A drug trafficking organization in the Upstate has been brought to justice as 14 defendants involved in the “Las Señoritas” investigation have pleaded guilty to charges. This announcement was made by South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson.
Female defendants who sought refuge in Mexico to avoid prosecution were among those who managed the drug trafficking organization in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Additionally, the operation was overseen by inmates within the department.
The group of defendants, who were commonly referred to as the “Señoritas,” worked together inside the prison to import methamphetamine from Mexico and distribute it in the Upstate region.
Angela Nicole Welbourn, along with her accomplice Taylor Suzanne Oates, was involved in renting AirBnB residences in Greenville for dealing methamphetamine.
Authorities confiscated almost five kilograms of methamphetamine from an AirBnB property that two women had rented out to peddle narcotics.
From February 1, 2021 to September 6, 2023, almost $800,000 worth of methamphetamine weighing over 27 kilograms and 39 guns were seized by law enforcement.
Defendants charged with trafficking methamphetamine in Pickens County have been met with a harsh sentencing average of over 18 years, with 14 guilty pleas recorded so far.
Here is a breakdown of the charges related to Pickens County for which guilty pleas have been entered:
Harlie Danielle Willford pleaded guilty on November 30th, 2023 and has been sentenced to 20 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
Melissa Hope Finley was sentenced to 17 years after pleading on 11-30-2023.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
Angela Nicole Welborn pleaded guilty on November 30th, 2023 and was subsequently sentenced to 17 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
On November 30th, 2023, Taylor Suzanne Oates entered a plea and was subsequently sentenced to 16 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
Heather Marie Griffin pleaded guilty on February 01, 2024, and received a 12-year sentence.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
On February 1st, 2024, Arther Shane Mashburn pled guilty and was subsequently sentenced to 18 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
Travis Matthew Bentley pleaded on February 2nd, 2024 and was subsequently sentenced to 20 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
Monica Denise Bearden pleaded guilty on February 1st, 2024, and was subsequently sentenced to 17 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
On February 2, 2024, Malary Lynn Bates entered a plea and was subsequently sentenced to 18 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (three counts)
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
On February 2, 2024, Stacy Lynn Brooks pleaded guilty and was subsequently sentenced to 20 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
Heather Michelle Hamilton pled on February 1st, 2024, and was subsequently sentenced to 25 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
The individual known as Wade Douglas Watkins pleaded on May 16, 2024, and was subsequently sentenced to 19 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
On May 16, 2024, Randall Jason Simmons made a plea and was subsequently sentenced to 19 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime (two counts)
- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (two counts)
On May 16, 2024, Kasey Leigh Rasberry made a plea and was subsequently sentenced to 20 years.
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- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (Conspiracy)
- Money laundering
- Trafficking methamphetamine 28 grams or more, less than 100 grams (three counts)
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