Let's Have Them Pay For Your Injuries!
Let's Have Them Pay For Your Injuries!

Personal Injury Attorney in Sumter, SC

Accidents can happen suddenly, catching even the most prepared person off guard. One minute, you may be strolling to a restaurant after a long day at work, and the next minute, someone else's carelessness can change your life forever. Personal injury victims not only endure negligence but also experience pain and worry about their families and ability to work. Often, these victims cannot afford to focus on work and family when they're injured or even clinging to life in an ER. Without a personal injury attorney in Sumter, SC, to fight for their rights, these same victims provide official statements by mistake to insurance companies. They accept embarrassingly low settlement offers without realizing that they deserve much more.

If you've been hurt in an accident recently, ask yourself these questions:

  • Now that you're injured, what happens next?
  • How am I going to pay for my stay at the hospital?
  • Am I going to get fired because I've missed work?
  • How will I be able to become independent again after this serious injury?

With 30.21 personal injury cases for every 100,000 residents in South Carolina - 217% higher than the national average - it's not surprising that men and women like you are asking the questions above. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our hearts hurt for victims who are suffering needlessly.

Because, at the end of the day, they're not just hurting physically. They're struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of car repairs, medical bills, doctor's appointments, and loss of income. Fortunately, personal injury laws in South Carolina state that the parties found responsible for your suffering and pain must account for your expenses. With a personal injury lawyer by your side, you have a real shot at getting the compensation you deserve.

Max Sparwasser: A Personal Injury Lawyer in Sumter, SC You Can Trust

If you've been injured in an accident in South Carolina, you have the right to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair settlement, consider speaking with our Sumter personal injury lawyer.

At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our goal is to help accident victims in South Carolina recover the maximum amount for their losses, including damages for pain and suffering. Unlike some personal injury law firms, our expert attorneys know that no two cases are ever exactly the same. That's why we take a personalized approach to each case that comes across our desk.

You can rest easy knowing that your personal injury case starts with a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. During this initial meeting, we'll review your accident, determine liability, and recommend the best legal course of action for you. Max Sparwasser and his team focus on a range of personal injury categories, including the following:

Why Choose The Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC?

Injured victims choose Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC because we put our clients' needs first.

Legal Consultation Sumter, SC

We Work for You

Max dedicates focused attention to your claim and is confident that once you've met and talked to him, you will feel comfortable entrusting him with your personal injury case.

Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer

Your case is going to be handled personally by Max, properly and professionally. NO FEES are collected unless you are paid benefits.

Personalized Attention

Now that you know a little bit more about our personal injury law firm and how we take care of our clients, let's take a look at two of the most common types of personal injury cases we take: Car accidents and workers' compensation.

As an experienced personal injury attorney, Max has the right training and legal tools to assist with your compensation claims and your personal injury case as a whole.

Injured in a Car Wreck? It's Time to Fight for Your Rights

If you've ever been in a minor fender bender, you know how frustrating and scary it can be when police are called and insurance companies get involved. Dinging a car is one thing, but a full-on car wreck is a completely different story. A car accident in Sumter can result in significant expenses such as vehicle damage and medical costs.

If a distracted driver kills your loved one, the impact on your family can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors of car accidents often experience emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other challenges that alter their quality of life. In the face of these life-changing events, aggressive representation from a personal injury attorney in Sumter, SC, can maximize your chances of winning your case.

Accident Recovery Sumter, SC

The Truth About Insurance Companies and Car Accidents in South Carolina

Here's an uncomfortable truth to digest: Insurance companies often aim to pay out as little as possible. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from their tactics by getting the right legal support for your personal injury claim.

When you report a crash to an insurer, they'll assign an adjuster to your case. However, these adjusters deal with many cases and may not fully understand yours. If an insurance claims adjuster contacts you, be cautious. They aren't looking out for your best interests. It's common for adjusters to push for settlements that undervalue your claim.

Stick to the facts if you talk to an adjuster and refuse to provide a recorded statement or agree to any settlement. Instead, wait until you've consulted with a personal injury attorney. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our team of car accident lawyers will assess the true worth of your claim and protect you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies.

The Truth About Insurance Companies and Car Accidents in South Carolina

When you hire a personal injury attorney in Sumter, SC, from Max Sparwasser Law Firm, you don't have to know all our state's car crash and insurance laws. We have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to handle any case related to a car accident in the Lowcountry. Our long-time car accident attorneys can handle the legal proceedings for you and provide you with peace of mind during negotiations. With that said, we understand that the more you know about South Carolina's car wreck laws, the better you can safeguard your rights after an accident.

