorney General Henry McMaster On the passing of former SC Republican Party Chairman Dan I. Ross
April 16, 2008
“South Carolina’s preeminent place in presidential politics was guaranteed by Dan Ross, whose leadership and vision resulted in the first GOP presidential primary in state history (1980). He is the undisputed father of the ‘First in the South’ South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary." Read more...

No Parole Bill Clears First Hurdle
April 10, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the House Judiciary Criminal Laws Subcommittee unanimously passed H. 4309, the bill that would abolish parole for all crimes in South Carolina. Read more...

Mauldin Police Arrest Greer Man in Internet Predator Sting
April 1, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Larry Kirby Robertson, 30, of 309 West Celestial Drive in Greer, was arrested on March 31, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Mauldin Police Department. Read more...

Hartsville Police Arrest Columbia Man in Internet Predator Sting
April 1, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James Steve Bryant, 52, of 244 Westport Drive in Columbia, was arrested on March 29, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Hartsville Police Department. Read more...

Sumter Sheriff Arrests Columbia Man in Internet Predator Sting
March 26, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Lugman Khalat Ibrahim, 23, stationed at Fort Jackson Army Training Center in Columbia, was arrested on March 24, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Sumter Sheriff Arrests Mayesville Man in Internet Predator Sting
March 20, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Anthony Brian Brown, 29, of 4145 Myrtle Beach Highway in Mayesville, was arrested on March 19, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Anderson Sheriff Arrests Belton Man in Internet Predator Sting
March 11, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Robert Weston Gregory, 28, of 208 Eastland Drive in Belton, was arrested on March 11, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Greenville Sheriff Arrests N.C. Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 7, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Rodney Sebastion Andread, 46 of 200 Woodwinds Drive in Mount Holly, North Carolina, was arrested on March 6, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Greenville Sheriff's Office.Read more...

Charleston Police Arrest Ladson Man in Internet Predator Case
March 4, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Clifton Reed, Junior, 27, of 429 Capers Drive in Ladson, was arrested on February 28, 2008, in an Internet Predator investigation conducted by the City of Charleston Police Department.Read more...

Sumter Sheriff Arrests Mt. Pleasant Man in Internet Predator Sting
February 28, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Joseph Daniel Bair, 23, of 1320 Lonnie Circle in Mount Pleasant, was arrested on February 26, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Lexington Sheriff Arrests Columbia Man in Internet Predator Sting
February 25, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Dennis Joseph Powell, Junior, 30, of 6470 Eastshore Road in Columbia, was arrested on February 22, 2008, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Read more...

State Grand Jury Indicts First Gang Member
February 14, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced the state grand jury’s first indictment of a gang member, using the jurisdiction granted by the General Assembly in 2007 under the Criminal Gang Prevention Act. Read more...

Gang Prevention Study Committee Releases Report
January 30, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the Gang Prevention Study Committee, created by the General Assembly in the 2007 Criminal Gang Prevention Act, has completed its Initial Report and Findings. The report was submitted to the General Assembly today.Read more...

Two Sheriffs Charge Westminster Man in Internet Predator Sting
January 28, 2008
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Philip Glenn Swofford, 28, of 166 Hopewell Church Road in Westminster, was arrested on January 24, 2008, by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. The York County Sheriff’s Office filed an additional charge on January 26, 2008.Read more...

Carolina Investors Chairman Earle Morris’ Conviction and Sentence Unanimously Affirmed by South Carolina Supreme Court
January 14, 2008
The South Carolina Supreme Court today unanimously affirmed the conviction and sentence of former State Controller General and Lieutenant Governor Earl E. Morris, Jr. of one (1) count of engaging in a scheme to commit securities fraud and twenty-two (22) counts of securities fraud. Mr. Morris served as chairman of Carolina Investors, Inc. which closed its’ doors in March of 2003. Read Supreme Court's Opinion.

Pickens Sheriff Arrests Wisconsin Woman on Internet Predator Charges
December 22, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Sara M. Schneider, 28, of 341 East Ninth Street, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, was arrested on December 22, 2007, by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Myrtle Beach Man In Internet Predator Sting
December 4, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Santos Azaredo, 22, of 4616 Southgate Parkway in Myrtle Beach, was arrested on December 3, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Duncan Man In Internet Predator Sting
December 3, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Allen Eric Dover, 40, of 501 S. Danzler Road in Duncan, was arrested on November 30, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Summerville Man In Internet Predator Sting
November 29, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Albert Sherry Nettles, Jr., 31, of 1815 Bacons Bridge Road, Apt. C-16, in Summerville, was arrested on November 28, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Lexington Sheriff Arrests Elgin Man In Internet Predator Sting
November 20, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James Kenneth Capps, 52, of 1211 Surrey Lane in Elgin, was arrested on November 20, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Murrells Inlet Man In Internet Predator Sting
November 19, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John Pinckney Proctor, 66, of 3491 Peachtree Lane in Murrells Inlet, was arrested on November 8, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

McMaster Announces Plan To Abolish Parole
November 13, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster began a two-day trip around the state this morning to announce his effort to abolish parole in South Carolina.  McMaster first visited North Charleston, and then traveled to Columbia and Greenville.  A stop in Horry County is planned for tomorrow. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests West Columbia Man In Internet Predator Sting
November 7, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Samuel Hugh Wilds, Jr., 53, of 940 Glenn Street, Apt. 906, in West Columbia, was arrested on November 5, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

AG's Internet Predator Task Force Has Arrested 100
November 7, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has now arrested one hundred (100) suspected Internet Child Predators since the Criminal Solicitation of a Minor law was passed in April 2004. Read more...

Colorado Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
November 6, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Michael Darnell Dickerson, 31, of 865 Hathaway Drive, Apt. 301, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was arrested on November 2, 2007, by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in an undercover Internet Predator sting. Read more...

McMaster & Humane Society Announce New Animal Fighting Reward Program
October 29, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster, with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), today announced an aggressive new campaign to combat dogfighting in South Carolina.  The effort will use a powerful new incentive for people to report evidence of the crime to law enforcement. Read more...

AG Announces First-Ever CDV Summit For Business Community
October 10, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced a first-ever event to bring his Criminal Domestic Violence initiative to the state’s business community. Read more...

Charleston Police Arrest Mt. Pleasant Man In Internet Predator Sting
October 10, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jeffrey Allen Miller, 49, of 1546 Macoma Drive, in Mount Pleasant, was arrested on October 9, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Charleston Police Department. Read more...

Anderson Polic Arrest Sumter Man In Internet Predator Sting
October 9, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Eugene Harrison Hewitt, 33, of 377 Griffin Lane in Sumter, was arrested on October 8, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

Summerville Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
October 8, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Darrel Wayne Futch, 32, of 1148 Wildgame Road in Summerville, was arrested on October 5, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Read more...

AG Announces CDV Training For Pastors And Church Leaders
October 3, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced a first-ever effort by his office to bring his Criminal Domestic Violence training program to the state’s pastors and church leaders. Read more...

Oconee Sheriff Arrests Local Man In Internet Predator Sting
October 3, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Randy Joe Seitz, 51, of 107 Wildwood Trail in Tamassee, was arrested on October 2, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

Greenville PD Arrests Lyman Man In Internet Predator Sting
October 3, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Carl Eugene Keffer, 49, of 400 Locust Street in Lyman, was arrested on October 2, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department. Read more...

North Myrtle Beach Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
October 3, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jeremy Vincent Bibbee, 28, of 304 20th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach, was arrested on October 2, 2007, by the Myrtle Beach Police Department in an undercover Internet Predator sting. Read more...

U.S. Supreme Court Clears Way For Water War Case
October 1, 2007
The United States Supreme Court today took a major step toward hearing the ongoing water dispute between South Carolina and North Carolina.  Read more...

