PROSPERITY — A weekend altercation between two men left one of them dead and the other charged with voluntary manslaughter, according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.

Allen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office:

Newberry County EMS responded to a residence on Williams Wood Drive in Prosperity at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 and found William Bart Hazen, 40, of 315 Brown St. in Prosperity, unconscious on the ground. Law enforcement was not contacted and did not respond to the scene.

Hazen was taken to Palmetto Richland Hospital for treatment of his injuries but died on Nov. 7 as a result of those injuries.

When Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton was contacted by the hospital to get an order for the donation of organs from Hazen, Newton recognized that the injuries were inconsistent with just a fall. He then contacted the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office so they could investigate the death.

Although the incident occurred within the Town of Prosperity, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation because of the training and expertise in handling such cases and because no Prosperity officer was available.

It was determined that Hazen and Oshields were acquaintances who were at cookout at a mutual friend’s home. Both had been drinking during the day.

An argument between the two turned physical and Oshields struck Hazen in the face, causing him to fall backward onto a concrete pad. Hazen suffered a skull fracture and had bleeding into the brain, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Investigators met with prosecutors from the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office who determined that voluntary manslaughter charges should be filed.

Allen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of another man. Oshields turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

http://newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_allenbenjaminoshieldsMUG-1.jpegAllen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of another man. Oshields turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

NEWBERRY — A deputy with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is recovering from injuries he received last week when a driver stopped at a traffic safety checkpoint decided he wanted to flee, dragging the deputy a short distance before crashing the vehicle.

When it was all over, deputies recovered marijuana, cocaine and two handguns from the driver and the passenger, both of whom were also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

“These are the life and death situations law enforcement officers are faced with every day,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “We are so blessed and thankful that the deputy was not seriously injured but is a constant reminder of constant danger law enforcement faces.”

The suspects were identified as Adonis Martel Johnson of 3443 S.C. 773 in Pomaria and LeTravis Ouzts, 26, of 2409 Vincent St. in Newberry.

Ouzts, who was released from the hospital Jan. 6, was charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, failure to stop for a law enforcement vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

His bond was set at $10,000.

Johnson, who is still in the hospital, will be charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation. Johnson was wearing an ankle monitor when he was arrested.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office:

Deputies were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint on Jan. 4 on Whitener Road near Wilson Road when a light-colored vehicle approached the checkpoint around 12:40 a.m.

Deputies could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and when they asked the driver for his license, he said he did not have one. The driver took off with the deputy still in the window of the vehicle, dragging him a short distance before he fell to the ground.

A short chase ensued and the vehicle crashed into an embankment at the intersection of Kendall Road and Gray Street.

More than 48 grams of marijuana and approximately eight grams of cocaine were found during a search of the vehicle along with two handguns that the two had been wearing in holsters prior to the wreck.

Foster said the incident could have played out very differently had the driver not wrecked the car when he did.

“Here you have two suspects who were armed and carrying illegal drugs and as if this were not dangerous enough, they then decided to intentionally injure this officer and then lead law enforcement on a chase endangering many other people,” Foster said. “Because of their collision, this was a short chase but I am convinced that had they not wrecked, this chase would have continued and could have well ended in shoot out.”

Foster said the actions of the two men “shows the willful disregard” for law enforcement and the safety of the community.

“We will continue to stand in the gap between the good people of Newberry County and those who chose to continually and willfully disregard the law and endanger the public through reckless actions and the intentional use and sale of illegal drugs in our community,” he said.

“It is the people who chose to possess and use guns illegally that shed a negative light on firearms,” he added. “Instead of a blanket approach to firearms, we need to deal more harshly with the criminals who use them illegally while insuring the rights of those who own and possess weapons lawfully.”

Adonis Martel Johnson of Pomaria, right, and LeTravis Ouzts of Newberry have been charged in connection with an incident last week in which a deputy was dragged by a car following a traffic safety checkpoint incident.

http://newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Mugs.jpgAdonis Martel Johnson of Pomaria, right, and LeTravis Ouzts of Newberry have been charged in connection with an incident last week in which a deputy was dragged by a car following a traffic safety checkpoint incident. Courtesy photo

PROSPERITY — An Irmo man was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after he received a delivery of illegal drugs through the mail.

Bond on Kenny Teray Basnight, 24, of 313 Doncaster Driver, was set at $10,000. He was released Nov. 23 after posting bond.

“This is another excellent example of the working relationship we share with many state and federal agencies,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “Because of our proven working relationship and reputation, the federal authorities knew who they could call to get the job done.”

On Nov. 016, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance on a residence on South Main Street in Prosperity after receiving information from the U.S. Postal Service that a suspicious package believed to containing illegal drugs would be delivered to that residence. The package was sent from California.

After the package was delivered, Basnight took the package and left the residence in a vehicle. The suspect was stopped by officers of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, who could immediately smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, the deputies located a package containing approximately one pound of marijuana. Deputies also located an additional ounce of marijuana in a bookbag in the vehicle.

Basnight was arrested without incident and taken to the Newberry County Detention Center.

Foster said they held the information while additional investigation could be conducted by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and federal authorities.

Foster also said they waited to release the information about the case until federal authorities decided if they would adopt this case for prosecution. Federal rules regarding releasing information about criminal cases are far different than state level cases. Basnight will be prosecuted in the state courts so it was decided to release the information.

Basnight

http://newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_maryj-arrest.jpgBasnight

NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and Newberry Police Department responded Saturday to Waffle House on S.C. 34 to help locate a possible kidnapping victim after getting a call from the Richmond County (Ga.) Sheriff’s Office.

