57 year old Thomas Earl Parker of 5 Lora Court Greenville was booked into the Johnson Detention Center Thursday by the Sheriff’s office charged with violation of drug distribution laws. The warrant states that on Wednesday July 12^th at Walmart Pharmacy, Parker did unlawfully obtain a quantity of oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance by fraud. When the alleged practicioner was asked if the prescription was authorized by him he confirmed that it was not. Affiant’s belief is based on positive I.D. of the defendant picking up prescriptions, the practitioner statement, and video of the event. He remains in the Johnson Detention Center awaiting bond

In a related arrest:

Erica Marie Stone, age 31 of 108 Enchanted Circle Greenville was booked into the detention center on Thursday charged with violation of drug distribution laws. The warrant states that on or about July 28^th at Drug-Lo Stone did unlawfully obtain a quantity of oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance by fraud. When the alleged practitioner was asked if the prescription was authorized by him he confirmed that it was not. Affiant’s belief is based on positive I.D. of the defendant picking up prescriptions, the practitioner statement, and video of the event. Stone remains in the Johnson Detention Center awaiting bond.

We reported yesterday on the arrest of Keshawn Jamal Keith age 18 of 112 Sumter St. Laurens charged by the Laurens Police Department with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Warrants stated that Keith did attempt to murder a victim by discharging a firearm at him at close range on Spring Street in Laurens and did posses a .380 caliber weapon while attempting to murder a victim.

We now have more details on the case. Sergeant Nolen of the Laurens Police Department was dispatched to a Spring Street Laurens residence Tuesday at 8:29 pm in reference to a subject pointing a gun through a door. The victim advised he had arrived at his residence around 8 pm and was in his bedroom when he thought he heard something outside his residence. He then heard someone knocking on his side door. He alleged that he walked to his kitchen door and asked “Who is it” but got no response. He said after he asked the fourth time the subject responded “Keith”. The victim said he opened the door but not all the way and saw a black male with a red bandana on his head at the door reach behind his back and pull out a dark colored pistol. The victim said he then began to shut the door but before he could shut the door the subject discharged at least one shot at him at his head. He advised that at least two other shots came through his window just after he shut the door. He said he stepped away from the door to call 911. The victim said he did not recognize the subject but the incident happened very quickly and he did not get a good look at the subject. Officers processed the scene and located three bullet holes in the kitchen, two bullet holes in the bathroom, two spent lead bullets and one spent casing. The officer located a tool in the driveway and the victim stated it was not his and may have been dropped by the subject. After further investigations Keshawn Keith was arrested and charged. He remains in the detention center as of this posting.

We reported yesterday about a domestic violence incident that occurred earlier this week. Wednesday at 4:19 pm Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Clinton Public Safety in reference to a complaint about an incident that occurred in the county just outside Clinton City limits. The deputies spoke with the victim at the Clinton Department of Public Safety. At that same time The Clinton Public Safety reported on the separate incident. On Wednesday at 4:25 pm, Officer Duckett interviewed the victim. She stated that around 11 am The subject was walking with her from a gas station to the area where they were residing after getting coffee. An argument insued and the subject allegedly struck the coffee out of her hands and struck her in the chest with a closed fist. The victim sustained an injury to her left breast area. The victim said the subject had her cell phone in his pocket during the incident and would not give it to her. She stated that she turned around walked to a food mart and attempted to ask the clerk to call law enforcement but as soon as she got to the counter the subject was behind her. She said she was in fear of what the subject might do to her so she asked the clerk to use the bathroom. At that point the clerk advised her she was bleeding from her chest. The victim stated she then moved into the restroom started crying and cleaned up her chest. When she came out the subject was waiting by a nearby cooler. The victim said she purchased a coke and then they left the store. She said the subject kept her cellphone on his person until a few hours later when he had to retrieve pallets from a pile of shavings. Once he handed her the cellphone she was able to contact her sister through text messages to get the sister to call 911. Deputy Taylor of the Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a mote for a welfare check because the victim’s sister thought she was staying there but the deputy didn’t find the victim at the motel. At The CDPS botht the deputy and Officer Duckett took the victim’s information.

