June 13, 2025

Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges in Beaufort County

News Summary

A joint operation led to the arrest of three men on federal drug trafficking and firearm charges in Beaufort County. The individuals face serious allegations involving fentanyl, crack cocaine, and firearms. This operation underscores ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes in the community. The arrested individuals have a history of criminal activity and are currently held in custody while proceedings continue.

Beaufort, South Carolina – Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges Lead to Arrests of Three in Beaufort County

A joint law enforcement operation executed on June 5, 2025, in Burton, Beaufort County, resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including three men facing serious federal charges related to drug trafficking and firearms. The operation was conducted by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and local law enforcement authorities.

Those arrested include William Omar Heyward Jr., age 44, of Burton; Ishmael Allen Rivers, age 26, of Yemassee; and Christopher Andrew Copeland, age 26, of Beaufort. Each faces multiple federal charges as part of a sealed indictment that includes serious allegations of drug trafficking involving illicit substances such as fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.

The operation saw the execution of search and arrest warrants at properties on Eastern Road and Logwood Path, where authorities apprehended the individuals without incident. The arrested trio is currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center. In addition to the main charges, two other individuals, Katie Shannon Bradham, age 37, and Lindel Hugh Bonney III, age 34, both from Beaufort, were taken into custody on unrelated outstanding warrants.

Details of the Indictment

The indictment, which was filed on May 14, 2025, contains a total of 14 charges. Notably, while Heyward is implicated in all 14 counts, Rivers faces three counts, and Copeland is named in two. The allegations are linked to drug-related activities that date back to November 2023. Authorities allege that the defendants possessed firearms as a means to facilitate the distribution of illegal drugs.

Criminal History

Of particular significance is Heyward’s criminal history. He has prior convictions in federal court for drug and firearms offenses and has served over 12 months in prison. This history may complicate his legal situation and increase the stakes in the current case.

Current Legal Proceedings

In a preliminary hearing in U.S. District Court in Charleston, all three men pleaded not guilty to the charges. They also waived their detention hearings without prejudice, suggesting they may seek to have the opportunity for future hearings. The federal investigation into their activities remains ongoing, as confirmed by FBI public information officer, Kevin Wheeler, indicating that law enforcement is still actively pursuing leads connected to this case.

Community Impact

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and related gun violence in Beaufort County. With a notable surge in opioid-related incidents across the country, authorities are ramping up initiatives to dismantle drug distribution networks and apprehend individuals involved in these criminal activities.

The arrests serve as a critical reminder of the challenges that law enforcement faces in ensuring community safety and the continual need for collaborative efforts across various agencies to effectively tackle the issue of drug trafficking and its associated dangers.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Missing Teen Found Safe in Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort County FBI Raid Leads to Drug and Weapons Arrests
Five Arrested in Drug Trafficking Operation in Beaufort County
Five Arrested in Beaufort County Drug and Gun Operation
Major Law Enforcement Operation Targets Drug Activity in South Carolina
FBI Leads Major Drug Arrest Operation in Burton, SC
Five Arrested in Burton, SC Federal Drug Trafficking Operation
Joint Operation Leads to Five Arrests in Burton, SC
Major Drug and Firearm Bust in Beaufort County

Additional Resources

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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