Officers and deputies found a 12-year-old girl inside the restaurant eating with two adult females and an 11-year-old child.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the two juveniles had met on a YouTube Channel and had been conversing for approximately a year through that social media site along with Skype.

The Georgia girl convinced the younger girl and her mother that it was permissible for them to come to Georgia and take her back to their home in Wisconsin to live.

The 12-year-old arranged the meeting to travel back to Wisconsin and made it to Newberry County.

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from Richmond County, Ga., are continuing the investigation to verify stories. It is currently being handled as a runaway situation.

Sheriff Lee Foster said this incident is a prime example of how the internet can be used improperly and unsafely.

“If their stories hold true, neither party really knew the other until they came into physical contact with one another. It very well could have been an adult that wished to do them harm,” Foster said. “This could have been a very dangerous situation.

“The internet is a very dangerous place. Anyone can pose as anybody and can say what they want,” he added. “Just because it is on the internet, it doesn’t have to be true. Regardless of the situation, the adults should have done a whole lot more to verify the juveniles story.”

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NEWBERRY COUNTY — A mother and her son were arrested on multiple charges late Sunday night after they led police on a short chase.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, a car driven by Yvette Michelle Pratt, 37, of 1139 Copeland St. in Newberry, was stopped at a public safety checkpoint at the intersection of Nance Street and Kendall Road when an officer spotted a container of alcohol in the vehicle.

The Newberry County Sheriffs’ Office and Newberry Police Department were conducting the safety checkpoint when the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m.

When the officer reached for the container, Pratt backed the vehicle up, turned it around and fled the area.

Officers were able to catch up to the vehicle as it turned onto Evans Street and initiated their blue lights and sirens. The driver continued down Wilson Road at speeds reaching more than 80 mph before turning onto Jolly Street Road.

An off-duty deputy had heard the chase, went to his patrol car and got his tire deflation device, went to the road in front of his home and placed the tire deflation device in the roadway.

The vehicle hit the device, flattening the two front tires and ending the chase a short distance later.

“This was made possible because the deputy was willing to work even off duty and because he had his vehicle with his equipment at his home,” said Foster. “This deputy, like so many of our deputies, are willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”

Pratt and Carban Kiaeem Epps, 17, of 1139 Copeland St. in Newberry, were taken into custody when the vehicle came to a stop.

Officers searched the vehicle and found two different types of pills that are controlled substances. In addition, Epps had two bags of marijuana with an approximate weight of 53 grams in his possession.

Pratt was charged with failure to stop for a law enforcement vehicle, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and second-degree assault and battery.

She was released Tuesday on a $9,000 surety bond.

Epps was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was released on Feb. 27 on a $5,000 surety bond.

The vehicle was a 2017 Jeep and was a rental car. The chase covered approximately 10 miles and lasted approximately nine minutes.

Pratt

http://newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Pratt.jpgPratt

Epps

http://newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Epps.jpgEpps

UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA — National and international interest in the Todd Kohlhepp serial killings case was reignited following the release of a portion of the case files on June 9 by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Department.

That renewed interest also ignited a new round of interest in Kohlhepp’s relationship with one of his victims – Kala Brown — and her accounts of their relationship.

On Aug. 31, 2016, Charlie Carver and Kala Brown of Anderson went missing and it would be two months before Brown was discovered chained inside a metal shipping container on Kohlhepp’s Woodruff property by Spartanburg County law enforcement.

It was then that law enforcement learned of the extent of Kohlhepp’s violence following his confession to seven murders that occurred over a 13-year period.

As a result of the confessions obtained Nov. 3, 2016, a 13-year-old cold case referred to as the Superbike Murders — where Scott Ponder, Beverly Guy, Chris Sherbert and Brian Lucas were found shot multiple times in an upstate South Carolina motorcycle shop — was finally closed.

Kohlhepp also confessed to the deaths of Johnny and Megan Coxie, who are believed to have disappeared Dec. 23, 2015.

Their bodies were found buried in a shallow grave on Kohlhepp’s 95-acre property, along with the body of Carver, who was believed murdered on or around the date of his disappearance.

Kohlhepp entered a guilty plea in a plea arrangement that will keep him imprisoned for life with no possible appeal and no chance for parole.

Brown went on to appear in a two-part presentation of her story on The Dr. Phil Show where she was asked about how she knew Kohlhepp.

It was her first public statement on the subject.

The show’s host, Dr. Phil McGraw, asked Brown how she was acquainted with Kohlhepp and Brown’s response was that she had met Kohlhepp on Facebook, and other than to receive messages from him occasionally asking how she was doing, there was no further contact until she was in need of extra work.

“I was on Facebook and I was talking about finding some work and then he (Kohlhepp) contacted me about cleaning a couple of his houses,” she said.

Brown continued to discuss her contact with Kohlhepp, stating: “We had been friends on Facebook for several years. He would ask how I was doing and stuff like that but no real communication.”

After the rescue

Video released from the Kohlhepp case files included a taped interview with an investigator while Kala Brown was being transported to a local hospital for treatment.

In that recorded statement, Brown shared details of her relationship with Kohlhepp.

Brown stated that she knew Kohlhepp before the events that transpired in the final days of August resulting in Carver’s death from three gunshot wounds.

The voice of Det. Walsh of the Violent Crimes Division is heard asking Brown how she knew Kohlhepp.