U.S. Supreme Court Refuses Catawba Appeal
October 1, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster today issued the following statement after the United States Supreme Court declined to accept an appeal by the Catawba Indians regarding video poker. Read more...

Silent Witness Ceremony Honored 2006 Victims Of Fatal Domestic Violence
October 1, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster led participants through the annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony that was held today on the South steps of the State House in Columbia. Read more...

Silent Witness Ceremony To Honor 2006 Victims Of Fatal Domestic Violence
September 25, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony will be held on Monday, October 1, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. on the South steps of the State House in Columbia.  October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Anderson Man In Internet Predator Sting
September 25, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Robert Marc Smith, 31, of 108 Ashley Avenue in Anderson, was arrested on September 21, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Read more...

AG Presents Arts Commission With $66,700
September 21, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that he has directed $66,728.67 be paid to the South Carolina Arts Commission as a result of money due the state from a 2004 settlement with compact disc manufacturers (listed below).  The settlement stems from a lawsuit in which the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants conspired to illegally raise the prices of certain prerecorded music products by implementing Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policies, in violation of state and federal laws.   Read more...

Twenty-Three Indicted In Meth Ring
September 17, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster, along with Greenville County Sheriff Steve Loftis, today announced a significant Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Marijuana bust and drug dealer roundup in the Upstate. Read more...

"3 Hebrew Boys" Indicted by State Grand Jury
September 11, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that three (3) men arrested in June on charges of Securities Fraud have been indicted by the State Grand Jury.  Read more...

North Augusta Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
September 11, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Matthew Ryan Doyle, 23, of 1445 Old Martintown Road in North Augusta, was arrested on September 5, 2007, by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in an undercover Internet Predator sting. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Gaston Man In Internet Predator Sting
September 4, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Christopher James Metcalf, 24, of 2208 Glenn Road in Gaston, was arrested on August 30, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Pageland Man In Internet Predator Sting
August 30, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jody Wayne Mullis, 36, of 380 Horace Price Road in Pageland, was arrested on August 29, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Local Man In Internet Predator Sting
August 27, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Nicholas Scott Schultz, 28, of unknown address in Spartanburg, was arrested on August 24, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Greenville PD Arrests Local Man In Internet Predator Sting
August 17, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Graham Andrew Barton, 42, of 107 Devonshire Lane in Greenville, was arrested on August 16, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Greenville Police Department. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests North Charleston Man In Internet Predator Sting
August 3, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Donald Joseph Murphy, 75, of 4765 Arco Lane in North Charleston, was arrested on August 2, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Colleton County Man Convicted of Dog Fighting
July 26, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Phillip Michael Maffei, 45, of 56 Benton Farm Road in Walterboro, was convicted today on dog fighting charges. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Another Easley Man In Internet Predator Sting
July 6, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Curtis Richard Ballard, 52, of 202 Sherwood Street in Easley, was arrested on July 5, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Easley Man In Internet Predator Sting
June 29, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Nicholas Alexander Whitfield, 22, of 101 Dayton Drive, Apt. C, in Easley, was arrested on June 28, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Three Arrested In "3 Hebrew Boys" Ponzi Scam
June 15, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that three (3) men named last month in a suspected Ponzi scam have now been arrested on charges of Securities Fraud. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Charleston Man In Internet Predator Sting
June 4, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Max Hodo Culp, 44, of 25 Moore Drive in Charleston, was arrested on June 1, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

McMaster Freezes Assests On $17 Million Ponzi Scam
May 30, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that, in his official capacity as the state's Securities Commissioner, he has obtained a Temporary Restraining Order enjoining Capital Consortium Group, Inc.; 3 Hebrew Boys, LLC; Tony Pough, Tim McQueen, and Joseph Brunson from liquidating or moving over $17 million in funds from accounts with First Citizens Bank in Columbia. Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Laurens County Man In Internet Predator Sting
May 21, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that William Ralph Ramsey, 41, of 150 Hawk Lane in Fountain Inn, was arrested on May 18, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Chesnee Man In Internet Predator Sting
May 21, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Christopher Danny Mason, 23, of 305 Lee Drive in Chesnee, was arrested on May 17, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Wal-Mart And McMaster Launch Statewide Domestic Violence Awareness Project
May 8, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster and Wal-Mart announced today they are taking their very successful partnership and pilot program statewide to fight domestic violence in South Carolina. Read more...

Greenvill County Sheriff Arrests N.C. Man In Internet Predator Sting
May 4, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Barry Bernard Brueckner, 47, of 742 Lakeview Shores Loop in Mooresville, North Carolina, was arrested on May 4, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Lugoff Man Arrested In Child Pornography Case
April 30, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that David Todd Robinson, 37, of 59 Oak Ridge Drive in Lugoff, was arrested on April 27, 2007, by the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office for child pornography. Read more...

Spartanburg County Sheriff Arrests Inman Man In Internet Predator Sting
April 30, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Kevin Lee Conway, Jr., 20, of 113 Blueberry Lane in Inman, was arrested on April 27, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Myrtle Beach Man In Internet Predator Sting
April 27, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Timothy David Boiter, 51, of 5520 Bertha Drive in Myrtle Beach, was arrested on April 26, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Richland County Sheriff Arrests Union County Man In Internet Predator Sting
April 26, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Kevin Malone Youngblood, 22, of 768 New Hope Church Road in Jonesville, was arrested on April 20, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Richland County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Eastover Mayor Indicted For Election Fraud
April 19, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Christopher Kevin Campbell, 40, of 313 Henry Street in Eastover, was indicted on April 18, 2007, by the South Carolina State Grand Jury on six (6) counts of, or relating to, election fraud. Read more...

Conway Man Arrested In Child Pornography Case
April 17, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Thomas Edward Chudyk, 29, of 1773 Bridgewater Drive in Conway, was arrested on April 16, 2007, by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for child pornography. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Rock Hill Man In Internet Predator Sting
April 16, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Michael Beauchene, 49, of 521 Scarboro Lane in Rock Hill, was arrested on April 14, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Mississippi Man In Internet Predator Sting
April 13, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Johnny B. Nichols, 55, of 3890 Highway 35 North in Carthage, Mississippi, was arrested on April 12, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

Richland County Arrests Myrtle Beach Man In Internet Predator Sting
April 5, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Edward Joseph Weiner, 41, of 6625 E. Sweetbriar Trail in Myrtle Beach, was arrested on April 4, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Greenville Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 30, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Vaughan Allerton Shaver, 45, of 55 Villa Road, Apt. 218, in Greenville, was arrested on March 29, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

SLED Arrests Fort Mill Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 29, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Brian Roy Jurey, 32, of 1339 Copper Creek Lane in Fort Mill, was arrested on March 28, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Aiken Sheriff Arrests Local Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 26, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James Marion Boozer, III, 39, of 201 Longleaf Court in Aiken, South Carolina, was arrested on March 23, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Oconee Sheriff Arrests Anderson Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 19, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Charles Monroe Harris, 41, of 407 Eisenhower Road in Anderson, was arrested on March 17, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Oconee County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Charleston Police Arrest Michigan Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 6, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Richard Allen Holbrook, 44, of 9273 North Derby Road, in Six Lakes, Michigan, was arrested on March 6, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Charleston Police Department. Read more...

Clinton Police Arrest Abbeville County Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 5, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jonathon Thomas Lovvorn, 24, of 1073 Winn Road in Donalds, South Carolina, was arrested on March 4, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Clinton Department of Public Safety. Read more...

