Prosperity man sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for boat ramp stabbing

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Admin

MATTHEW L. JACKSON

Newberry, S.C.; March 29, 2019 – A Prosperity man will spend the next 15 years in prison after being found guilty Thursday afternoon of an aggravated assault and battery in connection to an incident at the Sunset Boat Ramp, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday.

Matthew Legrande Jackson, 29, of Prosperity, was indicted for attempted murder, but was found guilty Thursday by a Newberry County jury of the lesser offense of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN) following a four-day trial at the Newberry County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Donald Hocker then sentenced Jackson to 15 years three months in prison for the assault.

In June 2018, Jackson got into an argument with the victim while at the Sunset Boat Ramp. Jackson left the boat ramp but returned some time later. The victim was having trouble starting his motorcycle and was attempting to jump it off when Jackson returned and started a physical altercation with the victim. During the attack, Jackson produced a knife and stabbed the victim five times.

The victim was taken to the hospital in Newberry to receive treatment for his injuries and was later transported to Richland County Hospital to receive further treatment. Jackson could not be located initially but was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement in Sumter County.

Jackson has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2003.  His prior offenses include number of assault-related crimes.

Deputy Solicitor Dale Scott, Assistant Solicitor Taylor Daniel, and Assistant Solicitor Margaret Boykin handled the case for the state with assistance from 8th Circuit Investigator Walter Bentley and Victim Advocate Rhetta Christian. Jackson was represented by Charles Verner of the Newberry Public Defender’s Office.

Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff along with Lt. Garrett Lominack of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office in securing the conviction.

“Matthew Jackson is a homicide waiting to happen if you look at his behavior throughout his adult life,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “Fortunately, the victim in this case survived this vicious, unprovoked attack.  We are glad that he was able to get some measure of justice this week, and we will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement to take violent men like Jackson off our streets.”

Posted in Newberry County, News | Comments Off on Prosperity man sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for boat ramp stabbing

Man sentenced to 17 years for DUI crash that killed two bikers

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Admin

Ronald Derossett, left, stands before the court with his attorney, Bill Yarbrough, during a plea proceeding Friday morning.

Laurens, S.C.; March 22, 2019 — A Greenwood man will spend the next 17 years in prison after pleading guilty Friday morning to two counts of felony DUI in connection to a 2017 incident that cost two Greenwood men their lives, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday.

Ronald Lee Derossett, 58, pleaded guilty Friday morning at the Laurens County Courthouse to two counts of felony DUI resulting in death, two counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury, possession of marijuana, and driving under suspension. Derossett was scheduled to go to trial beginning April 1. Derossett was facing up to 25 years on the charges related to the death and up to 15 years on the charges related to the injuries.

Circuit Judge Donald Hocker then handed down a sentence of 17 years in prison on each of the felony DUI resulting in death charges, 10 years in prison on each of the felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury charges and time served on each of the possession of marijuana and driving under suspension charges. The sentences will run concurrently and the court ordered Derossett to pay $15,200 in fines in addition to the prison sentence.

On the evening of May 5, 2017, Derossett was traveling west along Highway 72/221 from Laurens to Greenwood near the Lander University Equestrian Center in his 1999 Jeep just before 9 p.m. when he attempted to turn left onto Evans Pond Road. Derossett never slowed down when making the turn and hit two motorcycles traveling east. The motorcycles were being driven by 45-year-old John Ruley and 57-year-old Tommy Burdette. Each of the motorcycles also had a female passenger. Ruley and Burdette were both pronounced dead at the scene. The two female passengers sustained significant injuries that will likely last many years. Derossett’s blood-alcohol level, which was tested by the State Law Enforcement Division, was .205, significantly higher than the state’s legal limit for intoxication of .08.

Derossett has a criminal history dating back to 1982. The convictions came from four different states and most were substance abuse related.

Solicitor Stumbo and Assistant Solicitor Karissa O’Keefe-Young handled the case for the state with assistance from 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Investigator Michael Cox and Victim Advocates Mary Ann Stroup and Sarah Parris. Derossett was represented by Bill Yarbrough of the Greenville County Bar.

Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff in preparing the case as well as the thorough investigation by the state Highway Patrol, in particular Sgt. Jamie Brown and the accident reconstruction team investigator Sgt. Tommy Brooks, in securing the conviction and lengthy prison sentence.

“There is absolutely no reason that John (Ruley) and Tommy (Burdette) should not be beginning to enjoy warmer weather as they ride their motorcycles with the ladies they loved,” Solicitor Stumbo said following the proceeding. “Instead, that night, Ronald Derossett chose to become grossly intoxicated and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is my hope that the families of these two men can begin to heal from this tragedy and that their legacies will live on for generations to come.”

