33 swept up in drug bust

July 24, 2007

From staff reports


More than a dozen suspected drug dealers were arrested early Monday in a series of raids across Greenwood County by the Sheriff’s Office.
The busts are the culmination of a months-long series of investigations, authorities said.
A total of 33 people have been arrested in the sweep, but authorities say seven are still at large and considered wanted. A 20-member group of GCSO vice agents, uniformed deputies and investigators also seized a vehicle, three weapons, 1.4 ounces of methamphetamine, a half-ounce of marijuana and more than $2,000 in cash during the raids and arrests.
“This series of operations represents the culmination of several related investigations spanning the past few months,” Sheriff Dan Wideman said, “as opposed to the larger operations aimed at a single illegal organization. We suspect that these dealers represent mid- to lower-level sales.
“But we have to work these cases simultaneously with the more complex ones. Focusing all of your efforts at street-level dealers doesn’t work, nor does focusing only on the big fish.”
Deputies arrested 14 suspected dealers in as many hours Monday and previously arrested 19 people during these investigations, although many of those cases were not publicized.
One suspect has been arrested in Alabama and is being held there without bail.
Vice agents and GCSO pilots will fly to Alabama early Wednesday to extradite Jason Lee Lawson, who was charged with distribution of methamphetamine, back to Greenwood County, where he will likely face a magistrate for a bond hearing later that day.
“Some of these folks evidently think that running a few states away will do the trick,” Wideman said. “That’s just not the case. We’re happy to provide them a free trip home.”
Deputies began the roundup by conducting a pre-dawn raid at the Andrews Street residence of Joseph Daniel Bannister. Vice agents arrested Bannister there and immediately executed a search warrant.
Agents reportedly found and seized about 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of methamphetamine, financial records, drug paraphernalia, a 12-gauge shotgun, a 30-30 rifle, a loaded .38 revolver and a 2000 Chevy pickup truck.
Authorities said they have contacted and plan to meet with agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms later this week in regard to referring the Bannister case for federal prosecution.
In other arrests, deputies seized $2,165 in cash pursuant to the state’s drug forfeiture statutes.
Deputies arrested the following people Monday:
*Joseph Daniel Bannister, 30, of Greenwood. Trafficking in ice 28-100 grams second drug offense, possession with intent to distribution of ice in the proximity school or park, distribution of a Schedule. II controlled substance, distribution of a Schedule. II controlled substance proximity school or park, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony.
*Darris Anthony Brooks, 27, Greenwood. Distribution of cocaine third drug offense, distribution of cocaine proximity of school or park.
*Ernest Johnson, Jr., 28, Greenwood. Distribution of cocaine third drug offense, distribution of cocaine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Sam Olin Jones, 46, Bradley. Distribution of a schedule III controlled substance, distribution of a schedule III controlled substance within the proximity school or park.
*Clarence Martin, 41, Greenwood. Distribution of crack third drug offense, distribution of crack proximity of school or park.
*Johnny Dexter McBride, 30, Ninety Six. Simple possession marijuana.
*Lionel Parks, 25, Greenwood. Simple possession marijuana.
*Seth O’Maral Pope, 23, Greenwood. Distribution of crack cocaine.
*Jesse Sibert Jr., 34, Greenwood. Distribution of cocaine, distribution of cocaine within proximity of school or park. *Xavier Earl Sibert, 28, Greenwood. Distribution of cocaine, distribution of cocaine within the proximity of school or park.
*Bobby Gerald Sorrow Jr., 34, Greenwood. Distribution of cocaine third drug offense, distribution of cocaine within proximity of school or park.
*Laurie Lyn Steele, 36, Greenwood. Distribution of a Schedule IV controlled substance, distribution of a Schedule IV controlled substance within the proximity of a school or park.
*Kenneth Andre Thompkins, 55, Greenwood. Distribution of marijuana (two counts), distribution of marijuana within the proximity of a school or park (two counts).
*Nathaniel Wideman, 48, Troy. Distribution of crack cocaine second drug offense, distribution of crack cocaine within the proximity of a school or park.
Previously arrested during the investigation were:
*Angela Marie Adams, 30, Greenwood. Distribution of methamphetamine.
*Carlos Lamont Anderson, 25, Greenwood. Distribution of crack cocaine third drug offense, Possession with intent to distribute marijuana third drug offense, possession with intent to distribute marijuana within the proximity of a school or park, trafficking crack cocaine third drug offense, possession with intent to distribute cocaine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Pamela Jean Bowie, 45, Greenwood. Distribution of crack third drug offense, distribution of crack within the proximity of a school or park.
*Harold Stewart Crowder, 31, Hodges. Distribution of methamphetamine.
*James Brandon Destaffno, 32, Laurens. Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Teresa Elaine Hinton, 36, Greenwood. Distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Brandon Curtis Horne, 27, Greenwood. Distribution of a Schedule IV controlled substance, simple possession marijuana.
*Kevin Patrick Human, 30, Greenville. Possession marijuana second offense, federal probation charges.
*Nieem A. Johnson, 24, Greenwood. Distribution of cocaine second drug offense, distribution of cocaine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Donald James Merritt, 26, Greenwood. Distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Carl Davis Miller, 50, Greenwood. Distribution of crack, distribution of crack within the proximity of a school or park. *Amanda Jodon Prather, 24, Greenwood. Distribution of methamphetamine.
*Jamaica Jermaine Price, 28, Greenwood. Distribution of marijuana, distribution of marijuana within the proximity of a school or park, distribution of cocaine, distribution of cocaine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Frederick Maurice Rosemond, 31, Greenwood. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine third drug offense, possession with intent to distribute cocaine within the proximity of a school or park, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine third drug offense, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Jason Robert Sheppard, 24, Greenwood. Distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine within the proximity of a school or park.
*Fredrick Muhammuad Taylor, 24, Greenwood. Possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of marijuana within the proximity of a school or park, possession of ecstasy.
*Anthony Dewayne Wideman, 36, Greenwood. Attempt to purchase methamphetamine.
*Thomas Joshua Wright, 27, Greenwood. Distribution of cocaine, Possession with intent to distribute cocaine within the proximity of a school or park, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within the proximity school or park.
Wanted by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office are:
*O.C. Anderson III, 23, Greenwood. Distribution of crack third drug offense, distribution of crack within the proximity of a school or park.
*Christie L. Cooley, 35, Greenville. Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
*Toby Tyrell Deal, 23, Promised Land. Distribution of marijuana, distribute marijuana within the proximity of a school or park.
*Jayme Amanda Grag, 25, Greenville. Possession with intent to distribution of methamphetamine.
*Travis Senchale Johnson, 23, Greenwood. Distribution of ecstasy second drug offense, distribution of ecstasy within the proximity of a school or park.
*James Rice, 23, Greenwood. Distribution of marijuana, distribution of marijuana within the proximity of a school or park. *Barry Marcus Williams, 31, Greenwood. Possession of cocaine third drug offense.
Wideman asked anyone with knowledge as to the immediate whereabouts of the suspects still at large contact Greenwood County 911 or Greenwood County Crimestoppers at 942-8727. People who wish to provide background information may contact GCSO Vice, Illegal Drugs & Organized Crime unit by calling 942- 8588.
“As always I ask folks not to approach these wanted persons,” Wideman said. “Call us and we’ll talk to them for you.”

