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NewslettersDrug Dens - Johnny Blue's nightclub and Studio Seven nightclub Are Not Licensed with Beaufort County
Two Sheldon men were flown to trauma centers after being shot at a Johnny Blue's nightclub...
"Nathaniel Blue, 50, and Lewis Sumpter, 55, were taken by helicopter to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, respectively, with gunshot wounds suffered at Johnny Blue's nightclub"..."Nathaniel Blue's father is the nightclub's owner"
http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local/story/501133.html
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A shooting at the Studio Seven nightclub in Burton on July 5 sparked a month of related and unrelated gun violence that included a high-speed shoot-out on U.S. 21 in broad daylight...
http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local/story/511708.html
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Nightclubs under scrutiny after rash of shootings
http://www.beaufortgazette.com/developing_stories/story/514975.html
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Georgetime said:
"All of the afformentioned "clubs" plus "Chocolate City" on Burton Hill Rd are nothing but criminal filled, madly lactating cash cows for Beaufort's drug dealers. Shut them all down".
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RazzMaTaz said:
"Have been for years!"
"All of these "night clubs" are nothing more than dens of crime. They have been for YEARS! LE should have dealt with them a long time ago IMO.
Face it, LE is reactive, not proactive. I heard all I needed to hear when the Sherrif said in the "These shootings must stop" article, "Residents must continue to protect themselves and provide law enforcement with any and all information."
"Arm yourselves for personal protection...stay alert...stay safe!"
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- undercoverbrother's blog
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Perhaps to close them all down because of a few laws broken would be a bit hasty. The big money folks in Beaufort who finance and control the import/export drug business in Beaufort need a few local venues for distribution.
When I say "big money folks" I am most likely referring to people who may be considered pillars of the community, not common "drug dealers." Closing the venues down might lead to financial distress for them. It's all well and good to arrest some lower level players in the business in order to appease the people, but to cause real financial distress to the overall business is a no-no in Beaufort County.
...you can't shut those nightclubs down! ...it would cause the entire real estate market in Beaufort County to collapse. Leave them open! I say ...who cares if they are operating illegally and don't pay any taxes. Leave them open! ...they are the foundation of our economy.
Why must you meet every (okay not every, but certainly most) problematic issue with that same fatalistic sarcasm? I agree that there is a drug problem in Beaufort and the surrounding area. These problems are almost everywhere these days. There may even be some "pillars of the community" that benefit in some way from the drug trade. It has been known to happen. But, since you are such a proponent of people coming up with ways to fix Beaufort, why do you simply address this issue with sarcasm?
If there really are "big money folks" using these venues as distribution centers, why would they not ensure that the business license and liquor license issues were taken care of? Seems like a pretty small expense for someone who profits a great deal from the operation of these venues, as you contend.
I think the clubs that operate without licenses should be closed down. BCSO should have officials assigned to monitor the various clubs in the area and follow up to ensure they are operating lawfully. No business license or liquor license, and the doors get barred until the club has fulfilled the requirements to legally be in business. Most of these clubs ARE nothing more than distribution centers, but it is difficult to prove that. Shouldn't the BCSO at least be trying to approach it from a different angle? Or is the BCSO afraid of these people? If so, we are in a lot worse shape than I thought.
Maybe, we mere citizens of Beaufort County could create a deluge of mail, email, letters to the editor, and phone calls to the BCSO asking them to do the job that we pay them to do. Sheriff Tanner is a political animal. If he thinks enough BC citizens are outraged and disturbed by his lack of action, maybe he'll DO SOMETHING!
Alh29907, you are correct about most things and YES I have been known for some sarcasm.
But the reasons that I use sarcasm include the fact that many of the things that we discuss have been "newly" discovered.......right.......there have been clubs operating in Beaufort County without the proper licenses, etc. for more than 40 years. Additionally, there were also bars that SPECIALIZED in prostitution and it wasn't hidden. If the laws had been strictly enforced none of these places would have been open as they were. So yes, I used a little sarcasm, because little will probably change if the past serves as a predictor.
In other words, let's all try to have a laugh about an otherwise hopeless situation.......all of the hoopla makes for good theater but that is about all.
You are correct that if people get upset enough things may change.....but how do you propose to upset them? Obviously I have used reality mixed with a little sarcasm to accomplish that feat......we all have our ways including mary poppins.
As far as Tanner being a political animal, you are probably correct, but politics are much more than meets the eye in Beaufort County. For example few voters actually turn-out to vote. That fact coupled with a sordid history of political dealings in Beaufort result in politics not being all that it seems. Didn't one of the Sheriffs own a liquor store years ago? Ask around and listen to the people who know things from the past.
Is it a crime to own a liquor store? I know a liquor store provides a substance that is abused by some people, but the last time I checked, alcohol IS still legal, so therefore, it would be someone's individual choice whether or not to abuse it. Hopefully, if they do, they would reap the consequences.
You've said that before, about politics not being all that it seems, and you hint at all kinds of sordid, underhanded dealings in Beaufort Co. Can you give me some examples? I haven't lived here long, and I'm wondering what I've missed.
