9/9/2021- 8:24 p.m.
NARCOTICS/FINANCIAL FRAUD RING BUSTED
Six people have been arrested after an investigation into a fraudulent check cashing scheme and narcotics distribution ring operating in Greenville County.
Commander Bart McEntire of the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) said, “DEU was notified through a Crime Stoppers tip that an individual was running a drug operation from a local motel located off Pelham Road.
During the
investigation, DEU investigators observed members of the ring visiting local banks and making check deposits – commonly associated with a check cashing scheme – and enlisted the aid of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office White Collar Crime Unit.”
“Members of the ring replicated routing and account numbers
through the creation of fraudulent checks that, on the face, appeared to be legitimate and presented these to financial institutions.
Investigators enlisted the assistance of the Greenville
Police Department Criminal Response Team (CRT) and stopped two vehicles associated with ring members.
Searches of the vehicles turned up a trove of evidence regarding the check cashing scheme and leading to a search warrant on a hotel room,” McEntire added.
During the search of the hotel room, DEU and Sheriff’s Office investigators found approximately 9 ounces of fentanyl, 17 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine and 262 grams of methamphetamine.
The drugs were a mixture of powdered forms of the powerful addictive drugs, as well as an assortment of varying colors of pressed tablets. They also located a semi-automatic handgun and additional evidence of the check cashing scheme.
McEntire said, “When law enforcement receives detailed information regarding criminal activity — in this case, narcotics trafficking — it allows for an investigation to commence that dismantles crime.
Without detailed information, it limits law enforcement in our ability to address the criminal activity.”
The following individual was arrested for narcotics charges:
Trevell Demaris Nettles, age 42
Charges: Trafficking in Fentanyl; Trafficking in Crack Cocaine; Trafficking in Methamphetamine; Trafficking in Cocaine; Possession of a Weapon Involved in a Violent Crime
The following individuals were arrested and charged with Criminal Conspiracy in connection with the check cashing scheme:
Anthony Eisley Lipscomb, age 34, Detroit, MI
Matthew Louis Sirigano, age 25, Hamilton, Ohio
Kenneth Deonta Bowden, age 35, Clinton, MI
The following individuals were arrested and charged with Criminal Conspiracy and Crimes Against a Federally Chartered Institution:
Dameron Jeru Grant, age 62, Greenville, SC
Janet F. Butler, age 57, Greenville, SC