“I was introduced to him (Kohlhepp) about five or six years ago by a guy I was dating that said they were friends,” Brown responded. “After that we stayed in touch on Facebook and I had recently started cleaning houses for him because he does real estate.”

There is also an indication Spartanburg County law enforcement was aware of the relationship as well before they served warrants at Kohlhepp’s residence and secluded property.

During an initial interview inside Kohlhepp’s residence at 213 Windsong Way, located in Moore, an investigator on the scene specifically asks Kohlhepp about his relationship with Brown.

The following is a transcription of the exchange between the investigator and Kohlhepp:

Investigator: “Um, the main issue that we have, um, we were able, and she can give more information on this, I was briefed last night. We know there was more of a physical relationship between you and Kala, okay? I could understand why you wouldn’t wanna bring that up, okay? I can understand that. I need you to explain in a little more detail about the physical relationship. Because what we do have…inaudible…and I don’t care about prostitution, I don’t care about whatever, she was a stripper, my understanding is she’s very good looking. And she would call you and need money…”

Kohlhepp: “Yes, sir.”

Investigator: “…and you would give her money and she would give you sex.”

Kohlhepp: “It would work out that way.”

The inconsistencies also were highlighted when Kala Brown, using the alias Victoria Hicks in recent months on Facebook. Brown’s identity was confirmed by a video posted by Brown and a copy obtained before being removed.

Brown posted the video as she answered questions from other members of the Facebook group, stating the following: “This is proof that it’s me. Maybe ya’ll can believe now that it’s me talking. This is Kala.”

Since the posting of that video, Brown has confirmed her use of the alias, changing the name on the profile to Kala Victoria Brown (Victoria Hicks).

It was during that impromptu Facebook question and answer session that Brown gave more details into her relationship with Kohlhepp, how they were introduced, and time spent together at The Trophy Club, a strip club located in Greenville, S.C.

“I worked at Trophy Club from the time I was 21 until 23. Todd was my then boyfriends (sic) best friend. I brought Todd to Trophy the first time he ever went.”

During another social media exchange, Brown was asked about her relationship with Kohlhepp, stating, transcribed exactly as it was written:

“I met Todd randomly thru a friend. He added me on fb and I never deleted him. We never talked so I never saw hos posts.”

Additional statements made by Brown address why Carver was with her on Aug. 31, 2016 at Kohlhepp’s Woodruff property.

According to Brown’s statement on the Dr. Phil Show, Kohlhepp had insisted she bring her boyfriend, Carver, along and no one else.

“Todd made sure he’d be there that time,” Brown stated on the show. “He (Kohlhepp) told me I could bring anybody to help on the other jobs I worked but I always took Charlie. When we went to his property I was thinking about bringing someone else because Charlie had to work on the day he (Kohlhepp) wanted us to come and he (Kohlhepp) said since it was his personal property he would prefer only me and Charlie coming because he didn’t want anyone else knowing where he lived.”

However, during another social media exchange, Brown made a statement saying it was Carver who made the decision to go.

“I didn’t force Charlie to go anywhere,” she said. “I was gonna take a friend and go while he was at work so that we could spend his day off and relaxing. He insisted that we do it together. We were making money to move and get our own place.”

Multiple attempts were made to reach Kala Brown. Two appointments with Brown were cancelled and a formal request made to Jenny Dial of Veridian Filmworks of Upstate South Carolina, her public relations representative, were unanswered.

Attempts to obtain a comment from The Dr. Phil Show were also unanswered.

On Aug. 31, 2016, Charlie Carver and Kala Brown of Anderson went missing and it would be two months before Brown was discovered chained inside a metal shipping container on Kohlhepp’s Woodruff property. Carver’s body was found buried on Kohlhepp’s property. He had been shot to death.

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_CharlieCarver.jpegOn Aug. 31, 2016, Charlie Carver and Kala Brown of Anderson went missing and it would be two months before Brown was discovered chained inside a metal shipping container on Kohlhepp’s Woodruff property. Carver’s body was found buried on Kohlhepp’s property. He had been shot to death. Photo courtesy of the Carver Family

Todd Kohlhepp confessed to seven murders that occurred over a 13-year period, including the Superbike Murders — where Scott Ponder, Beverly Guy, Chris Sherbert and Brian Lucas were found shot multiple times in an upstate South Carolina motorcycle shop.

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ToddKohlkepp.jpegTodd Kohlhepp confessed to seven murders that occurred over a 13-year period, including the Superbike Murders — where Scott Ponder, Beverly Guy, Chris Sherbert and Brian Lucas were found shot multiple times in an upstate South Carolina motorcycle shop. Photo courtesy of the Carver Family

NEWBERRY COUNTY — The arrests of four people linked to a series of burglaries in Whitmire and Union County should serve as notice to anyone wanting to commit a crime that “if you mess with one, you mess with all.”

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster made that statement at a joint press conference held Thursday with Union County Sheriff David Taylor and Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair to announce the arrests of three people from Whitmire and one person from Waterloo in connection with burglaries that occurred between July 26 and Aug. 1.

Those arrested were Kenneth L. Braswell, 40, of 74 Sinclair Ave. in Whitmire; Sierra D. Braswell, 29, of 1260 Church St. in Whitmire; Chrystal R. Hughes, 43, of 7471 River Folk Road in Waterloo; and Donald A. Price II, 26, of 191 Sinclair Ave. in Whitmire.

All were being held at the Newberry County Detention Center on Thursday with the exception of Braswell who was released on bond.

Of the roughly $10,000 in antiques and collectibles that were stolen, more than $3,000 has been recovered. Some of the items stolen included baseball cards and antique glass bottles.

