MARLBORO COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A series of complaints from Pee Dee residents sparked a lengthy, ongoing undercover operation into firearms and drug violations in Marlboro County, landing six men and a woman behind bars.
It all began two years ago when citizens from the McColl, Marlboro County, Scotland County and Robeson County communities spoke out about the drug problems which were becoming more apparent in the area.
The Marlboro County Sheriff's Office joined with the McColl Police Department to execute search warrants, conduct traffic stops and interview witnesses, leading them to two homes in McColl believed to be used for the sale and storage of drugs and firearms.
At that point, the sheriff's office reached out to the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the US Attorney's Office to help them prosecute the growing case.
Together, the agencies conducted surveillance and undercover drug buys on two homes on Mack Circle and Ransom Drive in McColl each week.
The sheriff's office worked together with McColl PD, ATF and the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office to execute search warrants and arrest the following individuals in the homes on Mack Circle and Delano Street around 4 a.m. Thursday morning:
Shannon "Shadrack" Brigman, 35
Kimberly Milligan, 31
Jimmy Wiggins, 64
Robert Dewayne Milligan, 29
William "Bill Bill" Chavis, 29
Robert Earl Goins, 44
Dylan Johnson, 21
A Federal Grand Jury indicted these suspects on a 14 count sealed Indictment, charging them with multiple drug and firearms charges. The indictment charges that the conspiracy around 1996 and involved at least five kilograms of cocaine, at least 280 grams of crack cocaine and Marijuana. It includes multiple counts of drug and firearm violations that occurred during this investigation over the past two years when it began.
"This case is another example of what long term precise investigations can accomplish. I have got numerous complaints about this group of defendants and we feel we have a solid case that will end in substantial jail time and penalties," says Sheriff Fred Knight.
"The law abiding residents of both of these areas of McColl can now rest and feel safe again without constant drug traffic and the threat of violence or shootings. I commend my Investigators, the McColl Police Dept and the ATF for a job well done and the patience to leave no stone unturned. This is just phase one of a series of Federal Drug arrests in and around McColl. The next case includes defendants that have ties to this case in one way or another. I have repeatedly warned drug dealers and now for this group, their time is up," he concludes.
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