SC

SC “Untouchables” Forming?

South Carolina’s Attorney General is convening a new task force aimed at aggressively targeting the state’s escalating gang violence problem, multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the effort tell FITS. “He’s told us he wants to go Eliot Ness on these guys,” said one of the cops familiar with Attorney…

South Carolina’s Attorney General is convening a new task force aimed at aggressively targeting the state’s escalating gang violence problem, multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the effort tell FITS.

“He’s told us he wants to go Eliot Ness on these guys,” said one of the cops familiar with Attorney General Alan Wilson’s efforts. “He wants us to better coordinate our intelligence and resources so we can go after them.”

The first meeting of Wilson’s group will be held on Monday, these sources tell us.

Columbia, S.C. has seen a rash of gang violence in recent weeks – with excessively lenient judges and lax law enforcement bearing much of the blame for the bloodshed.

(To read two recent pieces we’ve written on the subject click here and here).

Wilson’s office did not immediately respond to our request for comment on the task force rumors late Friday, however a source close to the Attorney General said he was “deeply concerned” about the rash of violence in the state capital and “exploring various options” to address it.

Obviously, we wish Wilson the best of luck in his efforts … however given the depth of this problem (and the oft-demonstrated incompetence of the cops, prosecutors and judges who are tasked with solving it) we’re not holding out much hope that he can whip things into shape.

***

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67 comments

AAgnello July 12, 2013 at 9:20 pm

It’s a start. At least someone is recognizing this as a huge problem.

Reply
AAgnello July 12, 2013 at 9:20 pm

It’s a start. At least someone is recognizing this as a huge problem.

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' July 12, 2013 at 10:47 pm

Until they get this shit sorted, stay the fuck outta Cola, unless you got numbers.

Reply
The Colonel July 13, 2013 at 1:06 am

My number is .45 X 8

Reply
junior justice July 13, 2013 at 8:59 am

Understood, SIR!!

Reply
Mike at the Beach July 14, 2013 at 10:36 pm

What, only one mag?

Reply
A Humble Chef July 16, 2013 at 11:11 am

.45 x 8 here as well. A potential robber/mugger would be wise to avoid me near my car, cause a stainless Kimber Raptor pointed at your head has been known to cause an impromptu bowel movement or two.

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia July 21, 2013 at 2:59 am

.40 X 28 or 10 X 31, here

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' July 12, 2013 at 10:47 pm

Until they get this shit sorted, stay the fuck outta Cola, unless you got numbers.

Reply
The Colonel (R) July 13, 2013 at 1:06 am

My number is .45 X 8

Reply
junior justice July 13, 2013 at 8:59 am

Understood, SIR!!

Reply
Mike at the Beach July 14, 2013 at 10:36 pm

What, only one mag?

Reply
A Humble Chef July 16, 2013 at 11:11 am

.45 x 8 here as well. A potential robber/mugger would be wise to avoid me near my car, cause a stainless Kimber Raptor pointed at your head has been known to cause an impromptu bowel movement or two.

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia July 21, 2013 at 2:59 am

.40 X 28 or 10 X 31, here

Reply
SCaredinCola July 13, 2013 at 12:15 am

I would hazard a guess that he’s not JUST talking about Columbia, but he’s talking ESPECIALLY about Columbia, it’s bad here.

Reply
SCaredinCola July 13, 2013 at 12:15 am

I would hazard a guess that he’s not JUST talking about Columbia, but he’s talking ESPECIALLY about Columbia, it’s bad here.

Reply
Mark July 13, 2013 at 12:31 am

At least it’s a start. There needs to be a shakeup in Cola gov’t and the Police dept before there can be a long-term fix. Hard to keep a city safe when they’re more concerned with catching underage drinkers than drug dealers, murderers, rapists, and oh yeah…a dead man in a parking garage.

Reply
Louise July 13, 2013 at 9:46 am

A white 20 year old USC student was mugged going into her apartment two blocks off of Devine Street and Lee Street at 12:40 am Thursday morning. The young thugs (2) grabbed her pocketbook and punched her in her face causing 2 black eyes and bloody nose. She called her father – an out of Columbia business man – before she called the police. Her father told her not to bother. He was afraid she would charged with underaged drinking and would lose her Life scholarship which is $7,000.00 a year. Her mother made her call the police Thursday morning. The police reluctantly took the incident report telling the young lady it was all her own fault for going home alone in her neighborhood. Documentation of this event can be provided upon showing of necessity, but all parties want to remain anonymous.