Police: Minors asked to view pornography

July 24, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

A Greenwood man previously charged with attempting a lewd act on a child under the age of 16 is now accused of imploring minors to view pornographic material.
The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Michael James Voelz, 32, of 117 Augusta Circle, Greenwood, and charged him with two counts of disseminating obscene material to a minor under 12.
Sheriff’s Office incident reports also indicate Voelz was arrested previously on June 28 and charged with the aforementioned attempt of a lewd act on a minor.
According to the reports, the investigation into Voelz’s alleged actions began June 27, when deputies were called to speak with the 11-year-old female victim. The girl told deputies Voelz had attempted to have intercourse with her. She also reportedly told officers Voelz had fondled her. She said he told her not to tell anyone about the incidents.
The girl told deputies Voelz had made her watch pornographic videos and told officers where the tapes were located in Voelz’s house. She also told deputies she had seen “dirty magazines” in Voelz’s bedroom.
The next day, June 28, the reports say deputies arrested Voelz at his house. He reportedly returned home while deputies were searching his home. Also, while searching the home, officers reportedly found the pornographic materials where the girl said they would be.
Voelz reportedly denied ever touching the victim.
According to the report, authorities conducted a forensic interview with the victim on July 2. During the interview, the victim reportedly made numerous references to Voelz reportedly touching her inappropriately at locations throughout Greenwood County, including a home on Boles Avenue, a home near Sports Break and a residence near Augusta Fields subdivision.
She also reiterated she had watched pornographic videos while sitting on the couch with the 32-year-old Voelz.
Authorities then reportedly conducted a forensic interview with the victim’s brother. The boy also said he had been shown pornographic materials by Voelz. The boy told investigators of an instance where he was sitting on one couch in a living room, and Voelz and the female victim were reportedly sitting on another couch in the same room.
The boy said a pornographic video was playing on TV on this occasion.