SLED Arrests Aiken County Man In Internet Predator Sting
March 2, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Robert James LeBert, 24, of 806 Ann Drive in New Ellenton, was arrested on March 2, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Clinton Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 23, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jack Nelson Wells, 23, of 113 Tallwood Drive, Apt. 19, in Clinton, was arrested on February 22, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

Spartanburg Sherrif Arrests Kershaw County Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 22, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that David Edwin Wakefield, 43, of 1308 Longstreet Road in Lugoff, was arrested on February 21, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Supreme Court Decides In Attorney General's Favor On Bull Street
February 20, 2007
Statement from Attorney General Henry McMaster: "The Supreme Court's unanimous decision reaffirms the importance of adherence to the rule of law and honoring our state's commitment to its mentally ill citizens.” Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Gree Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 20, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Leviticus Hunter Harton, 25, of 4001 Pelham Road, Apt. 112, in Greer, was arrested on February 17, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Anderson Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 20, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Zachary Finger, 27, of 131 Wexford Drive, Apt. 203, in Anderson, was arrested on February 19, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Richland County Makes First Arrest In Internet Predator Stin
Feburary 20, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Hoang Hong Huynh, 23, of 960 Buckley Place in Norcross, G.A. (stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C.), was arrested on February 19, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Read more...

 

 

Aiken County Sheriff Arrests Edgefield Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 13, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Michael Leonard Williams, 30, of 429 Bauskett Street in Edgefield, was arrested on February 12, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

SLED Arrests Columbia Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 8, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Edward Joseph Andrews, 35, of 5973 Hampton Leas Lane in Columbia, was arrested on February 7, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Greer Man In Internet Predator Sting
February 1, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James Joseph Matthews, 35, of 500 Meadow Hill Way in Greer, was arrested on January 31, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

Anderson Police Arrest Aiken Man In Internet Predator Sting
January 16, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Christopher Lee Dickert, 26, of 1623 Wire Road in Aiken, was arrested on January 13, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more....

Lexington Sheriff Arrests Local Man In Internet Predator Sting
January 11, 2007
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Dwight J. Kaiser, 22, of 287 Filhol Road in Gilbert, was arrested on January 11, 2007, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Lexington County Sheriff's Department. Read more...

Anderston Police Arrest Williamston Man In Internet Predator Sting
December 21, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Charles Morgan Wilson, 24, of 103 Bragg Drive in Williamston, was arrested on December 20, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the City of Anderson Police Department. Read more...

McMaster Proposes S.C. - N.C. Compact To Resolve Catawba Water Dispute
December 20, 2006
In an effort to head off a massive legal battle between the two states over the proposed diversion of water from the Catawba River, Attorney General Henry McMaster today proposed that North and South Carolina form an interstate compact to resolve the Catawba dispute and future water issues. Read more...

Internet Yellow Page Company Settles Lawsuit With Attorney General's Office
December 15, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that YP Corp., (doing business as YP.com) and its wholly owned subsidiary Telco Billing, Inc., have agreed to settle allegations that they engaged in deceptive business practices by using “live” activation checks to obligate businesses and organizations to pay for an enhanced listing (called an “Internet Advertising Package”) on YP.com's on-line yellow page directory. The agreement is the result of an investigation by South Carolina and thirty-three (33) other states regarding YP.com's use of activation checks. Read more...

McMaster Announces Midlands Expansion Of The Internet Predator Task Force
December 14, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster traveled today to the Richland County Sheriff's Department to announce that law enforcement agency's addition to the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Read more...

Registered Sex Offender Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
December 8, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Joseph George Heyward, 40, of 32 N. Enston Avenue in Charleston, was arrested on December 7, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Orangeburg County Man In Internet Predator Sting
December 1, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Frank Albert Schoonover, II, 27, of 732 Trecer Road in Cope, was arrested on November 30, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Anderson Police Department Arrests Belton Man In Internet Predator Sting
November 30, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Joseph Donovan Watt, 34, of 141 Blount Road in Belton, was arrested on November 29, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Anderson County Police Department. Read more...

Florence Man Arrested In Child Pornography Case
November 21, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Eric Wayne Stone, 35, of 700 Coventry Lane, Apt. D, in Florence, was arrested on November 21, 2006, by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on child pornography charges. Read more...

Internet Predator Caught By Task Force Trainee
November 17, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John Thomas Smith, 35, of 98 Forest Lake Drive in Simpsonville was arrested on November 16, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Read more...

Goose Creek Man Arrest4ed In Child Pornography Case
November 17, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that William Michael Graves, 52, of 166 Foxborough Road in Goose Creek, was arrested on November 16, 2006, by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on child pornography charges. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Local man In Internet Predator Sting
October 27, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Christopher Alan Greene, 28, of 447 Monks Corner Church Road in Spartanburg, was arrested on October 26, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sherrif Arrests Greenville Man In Internet Predator Sting
October 25, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that William Heath Bishop, 31, of 1011 West Butler Road in Greenville, was arrested on October 23, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Columbia Man In Internet Predator Sting
October 18, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John David Strait, III, 28, of 162 Rice Terrace Drive in Columbia, was arrested on October 16, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Columbia Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
October 17, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Benjamin Paul Green, 27, of 1729 Greys Inn Road in Columbia, was arrested on October 13, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Lancaster Man Arrested In Child Pornography Case
October 5, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Brian Reece, 35, of 1891 Sunny Lane in Lancaster, was arrested on October 4, 2006, by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on child pornography charges.Read more...

Charleston PD Arrests Man In Internet Predator Sting
September 29, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Patrick Lynn Sims, 35, address unknown, was arrested on September 29, 2006, by the Charleston Police Department. The Charleston Police Department is a partner in the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Read more...

Hampton Man Arrested On Child Pornography Charges
September 29, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Ronald Eugene Furlow, 45, of 1717 Ficken Road in Hampton, SC, was arrested on September 27, 2006, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The arrest was a result of a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Read more...

North Carolina Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
October 3, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Kevin Dale Vance, 35, of 61 Spring Street, in Marion, North Carolina, was arrested on September 29, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Sumter County Men Plead Guilty To Dog Fighting, Drug Charges
September 21, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Cedric Tory Smith, 25, and Robert Lawrence Bostic, 23, both of 650 North St. Paul's Church Road in Wedgefield, South Carolina, pleaded guilty on September 18, 2006, to a list of offenses to include Dog Fighting, Manufacturing and/or Trafficking Cocaine and Crack Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, and weapons charges. Read more...

Summerville Man Arrested in Internet Predator Sting
September 20, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Rodney Dean Goettsch, 38, of 405 Black Oak Boulevard in Summerville, was arrested on September 20, 2006, by the City of Charleston Police Department. Goettsch is charged with two (2) counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor, a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years for each count. Read more...

Mexican Man Arrested On Child Pornography Charges
August 24, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Juan Antonio Velazquez-Ramirez, 24, a Mexican citizen residing at 3900 Clement Road in Columbia, was arrested on August 24, 2006, by agents of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for child pornography. Read more...

McMaster Takes Aim at Underage Drinking and Drunk Driving in Radio Campaign
August 23, 2006

South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster today launched a campaign aimed at preventing drunk driving and underage drinking with new 30-second radio public service announcements set to air on stations throughout the state. The spots are timed to coincide with the Labor Day holiday weekend and back-to-school season and will air more than 4,200 times between now and October.
Read More...

Designated Driver Radio Spot
Access to Minors Radio Spot

Batesburg Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
August 17, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Zackery Aris Boley, 21, of 188 West Creek Road in Batesburg, was arrested on August 16, 2006, in an undercover sting conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Charleston PD Arrests Sumter Man In Internet Predator Sting
August 10, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jeremy Defray Coggins , 27, of 592 Dicks Street , in Sumter, was arrested on Thursday, August 10, 2006, by the City of Charleston Police Department on two (2) counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§ 16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment on each count. Read more...