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia July 14, 2013 at 2:23 pm

I am not challenging your points, but your post DOES bring up a valid question. WHY do people, especially women, walk those streets alone late at night, given the area’s history?????

While they SHOULD be able to do so without fear of being molested, area history tells a different story. Anyone with an iota of intelligence should either plan to have friends escort them, take a cab, or have other means of safe conveyance through that area. Failure to do so really calls into question, whatever intelligence such a person might or might not have.

Reply
Mark July 13, 2013 at 12:31 am

At least it’s a start. There needs to be a shakeup in Cola gov’t and the Police dept before there can be a long-term fix. Hard to keep a city safe when they’re more concerned with catching underage drinkers than drug dealers, murderers, rapists, and oh yeah…a dead man in a parking garage.

Reply
Louise July 13, 2013 at 9:46 am

A white 20 year old USC student was mugged going into her apartment two blocks off of Devine Street and Lee Street at 12:40 am Thursday morning. The young thugs (2) grabbed her pocketbook and punched her in her face causing 2 black eyes and bloody nose. She called her father – an out of Columbia business man – before she called the police. Her father told her not to bother. He was afraid she would charged with underaged drinking and would lose her Life scholarship which is $7,000.00 a year. Her mother made her call the police Thursday morning. The police reluctantly took the incident report telling the young lady it was all her own fault for going home alone in her neighborhood. Documentation of this event can be provided upon showing of necessity, but all parties want to remain anonymous.

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia July 14, 2013 at 2:23 pm

I am not challenging your points, but your post DOES bring up a valid question. WHY do people, especially women, walk those streets alone late at night, given the area’s history?????

While they SHOULD be able to do so without fear of being molested, area history tells a different story. Anyone with an iota of intelligence should either plan to have friends escort them, take a cab, or have other means of safe conveyance through that area. Failure to do so really calls into question, whatever intelligence such a person might or might not have.

Reply
dm10ae July 13, 2013 at 2:47 am

Gang violence is in the legislator too-those 2 gangs are fubaring SC-senate and house-another thing would be harsh punishment on gangs like exile to Washington DC or Kenya. Seriously though, be strict on their punishment, age isn’t a factor treat them all as adults.

Reply
dm10ae July 13, 2013 at 2:47 am

Gang violence is in the legislator too-those 2 gangs are fubaring SC-senate and house-another thing would be harsh punishment on gangs like exile to Washington DC or Kenya. Seriously though, be strict on their punishment, age isn’t a factor treat them all as adults.

Reply
wanabejedi July 13, 2013 at 7:03 am

it wont be solved until you take the money out of the gangs. End the drug war and most of these thugs will have to get a job. This is honestly just a waste of taxpayer resources. It’s kind of like trying to build a card house in a tornado

Reply
Frank Pytel July 13, 2013 at 7:14 am

Thank You

Reply
Dorothy Gale July 13, 2013 at 8:58 am

Mr. Pytel, I can say damn straight to that because I tried it and it just can’t be done!

Reply
Finius Nullis July 13, 2013 at 3:50 pm

HAH! — finally got it – you’re the Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz

Reply
Finius Nullis July 13, 2013 at 3:50 pm

HAH! — finally got it – you’re the Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz

Reply
Polyphemos July 13, 2013 at 8:15 pm

While I would love to have ALL drugs separated from all legislation, the gangs would move to something else. It’s about power. Drugs is only one via virtus.

Reply
Finius Nullis July 20, 2013 at 7:50 pm

Dorothy Gale (see the previous post below) is the Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” — remember the tornado?

Reply
wanabejedi July 13, 2013 at 7:03 am

it wont be solved until you take the money out of the gangs. End the drug war and most of these thugs will have to get a job. This is honestly just a waste of taxpayer resources. It’s kind of like trying to build a card house in a tornado

Reply
Frank Pytel July 13, 2013 at 7:14 am

Thank You

Reply
Dorothy Gale July 13, 2013 at 8:58 am

Mr. Pytel, I can say damn straight to that because I tried it and it just can’t be done!

Reply
Finius Nullis July 13, 2013 at 3:50 pm

HAH! — finally got it – you’re the Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz

Reply
Slartibartfast July 13, 2013 at 8:15 pm

While I would love to have ALL drugs separated from all legislation, the gangs would move to something else. It’s about power. Drugs is only one via potestas.