Foster said the burglaries were committed to supply a drug habit.

“The relationship (between the subjects) is methamphetamine,” Foster said. “People that are hooked on it, people that use — they find themselves out because those are the people that know how to cook meth, know how to manufacture meth and know how to move meth.

“We are living in a time right now where people tend to minimize the effect of drugs and drug abuse on a community,” he said, adding that “drugs still have a major impact on crime.”

Union County Sheriff David Taylor said the market is saturated with meth in Union County and that in 2015 alone his department seized 17 “shake and bake” meth labs.

“We’ve got to educate our young people … about the dangers of drugs and what it can do to you,” Taylor said. “You can find a meth head — most of them have no more than two teeth and those teeth are probably loose.”

Sinclair, who described the four as “basically career criminals,” said they might have been working together in some of the burglaries while acting alone in others.

The case was initially opened by the Whitmire Police Department before seeking assistance from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, which in turn teamed up with the Union County Sheriff’s Office to develop suspects and eventually make arrests.

“Investigators from all three agencies quickly realized that the burglaries in both jurisdictions were related,” Taylor said. “They combined forces and worked these cases together to round up these suspects.”

Taylor said criminals will often commit crimes in multiple jurisdictions thinking it will be harder for law enforcement agencies to build cases against them.

“We’re thankful that we have a working relationship with these agencies that help us to catch these people,” he said. “The investigators from Newberry and the chief of Whitmire are to be commended for the job they do. There’s still a lot of merchandise out of these three burglaries that’s still on the street and we encourage anyone who’s bought anything from these individuals to come forward.”

Authorities are still looking for Ansel Bradley Wallen, 45, who is under suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.

“Primarily he kind of roams in the Whitmire, Union County area,” Foster said.

In an effort to highlight the teamwork of the three agencies and also discourage future crime, Foster said: “We want to place the bad guys on clear notice that if you mess with one, you mess with all.”

K. Braswell

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Braswell_K.jpgK. Braswell

S. Braswell

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_braswell_S.jpgS. Braswell

Hughes

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Hughes_C.jpgHughes

Price

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Price.jpgPrice

Ansel Brad Wallen, 45, is being sought on suspicion of breaking into a motor vehicle. Authorities believe he could be in the Whitmire or Union area.

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Wallen.jpgAnsel Brad Wallen, 45, is being sought on suspicion of breaking into a motor vehicle. Authorities believe he could be in the Whitmire or Union area.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, at podium, praised the cooperation between Newberry and Union counties along with the Town of Whitmire in identifying five people suspected of breaking into homes in both counties and stealing antiques and collectibles to fund a drug habit. Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair is at right.

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_foster.jpgNewberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, at podium, praised the cooperation between Newberry and Union counties along with the Town of Whitmire in identifying five people suspected of breaking into homes in both counties and stealing antiques and collectibles to fund a drug habit. Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair is at right. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY COUNTY — Circuit Court Judge Robert Hood accepted the following guilty pleas during a recent session of General Sessions Court:

• Nicholas Nelson, 37, of 220 Hidden Valley Road, Prosperity, assault and battery, third degree, 30 days in jail, suspended; time served.

• Christopher Kentrell Gallman, 20, of 207 Silverstreet Road, Silverstreet, assault and battery by mob, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed one year in prison, suspended; time served.

• Ketrevis Martekis Antonia Penny, 19, of 5173 Macedonia Church Road, Prosperity, third-degree burglary, first offense, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed five years in prison, suspended; time served, three years probation. Breaking into motor vehicle or tanks, pumps, where fuel, lubricants, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed five years in prison, suspended; time served, three years probation. Common law robbery, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed six years, suspended; time served, probation for three years. All sentences are concurrent.

• Derant Reginald Summers, 36, of 2115 Charles St., Newberry, failure to stop for blue lights, three years in prison, suspended; time served, credit for 62 days served.

• Woodrow Davis III, 37, of 908 Sanders St., Newberry, domestic violence, third degree, 90 days in jail, suspended; time served, six months probation.

• Anitra Dionne Towns, 42, of 3583 Grant Ave., Newberry, domestic violence, second degree, three years in prison, suspended; probation for two years.

• Shaunna Rivas, 27, of 332 Crosson St., Newberry, grand larceny more than $2,000, less than $10,000, three years in prison, suspended; probation for two years. Concurrent with a possession of methamphetamine, three years in prison, suspended; probation for two years.

• Elajuwon Davone Robinson, 22, of 362 Wise St., Newberry, obtaining signature or property under false pretenses, 30 days in jail; credit for time served.

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NEWBERRY COUNTY — Two North Carolina men were arrested last Wednesday following a traffic stop on S.C. 121 near Frye Road between Newberry and Whitmire.

Jonathan Nathaniel Gayle, 18, of 311 Thompson Court in Indian Trail, N.C., was charged with carrying a pistol unlawfully and three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of meth.

James D Murphy, 26, of 6025 Pine Bark Court in Charlotte, N.C., was charged with carrying a pistol unlawfully, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of meth. Murphy was also charged with no driver’s license, no proof of insurance, and operating a vehicle with a no license plate.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said in a press release that deputies were called around 10 p.m. Aug. 24 to help a Trooper with the S.C. Highway Patrol with a traffic stop.

Deputies searched the suspects’ vehicle and found .2 grams of black tar heroin, .5 grams of heroin, three pills of ecstasy, three pills of Xanax, several pills of buprenorphine hydrochloride (a semisynthetic opioid), and 3.5 grams of crystal meth.