Jerry Michael Funderburk, Age 38, with no current address was booked Thursday into the Johnson Detention Center charged with Domestic Violence. The warrant from the City of Clinton states that on August 12^th he did strike the victim’s left breast area with closed hand inflicting a laceration. The incident is enhanced due to the fact that Funderburk did block the victim’s access to a cellphone with the purpose of preventing her from contacting law enforcement. This offense occurred within the city limits of Clinton. The second warrant, issued by the Sheriff’s Office, states that on August 9^th Funderburk did inflict moderate bodily injury or actions were accomplished by means likely to result in moderate bodily injury by punching the victim in the face and kicking her about the head and stomach. he remains in the Johnson Detention Center on a combined $17,500 bond.

The annual Anthony J. Sims Ministries School Drive was held Saturday morning at 10:00 am at the WLBG broadcast studios on Hillcrest Drive in Laurens. Children from throughout the county came by for free supplies to help them start the new year. Deputy Scott Patterson was on hand to share safety information with the children and Sheriff Ricky Chastain stopped by to help us kick things off. WLBG’s Levardis Payne and “Aunt” Dianne prepared delicious hot dogs for everyone as they do every year. Although we didn’t keep an exact count, around 100 backpacks were given to students and at least twice as many bags of supplies were passed out. 120 hot dogs were consumed and Deputy Patterson gave away 250 coloring books. This giveaway, now in it’s 6th year, would not be a success if it wasn’t for all those with giving hearts willing to donate items for these children. Without you, we couldn’t do this every year. A special thanks to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and all of the volunteers involved in this event.

“There are children that will go to school next week that don’t have any of the things they need to succeed and we are so thankful for the giving people in Laurens County that have helped some of those children to be better prepared to learn” said Rev. Anthony Sims, event organizer.

Rev. Anthony Sims, Deputy Scott Patterson, Rev. Richard Aiken & Wyatt Mattison on air in WLBG studios Saturday morning

“To all the churches, civic organizations, social clubs, and individuals that gave money and supplies WLBG personally thanks you. The smiles on these kid’s faces says it all. Days like this remind me of why I’m proud to live here and work for  Laurens County’s radio station.” Wyatt Mattison, General Manager WLBG

Bro. Nod Payne cookin’ them dawgs

In a joint effort, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton Department of Public Safety, Laurens City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have been conducting an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity in Laurens County.

Special Advanced Tactical Teams with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and Clinton Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant Thursday evening, August 14, 2015 at approximately 7:30p.m. at Crane’s Park Drive, Laurens at two homes and one other location being used as a social clubhouse for the suspects who were taken into custody.

During the execution of the search warrant ten men were arrested. In addition to the arrests, crack cocaine in excess of 28 grams, marijuana in excess of one pound and cash in excess of $21,000.00 were also seized.

Sheriff Chastain and Clinton Department of Public Safety Director Robin Morse were at the incident location during the search warrant execution and afterwards commended the professionalism and great working relationship the officers in the county share with each other.

All ten suspects were charged with Trafficking in Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine in Proximity of Stepping Stones Academy, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana in Proximity of Stepping Stones Academy and Violation of Gaming Laws.

Charged were: 27 year old Elliot Van Miller, Jr of 641 Dial Place Road, Laurens,

43 year old Seante Lamont Smith of 205 E Hampton Road, Laurens, 67 year old Bobbie Rice Wrice of 315 Sunset Park, Laurens, 43 year old Stacey Maurice Evans of 495 Pinehaven Street, Laurens, 37 year old Maurice Antwan Anderson of 146 Crane Drive, Laurens, 29 year old Randy Alexander James of 31 E Patton Road, Laurens, 33 year old Wayne Demaris Wrice of 117 Gordon Street, Laurens, 32 year old Eric Antwam Pinson of 318 Wynetta Street, Laurens, 39 year old Eric Johnson of 5 Sunshine Avenue, Greenville and 26 year old Terrance Gereal Young of 201 Hooker Avenue, Laurens.

