August 16, 2025

Significant Convictions in 14th Circuit’s Summer Court Sessions

News Summary

The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Beaufort, SC, has announced multiple convictions from summer court sessions targeting violent crimes, sexual assaults, and fraud. High-profile cases included a murder conviction with a life sentence and significant sentences for sexual abuse and fraud offenses. This surge in convictions highlights the commitment to public safety and justice for victims within the region.

14th Circuit Sees Significant Convictions in Summer Court Sessions

Beaufort, SC – The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office has announced a series of major convictions resulting from a productive summer court session focused on tackling violent crime, sexual assault, and fraud. From June through August, the Career Criminal Unit and Special Victims Unit achieved notable successes in the prosecution of offenders, underscoring the ongoing commitment to public safety in the region.

Key Convictions Highlighted

The summer court sessions have led to several high-profile convictions, including murder, sexual assault, and various fraud-related offenses. A standout case involved Nayquan Unique “Switch” Gadson, 22, who was convicted of murder for shooting 19-year-old Breiner Daniel Puerto-Gonzalez outside a convenience store in Hilton Head Island. Gadson was also found guilty of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, resulting in a life sentence issued by Circuit Court Judge Robert Bonds. The victim’s girlfriend played a crucial role in the conviction by identifying Gadson during a live video call while the shooting was taking place.

Other significant outcomes from this summer’s sessions include:

Adrian Clank Clark, 44, was sentenced to 12 years for second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. His abuse began when the victim was 10 and resulted in her pregnancy by the age of 15.
Gary Paul Celino Jr., 38, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual abuse involving young female relatives and received a sentence of 35 years.
Ahmad Rashad Bonds, already serving a 25-year sentence, received an additional 29 years for raping and kidnapping a prison commissary worker.
Samantha A. Nottingham, 38, was sentenced to serve time in both state and federal facilities for defrauding investors and the Small Business Administration.
Jayden Lamont Void, 23, was sentenced to 12 years related to the shooting death of Bluffton High School football player D’won “D.J.” Fields Jr.
John Patrick Shea, 30, pleaded guilty to the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Jillian Angner, and was sentenced to life in prison.
In a separate case, James Austin Edward Townsend Jr., 22, received a 30-year sentence for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old neighbor.
Inmate Ruben Ramirez was sentenced to an additional 10 years for exploiting a minor using a contraband phone after previously being convicted of serious sex crimes.

Success of Special Victims Unit

The success of the 14th Circuit’s Career Criminal Unit is noteworthy, boasting a conviction rate of 524 out of 576 defendants since its establishment in 2009. This unit, alongside the Special Victims Unit, focuses on prosecuting cases pertaining to domestic violence, sexual assault, and offenses against vulnerable populations, reinforcing the office’s commitment to justice for victims.

Continuing Efforts Against Crime

Looking ahead, the 14th Circuit solicitors are dedicated to continuing their efforts to address violent crime, sexual abuse, and fraud. The rigorous prosecution strategies developed by the Career Criminal Unit and the outreach initiatives from the Special Victims Unit are positioned to further enhance public safety in the 14th Circuit.

Conclusion

The summer court sessions have showcased the determination of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office to hold offenders accountable and seek justice for victims. With significant convictions across various types of crimes, the office remains vigilant in its pursuit of a safer community.

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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