As such, here are three car wreck laws in South Carolina you should understand:

It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.

Personal Injury Attorney Sumter, SC

Like many other states, South Carolina operates under a "fault" insurance system. This system holds the driver responsible for covering the damages of the injured party if they are at fault for the accident.

Legal Consultation Sumter, SC

If you are in a car accident and it leads to a personal injury claim due to negligence, the court needs to determine that you (the plaintiff) are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you will lose your right to seek compensation. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you will receive at least some compensation. Your award will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Accident Recovery Sumter, SC
Personal Injury Attorney Sumter, SC

The Role of Negligence in South Carolina

When drivers take the wheel, they bear the responsibility of being careful and attentive to their surroundings. This means watching out for other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. However, if a driver chooses to text, eat, or talk on the phone while driving, they are failing to do so and are behaving negligently.

Negligence involves acting carelessly, resulting in harm or damage. Other examples of negligence include:

  • Running Red Lights
  • Speeding
  • Failure to Yield
  • Distracted Driving
  • DUI
  • Improper Lane Change
  • Much More

If you've been in a car accident and need help understanding our local laws or the role of negligence in your case, schedule your free claim assessment with the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, today. The sooner you know your rights and file a claim, the sooner our lawyers can advocate on your behalf. Our accident lawyers will uphold your best interests despite pushback from insurance companies and the complex legal system in South Carolina.

Workers' Compensation Claims in South Carolina Explained

While South Carolina's workplace incidence rate was lower than the national average in 2020, tens of thousands of workers were reportedly injured on the job. In fact, private employers in South Carolina reported 29,100 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incident rate of 2.1 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In 2021, the private sector reported 30,300 such injuries and illnesses, leading to an incidence rate of 2.2 cases per 100 workers, many of whom hired.

Public sector employers reported 8,100 injury and illness cases in 2021, with 72 percent occurring among local government workers. Occupational illness trends in South Carolina mirrored those seen nationwide. In 2020, the private sector accounted for 4,200 of the total reported cases, and 3,100 in 2021, showing a 26 percent decline.

Respiratory illnesses made up 79 percent of the total occupational illnesses reported in South Carolina in 2020. In 2021, 89.8 percent of private industry recorded incidents were injuries.

Legal Consultation Sumter, SC

Personal injury attorneys in Sumter, SC, fought some of the state's biggest employers in court, including brands such as:

  • Volvo
  • BMW
  • College of Sumter
  • Boeing
  • Medical University of South Carolina
  • Kapstone
  • Roper Hospital
  • Rober Bosch Corporation

While there is no single federal law governing workers' compensation, every state in the U.S. has its own workers' compensation system. This program provides financial benefits to employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses. Typically, an injured worker can receive workers' compensation benefits without needing to prove their employer's negligence. In exchange, the employee forfeits the right to file a personal injury claim against the employer.

Under the state workers' comp system, an injured employee will be reimbursed for all necessary medical treatment following a workplace accident. If the injury or illness leads to more than seven days of missed work, the employee will receive 66.66% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. Workers may also receive compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement. The maximum award for death or total disability is 500 weeks of compensation.

Lifetime benefits are available in cases of paraplegia, quadriplegia, and brain injury. It should be noted that trying to

Who Can Receive Workers' Comp Benefits in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, most employees are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they suffer an injury or illness while working. Employees don't need to prove fault; they just need to prove that the injury or illness happened at work or during a work-related activity. Unfortunately, there are exceptions under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act, meaning some employers never qualify for workers' compensation.

Those restrictions apply to:

  • Federal Employees
  • Small Businesses with Three or Less Employees
  • Agricultural Employees
  • Casual Employees
  • Some Realtors
  • Corporate Officers
  • Railroad Workers

Employers who fall under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act must maintain the required minimum amounts of workers' comp insurance. If you're trying to pick up the pieces after being injured at work, contact the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC today. Our personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the help you need to rebuild your life.

Accident Recovery Sumter, SC

Top Reasons to Hire a Worker's Compensation Personal Injury Attorney in Sumter, SC

Many injured workers assume they can save money by foregoing a personal injury attorney to oversee their workers' comp claim. In reality, many plaintiffs lose money - or don't get the proper amount they're owed - when they choose not to hire a lawyer. If you were recently injured at work and are on the fence about retaining counsel for your case, keep these facts in mind.