Unlucky eighth for Post 20

Richland scores 11 late in game to topple Greenwood

July 24, 2007

By KEVIN FIORENZO
Index-Journal sports writer

A pitchers’ duel turned into an ugly rout as Greenwood Post 20 dropped the opening game of its second round series 13-2 against Richland on Monday night at Legion Field.
Tied at 2, Richland exploded for 11 runs over the final two innings off Greenwood reliever Brad Dorn to put the game out of reach. The barrage wasted a strong outing from Greenwood starter Brandon Miller, who allowed two runs on nine hits over seven innings, with six strikeouts and three walks.
Despite the stellar effort, Greenwood coach Billy Dean Minor didn’t want to push his ace southpaw any further.
“He pitched a great game, gave us all he’s got,” Minor said. “He pitched as well as he had all season, but his pitch count had gotten up a bit, nearly 120 pitches.”
Greenwood now has to quickly forget about Monday’s loss and prepare for Game 2 tonight at Richland.
“We should be OK; we’ve been resilient all year,” Minor said.
Some sloppy plays in the field cost Greenwood early in the game and again cropped up in the disastrous eighth inning. A pair of errors by Greenwood shortstop Mack Hite put Richland ahead. Four hits and two walks later, Richland had tacked on five more runs to pad its lead. Five more runs in the final frame were the final blow. In total, Dorn allowed nine runs on eight hits over 1 2/3 innings pitched.
Richland’s offensive explosion contrasted a night when Greenwood was unable to get key hits when they needed them. Richland starter Logan Munson, a North Carolina signee, pitched eight solid innings, allowing two runs on on six hits, with three strikeouts and one walk.
“We just weren’t able to get anything going,” Minor said. “[Munson] threw very well tonight.”
Richland scored early in the game. Despite a solid first inning in which he threw two strikeouts, Miller wasn’t backed up well by his infield, as a throwing error by third baseman Corey Lloyd allowed Richland’s Robbie Wilcox to score. Richland got on the board again in the fifth when Alston James hit a single to left field that put Richland up 2-0.
Miller managed to get Greenwood out of several jams, particularly in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Miller caught Alston James looking to get out of the inning unscathed.
Down 2-0, Greenwood began clawing back in the sixth when Christian Powell hit an RBI single up the middle that drove in Josh Lovvorn. They tied the game up in the next inning when Hite recorded a sacrifice bunt that scored Josh Collier from third base.

Obituaries

Albert Daniel Dain

McCORMICK — Mr. Albert Daniel Dain, 83, of Tara Drive, entered into rest on Friday, July 20, 2007 at the residence.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at Rees Funeral Home, with Rev. Dick Albert officiating.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 24, 2007 from 1 p.m until 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 195 Peachtree St., Lincolnton, Ga., 706-359-3222.

Buck Livingston

George Edward “Buck” Livingston, 82, of 510 Foundry Road, Greenwood, died Sunday, July 22, 2007 at Hospice House of the Piedmont. He was born on June 23, 1925, in Newberry County to the late George Hamilton and Lula Martin Livingston. He was the widower of Lunette Willis Livingston. He attended Woodfields Baptist Church and was retired from Fluor-Daniel.
Survivors include three sons of Greenwood, Wayne (Judy), Virgil (Lisa), and Dwight (Denise). He was predeceased by a son Kenneth Livingston. He leaves behind eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Nell Dawkins of Newberry and Elizabeth Gilliam of Greenwood; a former daughter-in-law Sherry Livingston; his “Special Little Lady” Cora (Bea) Streetman of Greenwood; and special friends Tom and Debra Streetman. He was also predeceased by three half sisters, Myrtle Morris of Prosperity, Agnes Deloach of Saluda, Ruby Wise of Newberry and two half brothers, Allen Livingston of Saluda and John Livingston of Connors, GA.
Pallbearers will be Eric McMahan, Brent Livingston, Steven Livingston, Chase Livingston, Dwight Ross Livingston, and Tim Stewart.
Honorary escorts will be Donnie, Eddie and Avery Doolittle.
Services will be Wednesday, July 25, at Harley Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Woody Oliver and Rev. Wade Burton officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC, 29646.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

John McAllister

MOUNT CARMEL — John A. McAllister Sr., 78, of 100 Main St., husband of Catherine “Cat” McAllister, died Monday, July 23, 2007 at Abbeville Area Medical Center.
Services will be announced by The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville.

