SC

Another “Lexington Ring” Plea Deal Is Coming

DOMINOES STARTING TO FALL …  || By FITSNEWS || The investigation that brought down former Lexington County (S.C.) sheriff James Metts is about to claim another disgraced lawman, sources familiar with the case tell FITS. Jason Amodio – the former police chief of South Congaree, S.C. – has reportedly agreed…

DOMINOES STARTING TO FALL … 

|| By FITSNEWS || The investigation that brought down former Lexington County (S.C.) sheriff James Metts is about to claim another disgraced lawman, sources familiar with the case tell FITS.

Jason Amodio – the former police chief of South Congaree, S.C. – has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to a “lesser charge” related to the ongoing investigation into illegal activities by elected officials and law enforcement officers in his home county.

What did Amodio do?

Back in May 2013, FITS broke the story of a joint federal-state raid on the South Congaree, S.C. city offices.  As we reported, the raid was believed to be connected to the “Lexington Ring” – a cabal of corrupt politicians and crooked cops accused of running an illegal video poker operation (and other for-profit schemes) in the county.

Amodio was also mentioned by disgraced (and indicted) former Lexington, S.C. town councilman Danny Frazier – who was surreptitiously recorded describing the inner workings of the “ring’s” illegal operations.  These tapes were provided to S.C. governor Nikki Haley‘s administration in early 2012 – but nothing happened.

Finally, in June 2014, S.C. attorney general Alan Wilson and U.S. attorney Bill Nettles issued indictments against Metts, Frazier, Amodio and several others.

The state indictment against Amodio specifically mentioned him accepting payment “in return for seized gaming machines,” although we’re told he’s pleading guilty to a different charge.

One source tells FITS the deal Amodio has reportedly cut involves him pleading guilty to lying to a grand jury.

***

Related posts

SC

North Charleston Councilman Accuses Cop Of Falsifying Police Report

Will Folks
SC

‘Carolina Crossroads’ Update: SCDOT Set To Unveil New Plan To The Public

Will Folks
SC

Federal Lawsuit Alleges Racial Discrimination in Horry County School

Callie Lyons

60 comments

Will Folks February 12, 2015 at 3:59 pm

Trust me I understand plea deals. I took one in 2005 for Criminal Domestic Violence in which I threw a woman I supposedly loved into some furniture. To be fair I underestimated my own strength and didn’t expect her to go flying across the room.

Reply
Dennis V February 12, 2015 at 4:24 pm

To be fairer: you need YOUR ass kicked

Reply
Bible Thumper February 12, 2015 at 9:32 pm

“To be fairer: you need YOUR ass kicked”
No! That’s not the real Will Folks.

Reply
RIH Lautenberg February 12, 2015 at 5:08 pm

Knowing that you aren’t really Will, I can’t help but wonder why he’s pandering to yhe likes of Taylor and Mia unless it is some gargantuan sellout, the payment for which is a pardon to clear his name.

The sad thing is that even if he gets a pardon, under the idiotic Lautenberg law, I don’t believe he can ever own a firearm again, anyway.

Reply
shifty henry February 12, 2015 at 8:56 pm

Hmmm, what about Mrs. Sic owning a firearm — I’m not clear on the law/regulations/etc. Although she may have hands and legs (gorgeous, per Sic’s fotos) classified as lethal weapons (again, per Sic).

Reply
Bible Thumper February 12, 2015 at 9:30 pm

G. Gordon Liddy’s wife had a very valuable firearms collection. He was barred by federal law.

Reply
shifty henry February 12, 2015 at 10:39 pm

That’s right — I forgot about him….

Please Call February 12, 2015 at 6:44 pm

Please contact the Columbia FBI field office asap to discuss your cyber harassment and stalking charges:

Special Agent in Charge
David A. Thomas

151 Westpark Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29210-3857
Phone: (803) 551-4200

Reply
jimlewisowb February 12, 2015 at 4:00 pm

Went to a forum last night to listen to candidates who want to replace Frog as Sheriff

Based on their opening statements and responses to questions it looks to me like the race will fold out as follows:

Tyndall: most experienced, managed similar operation, to the point short responses to questions, if I were a crook would not want to face him in a blind alley, a lawman

Koon: polished – almost too polished, handled questions with ease, didn’t sound like he would make any major changes in current operation, more politician than lawman

Felix: if he said “I” once, he said it a hundred times

Britt: nice young man, few more years under his belt will put him in better position to be a viable candidate, don’t know much about Ezekiel but Britt does, think there is a time and place for religion but Sheriff’s race ain’t it

Just in case someone has a beef about my post being off topic, bite me

Reply
Keep The Ring In Power February 12, 2015 at 5:15 pm

So you have favorable views of each candidate who has ties to the Lexington Crime Ring that Jimmy worked for (Tyndall, Koon, and Britt) and not so favorable view on Felix, the one guy in the running with no known ties toThe Ring, because he isn’t a polished speaker?

