| Palmetto State News

State grand jury issues charges related to criminal activity in SC prisons

By Palmetto State News | Jul 30, 2024

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced charges today resulting from multiple investigations into criminal activities within the state's prison system. The investigations were conducted through a partnership between the State Grand Jury Division of the Attorney General’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, and local law enforcement agencies.

U.S. lawmakers condemn Venezuelan presidential election results

By Palmetto State News | Jul 30, 2024

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, along with several other senators and representatives, issued a joint statement following the Venezuelan presidential election. The statement criticized President Nicolás Maduro and labeled the election as fraudulent.

Gov. Henry McMaster's weekly schedule includes events across multiple cities

By Palmetto State News | Jul 29, 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette, and First Lady Peggy McMaster’s schedules for the week of July 29 include the following:

Senator Tim Scott advocates for balanced regulation at Bitcoin 2024 Conference

By Palmetto State News | Jul 26, 2024

The Bitcoin 2024 Conference, recognized as the largest Bitcoin conference globally with over 20,000 attendees, took place in Nashville, Tennessee. U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, participated in a panel titled “For Love of Country & Bitcoin” alongside fellow Senate Banking Committee member Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

Attorney General Alan Wilson leads 15-state brief supporting Trump appeal

By Palmetto State News | Jul 26, 2024

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has spearheaded a 15-state coalition in filing a brief in support of former President Donald Trump's appeal against a court order mandating him to pay approximately $355 million for allegedly making false real estate statements.

Senator Graham criticizes UN agency over alleged ties with terrorists

By Palmetto State News | Jul 26, 2024

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) criticized the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) during a Senate Appropriations Committee markup, alleging ties between the agency and terrorist organizations operating in Gaza. According to intelligence and media reports, UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 attack on Israel. Additionally, it is reported that Hamas and other terrorist groups use UNRWA offices and schools for storing weapons and as command centers.

Senators introduce bill targeting Palestinian leadership over terror compensation

By Palmetto State News | Jul 25, 2024

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), introduced the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act. This legislation aims to impose sanctions on foreign persons and entities that provide payments to terrorists and their families as part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority’s (PA) system of terror compensation.

Senator Scott criticizes Biden's export control policies at Senate Committee hearing

By Palmetto State News | Jul 25, 2024

Senator Scott highlighted the negative impact the administration’s export control policies, including the Commerce Department’s interim final rule curtailing firearms exports, have on local economies in South Carolina and across the country.

Graham introduces bill targeting nations buying Iranian oil

By Palmetto State News | Jul 24, 2024

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) introduced legislation aimed at holding countries accountable for financially supporting Iran. During the Trump Administration, Iranian crude exports dropped to as low as 300,000 barrels per day. However, according to United Against Nuclear Iran, under the Biden Administration, Iran exported nearly 1.4 million barrels of oil daily in October 2023.

Governor McMaster appoints new Oconee County treasurer

By Palmetto State News | Jul 24, 2024

Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2024-12 appointing Gena Acree as Oconee County Treasurer following the retirement of current Treasurer Gregorie W. Nowell, effective July 26, 2024.

Rock Hill man faces charges for possession of child sexual abuse material

By Palmetto State News | Jul 24, 2024

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Alan Don Ayers, 60, of Rock Hill, S.C., on five charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the York County Sheriff's Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General's Office and Homeland Security Investigations, both members of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

Senator Tim Scott hosts annual prayer breakfast with focus on perseverance

By Palmetto State News | Jul 24, 2024

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) hosted the 14th Annual South Carolina Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. The event saw participation from Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), Senate Chaplain Barry Black, members of the South Carolina congressional delegation, and hundreds of South Carolinians.

Myrtle Beach man arrested on child sexual abuse material charges

By Palmetto State News | Jul 24, 2024

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Binhaur Chan, 47, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the South Carolina Attorney General's Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Horry County Sheriff's Office, Conway Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, all members of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with this investigation.

Ravenel man arrested on child sexual abuse material charges

By Palmetto State News | Jul 23, 2024

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Jose Marquez Guzman, 36, of Ravenel, S.C., on two charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office made the arrest.

Lexington man arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material

By Palmetto State News | Jul 23, 2024

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Thomas Clinton Jordan Lockridge, 31, of Lexington, S.C., on ten charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the South Carolina Attorney General's Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff's Office, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with this investigation.

Attorney General warns of scammers impersonating ICAC task force members

By Palmetto State News | Jul 23, 2024

Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued a warning regarding a scam where individuals falsely claim to be members of his office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force or local police to extort money. This fraudulent activity, which has persisted for years, appears to be intensifying and has even involved the misuse of information from an actual investigator in Spartanburg.