I'm talking about people actively recruiting friends, relatives, co-workers and acquaintances to make some noise. Why are people so fatalistic about whether or not things can be changed?
Come on, all of you bloggers out there who have so much to say, and so many opinions, can't we all band together and at least try to change things? I'm beginning to think that no one really wants to see things change, they are more content with sitting around b****ing about how bad everything is.
...there are literally thousands of examples. Are you kidding me? No one has time to sift through all the garbage of examples. Here's a few recent examples. Ya remember the ex-mayor. Nuf said. Ya remeber the Clerk of Courts Office? Nuf said. Ya remember the orgy of annexations? Nuf said. Ya remember the all the problems in Hardeeville, Ridgeland, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Port Royal, Beaufort in almost every facet of government? Do you remember the Club Group? Do you remember Dennis Gerwing, John and Elizabeth Calvert's demise? Do remember the magnitude of the Illegal Alien problem? Do you remember the Drug Trafficking Arrests? Do you remember that about half of the schools in Beaufort County don't meet minimum standards? Do you remember the eight shootings in less than a month? Nuf said...
Am I missing something? I'm just not getting why you would need some examples?
The problem is the solution. Think about that. For example, take the Clerk of Courts Office, it's in shambles and by the way, that's putting it mildly. Now, take that one example, if you can't fix the Clerk of Courts Office then we can't fix anything. Solution ...here's your answer alh29907. Get the freakin' corrupt people out of there and replace them with people of integrity. Would you take care of that for me please? Also, while your at it, replace the corrupt Drug Judge. Oh, and while your at it, I have a few more judges that you need to replace. When you get done that, I have a list of prosecutors that need to go. And when you get done with that, there's a bond judge and some defense attorneys that need to go. And then, when you get done with that, I have a list of about a thousand career criminals that need to be locked up. And when you get done with that, we'll work on fixing the schools and all the facets of government that are in shambles. Please let me know when you are ready to get to work.
Oh! and one other thing, in your spare time I want you to serve the multiple foot lockers of outstanding arrest warrants that they are holding over at the Sheriff's Office. No hurry.
I know what your examples are, as you have made your theories all too clear on the blogs. I was not asking you, I was asking Shadows, who proceeded to provide me with more heavily veiled innuendo about it. I already know what your viewpoint is, and unfortunately, your insistance upon finding a conspiracy theory in EVERY story about the SO and clerk of court, or any other agency even remotely tied to them, has severly damaged your credibility, IMO. Maybe if you were a little less venomous and provided a little more proof for your accusations, what you say might carry a little more weight.
And BTW, John & Elizabeth Calvert's demise? I didn't realize they had found their bodies, or even any evidence of foul play. Do you have additional info that the general public is not privy to?
...what Tanner said "or even if there was a crime committed at all".
The odds of finding their bodies at this point are next to nil. Sadly, and I do say this with great sadness, I suspect they are either in a landfill or in the ocean, very gruesome indeed.
I hope that that is not the case, maybe we will have a miraculous reappearance. We can only hope.
Alh29907, certainly things can change, but only if people are willing to confront reality. A number of us have been working on doing that for quite some time. But it will take a "village" as someone famous once said. The resistance in different forms is almost unbelievable at times.
Only a burning desire to change things will actually result in overcoming the existing impediments. You seem to have such a "burning desire" and should jump in and assume a role in the process. All of us can provide different contributions.....but the desired changes will only be accomplished by acknowledging the "REAL" problems and dealing with them.
An awakening of sorts has to occur and it is slowly happening. The economic downturn, increases in crime, and other undesired factors may turn out to be a blessing if people are willing and able to tackle some very tough issues and attitudes. I'm not just talking about in Beaufort, but also in our nation as a whole.
It is highly doubtful that the clubs you refer to are distribution centers. They are more likely gathering places for many people who are simply looking for a place to kick back and have a good time. Public places like that will also attract people who might be distributing illegal goods and using the place to meet with folks of a similar ilk. The result of those meetings probably won't always be peaceful. That does not mean that the proprietors of that business are involved or even encouraging such traffic.
Are there highly placed people in this community who profit from illicit drugs? Without a doubt, and several are quietly well known for those activities. Do they care if their underlings are licensed or legal? NOT!!!! Why should they, those below them are throwaways and totally expendable. There is always another idiot on the street who will fall for the Mr. T starter set and some quick money. Ooops, forgot the inevitable jail time! Mr. Gotrocks is well insulated and will survive, and he doesn't care (at least not until his child becomes an addict).
Is BCSO afraid to police the clubs in question? Of course they are, and so is SLED, they are outnumbered and obviously outgunned! These clubs have operated for years on the fringe, and make their own rules. Authorities want no part of the problems that might arise from active enforcement of the laws that should apply. I honestly think they are happy to have a segment of society being left to their own devices in places that don't usually jump on to the radar screen. As the military would say: Don't ask, don't tell!
