Latest news with #BerkeleyCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Multiple people charged, $130K in stolen items recovered in Berkeley County ‘chop shops' bust
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — Multiple people are facing charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged chop shops operating in Berkeley County, authorities said Friday. The investigation, which began in May after several thefts were reported in the Ridgeville and Lebanon areas, led deputies to two properties where approximately $130,000 in stolen vehicles and equipment were found, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office. The following individuals were charged as part of the investigation: Hunter Driggers-Moore – Possession of Stolen Vehicles James Threatt – Receiving Stolen Goods Daniel Threatt – Receiving Stolen Goods Bradley Billham – Possession of Stolen Vehicles Timmy Lee Condrey – Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Fentanyl, nine counts of Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime, two counts of Receiving Stolen Goods over $10,000, Operation of a Chop Shop, and Possession of Vehicle with a Tampered VIN Fred Jimmy Condrey – Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana Michelle Elizabeth Condrey – Possession of Fentanyl Joseph Edward Bryan – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Colleen Elizabeth Reese – Possession of Fentanyl Authorities said deputies responded to a call on May 21 from a victim who saw his stolen dump truck being driven in Moncks Corner. He followed it to a residence on Horseshoe Drive, where the driver, later identified as Driggers-Moore, fled the scene. Deputies executed a search warrant at the home and found the stolen truck, a Honda motorcycle, and a U-Haul trailer. Two residents, James and Daniel Threatt, were arrested on site. Driggers-Moore was taken into custody the following day. Berkeley County cracks down on boat landing violations under new ordinance Billham was arrested May 23 at his residence on Farrell Street, where deputies discovered another motorcycle with a tampered ignition. A subsequent search warrant recovered a stolen motorcycle and yielded evidence of an 'active motorcycle chop shop,' according to authorities. A chop shop is where parts are stripped from stolen items — often vehicles — to be resold. The investigation continued, and deputies executed a third search warrant on June 4 at a Destiny Lane property in Cross. There, deputies recovered a Takeuchi skid steer, a Kubota side-by-side, and other 'heavily altered' items believed to be stolen. Authorities said an additional search warrant resulted in the seizure of thousands of dollars in cash, 11 firearms, approximately 363 grams of Methamphetamine, approximately 245 grams of Marijuana, and approximately 14 grams of Fentanyl. 'This is a great example of teamwork between our investigative units,' said Sheriff Duane Lewis. 'Thanks to solid detective work and community involvement, we shut down two chop shops and recovered valuable stolen property that might have otherwise been lost.' The sheriff's office said they are still searching for another man, Jack Ronald Turner III, who is wanted on theft-related charges. The investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Berkeley County cracks down on boat landing violations under new ordinance
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — A new ordinance aimed at improving safety at public boat landings is now being enforced across Berkeley County, and deputies say the community is already seeing results. The ordinance, which went into effect April 28, prohibits swimming within 50 feet of boat landings, alcohol consumption on site, blocking access to landings, and parking in trailer-designated spaces. Officials say those specific rules are designed to address ongoing concerns related to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and unsafe behavior. Chief Deputy Jeremy Baker with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office said the most common violations so far have involved parking and alcohol. 'Parking has been the number one violation that we've found,' Baker said. 'We have issued a lot of citations for improper parking at the boat landings. Hatchery Boat Landing was at capacity roughly four or five times where we were forced to close it.' Alcohol is also strictly prohibited at all public boat landings, and enforcement of that rule includes deputies on foot monitoring behavior up close. 'We have deputies who are getting out, walking, and just observing people attempting to consume alcohol,' Baker explained. The sheriff's office began enhanced enforcement efforts over Memorial Day weekend, deploying roughly 40 additional deputies in partnership with Santee Cooper law enforcement and the Department of Natural Resources. But Baker emphasized that the increased patrols are not limited to holiday weekends. 'This is going to be a consistent process through the entire summer and after the summer,' he said. Officials say the stepped-up enforcement is in direct response to community complaints and safety risks at some of the county's busiest recreational access points. 'It is very aggravating at times if you're trying to launch a boat and it's too crowded, or there's no parking because of parking violations,' said Baker. 'I think overall, we've seen a lot of happy residents because of it.' Local boaters like Davy Hite, who's been fishing and boating in the area for decades, say the new rules are necessary as crowds grow. 'You hate to have to have these strict rules, you want to go out and have a good time,' said Hite. 