Reply
Finius Nullis July 20, 2013 at 7:50 pm

Dorothy Gale (see the previous post below) is the Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” — remember the tornado?

Reply
I Smell BS July 13, 2013 at 11:12 am

4.5 million residents in SC, and it has a gang problem? I think this is bogus.
Wilson would be better to direct his office’s budget on busting members of the General Assembly. Likely some are connected to the Mexican Drug Cartel.

Reply
I Smell BS July 13, 2013 at 11:12 am

4.5 million residents in SC, and it has a gang problem? I think this is bogus.
Wilson would be better to direct his office’s budget on busting members of the General Assembly. Likely some are connected to the Mexican Drug Cartel.

Reply
USCstudent July 13, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Let’s just hope they don’t divert too much attention away from catching those damn 19 and 20 year olds drinking beer in Five Points!

Reply
Polyphemos July 13, 2013 at 8:24 pm

Now you want to screw with one of the great forces of nature! If the Columbia Police could not arrest drunk USC students, they would withdraw into a deep chemical psychotic depression. Then, they would go home to their mates and beat them to death. No.. no.. you’re asking too much. They MUST be allowed to harass tipsey seniors and sloshed frosh or the order of the Earth will be destroyed and the planet will be cast, hurtling into the infinite abyss. Sorry.

Reply
USCstudent July 13, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Let’s just hope they don’t divert too much attention away from catching those damn 19 and 20 year olds drinking beer in Five Points!

Reply
Slartibartfast July 13, 2013 at 8:24 pm

Now you want to screw with one of the great forces of nature! If the Columbia Police could not arrest drunk USC students, they would withdraw into a deep chemical psychotic depression. Then, they would go home to their mates and beat them to death. No.. no.. you’re asking too much. They MUST be allowed to harass tipsey seniors and sloshed frosh or the order of the Earth will be destroyed and the planet will be cast, hurtling into the infinite abyss. Sorry.

Reply
Soft Sigh from Hell July 13, 2013 at 4:12 pm

Anti-gang efforts will have great potential for swaggering and posing and thus will have scores of “heroes” falling all over themselves to got into the limelight and ink. The claimed “victories” will be a few street criminals who would have been caught anyway, plus “prevention” of innumerable unverifiable additional crimes of truly horrible extent: “Yes, yes, things haven’t improved much YET, but it is not NEARLY as bad as it would be if . . . “[translated ending: “. . . you were not showering us with money, new titles, and glory”]).
I’m not idly conjecturing: we have the war on drugs and war on terror to enlighten us.
I’m also not saying that anti-gang efforts could not work, but what are the chances South Carolina’s presently anointed could come up with success?

Reply
Scrappy July 13, 2013 at 11:08 pm

Good Point!

Reply
chickenoregg July 14, 2013 at 8:56 am

Very good point! Current political and police leadership would suggest that even if this initiative were taken, the likelihood of success leaves much to be desired. Competency is drastically lacking.

Reply
Carpe Jugulum July 14, 2013 at 9:35 pm

@ Soft Sigh from Hell: Right on! You have hit the nail on the head. In this case, Wilson qualifies as a full 10 penny.
Only the in the wasteland of a USC law grad’s mind (who had to take the bar exam twice) could this “declaration” be taken seriously. First of all, it is woefully obvious that the SC AG is ignorant of the career of Elliot Ness and completely uninformed of his role in bringing down Alphonse Capone. Let it suffice to say that Ness never had a face to face encounter with Mr. Capone. But then, why ruin a good movie or disturb Little Allan’s misconceptions.
In Little Allan’s view of the big picture, The South Carolina Gang Investigators Association is made up of a good bunch of cops, but they really need his leadership to make a difference. I mean, they are just a bunch of nobodies who are really knowledgeable about gangs and all, but they are just a bunch of nobodies! They need his star quality and keen insight into the world of criminal activity to really get things done.
Of course, there is the SLED Gang Intelligence Unit. Now there is a place that can use his expertise. God only knows how much of our money has been thrown down a rat hole on that embarrassment. However, it will no doubt do a complete turnaround once The “General” takes command. Considering that SLED managed to completely overlook a video poker “gang” operating in Lexington county I would say that the two (Wilson and SLED) will be a match made in heaven.
Then there are the Department of Corrections efforts in interdiction gangs and SC Pardon Probation and Parole has an interest in gang information gathering. Is there anybody who can’t lay some claim to “fighting the gang problem?” Up to now, only the AG’s office. As could easily have been predicted, the legal wizards of the AG’s office are a dollar short and a day late.
In the end, in the future there will be some high dollar testimonial dinner given where Allan and his buddies will hand each other plaques and certificates and get all teary eyed about their blazing exploits against the scourge of gangs in our fair state. Nobody in attendance will have actually encountered a real gang member in their native habitat.
I just hope General Wilson doesn’t wander into that new Lone Ranger movie that was just released.