Might as well vote based on the number of yard signs and bumper stickers. OH WAIT…

Reply
jimlewisowb February 12, 2015 at 5:52 pm

Just an observation on what I saw and heard last night, no less no more

Reply
poll watcher February 12, 2015 at 5:39 pm

To the best of my memory, Tyndall was very prominently mentioned by the infamous Frazier in the infamous tape.
Tim James, Dennis Tybdall, Bob and Donna Peeler, Joe Owens, and Halfacre ALL openly ran with Frazier, partied with, vacationed with ,campaigned for Frazier for County Council, Town Council and for the SC House of Representatives! The Peelers worked the polls and campaigned door to door for their next door neighbor and friend Frazier.
They are going to do everything in their power to keep a hold on the Sheriff’s race and whomever is elected Sheriff. They already have Tyndall and will do everything and anything to co-opt the new Sheriff, whoever that may be!

Reply
Keep The Ring In Power February 12, 2015 at 5:43 pm

They have Koon and Britt, too. Lott also owns big pieces of Britt, making him a double negative of sorts.

Reply
Scooter February 12, 2015 at 8:36 pm

We will never get Lexington Country cleaned up as long as the Owens, Tynfdall crowd stay in office

Reply
shewhoknows February 12, 2015 at 10:22 pm

I smile every time that I read joe owens and dennis tyndall listed as being part of the same side of the problem. Joe owens hates dennis tyndall for ending the good Ole boys politics system in west columbia, but your comment sounds good.

Reply
800 Pal February 12, 2015 at 5:47 pm

Was there any discussion of removing the expensive and unnecessary radio system encryption that Metts had put in place in the late 1990’s to keep the public in the dark? A lot of us said at the time that he had something to hide and apparently he did. I would love to see one or more candidates make removal of radio encryption a part of their platform.

Reply
jimlewisowb February 12, 2015 at 5:53 pm

Not while I was there – had to leave a little early

Reply
uh oh February 12, 2015 at 7:16 pm

On that note, now that JM is not Sheriff… What about the phone system the inmates use to make phone calls. Very expensive phone calls that JM’s wife I am told owns and they make money on?

Reply
Talk around town February 12, 2015 at 7:44 pm

Good point! Is McCarty letting that still go on? Wouldn’t surprise. me. Keep hearing that a certain private security an private investigations guru who was tight with Metts is still walking around with a sheriff’s department radio in his possession.

Reply
800 Pal February 12, 2015 at 7:56 pm

If that is still happening with the phones, it should be investigated, stopped, and charges brought against those involved.

Reply
uh oh February 13, 2015 at 6:43 am

I was always amazed that JM had ownership of the jail house phone system (well his wife). I would have thought that that would have been a conflict of interest. If it is true it does surprise me. His wife is known to be a good person.

truthmonger February 13, 2015 at 8:22 am

Plenty of wives who own businesses in name only.

L I'll Be February 12, 2015 at 9:13 pm

Have been extremely bothered by whole crooked lex county jail rip you off phone scam on the 2 times I received calls from friends held on petty charges………someone, somewhere needs to investigate where that ton of money goes

Reply
brb February 13, 2015 at 9:59 am

JM’s wife does not own the inmate phone system. JM contracted (on his own) with a company several years ago and actually took an incentive check for signing with them. This changed a few years ago when it was put out for bid through procurement and a new company was selected. The sheriff’s department makes a good amount of income off the inmate phone system but that is how all correctional institutions handle phones.

Reply
uh oh February 13, 2015 at 1:09 pm

So this was all rumor? Good to know. Mrs. Metts is a nice person. I feel bad for her.

ELCID February 12, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Thanks, nice analysis.

I wouldn’t support Koon.
Just because he’s being promoted by the crook Haley.
Anybody associated with that thief can’t be trusted.
Probably why he came off as more politician than lawman.
He’ll just be one of her: Puppets.

Reply
Co-munity Po-licing February 12, 2015 at 8:15 pm

Ol’ Charlieboy Austin could lay down a bunch of that Jeebus jibe. He was one of the most unGodly assholes you’d ever come across, between all the larcenous shit and affairs with other somen when his wife was alive. When they start talkin’ all that church shit you best be walkin’ away before they stick their holier than thou green weenie in your ass.