'But with population growth, I think it's real important to think about safety. With more people around these boat ramps, people swimming where boats are coming in and out, and use of alcohol and traffic, all those things, you just have to pay more attention.' Hite also emphasized the importance of following parking guidelines, something the ordinance now enforces more strictly. 'If people aren't aware of the way they should be parked, maybe one boat and trailer can take up five or six spots,' he said. 'If you use the parking spaces like they've asked you to, then it's better for everyone.' The sheriff's office has also launched a public awareness campaign, including a press conference and social media videos, to help residents and visitors understand the new rules. Officials say feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far, and they hope continued compliance will lead to safer and more enjoyable experiences for everyone. Boaters are encouraged to review posted signage at boat landings and follow the ordinance to avoid citations and keep the areas open and safe for all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
BCSO releases results of Memorial Day weekend traffic operation
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office increased patrols across the county Memorial Day weekend to curb irresponsible driving over the holiday. In their jurisdiction, deputies saw zero fatal crashes from May 23 to May 25, according to the sheriff's office. 211 citations were issued, however, with violations including: 15 for driving under suspension 66 for speeding 3 for failure to obey traffic control device 4 for operating uninsured motor vehicle 15 for expired tags 33 for no driver's license 37 for seatbelt violations 5 for operating an unregistered motor vehicle 1 for improper display of license plate 4 for no proof of insurance 3 for careless driving 1 for move over law violation 4 for violation of beginner's permit 3 for no driver's license in possession 4 for failure to return suspended plate 1 for unlawful passing 1 for improper passing 11 for open container of alcohol Five people were arrested for various charges including fugitive from justice (outstanding warrant, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, possession with intent to marijuana, and failure to stop for blue lights. Three people were arrested for DUI's and seven vehicles were towed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Deputies arrest Ohio man for drug trafficking in parking lot of Daniel Island stadium
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – An Ohio man was arrested for trafficking drugs in the parking lot of Credit One Stadium, the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office announced Friday. Russell Hodgkinson, 51, was charged with possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine, possession of a scheduled narcotic, and trafficking LSD 1000 dosage units or more. Deputies noticed a nitrous oxide tank being used at the stadium while conducting foot patrols and went to investigate further. They met with Hodgkinson, who smelled like marijuana, and did a probable cause search of his person and the wagon that was with him. During the search, they found Two bags of small, printed strips (1,070 total tabs), identified as LSD• One bag of green and white flaky material, identified as psilocybin mushrooms• One bag of white pills, later identified as Methamphetamine • A small dropper tube containing a liquid, identified as LSD He was taken to the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, where he remains in custody. Hodgkinson was granted a $130,000 surety bond for all three charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Berkeley County enforcing new boat landing ordinance this Memorial Day weekend
MOCNKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) — Berkeley County Sheriff's Office will be enforcing a new ordinance this Memorial Day weekend to crack down on disorderly conduct at their boat landings. Berkeley County officials say they've had several issues over the past few years at boat landings around Lake Moultrie. This new ordinance gives patrol officers the tools to enforce safe conduct. 'We want to protect our natural spaces. We want to ensure the safety and accessibility for our citizens to use these landings,' said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis. The ordinance prohibits swimming within 50 feet of the landings, alcohol consumption, blocking the landing, and parking in trailer spots. Officers will be issuing citations for illegal parking and deputies will be at the boat landings Memorial Day weekend educating people on the new ordinance. 'We want everyone to be considerate, use common sense,' said Berkeley County Chief Deputy Jeremy Baker. 'Unfortunately, at times people are selfish and come to the landings and they're focused on their day and not everyone else's: creating a problem, blocking everyone in and stopping a family from having a good day.' The ordinance comes after Berkeley County deputies say they've had complaints of large crowds obstructing boat launches, loud music, alcohol consumption, litter, overflow parking and more from residents and visitors. 'Hopefully, it will wake people up to take care and do the right thing. It's sad people leave so much litter.' said Howard Hogue also known as Beach Santa. There will be four boats on the lake this weekend and 20 additional officers. The Sheriff says the goal of the ordinance is to keep everyone safe, make launching boats quicker and more efficient and protect the area's natural resources. 'We are one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and people come here because of the natural resources we have and low taxes, but when an area gets overrun with people it's not safe,' said Lewis. Overton Park at Lake Moultrie will open this weekend for anyone who wants to swim at the lake. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