Posted in Greenwood County, News | Comments Off on Man sentenced to 17 years for DUI crash that killed two bikers

Repeat offender gets maximum sentence after shooting at Abbeville deputy

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Admin

MARK ALLEN SIMMONS

Abbeville, S.C.; March 13, 2019 – A repeat offender who shot at an Abbeville County deputy during a traffic stop will spend the next 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the incident Wednesday afternoon at the Abbeville County Courthouse, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced.

Mark Allen Simmons, 31, pleaded guilty as charged to attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime during the Wednesday afternoon plea proceeding. Circuit Judge R. Scott Sprouse then sentenced Simmons to 30 years in prison, the maximum allowable sentence for attempted murder under state law.

In December 2017, Abbeville County Deputy Tim Wright attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven erratically by Simmons along Highway 28 in Abbeville County. The vehicle immediately attempted to speed away. Simmons pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and, as soon as the deputy’s vehicle came to a stop, he leaned out the driver’s side window and fired a shot with a long rifle at the deputy before speeding off once again. The shot hit the front of the patrol car near the top of the radiator, right in line with where Deputy Wright was seated in the patrol car.

Deputy Wright immediately began to give chase once more as the vehicle sped away. As the high-speed chase ensued, Simmons leaned out the driver’s window and fired a second shot while a female passenger, Crystal Weaghington, controlled the wheel of the vehicle as Simmons fired the weapon.  Weaghington pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to a felony last month and agreed to testify at trial for the State. She has not yet been sentenced on that charge.

As the pursuit continued through the northern part of Abbeville County, Simmons and Weaghington threw multiple items out of the sunroof the vehicle, including the rifle used by Simmons and a shotgun. Simmons nearly ran a school bus full of elementary-aged children off the road at one point. The bus driver skillfully drove the bus to safety and no children were harmed. Simmons then sped through a busy intersection without stopping just before deputies were able to end the pursuit by executing a “pit” maneuver. Simmons continued to violently resist arrest after he was taken into custody, telling deputies that he was mentally ill and had done “meth, marijuana, and flaaka” in the preceding hours.

Solicitor Stumbo and Assistant Solicitor Micah Black prepared the case for trial for the state, with assistance from 8th Circuit Investigator Chris Wilkie and Victim Advocate Sarah Parris. Simmons was represented by Janna Nelson of the 8th Circuit Public Defender’s Office.

Abbeville County Sheriff Ray Watson said he was thankful for the safety of his deputies and having a dangerous criminal off the streets.

“I am very glad that we were able to get this case resolved and get a dangerous individual off the streets for a long time,” Sheriff Watson said. “I hope that (Simmons) can get the help he needs while he is incarcerated so that he can be a better person in the future.”

Watson also had high praise for his deputies, particularly Deputy Wright, who was recently decorated for his actions at the S.C. Sheriff’s Association.

“I can’t say enough about the dedication of our deputies – especially Tim Wright – who do whatever is necessary to keep our community safe, often putting their lives on the line,” Watson said.

Solicitor Stumbo echoed that sentiment and reaffirmed his longstanding support of law enforcement.

“Firing a weapon at an officer who is just doing his job will not be tolerated,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “If Deputy Wright had been struck and killed by the bullets from Mark Simmons gun, we would be seeking the death penalty. By the grace of God that did not happen and Deputy Wright is still daily serving and keeping Abbeville families safe.  My staff and I will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in law enforcement who man the thin blue line and keep our communities safe from violent criminals like Mark Simmons.”

Posted in Abbeville County, News | Comments Off on Repeat offender gets maximum sentence after shooting at Abbeville deputy

Solicitor’s Office distributes toys to local children in need

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Admin

Greenwood, S.C.; December 20, 2018 – Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo on Thursday distributed toys to several local organizations to help needy children have a special Christmas in what has become one of the most beloved traditions in the 8th Judicial Circuit for both program participants and office staff, as well as the local partner nonprofit agencies who distribute the toys to families in need.

The annual tradition that began nearly two decades ago allows participants in diversion programs – such as Pretrial Intervention, Traffic Education Program, and Alcohol Education Program – to purchase Christmas gifts for needy children in lieu of a portion of their community service hours.

Being able to contribute to the lives of others in the community is an enriching experience for participants in diversion programs, according to PTI Director Dale Allen.

“One of my favorite parts of my job is watching people’s eyes light up when they find out they can help children need as part of their program,” Allen said. “It makes a difference in the life of a child and the life of a participant.”

Each year, Allen directs participants to start bringing the toys to the office at the beginning of September. They toys are placed around a tree in the office and the toys begin spilling out across the common area until they are collected by partners in each county who distribute the toys.

The Christmas toy program finds itself right in the crosshairs of Solicitor Stumbo’s mission to balance accountability and restorative justice, though, according to Solicitor Stumbo, it is not exactly the place one would expect to find thousands of dollars worth of toys and over 20 bicycles.

“The Lord opens doors in the most interesting places,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “You wouldn’t think a prosecutor’s office would have the ability to collect so many toys, but every year we have the privilege to distribute them across our circuit and see those in need blessed through it. This is one of the best things we get to do every year.”

