Greenville:(864) 282-2100
The Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization was an interstate conspiracy that was involved in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Kelly Brosky, 43, and Dwayne Dunaway, 58, were arrested earlier in March and are both out of jail on bond, according to jail records. This organization was identified by local law enforcement as a priority target in connection with violent crime and overdoses in the area. Additional information can be found on the docket of the United States District Court, Criminal Case Numbers 4:20-CR-189 and 4:20-CR-490. The case was prosecuted by OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney Everett McMillian, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, who also serves as Deputy Solicitor for 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. }; Four people were arrested after a lengthy investigation into the sale of drugs on the north end of Myrtle Beach. Courtesy, Horry County police. Marshal Services and HCPD Special Operations, served three simultaneous search warrants, including one where Stephens lived and two where he allegedly sold drugs. Operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales.. In 2020, Operation Broken Branch targeted 31 members of a drug trafficking organization in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County. Horry County drug busts lead to 2 arrests, more expected, By Nicole Ziege The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy. Reach Christian by email or through Twitter and Facebook with the handle @ChrisHBoschult. The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe., Horry County Sheriffs Office Sheriff Phillip Thompson said We are grateful for the partnerships we share with federal law enforcement, state and local agencies in the combined efforts to fight the surge of drugs in our communities. Seven Defendants Arrested in Joint State/Federal Investigation into Myrtle Beach Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Drug Enforcement Administration Robert J. Murphy, Jr. Special Agent in Charge Atlanta @DEAAtlantaDiv October 12, 2021 Contact: SA Crystal Harper Phone Number: (571) 362-3433 For Immediate Release Nearly $1 Million in Drugs, Guns, Nazi Paraphernalia Seized in Pa. Drug Bust. In his second arrest, Bellamy was charged with possessing a weapon during a violent crime; two heroin and cocaine trafficking charges; possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute; and littering, according to police. In 2020 and 2021, Operation New Optix resulted in drug charges against 34 defendants, 22 of whom have pled guilty to date. The information and photos presented on this site have been collected from the websites of County Sheriff's Offices or Clerk of Courts. , Get to know our book expert, Ciera Pasturel, Cardio and more for a healthy heart, according to, Insulated doghouses and other accessories to keep, Ladies pitch in to help Craven County Habitat for, UNCC prof: Nation riveted by big cases like Murdaugh, Murdaughs lies plays big role in guilty verdict, Duke beats UNC for sixth straight win, earns double-bye, Long Beach State edges ECU, 3-2, in LeClair Classic, Petition created after Richlands High student denied, Trump frames 2024 as existential fight: This is, Pirates sweep day two of Pirate Invitational in thrilling, Ja Morant says hell get help after video shows apparent, Bertuzzi sets up goal in Bruins 4-2 win over Rangers, Military prospects see NFL hopes rise after policy, Driver who nearly hit kids at bus stop arrested, Farmville Central boys return to 2-A final, Ft. Bragg soldier charged in romantic and COVID scams, Three arrested, facing drug charges in Craven County, 2 Raleigh women stabbed in broad daylight: police, Authorities catch Wilson Wilson Wilson with meth, ECSU creates controversy with Caucasian email group, Man charged with murder after bodies found in home, Man showed dead brothers ID during traffic stop:, Teen hikers rescued after days stuck in California, Study: NC is No. The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several agencies including the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriffs Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. 6 more from Myrtle Beach area charged in major drug bust targeted at interstate pipeline into South Carolina Six men have been charged in federal court for their roles in an interstate drug trafficking organization that operated out of Myrtle Beach, Conway, Florence, and . 20-year-old sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing 19-year-old in vehicle in Conway, Alex Murdaughs attorneys say theyll appeal double-murder conviction, 2 men plead guilty for roles in 2021 Myrtle Beach hotel shooting that killed a Conway man, Police say more victims may be involved in human trafficking case involving 3 people, The evidence was clear: Murdaugh juror reveals quick deliberation in SC murder trial. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Authorities estimate the value of the drugs at $8.5 million. Public safety is a shared Keep it Clean. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism No bail has been set yet. The value of the . warrants on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Myrtle On Oct. 22, Bellamy was arrested again after he discarded a book bag right before a traffic stop, which was conducted by a county patrol officer. Heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack are dangerous drugs that pose a clear and present danger to any community. These types of successful operations allow us to maintain a safe community. racist or sexually-oriented language. The investigation specifically targeted members of the drug trafficking organization based on sales of large quantities of dangerous drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and use of firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Handgun, PWID Heroin 2nd Offense, Updated March 1, 2023, 8:35 AM. Gerard Albert III writes about crime, courts and police for The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Heres what behaviorists say, When is spring bike week 2023 happening in Myrtle Beach? Read moreNew Conway football HC Josh Pierce wants to use weight room, recruiting to build program, The Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, announced the allocation of $97 million this week from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to repair damages to South Carolina beaches after recent coastal storm events. Police said they recovered about 1.69 of pressed fentanyl pills, $293,307 in currency and various collector coins. U.S. Attorney Peter McCoy, for the District of South Carolina, announced Monday that 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach areadrug traffickers all pleaded guiltyand have been sentenced in federal court. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication by all to make this difference in our communities, he said. The warrants come after three ongoing investigations into drug-related activity in Myrtle Beach Drugs seized under the warrants include heroin, meth, crack cocaine, marijuana and Schedule II. Brosky is not related to the former Horry County Government spokeswoman of the same name. This case illustrates the results that are possible when federal, state, and local agencies work together toward a common goal.. Police in Florida issued arrest warrants for over 100 members of a suspected drug gang on Wednesday . Albert was editor-in-chief at Florida International Universitys student newspaper. These operations require technology, experience, and boots on the ground in order to gather enough information to arrest and successfully prosecute participants in the drug trade. We'd love to hear eyewitness We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. The HCPD Narcotics Unit, working with the U.S. There is winter exercise apparel for every part of your body, with plenty of styles and colors available. Yesterday. It was especially heartbreaking for me to see you go in the media from being a grieving father who lost a wife and a son to being the person indicted and convicted of killing them, Judge Clifton Newman said to Alex Murdaugh Friday. } PWID Crack Cocaine 2nd Offense, Possession of a Schedule Drug, Simple Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Earlier Friday, a team of more than 55 officers from. All comments and opinions are submitted by Internet users, and in no way reflect the views or opinions of this site's operators. or anything. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who all played a vital role in bringing this case to a successful closure. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Seven people were arrested on an interstate drug trafficking organization that operated out of Myrtle Beach and Kingstree, according to ActingUnited States Attorney M. Rhett Dehart. No claims to the accuracy of this information are made. ts. 20-year-old sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing 19-year-old in vehicle in Conway, Murdaugh murder trial opens window into hidden world of law firm, lavish spending and debt, Maggie Murdaugh expressed worries about boat lawsuit, money troubles before murder, witness says, Day 15: Judge denies Murdaugh defense ask for mistrial over Maggie hearsay, Murdaughs best friend Chris Wilson describes casual call night of Paul, Maggies murders, Day 14: Defense to question Beach lawyer over his donation to Murdaugh trial witness, Official: Phoned-in threat said bomb was in chambers of judge overseeing Murdaugh trial, Day 13: After bomb threat delay, Alex Murdaugh trial resumes with car data testimony, Murdaughs paralegal says she saw suspicious activity in the firm before familys murders, Murdaugh defense questions significance of gunshot evidence, testing of blue tarp, Ex-law partner says Murdaugh said he knew he was going to get caught on alleged thefts, Alex Murdaugh jurors hear testimony of alleged financial crimes, possible motive for murder, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son in June 2021, Alex Murdaughs attorneys say theyll appeal double-murder conviction, 2 men plead guilty for roles in 2021 Myrtle Beach hotel shooting that killed a Conway man, Police say more victims may be involved in human trafficking case involving 3 people, The evidence was clear: Murdaugh juror reveals quick deliberation in SC murder trial, Day 29: Murdaugh sentenced to life, attorneys say theyll appeal to US Supreme Court if needed. Authorities seized over $62,000 and 600 grams of heroin in a drug bust near Myrtle Beach on May 5, 2020. Police worked with local, state and federal authorities to make the arrests. var field59 = field59 || {}; Murphy told CNN affiliate WSB that it is by far the biggest heroin seizure in Georgia's . Each agency brings unique assets to the table that enhances their ability for success. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. . Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Jermaine Thomas Mouzon, 38, of Myrtle Beach Cruelty to Children, PWID Crack Cocaine, PWID Heroin, PWID Methamphetamine, Sarah Nicole Meadows, 27, of Myrtle Beach Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Cocaine, Xavier Mykel Graham,18, of Myrtle Beach Distribution of Crack Cocaine, Derrick Leroy Burgess, 43, of Irmo Resisting Arrest, Annie Burgess, 61, of Myrtle Beach Cruelty to Children, Angel Dawn Darling, 29, of Myrtle Beach Possession of Crack Cocaine, Bobby James Burgess, 40, of Myrtle Beach Possession of Crack Cocaine, Jadakiss Lashun Bowens, 19, of Myrtle Beach Possession of Crack Cocaine, David Laron Tisdale, 32, of Myrtle Beach Distribution of Heroin and Crack Cocaine, Amber Nichole Baker, 29, of Myrtle Beach Distribution of Heroin and Crack Cocaine, Raheem Tyrez Williams, 21, of Conway Possession of Crack Cocaine, Demarkis Earl Gamble, 21, of Myrtle Beach Possession of Crack Cocaine and Possession of Heroin, Shaimeek Lajuan Alston, 19, of Salters Possession of Crack Cocaine and Possession of Heroin. The bag allegedly contained 18 grams of crack cocaine, 26 grams of heroin and a 9mm handgun, according to police. More than 200 law enforcement officers participated in the investigation and arrests. Agents with DEAs Florence Resident Office quarterbacked this investigation with significant participation from the following agencies: Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Police Department, North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety, Florence County Sheriffs Office, Horry County Sheriffs Office, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), United States Marshals Service,and the Kingstree Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to call the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Follow Nicole Ziege on Twitter @NicoleZiege. Dates, what you need to know, 8 things we learned from the Tyler Doyle 911 calls, Person shot inside business in Forestbrook area leads to related death investigation. The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation: FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization. You have permission to edit this article. 45 year old Jamie Green of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, 42 year old James Kearney of Myrtle Beach, 30 year old Claudia Pieterse of Conway and 35 year old Zachary Stell of Murrells Inlet were all arrested on Wednesday. Two from Myrtle Beach charged after police find almost $300K, 1.69 pounds of fentanyl, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. James boys basketball head coach Chris Tibbits removed from coaching positions, New Conway High School football head coach Josh Pierce will look to use his experience in the weight room and recruiting the student body to build the Tigers' program. In his second arrest, Bellamy was charged with possessing a weapon during a violent. Ciera Pasturel is a full-time librarian responsible for selecting new print and e-materials for the library. Coastal Carolina University Department of Public Safety is pleased to have been involved with this important investigation., Horry County Sheriffs Office, Sheriff Phillip Thompson, We are grateful for the partnerships we share with federal law enforcement, state and local agencies in the combined efforts to fight the surge of drugs in our communities. christian.boschult@myhorrynews.com, Margaritaville properties coming to North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, Sign up for our newsletters or manage your list, Conway leaders give initial approval to city's first 'conservation subdivision', Buildings along Main Street in Loris are transforming into a movie studio, Where will they go? Attorney Stuart Axelrod, who is representingDunaway, declined to comment on the charges. Master Corporal Thomas Vest said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division provided a helicopter to assist the investigation. Official websites use .gov According to police, all four are facing a combined 32 charges. }; Several people were detained during a drug bust in Myrtle Beach yesterday. Teen Pleads Guilty To 2021 Myrtle Beach Hotel Shooting, Investigation Discovered Details Of Crash That Killed Two Members Of UGA Football Program, Fitness Friday: Next Level Mobility Shares Movements That Can Help with Spine Health. The Myrtle Beach area is safer today because these poly-drug traffickers have been removed from the streets., Today is another example of what can be accomplished using the outstanding partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement, said Chief Amy Prock of the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Last 12 Months. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Do not rely on this site to determine factual criminal records. Members were supplied with controlled substances from multiple interstate sources of supply, including one with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) from Jalisco, Mexico, according to the attorneys office release. Evidence presented in court filings reflects that the Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization was an interstate conspiracy that was involved in the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms. Charges against the two other defendants remain sealed at this time. James Murk Bellamy Jr., 19, of Longs, was arrested in March and charged with five weapons-related charges, after HCPD allegedly removed four of his handguns that were illegally owned. Click here for more reports, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Marianne Williamson officially launches 2024 bid, NC schools see spike in reported violence numbers, Driver who nearly hit kids at bus stop arrested, Ja Morant investigated by NBA over Instagram post, 2 dead, 1 deputy injured in NC chase, officials say, 1 killed amid turbulence event on business jet, What Biden might try next if his student loan forgiveness, 48 Hours focuses on Murdaugh trial Saturday on News13, House where JonBent Ramsey was found dead up for, How victims of SNAP scams can recoup their losses, SC bill could make abortion eligible for death penalty, 1 hurt in shooting at Forestbook-area strip mall, FCSO investigates after shots fired Friday night, Double-murder trial continues in Marion County, SC prosecuting woman who took abortion pill in 2021, 102 infractions for man who killed Michael Jordans, Firm removes Murdaugh name, now known as Parker Law, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Leroy Junior Cunningham, 45, of Myrtle Beach, Cameron Kazimierczak, 30, of Myrtle Beach.