McMaster: "Drug Companies Over-charged Taxpayers"
August 3, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that t he State of South Carolina has filed a lawsuit to recover over $40 million in taxpayer funds. McMaster believes several pharmaceutical companies fraudulently manipulated the prices of Medicaid and State Health Plan prescription drug claims. “We intend to do everything we can to reclaim those funds for the taxpayers of South Carolina,” McMaster said. Read More...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Goose Creek Man In Internet Predator Sting
July 26, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Gregory Mark Swant, 38, of 1408 Coopers Hawk Drive in Goose Creek, was arrested on July 28, 2006, by deputies of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office on two (2) counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment on each count. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Summerville Man In Internet Predator Sting
July 26, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John Preston Hodge, 30, of 103 Trenholm Drive in Summerville, was arrested on July 25, 2006, by deputies of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office on two (2) counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment on each count. Read more...

McMaster Announces Major Expansion Of The Internet Predator Task Force
July 25, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster traveled today to the City of Westminster Police Department to announce the addition of seven (7) upstate law enforcement agencies to the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Task Force now has nineteen (19) departments participating across the state, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks. Read more...

Westminster Police Arrest Convicted Sex Offender In Online Predator Sting
July 18, 2006
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the Westminster Police Department has arrested a convicted sex offender in an undercover Internet Predator sting. Westminster is a member of the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Read more...

Spartangburg Sheriff Arrests Columbia Man In Internet Sex Predator Sting
July 12, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James William Hulgan, 31, of 840 Sparkleberry Lane in Columbia, was arrested on July 11, 2006, in an undercover Internet predator sting conducted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Georgia Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
June 22, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Arthur Clifton Highers, 44, of 1602 Madison Street, in Waycross, Georgia, was arrested on June 22, 2006, in an undercover Internet sting conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Upstate Internet Predator Plead Guilty
June 22, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that David Charles Brown, 55, of 237 New Cut Road in Spartanburg, pleaded guilty on June 21, 2006, to two (2) counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor, a felony violation of §16-15-342, punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Carolina Investors - HomeGold Grand Jury Investigation Concluded
June 21, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the thirty-six (36) month state grand jury investigation into the collapse of Carolina Investors, Inc and HomeGold, Inc. has concluded. The investigation has resulted in six (6) indictments, with four (4) convictions and two (2) pending trials. Read more...
Read full Grand Jury report.

McMaster Honors Deputy Sheriff Who Risked His Life For S.C. Students' Safety
June 20, 2006
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, and representatives from Lexington-Richland School District Five presented Richland County Deputy Sheriff Rony Maurice an award for heroism today at the Attorney General's Office in Columbia. Read more...

Lexington Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
June 20, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James Matthew Scaffee, 36, of 101 Pepper Harrow Lane, in Lexington, was arrested on June 19, 2006, in an undercover sting conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Read more...

Columbia Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
June 19, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Siddharth “Sid” Darshan Danak, 21, 1 East Lake Court, in Columbia, was arrested on June 19, 2006, in an undercover sting conducted by the City of Westminster Police Department. Read more...

Crimestoppers Tipster Indentities Protected By Law
June 19, 2006
– Revealing the identities of citizens who anonymously provide information on unsolved crimes to Crimestoppers is now a serious crime thanks to a new law proposed by South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Harrison and Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. The Crimestoppers bill, which was approved by the General Assembly this session, became law without the governor's signature on June 14, 2006. Read more...

McBee Judge, Police Chief Indicted By State Grand Jury
June 15, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Fred D. Stephens, 64, of 821 South Main Street in Bethune, and Joseph D. McLemore, 62, of 150 East Juniper Street in McBee were both indicted on June 14, 2006, by the state grand jury on charges of Official Misconduct in Office, a violation of the common law, and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Clemson Man Arrested In Internet Predator Sting
June 13, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Karim Gulamhusein, 41, 202 Edgewood Avenue, Apt. #1, in Clemson, was arrested on June 9, 2006, in an undercover sting conducted by the City of Westminster Police Department. Read more...

West Columbia Man Arrested In Internet Sting
June 2, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Bradley W. Coen, 19, of 1016 West Haven Drive in West Columbia, was arrested on May 31, 2006, by agents of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), for Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Insurance Fraud: Indictments, Convictions And Restitution Rise With New Funding
May 30, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced that in less than one year, a $400,000 increase in state funds for the office's insurance fraud division has resulted in a sixty percent (60%) increase in the number of fraud indictments, a thirty-nine percent (39%) increase in convictions and a forty-seven percent (47%) increase in victim restitution. Read more...

Spartanburg Sheriff Arrests Third Suspected Sex Predator
May 23, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Mark Eugene McDaniel, 36, of 3001 Union Highway in Gaffney, was arrested on May 22, 2006, by deputies of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office for Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

McMaster, Boys & Girls Clubs Announe Internet Safety Initiative
May 22, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster today announced a new partnership designed to teach children and teens how to stay safer on the Internet. Read more...

Kershaw Co. Sheriff Joins McMaster's Internet Predator Task Force
May 22, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced the addition of the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual predators online before they can abduct or assault a child. Twelve law enforcement agencies are now participating in the statewide task force designed to locate and arrest online predators. Read more...

Attorney General To Prosecute Darlington Sex Offender
May 22, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster and Fourth Circuit Solicitor Jay Hodge announced today that the Attorney General's Office will take the lead in the prosecution of Kenneth Hinson, the Darlington County man charged with raping two teenage girls in a dungeon behind his home earlier this year. Read more...

Spartanbug Sheriff Arrests Easley Man In Internet Predator Sting
May 18, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Ranjit Gohil, 51, of 1220 Old Mill Road in Easley, was arrested on May 17, 2006, in an undercover Internet predator sting by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Read more...

Spartanbug Sheriff Arrests Aiken Man In Internet Predator Sting
May 12, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Anthony Clark Odom, 32, of 325 East Hedge Road in Aiken, was arrested on May 12, 2006, by deputies of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office for Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Husband And Wife Plead Guilty To Child Pornography Charges
May 10, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Ryan Lavely (21) and Vivien Lea Lavely (23), formerly of 49A Knuston Street in Goose Creek, pleaded guilty on May 9, 2006, to charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. Read more...

Greer Man Arrested In Online Predator Sting
May 1, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Richard Alan Caudill, 35, of 131 Glen Willow Ct. in Greer, was arrested on Saturday, April 29, 2006, by the City of Westminster Police Department on charges of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§ 16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor (§ 16-3-655(B)), a felony offense punishable to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Read more...

Charleston Man Arrested In Online Predator Sting
April 27, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jeremy Allen LeFew, 25, of 1054 Anna Knap Boulevard, Apt. A-26, in Mt. Pleasant, was arrested on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, on charges of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment, and Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor (§16-3-655(2)), which carries a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment. Read more...

Two Internet Predators Plead Guilty
April 20, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Sanghoon Lee , 29, of 604 Moss Creek Drive in Cayce, pleaded guilty on April 20, 2006, to one (1) count of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Former HomeGold Board Chairman Indicted On Three Counts
April 13, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John M. Sterling, Jr. a/k/a Jack Sterling, age 68, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of HomeGold, Inc., residing at 44 Harvest Court in Greenville was indicted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006, by the State Grand Jury, on three (3) criminal counts to include two counts of securities fraud and conspiracy. Read more...
View indictment

Settlement Reached With Seven Upstate Gas Retailers In Katrina Price Gouging Investigation
April 12, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that seven (7) upstate gas retailers have donated five hundred dollars ($500) each to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina relief as part of a settlement resulting from an investigation into gas price gouging in the wake of last year's gulf coast hurricanes. Read more...

Charleston PD Arrests Suspected Internet Predator
April 4, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Bryan Christopher Smith , 32, residing at 47 Montague Street , in Charleston was arrested on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, by the City of Charleston Police Department on charges of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§ 16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor (§ 16-3-655(a)), a felony offense punishable to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Read more...