The officers also found digital scales and other drug paraphernalia in the car. The suspects also had a Beretta .22-caliber pistol in the pocket of the driver’s side door.

“It is clear that these men intended to both use and sell these illegal drugs,” said Foster. “They were armed and carrying dangerous drugs. While we do not know for certain where their intent was to go with these drugs, it is clear that we are all safer with these suspects in custody and these extremely dangerous drugs removed from our community.”

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NEWBERRY — A 24-year-old Newberry man remained in jail on Tuesday in connection with the kidnapping and assault of an elderly woman a week ago.

Anthony Maurice Wise, of 604 Green Meadow Drive, was charged with burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and grand larceny. Bond was denied. Jail records indicate that Wise was on probation for a drug-related offense.

“I cannot say enough about the incredible job done by the entire investigative team,” Sheriff Lee Foster said. “All involved worked tirelessly and for countless hours to bring this suspect to justice. The investigators used every available resource including technology, forensics, and a great working knowledge of the community and environment to make an arrest in this case.”

According to previous reports:

A 73-year-old woman reported to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office that a man — identified as Wise — was lying in the seat of her vehicle when she opened the door on Wednesday. The man kicked her in the chest then forced her inside her Green Meadows Drive home where he bound her with Duct tape and a phone cord.

The man took money and jewelry then forced her, still bound, into her vehicle and drove her around demanding money from an ATM. He took her back to her home and demanded more money and property before he left in the victim’s vehicle.

The woman was able to remove some of the bindings and called 911. She was still partially restrained with the Duct tape and telephone cord when deputies and investigators with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office arrived at her home around 10:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

She had marks around her neck and legs where she had been restrained. She did receive medical treatment and was released from the hospital with a broken collar bone and minor injuries.

The vehicle was found near Boyd’s Crossing Road. The NCSO, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, could not locate the suspect using bloodhounds but the vehicle was taken to the Newberry County Sheriff Office crime lab for processing. The Newberry City Police Department offered assistance throughout the investigation.

“I find it especially despicable for someone to not just rob an elderly person but to physically assault and injure them as well,” said Foster. “He could have gotten her money and property without injuring her, but he chose to inflict additional injury and pain on the victim, particularly since he knew her and lived in the same community.”

Foster said assistance from other law enforcement agencies helped them close the case.

“We are pleased to bring this suspect to justice,” said Foster. “This is what law enforcement agencies working together with the community united with cutting edge techniques can accomplish together.”

Anthony Maurice Wise was charged with burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and grand larceny. Bond was denied. Jail records indicate that Wise was on probation for a drug-related offense.

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_user20581-1474895145-media1-1.jpgAnthony Maurice Wise was charged with burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and grand larceny. Bond was denied. Jail records indicate that Wise was on probation for a drug-related offense. Photo courtesy of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office

PROSPERITY — A weekend altercation between two men left one of them dead and the other charged with voluntary manslaughter, according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.

Allen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office:

Newberry County EMS responded to a residence on Williams Wood Drive in Prosperity at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 and found William Bart Hazen, 40, of 315 Brown St. in Prosperity, unconscious on the ground. Law enforcement was not contacted and did not respond to the scene.

Hazen was taken to Palmetto Richland Hospital for treatment of his injuries but died on Nov. 7 as a result of those injuries.

When Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton was contacted by the hospital to get an order for the donation of organs from Hazen, Newton recognized that the injuries were inconsistent with just a fall. He then contacted the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office so they could investigate the death.

Although the incident occurred within the Town of Prosperity, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation because of the training and expertise in handling such cases and because no Prosperity officer was available.

It was determined that Hazen and Oshields were acquaintances who were at cookout at a mutual friend’s home. Both had been drinking during the day.

An argument between the two turned physical and Oshields struck Hazen in the face, causing him to fall backward onto a concrete pad. Hazen suffered a skull fracture and had bleeding into the brain, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Investigators met with prosecutors from the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office who determined that voluntary manslaughter charges should be filed.

Allen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of another man. Oshields turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_allenbenjaminoshieldsMUG-1.jpegAllen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of another man. Oshields turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

NEWBERRY — A deputy with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is recovering from injuries he received last week when a driver stopped at a traffic safety checkpoint decided he wanted to flee, dragging the deputy a short distance before crashing the vehicle.

When it was all over, deputies recovered marijuana, cocaine and two handguns from the driver and the passenger, both of whom were also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

“These are the life and death situations law enforcement officers are faced with every day,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “We are so blessed and thankful that the deputy was not seriously injured but is a constant reminder of constant danger law enforcement faces.”

The suspects were identified as Adonis Martel Johnson of 3443 S.C. 773 in Pomaria and LeTravis Ouzts, 26, of 2409 Vincent St. in Newberry.

Ouzts, who was released from the hospital Jan. 6, was charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, failure to stop for a law enforcement vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

His bond was set at $10,000.

Johnson, who is still in the hospital, will be charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation. Johnson was wearing an ankle monitor when he was arrested.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office:

Deputies were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint on Jan. 4 on Whitener Road near Wilson Road when a light-colored vehicle approached the checkpoint around 12:40 a.m.

Deputies could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and when they asked the driver for his license, he said he did not have one. The driver took off with the deputy still in the window of the vehicle, dragging him a short distance before he fell to the ground.

A short chase ensued and the vehicle crashed into an embankment at the intersection of Kendall Road and Gray Street.