Reply
Soft Sigh from Hell July 13, 2013 at 4:12 pm

Anti-gang efforts will have great potential for swaggering and posing and thus will have scores of “heroes” falling all over themselves to got into the limelight and ink. The claimed “victories” will be a few street criminals who would have been caught anyway, plus “prevention” of innumerable unverifiable additional crimes of truly horrible extent: “Yes, yes, things haven’t improved much YET, but it is not NEARLY as bad as it would be if . . . “[translated ending: “. . . you were not showering us with money, new titles, and glory”]).
I’m not idly conjecturing: we have the war on drugs and war on terror to enlighten us.
I’m also not saying that anti-gang efforts could not work, but what are the chances South Carolina’s presently anointed could come up with success?

Reply
Scrappy July 13, 2013 at 11:08 pm

Good Point!

Reply
chickenoregg July 14, 2013 at 8:56 am

Very good point! Current political and police leadership would suggest that even if this initiative were taken, the likelihood of success leaves much to be desired. Competency is drastically lacking.

Reply
Carpe Jugulum July 14, 2013 at 9:35 pm

@ Soft Sigh from Hell: Right on! You have hit the nail on the head. In this case, Wilson qualifies as a full 10 penny.
Only the in the wasteland of a USC law grad’s mind (who had to take the bar exam twice) could this “declaration” be taken seriously. First of all, it is woefully obvious that the SC AG is ignorant of the career of Elliot Ness and completely uninformed of his role in bringing down Alphonse Capone. Let it suffice to say that Ness never had a face to face encounter with Mr. Capone. But then, why ruin a good movie or disturb Little Allan’s misconceptions.
In Little Allan’s view of the big picture, The South Carolina Gang Investigators Association is made up of a good bunch of cops, but they really need his leadership to make a difference. I mean, they are just a bunch of nobodies who are really knowledgeable about gangs and all, but they are just a bunch of nobodies! They need his star quality and keen insight into the world of criminal activity to really get things done.
Of course, there is the SLED Gang Intelligence Unit. Now there is a place that can use his expertise. God only knows how much of our money has been thrown down a rat hole on that embarrassment. However, it will no doubt do a complete turnaround once The “General” takes command. Considering that SLED managed to completely overlook a video poker “gang” operating in Lexington county I would say that the two (Wilson and SLED) will be a match made in heaven.
Then there are the Department of Corrections efforts in interdiction gangs and SC Pardon Probation and Parole has an interest in gang information gathering. Is there anybody who can’t lay some claim to “fighting the gang problem?” Up to now, only the AG’s office. As could easily have been predicted, the legal wizards of the AG’s office are a dollar short and a day late.
In the end, in the future there will be some high dollar testimonial dinner given where Allan and his buddies will hand each other plaques and certificates and get all teary eyed about their blazing exploits against the scourge of gangs in our fair state. Nobody in attendance will have actually encountered a real gang member in their native habitat.
I just hope General Wilson doesn’t wander into that new Lone Ranger movie that was just released.

Reply
Candyman July 14, 2013 at 10:32 am

Leave these good teenagers and their skittles a lone. Racial profiling is evil and morally wrong.

Reply
Candyman July 14, 2013 at 10:32 am

Leave these good teenagers and their skittles a lone. Racial profiling is evil and morally wrong.

Reply
john July 14, 2013 at 8:19 pm

My God, not again!

Wilson declares war on gangs. As he did on Obama, ObamaCare, dead voters, ethics reform and every other entity that polls badly in SC!

People, wake up. Isn’t it time Wilson fought white collar crime, government corruption and other problems the AG is suited for and left these other problems to others that are tasked with them?

