Hilton Head and Bluffton, January 8, 2026
Three teenagers from Jasper County, South Carolina have been arrested for a series of burglaries aimed at Hispanic restaurants in the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas. Charged as adults, they face serious felony charges that have raised concerns among local business owners. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating further connections to other burglaries in the region. The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to ensure community safety and address the specific targeting of minority-owned businesses.
Hilton Head and Bluffton, South Carolina
Teenagers Apprehended Following Burglary Spree Targeting Hispanic Restaurants
Three teenagers from Jasper County, South Carolina, have been arrested and charged as adults in connection with a series of burglaries that specifically targeted Hispanic restaurants in the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests, which were updated on Tuesday, January 7, 2026. The individuals are accused of deliberately focusing on these establishments during their alleged crime spree, leading to concern among local business owners.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
The arrested teenagers have been identified as Pape Niang, 17, Mohamed Mbengue, 18, and Cheikh Niang, 19. They have each been charged with second-degree burglary. All three individuals are currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center. Investigators revealed that the targeted restaurants included Santa Fe Café, Carlitos Mexican Bar & Grill, and Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether these individuals may be connected to other recent burglaries in the area.
Under South Carolina law, a second-degree burglary charge is a felony that alleges an accused person entered a building with the intent to commit a crime while armed with a deadly weapon, causing injury, using threats, or displaying a weapon. This offense is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. In addition to the burglary charge, Pape Niang was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Initial jail logs suggest that the teenagers are being accused of stealing less than $2,000 from each of the locations. The felony nature of the charges underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement and the judicial system are treating these incidents. The coordinated efforts by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office led to the successful apprehension of the suspects, bringing a measure of resolution to the affected businesses.
Community Impact and Ongoing Vigilance
The targeted nature of these burglaries has created significant distress within the Hispanic business community in Hilton Head and Bluffton. Restaurant owners and their staff have not only faced financial losses but also the emotional toll of being specifically singled out. The incidents have prompted discussions among business proprietors about enhancing security measures, such as installing advanced surveillance systems, improving lighting, and fostering stronger neighborhood watch initiatives. The sense of security is vital for the thriving hospitality sector in these areas, and these events have understandably caused disruption and anxiety. Local law enforcement agencies are actively working to reassure the community and to implement strategies that prevent similar occurrences, emphasizing their commitment to protecting all businesses and residents. Community outreach and engagement are also key components of the ongoing response, aiming to build trust and encourage reporting of suspicious activities.
Broader Law Enforcement Activities in South Carolina
In addition to these recent arrests, law enforcement agencies throughout South Carolina have been engaged in various other efforts to maintain public safety. In a separate incident in Greenville, South Carolina, a wanted individual was arrested on October 30, 2025, after their vehicle reportedly collided with a patrol car near a pawn shop. Furthermore, on November 18, 2025, a police pursuit occurred in Greenville involving a suspect who was wanted out of Spartanburg County for vehicle theft. These distinct events highlight the continuous efforts by police to address criminal activity and ensure the security of communities across the state. While separate from the recent burglary spree in the Lowcountry, they collectively reflect the dynamic environment of law enforcement operations and their dedication to vigilance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the primary news event?
- Three teenagers were arrested and charged as adults following a series of burglaries that specifically targeted Hispanic restaurants in the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas of South Carolina.
- Who was arrested?
- Pape Niang, 17, Mohamed Mbengue, 18, and Cheikh Niang, 19, all from Jasper County, South Carolina, were arrested.
- Where did the burglaries occur?
- The burglaries targeted Hispanic restaurants in the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas of South Carolina.
- What are the charges against the teenagers?
- Each teenager has been charged with second-degree burglary. Pape Niang was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
- When were the arrests made?
- The arrests were made on Tuesday, January 7, 2026.
- Which specific restaurants were targeted?
- The targeted restaurants included Santa Fe Café, Carlitos Mexican Bar & Grill, and Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill.
Key Details of the Burglaries
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspects | Pape Niang, Mohamed Mbengue, Cheikh Niang |
| Age | 17, 18, 19 respectively |
| Charges | Second-degree burglary (all three); Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Pape Niang) |
| Locations Targeted | Hispanic restaurants in Hilton Head and Bluffton, South Carolina (Santa Fe Café, Carlitos Mexican Bar & Grill, Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill) |
| Law Enforcement Agency | Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
| Date of Arrests | Tuesday, January 7, 2026 |
| Estimated Value Stolen | Less than $2,000 at each location |
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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.
