Gray Court meth trafficker catches 16 year prison sentence
Laurens – A Gray Court man was sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty last Friday to charges stemming from drug busts in two counties, 8th Circuit Solicitor Davis M. Stumbo announced last Tuesday.
James Victor Capuano, 51, of Gray Court, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking methamphetamine. Capuano changed his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” in advance of his November trial date in Laurens County General Sessions Court.
Circuit Judge R. Frank Addy Jr. then sentenced Capuano to a total of 16 years in prison. Due to the nature of the offenses, state law requires that Capuano serve a minimum of 85 percent of the sentence and will not be considered for parole.
In 2021, Capuano was involved in two separate incidents in Laurens and Greenville counties involving large quantities of methamphetamine. In August 2021, Capuano was stopped in Greenville County and had 300 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle. In December 2021, the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) was conducting random package inspections (parcel interdiction) at the Greenville FedEx facility and identified a package containing more than four pounds of methamphetamine. The package was addressed to Capuano’s address in Gray Court.
Investigators contacted the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and deputies obtained a search warrant for the home. Capuano was spotted driving and deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Capuano led deputies on a brief chase before being taken into custody. A search of Capuano’s residence turned up more methamphetamine as well as evidence of the receipt, processing, and distribution of large amounts of drugs from that location. Capuano admitted to deputies that he regularly received packages of methamphetamine in the mail and would repackage it at his Gray Court residence for distribution throughout the Upstate.
Assistant Solicitor Mary-Madison Driggers was the prosecuting attorney for the State. Capuano was represented by attorney Scarlet Moore of the Laurens County Bar.
Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his team, along with narcotics investigators Charles Nations and Chris Oggenfuss of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville County DEU agents, in securing the conviction and prison sentence.
“Meth continues to be major issue, ruining countless lives and placing a heavy burden on our citizens,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “I am grateful for the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who continue to fight the scourge of meth and other deadly drugs. I am proud to stand alongside them in this battle for the safety of our communities across the 8th judicial circuit.”
Greenwood heroin trafficker sentenced to 18 years in prison
Greenwood – A Greenwood man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty Thursday afternoon to trafficking charges, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday.
Leslie Alexander Barger, 34, pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to charges of trafficking heroin, trafficking methamphetamine, and third-degree burglary. Circuit Judge R. Frank Addy Jr. then sentenced Barger to 18 years in prison.
In June 2022, officers from both Greenwood Police Department and Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office were executing a search warrant at a Sample Road residence when a man later identified as Barger walked up to the residence with a backpack. He told officers he was running from someone and, when asked about the contents of the bookbag, Barger responded, “Drugs – a lot of them.” A search of the bag turned up a handgun, more than 200 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of heroin, and more than 400 grams of marijuana.
Deputy Solicitor Yates Brown handled the case for the state. Barger was represented by Colie Stancil of the 8th Circuit Public Defender’s Office.
Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his Greenwood team, along with the joint effort between GPD and GCSO narcotics officers in securing the conviction and long prison sentence.
“Illegal drugs continue to destroy our communities, and poison pushers like Leslie Barger are the ones behind it,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “Thankfully, here in the 8th Circuit we have dedicated law enforcement professionals who work seamlessly together to get drug dealers off our streets. My office will continue to support their work in the courtroom as long as illegal drugs are a scourge in our communities.”
Laurens Man Accused Of Shooting A Victim
Friday, October 27, 2023
A Laurens Man is behind bars this morning accused of Domestic Violence High Aggravated In Nature. 34-year-old, Willvunchie Hill, of Laurens Terrace Drive, was arrested for the alleged charge. According to the arrest warrant on October 21st, Hill allegedly engaged in an argument with the victim, which escalated to Hill producing a 9mm handgun and shooting the victim. This incident allegedly occurred outside of the building of Laurens Terrace Drive. Willvunchie is still behind bars at the Laurens County Johnson Detention Center this morning. His cash or surety bond total is $75,000. — WLBG on-line
Shared with Public
According to the Laurens Police Department, James Boyter, 56, of Laurens, SC, is facing serious charges including unlawful use of the telephone, communicating a bomb threat, and Breach of Peace High and Aggravated Nature (BOPHAN). These charges stem from an alarming incident at a local medical facility late yesterday, which resulted in a building evacuation and a significant police response. Following a thorough investigation, authorities have confirmed that the threat was not deemed credible and the public was not in any danger. #SafetyFirst #LaurensIncident