Union Man Arrested By Internet Predator Task Force
March 27, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Dennis Jeremiah Williams, 25, of 132 Talley Drive in Union, was arrested by the Town of Westminster Police Department on Friday, March 24, 2006, on charges of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§ 16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor (§ 16-3-655(a)), a felony offense punishable to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Read more...

Lexington County Sheriff Joins McMaster's Internet Predator Task Force
March 24, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced the addition of the Lexington County Sheriff's Department to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual predators online before they can abduct or assault a child. Eleven law enforcement agencies are now participating in the statewide task force designed to locate and arrest online predators. Read more...

McMaster Named Humane Society National Law Enforcement Official Of The Year
March 13, 2006
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today is honoring South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster for his efforts to combat illegal animal fighting in his state. The Attorney General will receive the inaugural Humane Law Enforcement Official of the Year Award for 2005 at the City of Columbia Animal Shelter at 11 a.m. Read more...

Clinton PD, Laurens Co. Sheriff Join McMaster's Internet Predator Task Force
March 1, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced the addition of two (2) local law enforcement agencies to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual predators online before they can abduct or assault a child. Ten law enforcement agencies are now participating in the statewide task force designed to locate and arrest online predators. Read more...

Newberry Man Arrested By Internet Predator Task Force
February 24, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Joseph Elbert Mitchell, 35, of 2014 Montgomery Street in Newberry, was arrested by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Friday, February 24, 2006, and charged with four (4) counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment on each count. Read more...

Charleston PD Arrests Suspected Internet Predators
February 15, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Stephen Craig Justice , 20, residing at 1630 Greene Street, Apt. A, in Columbia was arrested on Tuesday, February 14, 2006, by the City of Charleston Police Department on charges of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§ 16-15-342), a felony offense punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor (§ 16-3-655(a)), a felony offense punishable to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Read more...

Spartanburg Man Wanted In Online Predator Case
February 3, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that David Charles Brown, 55, of 237 New Cut Road in Spartanburg, is wanted for Criminal Solicitation of a Minor, a felony violation of §16-15-342, punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Brown has been on the run for six (6) days, and is believed to still be in the Greenville/Spartanburg area. Read more...

Largest Meth Bust In State History
January 23, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster, along with Greenville County Sheriff Steve Loftis, Pickens County Sheriff David Stone, S.C. Adjutant General Stan Spears, and a host of other state and local law enforcement officials from across the Upstate, today announced the largest Methamphetamine bust and drug dealer roundup in the state's history. Read more...

McMaster: Ameriquest To Pay $1.2 Million to 3,000+ S.C. Customers
January 23, 2006
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Ameriquest Mortgage Company, the nation's largest sub-prime lender, has agreed to pay $1.2 million dollars to over three thousand (3,000+) South Carolina customers as part of a national settlement involving 49 states and the District of Columbia over alleged predatory lending practices. Read more...

Greenville County Man Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud
January 12, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jerry G. Brown, 42, of 50 Forrestville Road in Travelers Rest, pleaded guilty on January 10, 2006, to one (1) count of Presenting a False Claim for Payment (in excess of $1,000), a felony punishable to five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine in the discretion of the court. Read more...

Clover Man Convicted Of Insurance Fraud
January 9, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Lloyd Wayne Hoyle, 44, of 257 Blackstone Drive in Clover, was convicted January 9, 2006, on one (1) count of Presenting a False Claim For Payment (in excess of $5,000), a felony violation of §38-55-170(1), and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000. Read more...

Crimestoppers Tipster identities Protected By Law
January 4, 2006
Revealing the identities of citizens who anonymously provide information on unsolved crimes to Crimestoppers' tipsters may soon be a serious crime under a bill proposed today by South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Harrison and Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. Read more...

Easley Man Arrested By AG's Internet Predator Task Force
January 5, 2006
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced the arrest of a suspected Internet child predator in the small town of Westminster, South Carolina. Read more...

Governor's Budget To Include $2.2 Million For CDV Prosecution
December 22, 2005
In continuing his administration's efforts to make South Carolina safer for women and families, Governor Mark Sanford today previewed an Executive Budget recommendation for $2.2 million for an additional criminal domestic violence prosecutor in each of South Carolina's 46 counties. The proposal was offered earlier this year by Attorney General Henry McMaster, part of his office's ongoing efforts to fight domestic violence in South Carolina. The governor has proposed that the funding go to the S.C. Prosecution Coordination Commission, allowing each county to hire a deputy solicitor to assist with criminal domestic violence prosecution, and to set up centralized courts to handle criminal domestic violence cases. Read more...

Congressman Spratt And Campbell Legal Counsel Support State In Catawba Poker Case
December 21, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced that the State filed a motion today requesting that Judge Joseph Strickland reconsider his recent ruling in the Catawba Indian Nation - video poker case. View the motion. Read more...

Former Thaxton Securities Broker Indicted On Ten Counts
December 16, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James T. Garrett, Jr., 51, former securities broker of Thaxton Group, Inc., residing at 1732 Maryland Avenue in Charlotte, N.C. , was indicted on Thursday, December 15, 2005, by the State Grand Jury, on ten (10) criminal counts to include Securities Fraud and Conspiracy. Read more...

Statement By Attorney General Henry McMaster On Catawba – Video Poker Decision
December 13, 2005
We disagree strongly with Judge Strickland's order, but remain confident that the State will prevail in the end. Read more...
Catawba Order...

Charleston man Arrested By AG's Internet Predator Task Force
December 1, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced the addition of another local law enforcement agency to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual predators online before they can abduct or assault a child. Read more...

Changes To State Price Gouging Law Unveiled
November 15, 2005
Local law enforcement may find their ability to investigate criminal price gouging a little easier in the future thanks to a new bill proposed Attorney General Henry McMaster and sponsored by House Speaker Bobby Harrell. Read more...

Former HomeGold CEO Indicted On Ten Counts
November 17, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Ronald J. Sheppard, age 48, former Chief Executive Officer of HomeGold, Inc., residing at 125 Belle Chase Drive in Lexington, was indicted on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 by the State Grand Jury, on ten (10) criminal counts to include securities fraud, conspiracy, bank fraud, insurance fraud, forgery, perjury, breach of trust and obtaining goods under false pretenses. Read more...
View Indictment
Listen to the Press Conference

McMaster Testifies Before U.S. Senate
November 8, 2005
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster testified before a joint hearing of the U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on Wednesday, November 9, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. in room 106 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. Cick here for the full text of McMaster's prepared testimony.

Aiken County Man Arrested In Child Solicitation Case
November 2, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that an Aiken County man was arrested on November 1, 2005, and will be prosecuted by his office for violating the state's Child Internet Predator Law. The law, on the books since April 2004, makes it a crime to stalk, lure or entice a child for abduction or sexual assault. Read more...

Westminister Police Department Joins Attorney General's Internet Predator Task Force
October 26, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster has announced the addition of another local law enforcement agency to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual predators online before they can abduct or assault a child. Read more...

Darlington Man Pleads Guilty To Felony DUI
October 26, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Franklin McIver Suggs, 35, of 340 Doneraile Street in Darlington, pleaded guilty on October 24, 2005, to one (1) count of Felony DUI Resulting in Death, a violation of §56-5-2945, punishable to twenty-five (25) years imprisonment. Read more...

Pawleys Island Man Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud, Chop Shop Violations
October 25, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Michael D. Craft, 60, of 32 Parkview Drive in Pawleys Island, pleaded guilty on October 20, 2005, to one (1) count of Making a False Statement or Representation, a misdemeanor violation of §38-55-540(2), and punishable to three (3) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $50,000. Read more...

Columbia Man Arrested In Child Solicitation Case
October 20, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that a Richland County man was arrested on October 19, 2005, and will be prosecuted by his office for violating the state's Child Internet Predator Law. The law, on the books since April 2004, makes it a crime to stalk, lure or entice a child for abduction or sexual assault. Read mpre...

