Palmetto State News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has demanded an apology from President Biden, stating, “Joe Biden owes the American people an apology.” Senator Scott made this statement ahead of President Biden's State of the Union address scheduled for tonight.Senator Scott expressed his concerns about the current state of affairs under the Biden administration, highlighting various issues plaguing the nation. He pointed out, "Under the Biden administration, Americans are experiencing the largest invasion at the southern border in our nation’s history, persistent inflation...

Matica Group to Set Up First North American Manufacturing Operations in Spartanburg County

Matica Group, a global identity and payment solutions provider, has announced the establishment of its first North American manufacturing operation in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. The company's $2 million investment in the new facility is expected to create 40 new jobs. Founder and CEO of Matica Group, Sandro Camilleri, expressed the company's long-standing desire to open a factory in the U.S., stating, "South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the most business-friendly states in the U.S. and this, combined with our existing expert technical staff already being...

Graham Calls For Passage of Legislation to Protect Children Online, Hold Big Tech Accountable

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) took to the Senate floor last night to urge the immediate passage of legislation aimed at combating the sexual exploitation of children online and holding Big Tech companies accountable. Graham, along with a bipartisan group of senators, including Chuck Grassley, John Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar, Josh Hawley, and Dick Durbin, emphasized the urgency of addressing this critical issue."The sexual exploitation of children [on these social media platforms] is just mind-boggling," stated Senator Graham during his impassioned plea for...

Attorney General Alan Wilson Leads Multistate Effort to Support Human Trafficking Survivors

Attorney General Alan Wilson, leading a multistate effort to support Congressman Russell Fry's bill aimed at aiding survivors of human trafficking, emphasized the importance of addressing this pervasive issue. Wilson stated, "Combatting this issue is near and dear to my heart," highlighting the profound impact human trafficking can have on individuals.The bipartisan Human Trafficking Survivor Relief Act, introduced by Congressman Fry, seeks to provide protection and assistance to victims who have been coerced into criminal activities by their traffickers. Wilson expressed...

Elgin Man Arrested on Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Related Charges

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of James Leonard Carter, Jr., 20, of Elgin, S.C., on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. The arrest was made by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.According to investigators, "Carter engaged in criminal sexual conduct with a minor and manufactured files of child sexual abuse material."Carter was arrested on February 29, 2024, and is facing one count of criminal sexual conduct with a minor...

Kershaw County Man Arrested on Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Related Charges

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of James Leonard Carter, Jr., 20, of Elgin, S.C., on six charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. The arrest was made by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.According to investigators, Carter engaged in criminal sexual conduct with a minor and manufactured files of child sexual abuse material. Carter was arrested on February 29, 2024, and is facing charges including one count of criminal sexual...

Summerville Man Arrested on Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and Related Charges

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Jonathan Maxwell Elking, 37, of Summerville, S.C., on two charges connected to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Mount Pleasant Police Department made the arrest.According to Attorney General Wilson, Elking solicited a person he believed to be a minor for sex and sent sexually explicit images to a person he believed to be a minor.Elking was arrested on March 4, 2024. He is charged with one count of...

Scott Champions Legislation to Deport Illegal Migrants with DUIs, Protect American Citizens

U.S. Senator Tim Scott, along with Senator Bill Hagerty and 11 other Senate colleagues, has introduced the Protect Our Communities From DUIs Act. The legislation aims to prevent illegal migrants who have committed a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense from entering the U.S. and mandates the automatic deportation of illegal migrants who commit DUIs within the United States.Senator Scott criticized President Biden's stance on DUI offenses committed by illegal immigrants, stating, "President Biden’s willful act to protect illegal immigrants who break the law over...

McEntire Produce Expands Richland County Operations with $26.2 Million Investment

McEntire Produce, a well-established fresh produce supplier, has announced a significant investment in its Richland County facility that will result in the creation of 40 new jobs. The company, which has been operating in Richland County since 1938, is set to enhance its existing facility with automation advancements aimed at improving production capacity over the next five years.In a statement, McEntire Produce President and CEO Carter McEntire expressed the family's excitement about the investment, stating, "The investments planned over the next five years will improve...

Dynamic Fluid Components Expands Operations in Oconee County

By Palmetto State News | Mar 5, 2024

Dynamic Fluid Components, a wholesale distributor of fluid power products, is set to expand its operations in Oconee County with a $4.8 million investment that will create 10 new jobs. The company will construct a new 25,000-square-foot distribution facility in West Union, South Carolina, and invest in updated equipment to enhance its services.President of Dynamic Fluid Components, Sam Adams, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating, "The new facility will bring even more efficiency to our operation and allow us to meet the needs of our growing customer base well...

Columbia Man Arrested on Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and Related Charges

By Palmetto State News | Mar 5, 2024

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson made a public statement regarding the recent arrest of Micka White, a 29-year-old resident of Columbia, S.C. White faces serious charges linked to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.According to investigators, White allegedly engaged in solicitation of a minor for sexual activities and sent explicit images to someone he believed to be underage. The arrest was carried out by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators from the Charleston Police Department, with support from...

Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette, and First Lady Peggy McMaster's Busy Schedules for the Week of March 4, 2024

Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette, and First Lady Peggy McMaster had a packed schedule for the week of March 4, 2024, as they attended various events and meetings across South Carolina.On Tuesday, March 5, Governor McMaster was scheduled to attend the 2024 South Carolina Rural Summit at SRP Park in North Augusta, S.C.Lt. Gov. Evette had a busy day on Thursday, March 7. She started by speaking at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce's 3rd annual Women's Leadership Symposium at Segra Park in Columbia. Later in the day, she was set to speak at the South...

Senator Scott Champions Farmers, Condemns Department of Labor’s Actions Fueling High Grocery Prices, Food Insecurity

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has taken a stand against the Department of Labor's actions that are contributing to high grocery prices and food insecurity in the country. Senator Scott, along with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and 15 other Senate colleagues, introduced the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which aims to address the increasing labor costs for farmers and combat the record high food prices affecting Americans.In a statement, Senator Scott expressed his concerns about the impact of the Department of Labor's policies on farmers and consumers,...

Seneca Woman Arrested for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and Fraud, Says Attorney General Wilson

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Jennifer Helen Wilks, 43, of Seneca, S.C., for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and Financial Transactions Card Fraud. According to Wilson, Wilks stands accused of making unauthorized use of a vulnerable adult's funds and assets, using the victim's debit card for personal purchases totaling over $500 in a six-month period. The victim, identified as a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, was receiving care at healthcare facilities during the period in question.Wilson emphasized that the case will...

Senator Scott Leads Call for Censure of Iran for Nuclear Buildup