Palmetto State News

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.

In an investigation dubbed “Clean Sweep,” the South Carolina State Grand Jury issued indictments against two individuals connected to Lee Correctional Institution. The indictments allege attempted murder and public corruption. Dexter Bernard Brown is charged with assaulting and attempting to murder a fellow inmate. Regina Renee James, a sworn correctional officer, is accused of participating in a contraband conspiracy with Brown and failing to report information regarding the assault.

Another investigation, “Off Tract,” focuses on Kershaw Correctional Institution in Lancaster County. Current and former inmates, civilian co-conspirators, and an active correctional officer have been indicted for their alleged roles in drug trafficking, illegal contraband trade within the prison, and money laundering.

The third investigation, “Sneaky Sticks,” targets alleged public corruption involving correctional officers conspiring with inmates related to narcotics and contraband trade within Turbeville, Lieber, and Kershaw correctional institutions.

Attorney General Wilson emphasized cooperation among various agencies through the State Grand Jury mechanism as crucial in addressing corruption and criminal activity within South Carolina prisons. "This Office is committed to using the State Grand Jury to partner with SLED, SCDC, and other agencies to fight not only the problem of prisoners committing crimes while locked away in SCDC but also the public corruption that facilitates it," said Wilson. He added that those who abuse public trust would face accountability from this committed partnership of prosecutors and law enforcement.

Bryan Stirling, Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections (SCDC), stated: "These cases show that SCDC will not put up with corruption." He continued by affirming that employees breaking laws would be held accountable for putting public safety at risk.

Bond hearings for some defendants are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, before Judge Robert Hood at Richland County Courthouse.

The following individuals have been charged:

**CLEAN SWEEP:**

1. Dexter Bernard Brown (Lee County)

2. Regina Renee James (Lee County)

**OFF TRACT:**

1. Antonett Louise Brown-Toney (Lancaster County)

2. Ajeron Gamble (Lancaster County)

3. Nina Lashaun Goodson (Lancaster County)

4. Shamari Antione Jones (Lancaster County)

5. Valerie Jucoeur McFadden (Lancaster County)

6. Mushin Ahmad Sabree (Lancaster County)

**SNEAKY STICKS:**

1. Daquan Crummey (Clarendon County)

2. Victoria Singletary (Clarendon County)

3. Demetrio Chaplin (Clarendon County)

4. Chiquila Adams (Clarendon County)

The cases were investigated by a coalition led by the South Carolina State Grand Jury along with support from SLED and SCDC's Office of Inspector General.

Attorney General Wilson reiterated that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.