(and think about this. If the SC state and local governments were not so corrupt could these gangs take a foot hold here in the first place?

Reply
Terry July 15, 2013 at 11:35 am

The corruption comes from a decade of unchecked Republican rule. So don’t look for any solutions soon.

Reply
john July 14, 2013 at 8:19 pm

My God, not again!

Wilson declares war on gangs. As he did on Obama, ObamaCare, dead voters, ethics reform and every other entity that polls badly in SC!

People, wake up. Isn’t it time Wilson fought white collar crime, government corruption and other problems the AG is suited for and left these other problems to others that are tasked with them?

(and think about this. If the SC state and local governments were not so corrupt could these gangs take a foot hold here in the first place?

Reply
Terry July 15, 2013 at 11:35 am

The corruption comes from a decade of unchecked Republican rule. So don’t look for any solutions soon.

Reply
Manray9 July 16, 2013 at 10:29 am

Law enforcement personnel should mobilize against a deeper threat to SC — crooked politicians! Corruption and cronyism are the true menace.

Reply
Manray9 July 16, 2013 at 10:29 am

Law enforcement personnel should mobilize against a deeper threat to SC — crooked politicians! Corruption and cronyism are the true menace.

Reply
Finius Nullis July 19, 2013 at 9:33 pm

Why do I keep hearing the theme song from “High Noon” in my head?

Reply
Finius Nullis July 19, 2013 at 9:33 pm

Why do I keep hearing the theme song from “High Noon” in my head?

Reply
Thomas July 21, 2013 at 5:30 pm

Yea, gang violence is trending…since the 1970’s? Why would a career LE investigator get involved wid da punks in da ville? Might get some back wash. Right? Not worth it, right? The solution is two fold. Since you can not stop the drugs coming in, you can control the cash being spent. Tax evasion is an angle that could work without putting your faces in da ville. Fine the dealers and the organizations for back taxes…selling w/o a retail license and failure to pay sales /use tax, or failing to report income. Or the punishment angle. Go full blown Pelican Bay on gang members. Put them in isolation for “in prison” incidents and activity. The best method is this…get the contraband out of prisons. Get the cell phones out! Get the tobacco out! Get the drugs out! If anyone practices gang activity, put them in isolation, one man cells. Build one new prison to house gang members already in prison who run gang activities. A fight, a cell phone found, an extortion and ship them to a new CCA facility in SC that puts these active gang members on 24 hour lockdown w/o cell phones, drugs or tobacco…for years and years and years. No contact even at rec.

Reply
Thomas July 21, 2013 at 5:30 pm

Yea, gang violence is trending…since the 1970’s? Why would a career LE investigator get involved wid da punks in da ville? Might get some back wash. Right? Not worth it, right? The solution is two fold. Since you can not stop the drugs coming in, you can control the cash being spent. Tax evasion is an angle that could work without putting your faces in da ville. Fine the dealers and the organizations for back taxes…selling w/o a retail license and failure to pay sales /use tax, or failing to report income. Or the punishment angle. Go full blown Pelican Bay on gang members. Put them in isolation for “in prison” incidents and activity. The best method is this…get the contraband out of prisons. Get the cell phones out! Get the tobacco out! Get the drugs out! If anyone practices gang activity, put them in isolation, one man cells. Build one new prison to house gang members already in prison who run gang activities. A fight, a cell phone found, an extortion and ship them to a new CCA facility in SC that puts these active gang members on 24 hour lockdown w/o cell phones, drugs or tobacco…for years and years and years. No contact even at rec.

Reply
Sand Piper July 21, 2013 at 9:54 pm

Source
= Adam Piper
Source
+ Statements + Adam Piper is now carrying heat…
just what we need!
Advice: Adam runs your Lilly-White, Powdered-Ass over to Docs and gets
your boss some pig fat; he looks emaciated!!

Reply
Sand Piper July 21, 2013 at 9:54 pm

Source
= Adam Piper
Source
+ Statements + Adam Piper is now carrying heat…
just what we need!
Advice: Adam runs your Lilly-White, Powdered-Ass over to Docs and gets
your boss some pig fat; he looks emaciated!!

Reply
fatalbert2013 July 22, 2013 at 5:43 am

Good freakin’ luck with this.

Reply
Dominick Carrullo July 22, 2013 at 5:43 am

Good freakin’ luck with this.

Reply

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