South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced new indictments in the ongoing “Devil in Disguise” investigation, a major narcotics trafficking probe. The State Grand Jury has unsealed ten indictments across five counties against 108 defendants, covering over 380 charges primarily related to fentanyl trafficking.
“These new State Grand Jury indictments are the result of the hard work of law enforcement, prosecutors, and staff from many jurisdictions,” stated Attorney General Wilson. He also mentioned a new legislative tool to charge fentanyl traffickers whose drugs result in death: “Soon, we’ll also have a new tool to charge fentanyl traffickers if their drugs kill someone, thanks to the fentanyl-induced homicide bill just passed by the legislature.”
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office reported 278 drug-related overdose deaths in 2022, largely linked to fentanyl. This prompted an investigation by the Greenville County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), which collaborated with multiple agencies including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and federal partners. The investigation began in August 2023 and has led to significant drug seizures and arrests.
The “Devil in Disguise” operation has so far recovered substantial quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs. Authorities have seized over $1 million believed to be narcotics proceeds and several firearms. Historical data shows that more than 540 kilograms of fentanyl have been trafficked since January 2020.
Mexican cartels play a significant role in supplying these drugs, coordinating shipments into South Carolina through various means including prison contacts within the United States.
Charges already filed include murder related to overdose deaths from distributed fentanyl as well as trafficking charges for various substances like methamphetamine and heroin. Other allegations involve money laundering and illegal weapons possession.
Bond hearings for some defendants are scheduled for May 19 at Richland County Courthouse before Judge Heath P. Taylor.
The case was supported by numerous law enforcement bodies at both state and federal levels. Prosecution will be led by State Grand Jury Section Chief Attorney S. Creighton Waters along with Assistant Attorneys General Jennifer McKellar, Jason Anders, and Walt Whitmire.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