Florence Woman Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud, Forgery
October 18, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Althea Ann James, 35, of 1627 Gregg Avenue, Apt. B-7, in Florence, pleaded guilty on October 11, 2005 to one (1) count of Presenting False Claims for Payment (between $1,000 and $5,000), a felony violation of §38-55-170, punishable to five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine in the discretion of the court. James also pleaded guilty to one (1) count of Forgery (for an amount less than $5,000), a felony violation of §16-13-10(B)(2), punishable to five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine in the discretion of the court. Read more...

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud
October 14, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that David Savage, 52, of 7230 Claudia Drive in Columbia, pleaded guilty to one (1) count of Making a False Statement or Misrepresentation, a felony violation of §38-55-540(3), punishable to three (3) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $50,000. Read more...

Orangeburg Man Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud, Arson
October 13, 2005
Roger Salley, 34, of 1349 Crepe Myrtle Way in Orangeburg, pleaded guilty on Monday, October 10, 2005 to one (1) count Presenting False Claim for Payment (in excess of $5,000), a felony violation of §38-55-170(1) and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. Salley also pleaded guilty to Arson – third degree, a felony violation of §16-11-110(C)(1) and punishable to between one (1) and ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty To Forgery
October 10, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Jerome Wade, 54, of 5203 North Main Street in Columbia, pleaded guilty on October 6, 2005, to two (2) counts of Forgery (over $5,000), a felony violation of §16-13-10(B)(1) and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Berkele Man Pleads Guilty To Arson
October 6, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James Gary Humbert, 41, of 705 Ponteamy Branch Road in St. Stephen, pleaded guilty on October 4, 2005, to one (1) count of Arson in the Third Degree, a felony violation of §16-11-110(C)(1), and punishable to between one (1) and ten (10) years imprisonment. Read more...

Silent Witness Ceremony Honored 2004 Victims Of Fatal Domestic Violence
October 3, 1005
Attorney General Henry McMaster led participants through the annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony that was held today on the South steps of the State House in Columbia. Read more...

Investigators To Monitor Rita Related Gas Price Hikes
September 23, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster today sent the following letter to representatives of the state's petroleum industry in anticipation of gas pricing issues arising from Hurricane Rita. Read more...

McMaster Announces $1.9 Million Settlement In Medicaid Lawsuit
September 21, 2005
Attorney General McMaster announced today that South Carolina has recovered $1,961,974.12 ($1,343,351.17 as federal share and $618,622.95 as state share) as part of a forty-state, $37.5 million settlement with Gambro Healthcare Inc. Read more...

Lexington County Woman Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud
September 19, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Shaunta M. Dukes, 24, of 1435 Brodie Road in Leesville, pleaded guilty on September 13, 2005, to one (1) count of Presenting a False Claim for Payment in excess of $5,000, a felony violation of §38-55-170(1), punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000. Read more...

McMaster: Pledge OK In SC Schools
September 14, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster made the following statement after a federal judge in San Francisco ruled unconstitutional the reciting of the pledge of allegiance in schools. Read more...

Former Home Gold Chief Financial Officer Indicted For Conspiracy
September 13, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Karen Miller, former Chief Financial Officer of Home Gold Inc. age 53, residing at 100 Maritime Trail in Lexington, was indicted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 by the State Grand Jury, on one (1) count of Conspiracy in violation of S.C. Code Section 16-17-410. View the indictment.
Read more...

Sumter County Father And Son Plead Guilty In Dog Fighting Case
September 9, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that David Wright, Jr., 52, of 6659 James Street in Rembert, pleaded guilty on September 7, 2005, to one (1) count of Presence at an Animal Fight, a misdemeanor violation of §16-27-40, punishable to six (6) months imprisonment and/or a fine of $500. Read more...

Columbia Man Pleads Guity To Insurance Fraud
September 8, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Charles Todd Ledford, 25, of 1102 Fairwood Drive in Columbia pleaded guilty on September 6, 2005, to one (1) count of Presenting a False Claim For Payment in Excess of $1,000, a felony violation of §38-55-170, punishable to five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine in the discretion of the court. Read more...

McMaster Joins Multi-State Inquiry Into Skyrocketing Gas Prices
September 2, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that he has joined a multi-state inquiry into rapidly increasing gas prices that was launched by attorneys general from Alabama, Florida, and over thirty-five other states. Read more...

Attorney General: Gas Shortage Criminal Activity Will Be Prosecuted
Sepember 1, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that any criminal activity surrounding the current gas shortage will be prosecuted by his office to the fullest extent of the law. McMaster also urged citizens to report any suspected illegal activity to a special e-mail address: GasShortage@scattorneygeneral.com
Read more...

Columbia Man Arrested For Child Sex Crimes
August 26, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Steve Wayne Gunter, 52, of 240 Jamil Road, Apt. 21, in Columbia was arrested on Thursday, August 25, 2005, on warrants obtained for First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (§16-15-395), Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor - Second Degree (§16-3-655(3)), and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (§16-17-490). Read more...

Two Residents of "Irish Travelers" Community Plead Guilty To Insurance Fraud
August 17, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Tammy Ann Sherlock, 36, and Patrick Michael O'Hara, 19, both of 135 Murphy Street in North Augusta, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 to one (1) count each for Presenting a False Claim for Payment, a felony violation of §38-55-170 (1) of the Code of Laws, and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and a fine of up to five thousand ($5,000) dollars. Read more...

Horry County Woman Pleads Guilty To Seven Counts Of Insurance Fraud
August 12, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Kathy Smith, 51, of 4152 Lincoln Heights Road in Little River, pleaded guilty on August 9, 2005, to two (2) counts of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent (over $5,000), a felony violation of §16-13-230 (B)(3) of the Code of Laws, and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment (each count), and five (5) counts of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent (between $1000 and $5000), a felony violation of §16-13-230 (B)(2) of the Code of Laws, punishable to 5 years imprisonment (each count). Read more...

Former Richland County Employee Indicted For Misconduct In Office
August 10, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Deborah Phillips Oliver, 54, of 100 Wotan Drive in Columbia, was indicted by the state grand jury on one (1) count of Official Misconduct in Office on August 9, 2005. Read more...

Seven Rural Counties To Get Help Prosecuting Domestic Violence
August 8, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster and U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn announced today that the Attorney General’s Office has been awarded $900,000 from a new two-year federal grant to provide dedicated domestic violence prosecutors in magistrate and municipal courts in Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties. Read more...

York County Sherriff Joins Attorney General's Internet Predator Task Force
August 4, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster added another local law enforcement agency to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual predators online before they can abduct or assault a child. Read more...

AG And School Resource Officers Announce Statewide Internet Safety Initiative
August 3, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster today unveiled a new Internet safety initiative designed to teach children and teens how to stay safer on the Internet. Read more...

McMaster Warns Investors To Beware Of Phony Regulators
July 29, 2005
Attorney General McMaster warned investors today that several fake “regulators” have been brought to the attention of the office’s Securities Division. These “regulators” claim to be based in the United States and often target overseas investors. Read more...

McMaster Presents $25,000 Gift To CAMP KEMO
July 28, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster visited with campers and staff from CAMP KEMO today, and presented the Palmetto Health Foundation with a check for $25,000. Read more...

Five Indicted In Pickens County For Dog Fighting And Drug Trafficking
July 22, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the Pickens County Grand Jury indicted five (5) individuals for dog fighting and a variety of drug charges on July 19, 2005. Read more...

