News Summary
Frederick Sioux Beaufort from Camden has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after admitting to illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The case arose following a traffic stop where marijuana and a handgun were discovered. His extensive criminal history includes prior drug charges and he was on bond for a murder charge at the time of his arrest. Following his sentence, he will undergo three years of supervised release.
Camden, South Carolina – Frederick Sioux Beaufort, a 41-year-old man from Camden, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm. The ruling was delivered by U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis following Beaufort’s admission of guilt in connection with his prior status as a convicted felon and his unlawful possession of a handgun.
The investigation that led to Beaufort’s sentencing began on September 15, 2023, when he was pulled over by a Kershaw County sheriff’s deputy for not wearing a seatbelt. During the traffic stop, the deputy observed what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette on the passenger seat, prompting a search of the vehicle. This search revealed a handgun, further complicating Beaufort’s legal situation.
Beaufort confessed to lacking a concealed weapons permit and acknowledged his status as a convicted felon, which rendered his possession of the firearm illegal. His extensive criminal history includes previous charges for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, resisting arrest, and distribution of crack cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Beaufort was out on bond for an unrelated murder charge, marking a concerning pattern of legal troubles.
Legal Consequences
Beaufort’s 27-month prison term will be followed by three years of court-mandated supervision once he completes his sentence. In this arrangement, he will be required to adhere to certain conditions imposed by the court, which are designed to monitor his reintegration into society and reduce the risk of reoffending.
Federal Firearms Regulations
The case highlights the serious implications of federal firearms regulations, particularly concerning individuals with prior felony convictions. Under federal law, individuals who have been convicted of a felony are prohibited from possessing firearms, and violations can result in significant prison time, as seen in Beaufort’s situation. The law aims to enhance public safety by preventing firearm access to individuals who may pose a risk due to their criminal histories.
Background on Beaufort
Frederick Sioux Beaufort’s legal troubles are extensive. His prior charges and ongoing issues with the law reflect a broader concern regarding repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing such behavior. His recent possession of a firearm, while out on bond for murder, raises additional questions about public safety and the potential for violence among individuals with significant criminal backgrounds.
The actions leading to Beaufort’s sentencing underscore the importance of law enforcement in monitoring compliance with firearms laws and ensuring that individuals with serious criminal records are held accountable for their actions. As the case concludes, it serves as a reminder of the strict laws surrounding firearm possession and the consequences of violating these laws in the state of South Carolina and across the nation.
Currently, Beaufort is in the federal prison system, where he is not eligible for early parole. His sentence serves to reinforce the judicial system’s stance on illegal firearm possession among convicted felons and aims to deter similar offenses in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Midlands man sentenced for illegal firearm possession
- Wikipedia: Firearm laws in the United States
- ABC News 4: Joint operation in Beaufort County leads to arrests
- Google Search: Illegal firearm possession
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County lawyer sentenced for hiding company funds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal justice
- ABC Columbia: Man sentenced for selling drugs
- Google News: Firearm possession laws

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.