To safeguard your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation, injured individuals must file a workers' compensation claim. Unfortunately, many people come up with reasons why they shouldn't file a claim before determining whether their claim is valid.

Some of the most common reasons for doing so include:

  • Reporting the Injury to Management and Continuing to Work
  • Having an Existing Condition
  • Fear Over Job Termination

You should know that making the decisions above doesn't necessarily disqualify you from making a workers' comp claim. That's why it's so important to work with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. Great workers' comp attorneys - like those at the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC - thoroughly assess your case and help determine whether you have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.

Personal Injury Attorney Sumter, SC

Here's a safely kept secret in the insurance industry: Skilled workers' compensation lawyers create risk. Insurance companies hate risk because it exposes them and causes them to lose money. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer takes on risk by developing the best strategy to maximize your benefits and gathering evidence that will be admissible in a hearing.

Do you truly understand the benefits you're entitled to? Do you know what you need to prove in order to win? Do you know how to effectively present that evidence? This can be quite complex, even for attorneys, which is why an injured employee alone doesn't pose much of a threat to the insurance company. That's why professional help from a qualified attorney is essential in workers' comp cases.

Legal Consultation Sumter, SC

It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.

Accident Recovery Sumter, SC

It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.

Personal Injury Attorney Sumter, SC

Trust the Max Sparwasser Law Firm Difference

Whether you have been injured in a car accident, hurt at work, or are struggling with another type of personal injury situation, know that our team is here to help. Our personal injury attorneys in Sumter, SC are insurance claims experts and know how to negotiation and achieve maximum financial compensation. The best part? We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win. That's the Max Sparwasser Law Firm difference. Contact our office today to learn more about personal injury cases in South Carolina and whether or not you have a valid claim.

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Latest News in Sumter, SC

GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s Pride Announce the Commissioning of Sumter RNG Project

SUMTER, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s Pride announced the commissioning of a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at Pilgrim’s poultry processing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. Leadership from both companies were joined by representatives of Governor Henry McMaster’s and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman’s offices, as well as members of the local business community to celebrate the collaboration and the dedicated i...

SUMTER, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s Pride announced the commissioning of a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at Pilgrim’s poultry processing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. Leadership from both companies were joined by representatives of Governor Henry McMaster’s and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman’s offices, as well as members of the local business community to celebrate the collaboration and the dedicated investment in renewable energy technologies in the state of South Carolina. The project is expected to inject RNG into the pipeline by the end of the month.

At the Pilgrim’s Sumter processing facility, GreenGas is building upon existing methane capture capabilities and investment to convert biogas from wastewater streams, upgrading the biogas to pipeline quality RNG. The collaboration is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Sumter facility while improving wastewater operations, as well as local air and water quality. GreenGas CEO and Founder Marc Fetten commented, “This project represents another significant win for South Carolina agriculture and industry and our environment. It is a demonstration of industries coming together and leading our collective journey into a lower carbon future while creating economic and environmental benefits for our communities. The renewable energy produced at this project is enough to power almost all the homes of the entire workforce working at the Pilgrim's Sumter plant, and is produced from what, until recently, was simply a waste stream.”

The Sumter RNG project is the first operational site under a strategic partnership between the two companies focused on the adoption of circular economy technologies and repurposing of waste streams into renewable energy. South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers commented, “Projects like the collaboration between Pilgrim’s Pride and GreenGasUSA at the Sumter facility enable participation from the agricultural sector in the circular economy. I am encouraged that South Carolina has emerged as a hub for partnerships that leverage the expertise and practices of traditional industries – like farming – to produce high-quality renewable energy products.” GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s Pride parent company JBS are currently developing and constructing additional RNG projects located at processing facilities across the U.S.

“Pilgrim's is committed to embedding sustainability in our business," said Pilgrim's CEO Fabio Sandri. "Our partnership with GreenGasUSA in Sumter is a prime example of how Pilgrim's can implement innovative solutions to reduce our GHG footprint and unlock value for our business. Given these efforts, we can strengthen America's food supply and create a better future for our communities where we operate."

