News Summary
A joint law enforcement operation in Burton, South Carolina, resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including three on federal drug trafficking charges. The operation, conducted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with federal agencies, executed search warrants at multiple residences. The primary suspect faces serious federal charges including possession of controlled substances and unlawful firearm possession. Authorities emphasize the cooperative efforts to combat drug-related crimes, enhancing community safety as investigations continue into the individuals’ network and operations.
Burton, SC – A joint law enforcement operation led to the arrest of five individuals, including three on federal charges, on June 5, 2025, in Burton, South Carolina. The operation was conducted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
The arrests occurred shortly before 6 a.m., when search warrants were executed at residences located on Logwood Path and Eastern Road in Burton. The individuals taken into custody included William Omar Heyward Jr., 44, of Burton; Ishmael Allen Rivers, 26, of Yemassee; and Christopher Andrew Copeland, 26, of Beaufort. Additionally, Katie Shannon Bradham, 37, and Lindel Hugh Bonney III, 34, both from Beaufort, were arrested on outstanding warrants.
All five individuals were apprehended without incident. William Omar Heyward, the primary suspect, faces multiple serious federal charges, including 14 counts related to drug trafficking and unlawful firearm possession. The federal indictment alleges that he, along with Rivers and Copeland, was involved in a conspiracy to possess controlled substances such as fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Furthermore, the indictment claims that they possessed firearms to facilitate their drug distribution activities.
History reveals that Heyward is not new to the legal system. He has a prior federal conviction for drug-related and firearm offenses and has already served over 12 months in prison. Rivers and Copeland, who are also facing charges, are named in three counts and two counts of the indictment, respectively. All three defendants pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court and waived their detention hearings, which means they will remain in custody while the case proceeds. As of Thursday evening, they were still behind bars awaiting further legal proceedings.
The cooperative nature of the operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in the region. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the support received from various agencies involved, including Code Enforcement, Animal Services, and the Georgia State Patrol. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities continue to work on gathering evidence and further insight into the operations of these suspects.
This significant operation highlights the commitment of local and federal law enforcement agencies to tackle the pressing issues of drug trafficking and firearm offenses in South Carolina. Through coordinated efforts, law enforcement aims to reduce the prevalence of illegal substances and improve community safety. The successful arrests serve as a reminder of the collaborative efforts made to protect citizens from the dangers posed by drug-related crimes.
As the legal process unfolds, those involved will face their charges, and investigations into their network and operations may reveal further implications for the local area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Drug and Firearm Bust in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Conducts Drug and Gun Crackdown
South Carolina Law Enforcement Raids Cartel Activities
Gaffney Woman Faces Serious Consequences in Drug Case
Gaffney’s Drug Scene Shaken By Major Guilty Plea
Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: Drug trafficking
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Burton SC drug arrests
- WTOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Island Packet
- Google News: Beaufort County FBI
- WJCL
- Google Scholar: Drug law enforcement
- ABC11