More than 48 grams of marijuana and approximately eight grams of cocaine were found during a search of the vehicle along with two handguns that the two had been wearing in holsters prior to the wreck.

Foster said the incident could have played out very differently had the driver not wrecked the car when he did.

“Here you have two suspects who were armed and carrying illegal drugs and as if this were not dangerous enough, they then decided to intentionally injure this officer and then lead law enforcement on a chase endangering many other people,” Foster said. “Because of their collision, this was a short chase but I am convinced that had they not wrecked, this chase would have continued and could have well ended in shoot out.”

Foster said the actions of the two men “shows the willful disregard” for law enforcement and the safety of the community.

“We will continue to stand in the gap between the good people of Newberry County and those who chose to continually and willfully disregard the law and endanger the public through reckless actions and the intentional use and sale of illegal drugs in our community,” he said.

“It is the people who chose to possess and use guns illegally that shed a negative light on firearms,” he added. “Instead of a blanket approach to firearms, we need to deal more harshly with the criminals who use them illegally while insuring the rights of those who own and possess weapons lawfully.”

Adonis Martel Johnson of Pomaria, right, and LeTravis Ouzts of Newberry have been charged in connection with an incident last week in which a deputy was dragged by a car following a traffic safety checkpoint incident.

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Mugs.jpgAdonis Martel Johnson of Pomaria, right, and LeTravis Ouzts of Newberry have been charged in connection with an incident last week in which a deputy was dragged by a car following a traffic safety checkpoint incident. Courtesy photo

PROSPERITY — An Irmo man was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after he received a delivery of illegal drugs through the mail.

Bond on Kenny Teray Basnight, 24, of 313 Doncaster Driver, was set at $10,000. He was released Nov. 23 after posting bond.

“This is another excellent example of the working relationship we share with many state and federal agencies,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “Because of our proven working relationship and reputation, the federal authorities knew who they could call to get the job done.”

On Nov. 016, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance on a residence on South Main Street in Prosperity after receiving information from the U.S. Postal Service that a suspicious package believed to containing illegal drugs would be delivered to that residence. The package was sent from California.

After the package was delivered, Basnight took the package and left the residence in a vehicle. The suspect was stopped by officers of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, who could immediately smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, the deputies located a package containing approximately one pound of marijuana. Deputies also located an additional ounce of marijuana in a bookbag in the vehicle.

Basnight was arrested without incident and taken to the Newberry County Detention Center.

Foster said they held the information while additional investigation could be conducted by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and federal authorities.

Foster also said they waited to release the information about the case until federal authorities decided if they would adopt this case for prosecution. Federal rules regarding releasing information about criminal cases are far different than state level cases. Basnight will be prosecuted in the state courts so it was decided to release the information.

Basnight

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_maryj-arrest.jpgBasnight

NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and Newberry Police Department responded Saturday to Waffle House on S.C. 34 to help locate a possible kidnapping victim after getting a call from the Richmond County (Ga.) Sheriff’s Office.

Officers and deputies found a 12-year-old girl inside the restaurant eating with two adult females and an 11-year-old child.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the two juveniles had met on a YouTube Channel and had been conversing for approximately a year through that social media site along with Skype.

The Georgia girl convinced the younger girl and her mother that it was permissible for them to come to Georgia and take her back to their home in Wisconsin to live.

The 12-year-old arranged the meeting to travel back to Wisconsin and made it to Newberry County.

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from Richmond County, Ga., are continuing the investigation to verify stories. It is currently being handled as a runaway situation.

Sheriff Lee Foster said this incident is a prime example of how the internet can be used improperly and unsafely.

“If their stories hold true, neither party really knew the other until they came into physical contact with one another. It very well could have been an adult that wished to do them harm,” Foster said. “This could have been a very dangerous situation.

“The internet is a very dangerous place. Anyone can pose as anybody and can say what they want,” he added. “Just because it is on the internet, it doesn’t have to be true. Regardless of the situation, the adults should have done a whole lot more to verify the juveniles story.”

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NEWBERRY COUNTY — A mother and her son were arrested on multiple charges late Sunday night after they led police on a short chase.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, a car driven by Yvette Michelle Pratt, 37, of 1139 Copeland St. in Newberry, was stopped at a public safety checkpoint at the intersection of Nance Street and Kendall Road when an officer spotted a container of alcohol in the vehicle.

The Newberry County Sheriffs’ Office and Newberry Police Department were conducting the safety checkpoint when the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m.

When the officer reached for the container, Pratt backed the vehicle up, turned it around and fled the area.

Officers were able to catch up to the vehicle as it turned onto Evans Street and initiated their blue lights and sirens. The driver continued down Wilson Road at speeds reaching more than 80 mph before turning onto Jolly Street Road.

An off-duty deputy had heard the chase, went to his patrol car and got his tire deflation device, went to the road in front of his home and placed the tire deflation device in the roadway.

The vehicle hit the device, flattening the two front tires and ending the chase a short distance later.

“This was made possible because the deputy was willing to work even off duty and because he had his vehicle with his equipment at his home,” said Foster. “This deputy, like so many of our deputies, are willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”

Pratt and Carban Kiaeem Epps, 17, of 1139 Copeland St. in Newberry, were taken into custody when the vehicle came to a stop.

Officers searched the vehicle and found two different types of pills that are controlled substances. In addition, Epps had two bags of marijuana with an approximate weight of 53 grams in his possession.

Pratt was charged with failure to stop for a law enforcement vehicle, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and second-degree assault and battery.

She was released Tuesday on a $9,000 surety bond.