Charleston City Councilman Indicted
July 13, 2005
– Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that a Charleston County Grand Jury has returned three (3) criminal indictments against Larry Roy “Kwadjo” Campbell, Jr., 33, with a last known address of 48 America Street, Apt. B, in Charleston. Campbell is a member of Charleston City Council. Read more...
View the indictment
View McMaster's letter to Govenor Sanford

Aiken Police Join Attorney General's Internet Predator Task Force
July 11, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster added another local law enforcement agency to a state task force dedicated to catching sexual predators online before they can abduct or assault a child. Read more...

AG Helps Fund Local Anti-Meth Efforts
July 7, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the S.C. Meth Watch Program will award six (6) organizations with mini-grants targeted to provide funding to local communities throughout South Carolina to assist with the implementation of methamphetamine initiatives. Over $4,000 dollars in assistance will be awarded to the applicant agencies. Read more...

Statement By Attorney General Henry McMaster On U.S. Supremem Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's Retirement
July 1, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster made the following statement on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s decision to retire. Read more...

Richland County Man Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud
June 30, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Thomas E. Ward, 57, of 3100 Barnes Springs Road in Columbia, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2005, to three (3) counts of Securities Fraud, a felony violation of §§ 35-1-1210(2) and 35-1-1590 of the Code of Laws, and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $50,000 on each count. Read more...

McMaster Expands Internet Predator Task Force
June 29, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster today expanded the state’s ability to pursue Internet Predators by adding a new local law enforcement partner to the state task force and is encouraging additional law enforcement agencies to join by years end. Read more...

Statement By Attorney General Henry McMaster On U.S. Supreme Court Appeal By Great Falls Town Council
June 28, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster made the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday not to hear the town of Great Falls’ appeal of a lower court’s order preventing the town from mentioning the name of Jesus Christ in prayers at town meetings. Read more...

Sumter Man Pleads Guilty To Dog Fighting, Drug Possession
June 8, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Kevin Lamont Loney, 27, of 6095 Camden Highway in Rembert, pleaded guilty on June 7, 2005, to forty-seven (47) counts of Dog Fighting, a felony violation of §16-27-30 of the Code of Laws, and punishable to five (5) years imprisonment on each count.
Read more...

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud
June 7, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that William Mario Jones, 31, of 8022 Spring Pond Road in Columbia, pleaded guilty on June 3, 2005, to two (2) counts of insurance fraud.
Read more...

State Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Clarify Federal "Reporter's Privilege"
May 26, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that South Carolina, along with 33 states, will submit a brief later this week asking the United States Supreme Court to clarify whether federal courts may force journalists to disclose their confidential sources. View the Brief.
Read more...

State Has New Criminal Tool To Protect Environment
May 25, 2005
Legislation granting the state grand jury authority to investigate white-collar environmental crimes became law today, taking effect with the signature of Governor Mark Sanford. Read more...

Beaufort County Man Pleads Guilty To Securities Fraud
May 24, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that William P. Garomon, 61, of 522 Porpoise Drive, St. Helena Island pleaded guilty on May 23, 2005 to eight (8) counts of Securities Fraud. Read more...

Camden Man Pleads Guilty To Sexual Exploitation Of A Child
May 19, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Gary Stephen Estep, 43, of 710 Ivy Bush Lane in Camden, pleaded guilty on May 18, 2005 to four (4) counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Read more...

Toy Store Employee Arrested In Child Solicitation Case
May 13, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that a Greenville County man was arrested on May 12, 2005, and will be prosecuted by his office for violating the state's Child Internet Predator Law. The law, on the books since April 2004, makes it a crime to stalk, lure or entice a child for abduction or sexual assault. Read more...

State Grand Jury Authority For Environmental Crimes
May 12, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster has proposed granting the state grand jury authority to investigate white-collar environmental crimes. Senator Jake Knotts and Representative Jim Merrill have introduced the legislation for the 2005-06 session. Read more...

White House Drug Czar Joins Attorney General For SC Meth Watch Kick-off
April 28, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster and John P. Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), officially launched the South Carolina Meth Watch program today at the Irmo Family Pharmacy located in the Murraywood Centre in Irmo. They were joined by representatives from LRADAC, The Behavioral Health Center of the Midlands, as well as local elected officials and law enforcement. Read more...

Charlotte Man Sentenced To Eight Years For Internet Sex Crimes - First Criminal To Be Prosecuted With McMaster's Child Internet Predator Law
April 26, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Donald Louis Brink, 32, formerly of 2219 Flint Glenn Lane in Charlotte, North Carolina pleaded guilty to three (3) counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor, a felony violation of §16-15-342 of the Code of Laws, and punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for each count. Read more...

Darlington County Man Convicted Of Rape, Other Charges Against Twelve-Year-Old Victim
April 22, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Larry William Smith, 31, of 924 Lee State Park Road in Lamar, was convicted on Thursday, April 21, 2005, of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the Second Degree (victim older than eleven (11) years), a felony violation of §16-3-655(2) of the Code of Laws, carrying a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment. Read more...

House Looks At Tough New Meth Laws
April 14, 2005
A sub-committee of the state House of Representatives is considering legislation that will have a dramatic impact on the way the state is able to fight the exploding problem of methamphetamine (Meth) use and production. Read more...

Cockfighting Bill Passes House Subcommittee
April 13, 2005
Columbia - After hearing spirited testimony from both sides of the cockfighting issue, a House subcommittee passed a bill increasing the criminal penalty for cockfighting to a $5,000 five year felony and giving law enforcement forfeiture authority for property used for the purposes or in connection with animal fighting. The bill, H 3344 now moves to the full Judiciary Committee. It may be viewed on the web at: http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess116_2005-2006/bills/3344.htm

Pennsylvania Man Arrested In Child Internet Predator Sting
April 13, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that a man from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, who has been living in Florence County while working in the state, was arrested on April 12, 2005, and will be prosecuted for violating the state's Child Internet Predator Law. The law, on the books since April 2004, makes it a crime to stalk, lure or entice a child for abduction or assault. Read more...

Harvard Names McMaster's Domestic Violence Program One Of Nation's Most Innovative
March 17, 2005
The Attorney General's Pro Bono Domestic Violence Prosecution Program was recognized as one of the nation's “most creative, forward thinking, results-driven government programs at the federal, state, county and city levels” in an announcement by Harvard and The Council For Excellence In Government. The program is now eligible to win one of six (6) $100,000 grants. Read more...

Statement By Attorney General Henry McMaster On U.S. Supreme Court Death Penalty Decision
March 2 , 2005
"While I firmly believe that adult crimes usually deserver adult punishment, read more...

AG Joins Great Falls Prayer Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court
February 28 , 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the State of South Carolina once again joined the town of Great Falls' effort to appeal a federal court's order preventing the town from mentioning the name of Jesus Christ in prayers at town meetings. Read more or read the Great Falls vs. Wynn Brief.

Campaign For Economic Literacy Addresses Student's Lack Of Economic Knowledge
February 15, 2005
South Carolina's high school students scored an average of 53% on the recent 2004 Survey of Economic Literacy. The survey was designed to examine student familiarity with basic economic principles, knowledge about the U.S. economy, and understanding of some key economic terms embodied in the South Carolina academic standards. The survey was sponsored by the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General, the South Carolina Council on Economic Education (SCCEE) and Merrill Lynch. Read more...

Florence Man Pleads Guilty To Securities Fraud
February 4, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that James C. Goodman, 55, of 668 McIver Road in Florence, pleaded guilty on February 3, 2005, to four (4) counts of Securities Fraud, a felony violation of § 35-1-1590 of the Code of Laws, punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment on each count. Read more...

Bobtailing Opinion
January 28, 2005
In a decision released this afternoon, the South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled with Attorney General Henry McMaster in the bobtailing case, Sloan v. Wilkins, et al. Read McMaster's statement or read Supreme Court Opinion.