Posted in News | Comments Off on Solicitor’s Office distributes toys to local children in need

Greenwood gang member sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Admin

ZANTRAVIOUS HALL

Greenwood, S.C.; November 30, 2018 – Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday that a member of Greenwood’s Eastside Gang was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2017 killing of a 23-year-old Greenwood man. Continue reading →

Posted in Greenwood County, News | Comments Off on Greenwood gang member sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole

Solicitor announces mentorship program addition to Veterans Court

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Admin

PHOTO CUTLINE: Pictured from left to right are VA Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator Sara Morrell, Veterans Court Director Jami Steifle, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo, Veterans Affairs Officer Carey Bolt, VFW Post 8131 Commander Mike Sudik, and VFW Post 8131 Adjutant John Penman.

Greenwood, S.C.; November 9, 2018 – As the nation prepares to honor and celebrate its veterans on Veterans Day, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo on Friday announced a new Veterans Court program component aimed at helping veterans obtain the help they need to battle issues such as substance abuse, mental health and other issues unique to veterans. Continue reading →

Posted in News | Comments Off on Solicitor announces mentorship program addition to Veterans Court

Greenwood drug dealer receives consecutive sentences for assaulting officers

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Admin

TALLAH L. EISON

Greenwood, S.C.; November 9, 2018 – Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday that a Greenwood drug dealer received consecutive sentences after he assaulted two agents with the Greenwood County Drug Enforcement Unit while being arrested on drug charges. Continue reading →

Posted in Greenwood County, News | Comments Off on Greenwood drug dealer receives consecutive sentences for assaulting officers

Greenwood man sentenced to 37 years in prison for domestic homicide

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Admin

CLINTON ANTHONY SMITH

Laurens, S.C.; October 22, 2018 – A Greenwood man was sentenced to 37 years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of his estranged wife. Continue reading →

Posted in Laurens County, News | Comments Off on Greenwood man sentenced to 37 years in prison for domestic homicide

Greenwood domestic abuser sentenced to 18 years in prison

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Admin

STAVALYON TURNER

Greenwood, S.C.; October 5, 2018 – A Greenwood man will spend the next 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a June 2017 domestic assault, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday.

Stavalyon Amane Turner, 35, pleaded guilty Thursday at the Greenwood County Courthouse to charges of domestic violence, high and aggravated in nature, and violation of protection order. After hearing presentations by the state and the defense, Circuit Judge Frank Addy Jr. sentenced Turner to 18 years in prison.

On June 24, 2017, deputies responded to the victim’s residence where she told them that Turner had assaulted her and bitten off a chunk of her upper lip. Investigators later located the piece of the victim’s lip on her bed. The victim was taken to the Emergency Care Center at Self Regional Medical Center to receive treatment for her sever injuries, which included multiple surgeries.

Turner had committed prior domestic assaults involving one other victim and the current victim, which resulted in the order of protection that was in place at the time of the June 2017 incident.

Solicitor Stumbo and Assistant Solicitor Carson Penney handled the case for the state. Turner was represented by Michael Gambrell of the Greenville County Bar.

Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff along with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office in securing the conviction and lengthy prison sentence.

“It is extremely disappointing that Stavalyon Turner refused to take advantage of the multiple opportunities to succeed given by the people closest to him, including the victims of his assaults,” Solicitor Stumbo said following the proceeding. “It is unacceptable for a man treat a woman in such a manner, and we will continue to be relentless in our fight to protect victims of domestic violence.  Our state has made great strides in recent years to attack this issue, and I hope that this conviction and sentence only furthers the resolve to continue to pursue domestic abusers and bring them to justice.”

Posted in Greenwood County, News | Comments Off on Greenwood domestic abuser sentenced to 18 years in prison

Greenwood man sentenced to 100 months for possessing a firearm

Posted on September 24, 2018 by Admin

Columbia, South Carolina — United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Tramain R. Anderson, 28, of Greenwood, was sentenced to 100 months in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g).  United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks, of Charleston, sentenced Anderson and imposed a three-year term of supervised release.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on July 12, 2017, the Greenwood City Police Department received a report that a young woman was possibly being abused at a local motel.  Officers went to Room 207, knocked, and encountered Anderson.  Police smelled marijuana and Anderson admitted that he had just smoked a joint.  The drug evidence gave police probable cause to search the room.  Upon entering the room, they located  a young female occupant who said she was being held against her will and that she had been beaten by Anderson. She explained that Anderson had a gun and that it was in Anderson’s personal bag sitting on the bed.  In the bag, the officers found a Taurus .38 caliber revolver that was fully loaded.

In consultation with local authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office agreed to prosecute Anderson for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The case was investigated by agents of the Greenwood City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

This case is part of a joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Posted in News | Comments Off on Greenwood man sentenced to 100 months for possessing a firearm