Reply
Who dunnit February 12, 2015 at 5:29 pm

Obvious to me, from the questions posted on WIS, he is rolling on Frazier.
Amodio lying is nothing new. I feel he lied in a sworn affidavit, which I’m aware of.
If I were members or associates of the “Ring” , I’d be a little nervous.
James, Tyndall, Halfacre, Owens, Peeler, Metts, Amodio, Frazier et.al. Just some of the “Ring” and the “Ring’s” associates, party animals and “Butt Buddies”!

Reply
Observation February 12, 2015 at 7:45 pm

Old Bob Peeler, the disgraced former Lt. Gov., Clemson Trustee, Trash man Lobbyist was hanging with his home boy Danny Frazier just this week, on the golf course. I’ve seen Amodio playing with them in the past, guess he is out of the inner sanctum now that he is singing on the rest of the boys and girls!
I just wondered where was Little t. James and “law enforcement lock down” Tyndall?

Reply
1 of the girls February 12, 2015 at 7:48 pm

My oh my, this bunch do get around!
“Southern Gentlemen” they ain’t.

Reply
Scooter February 12, 2015 at 8:31 pm

Throw in a solicitor and ex state senator.

Reply
Buz Martin February 13, 2015 at 7:48 am

Throw in another ex-LTGuv who was allegedly connected tangentally, and has been more directly connected to Knotts. You know — the speed demon.

Reply
County Tax Payer February 13, 2015 at 9:59 am

Where is County Council? These people driving County vehicles under the influence, having affairs and play time on County time and with County money! That is my tax money! They think County jobs and money is for their pleasure and play? We need a top to bottom house cleaning.

Reply
Psychos they are February 13, 2015 at 12:21 am

While cavorting with Danny’s “Hos”, they were all dancing with the Devil, in the pale moon light.
Karma and the Good Lord will take care of the one’s that Lady Justice misses. Sins of the flesh, greed, corruption, immorality will eat them all alive. I see them routinely and they are in total denial of the trash they are and the way people see them and talk of them with contempt and disdain, see them as sickening and repugnant. The State and Lexington County would be better off, if all were gone.

Reply
Wendy February 12, 2015 at 9:43 pm

How is it that DOT Commissioner Henry (blank) not been connected to Danny and his brother as part owners of all the property down Sunset Boulevard? Did they split?

Reply
Wendy February 13, 2015 at 8:39 am

How is it that Donna carried on her affair with Bob Peeler while on County time, using County funds and traveling on County business?
When married to her husband and working for Lexington, she took Bob while representing the County on County business, shacked up in a room paid for by County funds and was caught on film by a PI! Anyone else would have been fired, they gave her a promotion!
Maybe Bob wasn’t the only one?

Reply
jimlewisowb February 13, 2015 at 9:51 am

There is nothing in the Lexington County Employee Handbook that prohibits fornication between consenting adults and/or with livestock, hamsters, gerbils, snakes and a wide variety of rubberized/stainless steel battery operated apparatuses whether at work, home or play including while on the job or on the County’s time

If such a rule existed, the sons of bitches cockroaches would wither up and die and every taxpayer’s asshole in the county would be Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are Free at last.”

Reply
Betty Lou February 13, 2015 at 11:32 am

No wonder these County jobs are in such high deman. Bedroom roulette while getting paid and charged on taxpayer dime!

this is bull shit February 14, 2015 at 11:50 am

How does she get away with carrying on an afair married, tax pyer money, County time, during County work, WHILE REPRESENTING THE County of Lexington?!
something really stinks here. Anyone ELSE WOULD BE FIRED. I understand she is still working?

Reply
Tanya B February 14, 2015 at 5:18 pm

I guess if you are a ring member , or one of their bed mates, laws, morals and rules the rest of us live by do not apply to them.

Reply
saywhat February 15, 2015 at 1:06 pm

Therefore Koon and Tyndall will keep it going, Both are deep in this shit with Frazier. Next time Tyndall says he is not a friend of Frazier call him out. He lived 100 yards from him in Woodcreek. Then hired him at West Columbia. Koon has fixed many DUI’S for Frazier and his buddies/ family.

Chief Boatwright February 15, 2015 at 8:09 pm

Not a supporter of Tyndall…….BUT! He did terminate employment with Wendy, Danny , and Jason. His connection with Tim is reason enough for me not to vote for him.