Nine Plead Guilty In Bamberg Insurance Fraud Ring
January 28, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that nine (9) individuals have pleaded guilty between October 21, 2004 and January 13, 2005 to a total of sixteen (16) counts of Presenting False Claims for Payment, a felony violation of §38-55-170 of the Code of Laws, and punishable to five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine in the discretion of the court. Read more...

Charlotte Man First To Be Prosecuted With McMaster's Child Internet Law
January 12, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that a Charlotte, North Carolina man would be the first person the office prosecutes for violating the state's new Child Internet Predator Law. The new law, on the books since April 2004, makes it a crime to stalk, lure or entice a child for abduction or assault. Read more...

Multi-State Agreement With State Farm Reached
January 10, 2005
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that South Carolina and 48 other states plus the District of Columbia have reached an innovative agreement with State Farm Mutual Insurance Company, which will result in $40 million in compensation to thousands of car, SUV, and truck owners nationwide. Read more...

AG Uses State Grand Jury To Combat Gang Problem
December 29, 2004
In an effort to combat South Carolina's growing gang problem, Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that his office would begin utilizing the state grand jury's drug jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute drug related gang activity as well other associated illegal activities. Read more...

Three In Chester County Arrested For Animal Fighting
December 20, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Arthur Parker, Sr., 47, Arthur Parker, Jr., 20, and Mary Evans Luther, 50, all of 1555 Mt. Vernon Road in Fort Lawn, were arrested on December 17, 2004, by agents of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on charges of Animal Fighting (§ 16-27-30) and Attending an Animal Fight (§ 16-27-40). Read more...

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty To Exploitation Of A Vulnerable Adult
December 17, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today Tyrone Suber, 46, of 1912 Spotswood Road in Columbia, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2004 to five (5) counts of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, a felony violation of § 43-35-85(D) of the Code of Laws, and punishable to five (5) years imprisonment on each count. Suber also pleaded guilty to seven (7) counts of Obtaining Property Under False Pretenses, a misdemeanor violation of § 16-13-240(3) of the Code of Laws, and punishable to thirty (30) days imprisonment and a $500 fine for each count. Read more...

Anderson County Woman Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud
December 10, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Patsy P. Heard, 41, of 405 Clark Lane, Apt. C, in Anderson, pleaded guilty on December 1, 2004 to one (1) count of Forgery less than $5,000, a felony violation of §16-13-10(B)(2) of the Code of Laws, and punishable to five (5) years imprisonment and a fine in the discretion of the court. Heard also pleaded guilty to one (1) count of Making a False Statement or Misrepresentation to receive an insurance benefit of $1,000 or more, a misdemeanor violation of §38-55-540(2), punishable to three (3) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $50,000. Read more...

State Grand Jury Indicts Man For Securities Fraud
October 21, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the State Grand Jury has indicted William P. Garomon, 60, of 522 Porpoise Drive, St. Helena Island on eight (8) counts of Securities Fraud. Read more...

Camden Man Indicted For Sexual Exploitation Of A Child
October 20, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today the State Grand Jury has indicted Gary Stephen Estep, 43, of 710 Ivy Bush Lane in Camden, on four (4) counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Read more...

McMaster Warns Of Flu Vaccine Price Gouging
October 14, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that consumers should be on the alert, and immediately report, suspected price gouging by either distributors or providers of the flu vaccine. Read more...

Woman Barred From State's Security Industry
October 8, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Robin C. Calvert, 47, of 613 Oak Hollow Court in Spartanburg, has been issued a Permanent Bar from Participation in the Securities Industry in South Carolina. As Chief Securities Officer in the state, McMaster signed the order pursuant to § 35-1-1440 of the South Carolina Uniform Securities Act. Read more...

Silent Witness Ceremony Honored 2003 Victims of Fatal Domestic Violence
October 6, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster led participants through the annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony that was held today on the South steps of the State House in Columbia. The ceremony marked the beginning of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Read more...

Winnsborro Domestic Violence Convictions Highlight AG's First Day In Court
September 29, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster has expanded his Criminal Domestic Violence Pro-Bono Program to the Winnsboro City Court in Fairfield County. The program's first day in court was Thursday, September 23, and produced two (2) guilty pleas. Read more...

AG's Conference To Help Parents And Professionals Recognize And Prevent Child Exploitations
August 25, 2004
In an effort to provide parents, educators and law enforcement with the resources and information needed to recognize and prevent child exploitation, Attorney General Henry McMaster has organized a two-day symposium featuring some of the nation's premier child safety consultants. Read more...

Settlement Reached In Utility Lawsuit
August 24, 2004
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that South Carolina Electric and Gas may end up refunding over $1.4 million to about 7,000 customers as a result of the lawsuit brought for the State against the Columbia based utility for the mistaken overbilling of municipal franchise fees. Read more...

New Criminal Price Gouging Law in Effect
August 13, 2004
Price gouging is now a criminal offense, thanks to a new law passed by the General Assembly in 2002, Attorney General Henry McMaster said Friday. Read more...

Florence Dentist Pleads Guilty To Willful Failure To File Income Taxes
August 12, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John F. Coleman, D.M.D., 50, of 710 Williams Street in Lake City, pleaded guilty on Thursday, August 5, 2004 to one (1) count of Willful Failure to File an Individual Income Tax Return, a misdemeanor violation of §12-54-44(B)(3) of the code of laws, punishable to one (1) year imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine. Read more...

AG Joins Great Falls Prayer Appeal
August 10, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the State of South Carolina has once again joined the town of Great Falls' efforts to appeal a federal court's order preventing the town from mentioning the name of Jesus Christ in prayers at town meetings. Read more...

Convicted Rapist Found Guilty Of Threatening Judge
July 19, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John L. McCombs, 49, inmate of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, was found guilty by a jury on July 14, 2004 of Threatening a Court Official, a felony violation of §16-9-340 of the Code of Laws, punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine. Read more...

McMaster Announces Largest Securities Fine In State History
July 8, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that the State has reached a $4.7 million dollar settlement with nine (9) of the nation's largest investment-banking firms, finalizing South Carolina's part in a national “global” settlement related to conflicts of interest between research and investment banking activities at the firms. Read more...

Union Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Assault And Battery
July 8, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Nicholas Chad Robinson, 21, of 355 Mt. Tabor Road in Union, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2004 to one (1) count of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, a misdemeanor violation of the common law, punishable to ten (10) years imprisonment and a fine at the discretion of the court. Read more...

Catawba Nuclear Supervisor Pleads Guilty To Computer Crimes, Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor
June 23, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that John Mark Smith, 45, of 3812 Charles Raper Jonas Highway in Stanley, North Carolina, (formerly employed by Duke Power Company at the Catawba Nuclear Station in York County) pleaded guilty on Monday, June 21, 2004 to one (1) count of Computer Crime in the Second Degree and fourteen (14) counts of Third Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Second Degree Computer Crime is a misdemeanor violation of §16-16-20 of the Code of Laws, punishable to one (1) year imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine and Third Degree Sexual Exploitation is a felony violation of §16-15-410 of the Code of Laws, punishable to five (5) years imprisonment. Read more...

U.S. Supreme Court Declines To Hear Greenwood Elementary School Murder Appeal
June 21, 2004
The United States Supreme Court today declined to hear the appeal of James Wilson, a Greenwood man sentenced to death for 1998 killing spree at a Greenwood Elementary School. Read more...

State Reaches Settlement With Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford-Lincoln Mercury Dealers
June 10, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster joined forces with thirty-eight other states to reach today's announced settlement with Ford Credit, which impacts more than 150,000 consumers. Read more...

Lexington Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Charges, Criminal Domestic Violence
June 1, 2004
Attorney General Henry McMaster announced today that Keith F. Brannon, Jr., 26, of 343 Old Orangeburg Road in Lexington, pleaded guilty on May 24, 2004 to four (4) indictments pending against him. Read more...