Laurens Police were dispatched to Newnan Street at 3:08 Saturday morning on a report of a disturbance. A man reportedly told officers that his Baby’s Mama kicked in his door and sacked his house. He said she does not live with her, but did not want to press charges for the Burglary. Sgt. Nolan reported observing damage to the front door of the house as well as several items broken inside. The baby’s mama, meanwhile, said that he had invited her over, but the officer determined that did not make sense, noting that the man had his current girlfriend over and it didn’t seem reasonable to invite an x over at 3 am. The officer escorted the baby’s mama back to her residence at Meadowbrook apartments. While on the way home, the baby’s mama reportedly admitted she was being ‘nosey’ about who her baby’s daddy had visiting.

A Capitol City woman wanted by Laurens Police for a forged check case 14 months ago was placed in the Laurens County Detention Center yesterday. 32-year-old Abony Belinda Brown of 5709 ½ North Main Street, Columbia was served with a warrant charging her with Forgery. In that warrant, Detective Leann Riggott states that on June 6, 2014 the defendant presented a forged/counterfeit check to Drug Lo, knowing the document to be forged, for the purpose of obtaining value or benefit. The check for $159.75 was presented at 106 Fleming Street in Laurens. Abony B. Brown of Columbia was held overnight in the Johnson Detention Center, pending a bond hearing today.

State Probation and Parole Friday arrested 49-year-old James Allen Vincent of 181 Flatwood Road, Clinton on a Violation of Probation charge. He’s accused of failing to report in April and of changing his residence to an unknown location, thereby absconding supervision. He was also accused of testing positive to drugs on February 3rd 2015 at the Laurens County Detention Center. A $20,000 cash or surety bond was set on the Probation charge. Saturday, Clinton Public Safety charged Mr. Vincent with Attempt to Purchase. A warrant states he attempted to purchase 2.4 grams of ephedrine products in Clinton August 11th, which would have been over 9 grams in a 30-day period. A $10,000 bond was set this weekend on the Attempted Purchase charge from Clinton. James Allen Vincent remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.

The Sheriff’s Office arrested a Cross Hill man Friday and charged him with Domestic Violence assault back in May and served him with a Bench Warrant from a Magistrate’s Court conviction on a Malicious Damage case the same month. 31-year-old James Morgan Hill of 2814 Harris Springs Road, Cross Hill was charged with Domestic Violence 2nd Degree. Deputy Paterson states that on June 5th, 2015 James Morgan Hill committed the crime of Domestic Violence in the 2nd Degree by punching his girlfriend in the mouth, causing her to require medical attention. The warrant further states they have a child in common. The Bench Warrant states that Hill was convicted of Malicious Damage on May 4th with a sentence of $470 fine or jail time of 30 days, suspended to restitution of $100 and a $237 fine, to run consecutively with any other sentence. In addition to the requirements from the Malicious Damage Bench warrant, James Morgan Hill was being held in the Johnson Detention Center this morning with a $10,000 cash or surety bond set on the Domestic Violence charge.

The Sheriff’s Office yesterday arrested a man in connection with an alleged domestic assault eight days before. 26-year-old Johnny Lewis Henry Jr. of 1424 Rabun Church Road, Gray Court – near Hickory Tavern – was charged with Domestic Violence 2nd Degree and with Malicious Damage. Deputy Edwards states that on August 8th 2015 the defendant committed Domestic Violence in the 2nd degree by throwing a brick at the vehicle of the defendant, breaking the windshield of the vehicle and the cell phone of the victim. Johnny Lewis Henry Jr. was held overnight in the Johnson Detention Center, pending a bond hearing today.

The Sheriff’s Office charged a Western Laurens County man this weekend in connection with a home break-in this June. 40-year-old Wesley Dale Willis of 77 Brissy Rock Road, Ware Shoals was arrested late Friday night by Sheriff’s Lt. J.D. Shelton, who initially issued a citation charging Willis with Public Disorderly Conduct at 11:25 Friday night on Highway 25. After Willis was booked in the county lock-up early Saturday morning, he was served with a warrant charging him with Burglary in the 1st Degree. In the warrant, Officer J.B. Tucker cites an investigation of Corporal Farrah Cook as indicating that on June 21st one Wesley D. Willis broke into and entered a dwelling on Powerhouse Road, Ware Shoals during the nighttime with intent to commit a crime therein. While a $465 cash or surety bond was set on the Disorderly Conduct charge, bond was denied on the 1st Degree Burglary charge. Wesley Dale Willis of Ware Shoals remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office joined with Laurens County Animal Control Friday morning to investigate a video Animal Control had received showing dogs fighting. A ten-minute video reportedly showed two black male Pit Bull dogs viciously fighting at a location off Woodberry Drive, Laurens. At one point, they were separated with sticks, only to be let go to fight again. A witness reportedly indicated that after one dog was deemed loser of the fight, his head was smashed in with a concrete block and the animal’s body was thrown into the bushes. When Animal Control went to investigate Thursday they were reportedly asked to leave.