Epps was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was released on Feb. 27 on a $5,000 surety bond.

The vehicle was a 2017 Jeep and was a rental car. The chase covered approximately 10 miles and lasted approximately nine minutes.

Pratt

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Pratt.jpgPratt

Epps

http://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Epps.jpgEpps

NEWBERRY COUNTY — The arrests of four people linked to a series of burglaries in Whitmire and Union County should serve as notice to anyone wanting to commit a crime that “if you mess with one, you mess with all.”

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster made that statement at a joint press conference held Thursday with Union County Sheriff David Taylor and Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair to announce the arrests of three people from Whitmire and one person from Waterloo in connection with burglaries that occurred between July 26 and Aug. 1.

Those arrested were Kenneth L. Braswell, 40, of 74 Sinclair Ave. in Whitmire; Sierra D. Braswell, 29, of 1260 Church St. in Whitmire; Chrystal R. Hughes, 43, of 7471 River Folk Road in Waterloo; and Donald A. Price II, 26, of 191 Sinclair Ave. in Whitmire.

All were being held at the Newberry County Detention Center on Thursday with the exception of Braswell who was released on bond.

Of the roughly $10,000 in antiques and collectibles that were stolen, more than $3,000 has been recovered. Some of the items stolen included baseball cards and antique glass bottles.

Foster said the burglaries were committed to supply a drug habit.

“The relationship (between the subjects) is methamphetamine,” Foster said. “People that are hooked on it, people that use — they find themselves out because those are the people that know how to cook meth, know how to manufacture meth and know how to move meth.

“We are living in a time right now where people tend to minimize the effect of drugs and drug abuse on a community,” he said, adding that “drugs still have a major impact on crime.”

Union County Sheriff David Taylor said the market is saturated with meth in Union County and that in 2015 alone his department seized 17 “shake and bake” meth labs.

“We’ve got to educate our young people … about the dangers of drugs and what it can do to you,” Taylor said. “You can find a meth head — most of them have no more than two teeth and those teeth are probably loose.”

Sinclair, who described the four as “basically career criminals,” said they might have been working together in some of the burglaries while acting alone in others.

The case was initially opened by the Whitmire Police Department before seeking assistance from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, which in turn teamed up with the Union County Sheriff’s Office to develop suspects and eventually make arrests.

“Investigators from all three agencies quickly realized that the burglaries in both jurisdictions were related,” Taylor said. “They combined forces and worked these cases together to round up these suspects.”

Taylor said criminals will often commit crimes in multiple jurisdictions thinking it will be harder for law enforcement agencies to build cases against them.

“We’re thankful that we have a working relationship with these agencies that help us to catch these people,” he said. “The investigators from Newberry and the chief of Whitmire are to be commended for the job they do. There’s still a lot of merchandise out of these three burglaries that’s still on the street and we encourage anyone who’s bought anything from these individuals to come forward.”

Authorities are still looking for Ansel Bradley Wallen, 45, who is under suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.

“Primarily he kind of roams in the Whitmire, Union County area,” Foster said.

In an effort to highlight the teamwork of the three agencies and also discourage future crime, Foster said: “We want to place the bad guys on clear notice that if you mess with one, you mess with all.”

K. Braswell

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Braswell_K.jpgK. Braswell

S. Braswell

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_braswell_S.jpgS. Braswell

Hughes

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Hughes_C.jpgHughes

Price

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Price.jpgPrice

Ansel Brad Wallen, 45, is being sought on suspicion of breaking into a motor vehicle. Authorities believe he could be in the Whitmire or Union area.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Wallen.jpgAnsel Brad Wallen, 45, is being sought on suspicion of breaking into a motor vehicle. Authorities believe he could be in the Whitmire or Union area.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, at podium, praised the cooperation between Newberry and Union counties along with the Town of Whitmire in identifying five people suspected of breaking into homes in both counties and stealing antiques and collectibles to fund a drug habit. Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair is at right.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_foster.jpgNewberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, at podium, praised the cooperation between Newberry and Union counties along with the Town of Whitmire in identifying five people suspected of breaking into homes in both counties and stealing antiques and collectibles to fund a drug habit. Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair is at right. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

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NEWBERRY COUNTY — Circuit Court Judge Robert Hood accepted the following guilty pleas during a recent session of General Sessions Court:

• Nicholas Nelson, 37, of 220 Hidden Valley Road, Prosperity, assault and battery, third degree, 30 days in jail, suspended; time served.

• Christopher Kentrell Gallman, 20, of 207 Silverstreet Road, Silverstreet, assault and battery by mob, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed one year in prison, suspended; time served.

• Ketrevis Martekis Antonia Penny, 19, of 5173 Macedonia Church Road, Prosperity, third-degree burglary, first offense, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed five years in prison, suspended; time served, three years probation. Breaking into motor vehicle or tanks, pumps, where fuel, lubricants, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed five years in prison, suspended; time served, three years probation. Common law robbery, Youthful Offender Act not to exceed six years, suspended; time served, probation for three years. All sentences are concurrent.

• Derant Reginald Summers, 36, of 2115 Charles St., Newberry, failure to stop for blue lights, three years in prison, suspended; time served, credit for 62 days served.

• Woodrow Davis III, 37, of 908 Sanders St., Newberry, domestic violence, third degree, 90 days in jail, suspended; time served, six months probation.

• Anitra Dionne Towns, 42, of 3583 Grant Ave., Newberry, domestic violence, second degree, three years in prison, suspended; probation for two years.