About GreenGasUSA: GreenGasUSA partners with global businesses to help reduce their environmental footprint by producing renewable natural gas and other renewable products, like carbon dioxide (CO2), clean water, and agricultural nutrients. GreenGasUSA’s wastewater and engineering experts design and permit comprehensive biogas solutions including, biogas capture, anaerobic digestion, gas flaring, compression, transportation, and pipeline injection. GreenGasUSA has operational RNG facilities at agricultural and food processing sources across the country, with proven success in installing, commissioning, and operating gas upgrading equipment; RNG and CO2 product compression and transportation; and existing pipeline injection infrastructure. GreenGasUSA’s existing assets and partnerships with sustainability leaders are helping to shape the renewable energy landscape by offering solutions to customers dedicated to bettering the environment. GreenGasUSA has six operational RNG facilities, and one CO2 facility, and is actively developing additional RNG and CO2 facilities across the U.S.

GreenGasUSA is majority owned by the IFM Net Zero Infrastructure Fund (“IFM NZIF”). IFM NZIF is an open-ended fund, managed by IFM Investors, which targets essential infrastructure assets that seek to accelerate the world’s transition to a net-zero emissions economy.

About Pilgrim’s Pride: As a global food company with more than 62,000 team members, Pilgrim's processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. The company operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe. For more information, please visit www.pilgrims.com.

Contacts

GreenGasUSA Media Contact: Jessie Dzura Vice President, Sustainability Policy & Carbon Markets Strategy Jessie.Dzura@greengasusa.com

Pilgrim’s Pride Media Contact: Matt Connelly Director of Communications, JBS USA Matthew.Connelly@JBSSA.com

SC private school basketball playoff brackets are set. Here’s the game schedule

The S.C. Independent School Association released its 2025 high school basketball playoff brackets on Wednesday.The postseason begins on Friday and will wrap up Feb. 21-22 at the Sumter Civic Center.Feb. 14Heathwood Hall vs. Ashley Hall at Cardinal Newman, 6:30 p.m.John Paul II vs. Porter-Gaud at Cathedral, 8 p.m.First Baptist vs. Hilton Head Christian at Cathedral, 3:30 p.m.Augusta Christian vs. Wilson Hall at Cardinal Newman, 8 p.m.Trinity Collegiate (bye)Palmetto Christian vs. ...

The S.C. Independent School Association released its 2025 high school basketball playoff brackets on Wednesday.

The postseason begins on Friday and will wrap up Feb. 21-22 at the Sumter Civic Center.

Feb. 14

Heathwood Hall vs. Ashley Hall at Cardinal Newman, 6:30 p.m.

John Paul II vs. Porter-Gaud at Cathedral, 8 p.m.

First Baptist vs. Hilton Head Christian at Cathedral, 3:30 p.m.

Augusta Christian vs. Wilson Hall at Cardinal Newman, 8 p.m.

Trinity Collegiate (bye)

Palmetto Christian vs. Ben Lippen at Cathedral, 6:30 p.m.

Cardinal Newman at Northwood, 5 p.m.

Northside Christian vs. Laurence Manning at Cardinal Newman, 6 p.m.

Feb. 14

Orangeburg Prep (bye)

Greenwood Christian vs. Thomas Sumter at Cardinal Newman, 3:30 p.m.

Florence Christian vs. Calhoun Academy at Sumter Civic Center, 5:30 p.m.

Hilton Head Prep (bye)

Colleton Prep vs. First Presbyterian at Sumter Civic Center, 7 p.m.

Pee Dee Academy (bye)

Patrick Henry vs. Spartanburg Day at Wilson Hall, 7 p.m.

Sparanburg Christian (bye)

SCISA 2A Girls

Carolina Academy vs. Oakbrook Prep at Wilson Hall, 7 p.m.

Cross Schools (bye)

Our Lady of Rosary at Cathedral Academy, 5 p.m.

Lee Academy (bye)

Andrew Jackson vs. Conway Christian at Wilson Hall, 5:30 p.m.

Dorchester Academy (bye)

Charleston Collegiate vs. Holy Trinity at Northwood, 5 p.m.

Laurens Academy (bye)

Feb. 14

Jefferson Davis vs. Holly Hill at Wilson Hall, 5:30 p.m.

Curtis Baptist (bye)

Richard Winn vs. Mead Hall at Sumter Civic Center, 4 p.m.

Wardlaw Academy (bye)

Feb. 15

Augusta Christian (bye)

Northside Christian vs. Laurence Manning at Sumter Civic Center, noon

Pinewood Prep vs. First Baptist at Cathedral, noon

Cardinal Newman at Wilson Hall, noon

Porter-Gaud vs. Hilton Head Christian at Cathedral, 1:30 p.m.

