Probe leads to drugs, firearm, conspiracy charges

MYRTLE BEACH — More than a dozen people face federal narcotics, firearms and conspiracy charges after a targeted violent crime reduction initiative in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas.

The indictments are a result of a series of coordinated arrests made after a targeted, monthslong multiagency investigation, a news release from the U.S. Attorney‘s Office for the District of South Carolina says.

In February 2023, in response to rising violent crime in the Myrtle Beach area, the FBI Columbia Field Office assisted local and state law enforcement agencies in an advanced, intelligence-based, multi-faceted law enforcement operation. Its purpose was to target criminal entities, specifically those engaged in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, such as the Rollin’ 90s Crips, G-Shine Bloods and Gangster Disciples.

The FBI identified communities in Myrtle Beach that were experiencing high levels of gang- and narcotics-related violence, the release says. Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials then concentrated resources and personnel in the areas to curb narcotics trafficking and its related violence.

Through the investigation, agents seized firearms, ammunition and dangerous drugs such as fentanyl.

The following charges have been filed in U.S. District Court, according to court documents:

• Tyrone Louis Harts, Jr., 35, of Myrtle Beach: Conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. Harts also was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm.
• Brandon Javon Sutton, 31, of Myrtle Beach: Conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
• Cedric Lamar Brown, 43, of Myrtle Beach: Conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of cocaine. Brown also was charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm.
• Elizar Edward Marcus, 44, of Myrtle Beach: Conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine.
• Dorian Derrell Williams, 30, of Conway, and James Jenkins, Jr., 34, of Loris: Each was charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
• Akeem O’Brien Tisdale-Giles, 33, of Georgetown: Conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and attempted possession with intent to distribute.
• Maurice Fleming, 42, of Manning, Edward Pigotte, 45, of Myrtle Beach, and Theron Levon Holmes, 45, of Georgetown: Each was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine.
• Eric Campbell, 43, of Florence: Conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
• Matthew Tennerrol Brown, 39, of Columbia: Conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
• Adam Temple, 39, of Little River: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Also investigating the case were the Myrtle Beach, Horry County, Georgetown City, Conway, North Myrtle Beach and Coastal Carolina University police departments; Horry County, Georgetown County, Marion County Williamsburg County and Clarendon County sheriff’s offices; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; 15th Circuit DEU; Horry County Fire and Rescue; Charleston Fire Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the release says.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis will lead the team prosecuting the cases.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation. The task force targets higher-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations.

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