• Shaunna Rivas, 27, of 332 Crosson St., Newberry, grand larceny more than $2,000, less than $10,000, three years in prison, suspended; probation for two years. Concurrent with a possession of methamphetamine, three years in prison, suspended; probation for two years.

• Elajuwon Davone Robinson, 22, of 362 Wise St., Newberry, obtaining signature or property under false pretenses, 30 days in jail; credit for time served.

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NEWBERRY COUNTY — Two North Carolina men were arrested last Wednesday following a traffic stop on S.C. 121 near Frye Road between Newberry and Whitmire.

Jonathan Nathaniel Gayle, 18, of 311 Thompson Court in Indian Trail, N.C., was charged with carrying a pistol unlawfully and three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of meth.

James D Murphy, 26, of 6025 Pine Bark Court in Charlotte, N.C., was charged with carrying a pistol unlawfully, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of meth. Murphy was also charged with no driver’s license, no proof of insurance, and operating a vehicle with a no license plate.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said in a press release that deputies were called around 10 p.m. Aug. 24 to help a Trooper with the S.C. Highway Patrol with a traffic stop.

Deputies searched the suspects’ vehicle and found .2 grams of black tar heroin, .5 grams of heroin, three pills of ecstasy, three pills of Xanax, several pills of buprenorphine hydrochloride (a semisynthetic opioid), and 3.5 grams of crystal meth.

The officers also found digital scales and other drug paraphernalia in the car. The suspects also had a Beretta .22-caliber pistol in the pocket of the driver’s side door.

“It is clear that these men intended to both use and sell these illegal drugs,” said Foster. “They were armed and carrying dangerous drugs. While we do not know for certain where their intent was to go with these drugs, it is clear that we are all safer with these suspects in custody and these extremely dangerous drugs removed from our community.”

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NEWBERRY — A 24-year-old Newberry man remained in jail on Tuesday in connection with the kidnapping and assault of an elderly woman a week ago.

Anthony Maurice Wise, of 604 Green Meadow Drive, was charged with burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and grand larceny. Bond was denied. Jail records indicate that Wise was on probation for a drug-related offense.

“I cannot say enough about the incredible job done by the entire investigative team,” Sheriff Lee Foster said. “All involved worked tirelessly and for countless hours to bring this suspect to justice. The investigators used every available resource including technology, forensics, and a great working knowledge of the community and environment to make an arrest in this case.”

According to previous reports:

A 73-year-old woman reported to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office that a man — identified as Wise — was lying in the seat of her vehicle when she opened the door on Wednesday. The man kicked her in the chest then forced her inside her Green Meadows Drive home where he bound her with Duct tape and a phone cord.

The man took money and jewelry then forced her, still bound, into her vehicle and drove her around demanding money from an ATM. He took her back to her home and demanded more money and property before he left in the victim’s vehicle.

The woman was able to remove some of the bindings and called 911. She was still partially restrained with the Duct tape and telephone cord when deputies and investigators with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office arrived at her home around 10:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

She had marks around her neck and legs where she had been restrained. She did receive medical treatment and was released from the hospital with a broken collar bone and minor injuries.

The vehicle was found near Boyd’s Crossing Road. The NCSO, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, could not locate the suspect using bloodhounds but the vehicle was taken to the Newberry County Sheriff Office crime lab for processing. The Newberry City Police Department offered assistance throughout the investigation.

“I find it especially despicable for someone to not just rob an elderly person but to physically assault and injure them as well,” said Foster. “He could have gotten her money and property without injuring her, but he chose to inflict additional injury and pain on the victim, particularly since he knew her and lived in the same community.”

Foster said assistance from other law enforcement agencies helped them close the case.

“We are pleased to bring this suspect to justice,” said Foster. “This is what law enforcement agencies working together with the community united with cutting edge techniques can accomplish together.”

Anthony Maurice Wise was charged with burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and grand larceny. Bond was denied. Jail records indicate that Wise was on probation for a drug-related offense.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_user20581-1474895145-media1-1.jpgAnthony Maurice Wise was charged with burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and grand larceny. Bond was denied. Jail records indicate that Wise was on probation for a drug-related offense. Photo courtesy of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office

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PROSPERITY — A weekend altercation between two men left one of them dead and the other charged with voluntary manslaughter, according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.

Allen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office:

Newberry County EMS responded to a residence on Williams Wood Drive in Prosperity at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 and found William Bart Hazen, 40, of 315 Brown St. in Prosperity, unconscious on the ground. Law enforcement was not contacted and did not respond to the scene.

Hazen was taken to Palmetto Richland Hospital for treatment of his injuries but died on Nov. 7 as a result of those injuries.

When Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton was contacted by the hospital to get an order for the donation of organs from Hazen, Newton recognized that the injuries were inconsistent with just a fall. He then contacted the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office so they could investigate the death.

Although the incident occurred within the Town of Prosperity, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation because of the training and expertise in handling such cases and because no Prosperity officer was available.

It was determined that Hazen and Oshields were acquaintances who were at cookout at a mutual friend’s home. Both had been drinking during the day.

An argument between the two turned physical and Oshields struck Hazen in the face, causing him to fall backward onto a concrete pad. Hazen suffered a skull fracture and had bleeding into the brain, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Investigators met with prosecutors from the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office who determined that voluntary manslaughter charges should be filed.

Allen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of another man. Oshields turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_allenbenjaminoshieldsMUG-1.jpegAllen Benjamin Osheilds, 42, of 4983 Bethel Church Road in Prosperity, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of another man. Oshields turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond late Wednesday afternoon.

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