Heathwood Hall vs. John Paul II at Sumter Civic Center, 1:30 p.m.

Hammond vs. Northwood at Sumter Civic Center, 3 p.m.

Ben Lippen vs. Trinity Collegiate at Sumter Civic Center, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 15

Florence Christian vs. Spartanburg Christian at Wilson Hall, 4:30 p.m.

Hilton Head Prep (bye)

Greenwood Christian vs. St. John’s Christian at Wilson Hall, 5 p.m.

Orangeburg Prep (bye)

Spartanburg Day vs. Dillon Christian at Wilson Hall, 6 p.m.

Christian Academy (bye)

Patrick Henry at Calhoun Academy, 1:30 p.m.

Pee Dee Academy (bye)

Feb. 15

Bethesda Academy vs. Cross Schools at Cathedral, 3 p.m.

Charleston Collegiate vs. Our Lady of Rosary at Calhoun, 3 p.m.

Andrew Jackson vs. Lee Academy at Wilson Hall, 3 p.m.

Faith Christian vs. Laurens Academy at Calhoun, noon

Feb. 15

Mead Hall vs. Wardlaw at Wilson Hall, 12:30 p.m.

Ragin Prep (bye)

Marlboro Academy vs. Cambridge at Wilson Hall, 2 p.m.

Jefferson Davis (bye)

Holly Hill Academy vs. Anderson Christian at Calhoun, 4:30 p.m.

Curtis Baptist (bye)

Newberry Academy vs. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton at Wilson Hall, 1:30 p.m.

Richard Winn (bye)

Multiple arrests made in Sumter, Richland County on charges of money laundering for cartels

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Three suspects in Sumter County and one in Richland County are charged with money laundering for cartels after a years-long investigation by multiple agencies.In Sumter CountyCaspin Powers Adachi, 23, Fnu Naimullah, 32, and Nasir Ullah, 27, were arrested on Jan. 23, following arrest warrants issued on January 14.On Thursday, Jan. 23, authorities from multiple agencies served search warrants for money laundering at two businesses on Broad Street and houses on Rhododendron Street and Currituck Drive. These ...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Three suspects in Sumter County and one in Richland County are charged with money laundering for cartels after a years-long investigation by multiple agencies.

In Sumter CountyCaspin Powers Adachi, 23, Fnu Naimullah, 32, and Nasir Ullah, 27, were arrested on Jan. 23, following arrest warrants issued on January 14.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, authorities from multiple agencies served search warrants for money laundering at two businesses on Broad Street and houses on Rhododendron Street and Currituck Drive. These buildings were said to have been used by Powers Adachi, Naimullah, and Ullah.

Another suspect was arrested at the same time in Richland County for money laundering charges with assistance from the DEA, SLED, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

SLED, Sumter County Sherriff’s Office, and DEA Special Agents also charged Chinese national Puquan Huang, who was arrested in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and will be extradited to South Carolina.

The arrests come after a multi-year investigation by the DEA, with assistance from federal, state, and local authorities. Deputies say the investigation led to Sumter and concluded with the arrests of four suspects with the aid of SCSO. This investigation focused on international and domestic money laundering for Mexico’s two dominant drug cartels – the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CING) and the Sinaloa Cartel.

Investigators believe the suspects worked directly with cartel-affiliated Chinese money launderers operating in both Georgia and South Carolina and had been doing so for multiple years.

Authorities confirm Ullah will face additional charges in Richland County after being arrested in October 2024 while smuggling about $180,000. Ullah and Naimullah’s father, Mohammad Azam Khan, remains an active fugitive and is believed to be in Dubai.

Deputies transported Adachi, Naimullah, and Ullah to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. Following bond hearings, Adachi and Ullah posted $20,000 surety bonds, and Naimullah posted a $200,000.00 bond. All three suspects were released, according to authorities.

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Multi-national drug money-laundering network busted in Sumter County, arrests made

Federal agents bust a multi-national drug and money-laundering network involving Mexican gangs and Chinese launderers in Sumter, uncovering $15M operation.Credit: KUSASUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — State, local and federal agencies have made multiple arrests in what they describe as a multi-national drug and money-laundering network based in Sumter County.The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said 23-year-old Caspin Powers Adachi, 32-year-old Fnu Naimullah and 27-year-old Nasir Ullah, all of Sumter, were arrested on charges ti...