Elfego February 12, 2015 at 6:59 pm

I still think it will stop before it gets to a particular Democrat!

Reply
Soft Sigh from Hell February 12, 2015 at 7:31 pm

Every crooked official “unhorsed” puts a smile on Jesus.

Reply
Wendy February 12, 2015 at 9:16 pm

Here’s big talk from weasel Jay Koon.

“I don’t care if you’re a special agent or an elected official if you break the law in Lexington County you will face justice”……what a crock of shit! Why didn’t you apply that to Town Council members like Danny Frazier? Ticket fixing under your nose. Big talk from a Shyster!

And the FOOLS in Lexington County will do as told and vote for this POS!

Reply
youknowme February 12, 2015 at 9:58 pm

Wendy if you have solid proof which I think you do why not go public with it? This would end Koon’s dream. Or is it Mrs Koon’s dream?

Reply
rdj February 13, 2015 at 1:25 am

Someone needs to go public with him being Fraziers boy … how is it possible with all thats going on that the feds havent gotten to the bottom of all Fraziers buddies like Koon.

Reply
Needed February 12, 2015 at 10:07 pm

Please don’t forget JD Sanders! He’s one of them too. I have waited 15 years to see them all go down!

Reply
Jamie L. February 13, 2015 at 7:17 am

What about R. Johnson? And who is he related to?

Reply
rdj February 13, 2015 at 11:41 am

Lott … not hardly
Come on man I had to know.
Bueller?
Bueller?

Reply
Woody Wood Pecker February 14, 2015 at 8:19 am

Robert Johnson, son of the current sheriff, was running with Frazier, Amido, Lucas, et al. He currently works for the Lexington County Coroner.

Reply
Michael J. Stefonick February 13, 2015 at 5:44 am

Now get the crooks in Spartanburg.

Reply
GrandTango February 13, 2015 at 6:27 am

If all they snare re these small-time officers, and small offense….Nettles is as big a failure as the man who appointed him…
What a bunch of hoopla for so very little corruption…Talk about the Hard-Drive going limp…

Reply
Amodio is an asshole February 13, 2015 at 11:45 am

Amodio is a cocky little dick.

Reply
Mandy February 13, 2015 at 12:38 pm

That he is. And, he is a liar and scoundrel on top of it.

Reply
rdj February 13, 2015 at 11:46 am

Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to my neighborhood last night, in response to a crashed, drunk driver who was trying to kick in my neighbors front porch.
Wow … response time and professionalism was unbelievable. Made me hope and pray these guys get the new sheriff they deserve.

Reply
Tommy February 13, 2015 at 12:39 pm

Professionalism is the experience I’ve had with the LCSD also!

Reply
Lone Ranger February 13, 2015 at 3:46 pm

Yo…Jimmy…this here’s Raghead—do you need another tip like
that Rainbow Circle one?

Sho nuff, Jakie—that was helpful—you know with these feds
still on us it ain’t no fun

Well…I’ve got 15 more machines going in round B & L and
another 25 more on the way

Good going, Jake—because—as Danny Frazier knows—these fed
investigators don’t play

Well now, Jimmy—when them feds gonna bust Jim Clyburn in his
50 mil pile of clover?

Got that answer right here, Jakie—let’s see now—when IS IT
that hell freezes over ?

Reply
Fed up Lexington voter February 15, 2015 at 8:28 pm

This term for sheriff is for 14-18 months so I would vote for Felix. He’s NOT an insider. And for that reason alone would be enough to vote for him. In 18 months we can decide if he can handle the job.

I wouldn’t give two cents for the establishments choice -Koon. One look at his donor list says it all. He boasts about the support of the intern sheriff. I read somewhere the same sheriff’s son, Robert J., is/was best friends with Danny. On another Fits post “Batman” gave compelling reasons why NOT to vote for him.

Britt is a bag full of problems. Ask anyone from the state police why he went back to Leon so quickly. Protection? Hot tempered, inexperienced, immature and connected to Joe Wilson and Leon Lott. On another Fits post “Batman” gave several compelling reasons why NOT to vote for him.

Tyndall, because Danny had him on lock down.

Reply
Lenny Musso February 16, 2015 at 11:29 am

It’s all water under the bridge. This stuff needs to be let go so the fine men elected to office can get back to work doing the people’s business. I have no problem with what this man did or what Metts did. A little extra money on the side here and there should be considered one of the perks of the job. Greasing the skids makes government more efficient.

Reply

Leave a Comment