The Crime Report

**Young Woman Manhandled By Fayetteville Police Files Federal Lawsuit**

FAYETTEVILLE, NC -

Attorneys for Ja’Lana Dunlap, the 22-year-old black woman whose video of officers with the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) assaulting her while she pleaded with them to stop sparked national concern, filed a federal lawsuit against the FPD officers who assaulted her, the City of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Police Department.

Dunlap is represented by national Civil Rights attorney Harry Daniels (The Law Offices of Harry Daniels) and Carnell Johnson (Johnson & Nicholson, PLLC). Daniels has gained national prominence as an attorney for clients including Andrew Brown, Jr., Kastellio Vaughan and Pastor Michael Jenning, the Alabama pastor arrested by police while he was watering his neighbors’ flowers.

Dunlap was pulled from her car and illegally manhandled by FPD officers despite having identified herself, though she was not required to do so, and explaining that she was on the property off Clearwater Dr. in Fayetteville, NC taking pictures at the owner’s request.

**SLED Arrests 3 People In Horry County For Human Trafficking, Law Enforcement Calls For Communities And Survivors To Help In Human Trafficking Investigations**

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) worked together with law enforcement partners on Thursday, October 13, 2022 in a Human Trafficking operation that resulted in 3 people from Longs, SC being charged with Trafficking in Persons under 18 years old. The subjects were booked at the J. Ruben Long Detention Center in Horry County.

• Kwame Lawan Vereen, 33 - Criminal Sexual Conduct – First degree; Trafficking in Persons, Victim under 18 – 1st Offense

• Lashon Alvin Ladson, 37 - Criminal Sexual Conduct – First degree; Trafficking in Persons, Victim under 18 – 1st Offense

• Brittany Marquita Rutledge Jackson, 24 - Trafficking in Persons, Victim under 18 – 1st Offense

Law enforcement partners on the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force believe there may be more victims involved.

If you are a victim of human trafficking in South Carolina, please call the SLED Human Trafficking Unit at (803)896-5591.

“SLED agents, along with our law enforcement and community partners who make up the SC Human Trafficking Task Force, are committed to finding those responsible for exploiting vulnerable individuals to ensure justice is served for survivors,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “It is so important for anyone who may suspect human trafficking to report it. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, help is available.”

SLED agents worked with investigators from Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as multidisciplinary team partners from the South Carolina Department of Social Services, the Dorchester Child Advocacy Center, and the Julie V alentine Center.

If you suspect human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888 or text “BeFree” to 233722.

Get involved: https://www.scag.gov/human-trafficking/ or on Facebook: SC Coastal Region Task Force on Human Trafficking

**Florence County Arrests Two On Narcotics And Gun Charges**

On October 24, 2022 Deputies assigned to the FCSO Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) conducted a traffic stop for a moving traffic violation near the 155 mile marker on northbound I-95 in Florence County. While conducting the stop the Deputy developed reasonable suspicion that criminal activity was afoot, and a narcotics detecting canine alerted to the odor or narcotics on the vehicle.

A probable cause search of the vehicle yielded approximately 28 grams of cocaine and approximately 8 grams of methamphetamine. Rachel Marie Thrash, 45, was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine and Distribution of Methamphetamine.

Christopher Ray Thrash, 37, was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Pistol when two pistols were discovered on both sides of the driver's seat.

Both subjects are being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.

**Florence County Sheriff’s Office Is Asking For The Community’s Assistance**

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s assistance in preventing criminals from obtaining firearms from unattended vehicles.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a series of vehicle burglaries on the east side of Florence County toward the Pamplico and Johnsonville area over the last several days where firearms and other valuables have been stolen from vehicles.

Firearms pose a substantial risk to the community and the safety of officers. The Sheriff’s Office would like to ask our citizens not to leave any valuables and especially firearms in your unattended vehicles.

If you have any information, please contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office at 843-665-2121 Ext. 375.

**SCDPS Announces New Commander For Highway Patrol Troop Five**

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has promoted James A. Segars to serve as Commander of Troop Five for the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Troop Five includes Horry, Florence, Marion, Darlington, Dillon, Georgetown, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties. J.A. Segars, Captain Segars, who served as a lieutenant in Troop Five for nearly five years, was named Troop Five Commander to succeed Captain Greg Caulder, who is retiring at the end of September after 32 years with the Highway Patrol.

“Captain Segars has devoted 28-years of law enforcement service to the Troop Five area and I know he has worked hard to cultivate strong relationships across the Pee Dee. I know he’s ready and willing to continue serving his community in this new leadership role,” said SC Highway Patrol Colonel Chris Williamson.

Captain Segars is a native of Williamsburg County and began his career with the Highway Patrol in 1994 in Marion County. Before becoming a state trooper, Segars served honorably in the United States Navy for six years and worked in law enforcement for four years with the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.

**Florence County Sheriff Arrests Suspect In Lake City Shooting**

Saturday, October 15, 2022, Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a shooting with a victim on Rae Street in Lake City, SC.

Upon arrival, Deputies confirmed one victim had been shot. While on scene, Investigators received credible information that the suspect was still on Rae Street inside a nearby residence. FCSO SWAT team responded to the residence, but it was later determined the suspect had fled the scene before SWAT arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds. No additional information on the condition of the victim is available at this time.

On October 18, Investigators arrested Justin Tyler Burroughs, 28, and charged him with Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

According to Investigators, Burroughs is alleged to have shot the victim with a handgun twice following a verbal altercation shortly before the incident. Burroughs is being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.