Deputy McMahan went before a magistrate and received a search warrant for the site of the alleged dog fight, as well as arrest warrants for a father and son allegedly involved in the fight.

On arrival officers reportedly observed the dog that had “won” the fight tied with obvious injuries. At the back of the property they reported finding several more dogs in a wooded area, one dog had puppies. A report notes that authorities found several dog skulls and shallow graves. Water found with the dogs reportedly was green and filled with trash. One dog was reportedly tied to the tree so tightly officers had to take down the tree to get the dog free. Cement blocks such as the one observed in the video were found, along with a dog with a crushed skull, discarded behind the residence.

73-year-old James Bernard Copeland of 397 Woodberry Drive, Laurens was arrested at the scene on Woodberry Drive as officers arrived Friday morning. Laurens City Police assisted with the arrest of 24-year-old Damien Marquez Copeland at his residence, 131 Williams Street in Laurens. Both were charged with Animal Cruelty and with Animal Fighting or Baiting.

A Clinton man was fatally shot after pumping gas at a convenience store shortly before 5:00 yesterday afternoon. At ten minutes until 5:00, the Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Corner Mart, formerly Hickory Point, at the corner of US 76 and Torrington Road, just outside Clinton. Sheriff Ricky Chastain told WLBG News that it appears the victim had pumped gas at a pump on the Torrington Road side of the store. A 2014 Nissan Sentra pulled into the opposite side of the pump. After fueling, the victim went into the store, then he returned to his truck. Sheriff Chastain said it appears the man began to pull off, but stopped and got out, as if to check his gas cap. A man from the passenger side of the Nissan then reportedly got out of the car, walked over to the Clinton man and began shooting. Multiple shots were fired. The Sheriff’s Office said 55 year old David Roy Anderson of Clinton was taken to GHS Laurens County Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Sheriff’s Office issued a ‘lookout’ notice for the Nissan. Meanwhile, Sheriff Ricky Chastain said the car was located in Joanna around 10:30 last night at the Park. A few minutes later, a person of interest in the shooting was located. 30-year-old Marvin Molquie “Marlo” Watson of 202 Stuart Street, Laurens was booked late last night and was being held for charges.

Officers continued searching for Watson’s girlfriend, thought to have been the driver of the car. Her family reportedly brought her to Clinton Public Safety around 4:00 this morning. She was questioned by deputies there. At 5:07 this morning, Lt. Crain delivered 20-year-old Zeryikia Shaqueena Copeland of 204 Tribble Street, Clinton to the Johnson Detention Center. She is reportedly eight months pregnant.

30-year-old “Marlo” Watson of Laurens and 20-year-old Zeryikia Copeland were being held for charges. The Sheriff said they’ll be asking for Murder Warrants on both suspects today.

Sheriff Chastain said there does not appear to have been any relationship between the shooter and the Clinton man who was killed during the multiple gunshots at the Corner Mart.

Clinton Public Safety was dispatched to 300 Jacobs Highway at 2:19 yesterday afternoon when the General Contractor for renovations at Bailey Manor reported the theft of items from the job site. Items noted stolen included a brass mixing value and power tools used in pipe cutting. These items, valued at $3,700, belonged to a Greenwood company. Other items noted as taken were valued at $889. These were from a Clinton company.

Officer Duckett. Suspect names were developed for the investigation. Voice mail from a cell phone stolen from the scene had reportedly been changed from what the owner had in use.