Patricia Dean Thompson

COLUMBIA — Patricia Dean Thompson, 71, of Columbia, SC, passed away Wednesday, July 18, at Palmetto Richland Hospital. She is survived by her son, Michael D. Thompson of Juno Beach, FL; her granddaughter, Alden L. Thompson and her daughter-in-law, Alyson G. Limehouse, both of Palm Beach Shores, FL; Michael’s father, Joseph M. Thompson, Jr.; her aunts Marjorie Dean and Sarah Dean; her sister, Estelle Spivey; her nephew, Erik Baker; and many other family members and friends.
A remembrance will be held on Thursday, July 26, between 6 and 8 p.m., at the Thompson home, 906 True St., Apt. D-4, in Columbia.

James Watson

James Watson, 87, of 731 Lorenzo Road, loving uncle, brother-in-law, cousin and friend, journeyed home July 21 at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital. He was a man devoted to a life dedicated to God, family and country.
He was born in Greenwood County in the Promised Land Community on Nov. 11, 1919 to the late Elihue and Charlotte Thomas Watson. He was married to the late Odessa Norman Watson. As a young man he joined the CC Corps and later enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in WWII and the Korean Conflict. After 20 years of service, he retired from the U.S. Army and returned home to Greenwood.
Left to cherish his memories are a devoted niece, Mrs. Irene Woods of Sumter, SC; two brothers-in-law, Jack (Henrietta) Norman of Greenwood, SC, Charlie Pickney of Philadelphia, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Margaret Watson of Philadelphia, Pa.; a devoted friend Elizabeth Holloway of Greenwood; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from Crossroads Baptist Church, with Rev. Joseph Caldwell officiating. Burial will be in Oakbrook Memorial Park. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m.
Pallbearers will be members of the United States Army. Flower bearers will be Ushers of the Church. Honorary Escort will be Disabled Veterans of the United States Army.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday evening. Online condolences may be sent to pertompfh1@earthlink.net.
The Watson family has graciously allowed Percival-Tompkins to serve them.

Opinion

Korean, Vietnam wars set example for Iraq support

July 24, 2007

Some South Carolinians have mixed emotions about the American presence in Iraq. They are only part of the equation, though. Others are against everything about it. Still more agree the U. S. should be there and have no doubts about how it’s handled.
One of the questions that puzzles this latter group, particularly, is whether the folks back home are being given a true picture of everything by the media ..... electronic and print. One complaint heard often is that only the negatives are reported and few, if any, of the positive things that are accomplished by our troops.
However, there may be an explanation of why there are so many doubts about what we are doing and why we are doing it.

FROM ALL APPEARANCES THAT can be traced to two specific periods in our history ..... our relatively recent history.
First, consider the Korean War. It was, of course, a fight against Communist North Korea and Red China ..... with some assistance from the then Soviet Union. It was, to be sure, a United Nations effort, although the U. S. was the major contributor.
Why does the Korean War impact what’s happening in the world today in the fight against global terrorists? It was a war we did not win and, to many, one where we were prevented from winning because of internal politics. That became the first conflict without a win or conclusion (no treaty has ever been signed). It left many Americans with unanswered questions and, in essence, a national feeling of defeat.
The Korean War was followed by the war against Communist North Vietnam, again with Red China and the Soviet Union working with the Vietnamese Communists.

THERE AGAIN, WE WITHDREW without winning, and a number of questions went unanswered again. The result, once more, left many Americans wondering why ..... and another feeling that we were prevented from winning because of internal politics.
So, then, those two experiences - Korea and Vietnam - have contributed to a public impression that we were either defeated in both places, did not win on purpose, or did not have the will to win.
It really doesn’t matter which one applies. The overall impression is that maybe all three are pertinent. The bottom line, it seems, is that our enemies around the world now see the U. S. as the proverbial paper tiger that sometimes talks a good game but fails to back it up with determination or desire.
A “defeat in Iraq” experience would only reinforce that, and some of us are making it easier.