Federal agents bust a multi-national drug and money-laundering network involving Mexican gangs and Chinese launderers in Sumter, uncovering $15M operation.

Credit: KUSA

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — State, local and federal agencies have made multiple arrests in what they describe as a multi-national drug and money-laundering network based in Sumter County.

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said 23-year-old Caspin Powers Adachi, 32-year-old Fnu Naimullah and 27-year-old Nasir Ullah, all of Sumter, were arrested on charges tied to an operation that laundered drug money tied to Mexican gangs with help from Chinese money launderers, sending items to the Middle East and China.

The sheriff's office said the multi-year investigation was headed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from several state and local agencies and focused on money laundering for Mexico's Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CING) and the Sinaloa Cartel.

On Jan. 23, local law enforcement assisted state and federal agents in serving warrants for money laundering at two Borad Street businesses and at homes on Rhododendron Street and Currituck Drive that authorities allege Adachi, Naimullah and Ullah used. Another unnamed associate was also arrested in Richland County on money laundering charges.

The sheriff's office said investigators believe the suspects worked for years with cartel-affiliated Chinese money launderers operating in Georgia and South Carolina. The Sumter operation is accused of receiving more than $15 million in drug cash and using that money to buy a large amount of electronics for export, primarily to China and countries in the Middle East. Authorities said the money was mainly from the sale of fentanyl by Mexican gang drug dealers operating in the United States.

Drug raids uncovered an estimated $230,000 in cash, three vehicles, 11 firearms and jewelry "totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars." Another suspect, Chinese national Puquan Huang, was arrested in Gwinnett County, Georgia and will be brought back to South Carolina.

In Sumter County, Adachi, Naimullah and Ullah face charges of knowingly attempting or conducting a financial transaction with proceeds of unlawful activity to promote or conceal for transactions that total or exceed $100,000 in a 12-month period. This is a felony charge. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said all three were taken to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Adachi and Ullah posted $20,000 surety bonds, and Naimullah posted a $200,000 bond.

Investigators said Ullah faces more charges in Richland County after an October 2024 arrest for allegedly smuggling about $180,000. Ullah and Naimullah's father, Mohammad Azam Khan, is considered a fugitive and is possibly in Dubai, authorities said.

Sumter assisted living facility to close after state violations

The South Carolina Department of Public Health revoked the facility's license due to a reported 'history of non-compliance.'SUMTER, S.C. — Families of residents at Carriage House of Sumter, also known as Patriot Living, are scrambling to find new homes for their loved ones following the facility’s sudden closure.Angela Riles-Irby, whose relative resides at the facility, said she was shocked to learn about the closure through word of mouth rather than official communication.“We never got anything in writ...

The South Carolina Department of Public Health revoked the facility's license due to a reported 'history of non-compliance.'

SUMTER, S.C. — Families of residents at Carriage House of Sumter, also known as Patriot Living, are scrambling to find new homes for their loved ones following the facility’s sudden closure.

Angela Riles-Irby, whose relative resides at the facility, said she was shocked to learn about the closure through word of mouth rather than official communication.

“We never got anything in writing, we never got a letter, no type of paperwork—everything was verbally,” Riles-Irby said.

News19 made multiple attempts to contact the management team but could not reach them.

According to a Healthcare Quality Enforcement Report from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), state officials visited the facility six times between April and September and documented numerous violations.

These included:

The state health department revoked the facility's license due to what it described as a “history of non-compliance." The full report is available online.

“That’s really concerning, and that saddens me,” Riles-Irby said. “He’s been there all that time, a whole year now and all of this was going on and we never knew.”

"My god, it just breaks my heart; I'm speechless; I just don't know what else to say," she added.

The DPH said the facility’s license will remain in effect until the last resident is relocated or until March 19—whichever comes first.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) said it was working with other organizations and state agencies to help relocate residents from all four locations impacted by the closures, including the one in Sumter. Additional information about adult protective services provided by DSS is available at dss.sc.gov.

Details related to the release and transfer of residents from Community Residential Care Facilities, including the notification of family members or sponsors, are available in the South Carolina Department of Public Health's Standards for Community Residential Care Facilities under section 906. It states that:

South Carolina's Bill of Rights for residents of long-term care facilities can also be found here.

Residents and families can lodge complaints against licensed care facilities by visiting this DPH website.

Disclaimer:

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