A former Laurens man was extradited from Florida to Laurens County yesterday to be held for trail on two cases of Domestic Assault. 34-year-old Melvin Lemond Thompson had reportedly been living on Grandview Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was served with two Bench Warrants which state he failed to appear for his Initial Appearance in Laurens County General Sessions Criminal Court on May 22nd, 2015. Those warrants note a previous address on Hunter’s Court. Thompson is now being held in the Laurens County Detention Center, pending his next trial date to face the two charges of 3rd or Subsequent offence of Criminal Domestic Violence. In both cases, records cite two or more prior convictions within ten years.

A Spartanburg woman was booked in Laurens County yesterday for two alleged cases of Breach of Trust from two days last December. 25-year-old Shadae Twanett Sheppard of 650 Howard Street, Spartanburg is charged with two counts, Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent.

Laurens City Police Sgt. Shane Martin states that on December 15, 2014 Shadae Shepard concealed and carried away merchandise from the Corner Mart at 1403 West Main in Laurens with the intent of depriving the store of value, and that Ms. Sheppard was an employee of the Corner Mart, making this a Breach of Trust.

In the Sheriff’s Office warrant, Deputy J.L. Taylor states that on December 14, 2014 Ms. Sheppard received in trust property valued at $27 and that she appropriated the property to her own use, with intent to deprive the owner of said property.

A $2,000 personal recognizance bond was set yesterday on the Laurens City charges. Shadae Sheppard remained in the Laurens County Detention Center overnight, pending a bond hearing on the charge from the Sheriff’s Office.

Clinton Public Safety arrested a Clinton man for allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine at his residence yesterday. 29-year-old Dustin Blake Sherfield of unit 8 at 308 Chestnut Street, Clinton was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Manufacture of Methamphetamine and with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Public Safety Officer Duckett states that on August 17th 2015 at 308 Chestnut Street Dustin Blake Sherfield had in his possession approximately 2.16 grams of an off-white powder substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, with the intent to distribute. Officer Duckett further alleges that Sherfield did knowingly possess the ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine at 308 Chestnut Street yesterday, and that he mixed all the ingredients, placing them in separate containers, and manufactured methamphetamine. In the third warrant, Officer Duckett states that Sherfield had in his possession drug paraphernalia used in the manufacturing and consumption of methamphetamine.

Cash or surety bonds were set totaling $86,000 on the three charges yesterday. Dustin Blake Sherfield was transferred to the Johnson Detention Center, where he remained this morning.

A Murder warrant was acquired and served yesterday on a Laurens man who is accused of shooting a Clinton man at the Corner Stop just west of Clinton at 5:50 Sunday afternoon. Sheriff Chastain said the suspect and victim did not have any history of disagreements. Officers reportedly found no evidence they even knew each other. 55 year-old David Roy Anderson of Clinton was transported to GHS Laurens County Memorial, where he was pronounced dead. Deputies yesterday charged 30-year-old Marvin Molique “Marlo” Watson of 202 Stuart Street, Laurens with Murder and with Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime. In the two warrants, Sheriff’s Lt. J.D. Shelton states that on August 16th Marvin Molique Watson did, with malice and aforethought, cause the death of the victim by shooting him may times in his chest. Lt. Shelton further states that Watson possessed and displayed a firearm during commission of a violent crime. No bond was set for either charge.

Watson’s pregnant girlfriend, 20-year-old Zeryikia Shaquez Shequeena Jaquet Copeland of 204 Tribble Street, Clinton, was charged yesterday with Accessory After the Fact to a Felony. Lt. J.D. Shelton states that on August 16th Ms. Copeland rendered assistance to a felon, knowing that the felon had committed the Felony of Murder, with the intent to assisting the felon to avoid the consequences of his crime. No bond was set for Ms. Copeland’s Accessory to a Felony charge.

Marvin “Marlo” Watson and Zerhikia Copeland both remained in the Laurens County Detention Center today.

Refurbishing the elevated water tank on US 221 North of Laurens was approved by the Laurens C.P.W. during their August meeting last evening. The commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 15-04 to authorize hiring Utility Services Company to refurbish the elevated water storage tank near the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and Hunter Industrial Park. The cost for the project is $407,500.00.

Utility Services Company, Inc. specializes in cleaning and restoring water tanks.