The answer? Who knows, we need to put the street dealers and Mr. Gotrocks away or worse. Perhaps we should look at the penalties used for crimes in Arab countries. Take the glamor away, take the movies and TV shows that glamorize this crap off the market. Make it mandatory for every child and adult to babysit a crack baby non stop for a week! When folks get caught in crimes such as Operation Jackpot, permanently remove their ability to function in any important position! Same thing for these cowards who are running around shooting other people. Put LE on priority crimes and stop wasting their time with low and unwarranted bail amounts that put these lowlifes back on the street.
topgunscooter said:
"Is BCSO afraid to police the clubs in question? Of course they are, and so is SLED, they are outnumbered and obviously outgunned! These clubs have operated for years on the fringe, and make their own rules. Authorities want no part of the problems that might arise from active enforcement of the laws that should apply. I honestly think they are happy to have a segment of society being left to their own devices in places that don't usually jump on to the radar screen".
BCSO afraid? SLED afraid?
Next we'll be hearing that the FBI, ATF, ICE, IRS and the U S Marshalls office are all afraid.
That's the next headline from Tanner "I can't stop them, I'm afraid"
Shadows - Are you talking about Operation Jackpot?
No, I am not talking about Operation Jackpot, but I have a pretty good record of that with the Appeals process, etc. What happened in the years following that Operation is more interesting to me than the trial, etc.
Undercover brother can provide all kinds of examples, however let my expansion on the previous (liquor store) topic suggest that at a different point in time liquor was only found in packaged liquor stores (not in bars) and was only sold during certain hours and not on Sunday......unless..........
My point is that Beaufort has been a very "closed" town for many, many years which is conducive to the establishment of certain norms, etc. even though they may not strictly follow the letter of the law at all times. This should not infer that anyone was a "bad" person as a result of certain indiscretions that were in accordance with norms of the community. It was a different time, however, in some ways things haven't changed for some people. Some people seem to think that they can do whatever they want regardless of the changing laws and or community norms.
Your comment about the Jackpot happenings "in the following years" intrigues me. I just read Lowcountry Boil (loosely based on OJP).In a conversation with a "longtimer" I recently learned that many of those involved are STILL reaping the benefits.They are "respected" locals who any one of us quite possibly come into contact with and do business with on a regular basis.
Amazing ! Those offshore and overseas accounts REALLY work !
I was a child when this went down and vaguely remember some of my friends' parents going to "country club prisons". The whole thing intriques me. I'd love to know more.
truesoutherner, I think that some of the public documents are still available on the web. Use as many of the defendents' names for searching as possible. I'm fairly certain that if you do so you will find some information. It takes a willingness to invest some time and perhaps do a little research in addition to using the web.
Although some may regard the names and events as deep dark secrets, they are all very public as a result of the felony convictions, appeals, etc. You may even find something in the SC Supreme Court documents.
The "country club prisons" that you mentioned are a fascinating subject when you compare the sentences, types of prisons where people serve their time, etc. for minor drug offenses in the area.
I am a firm believer in people serving their sentences and getting a new start. What I don't believe in are the inequities that exist in our criminal justice system and society in general.
That is not to say that a number of locals, including real estate whore extraordinaire, are not flaunting justice.....
The book is crap. It takes a great story and turns it into John Grisham, lindsey lohan pulp fiction and it is disgusting.
The reality of that story is way more interesting than some sap from Fripp can pawn it off as.....
Anybody who is interested should look into who was actually involved in that boondoggle.....
Can a Lawyer Plead Ignorance of the Law As a Defense?
David Tedder was a lawyer who helped two clients set up an off-shore gambling business and created a company to funnel money to them, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1084 (here), which prohibits the use of wire communications for the purpose of wagering or betting. Tedder created a company called Clear Pay to move money to the off-shore betting business, Gold Medal Sports, that operated out of Curacao. The Florida Attorney General warned Western Union not to wire money to Gold Medal Sports, so Tedder set up Clear Pay to get around that restriction. Unfortunately, Tedder's clients were caught and, not surprisingly, turned on their former lawyer by testifying against him. His conviction was upheld by the Seventh Circuit (United States v. Tedder here), and Judge Frank Easterbrook described Tedder's trial defense:
Although he was a lawyer, knew about §1084, and even knew about criminal prosecutions of similar ventures (after which he whipped up still more layers in a futile attempt to shield his clients), Tedder told the jury that he thought that Gold Medal Sports and Clear Pay were upstanding businesses operated in compliance with all laws. This was essentially the tax protester’s defense that he just didn’t think that the law, however clear, applied to his endeavors. See Cheek v. United States, 498 U.S. 192 (1991). The district judge gave appropriate instructions to the jury, which did not believe Tedder’s professions of ignorance and convicted him. Tedder maintained that he drew his understanding of federal law from observing conduct —Gold Medal Sports was not the only offshore gambling enterprise—as if the existence of bank robberies shows that it is lawful to steal money at gunpoint. Testimony about this curious approach to legal "research" did more to demonstrate Tedder’s mendacity than to make out a defense. His multifarious endeavors to hide the source and disposition of Gold Medal Sports’ funds revealed his true beliefs.
Courts have generally held lawyers to a higher standard regarding knowledge of the illegality of conduct, and Tedder's conduct shows how a lawyer who gets involved in his client's wrongdoing will end up the target of the criminal prosecution. The Seventh Circuit upheld the conviction, and remanded to the district court to reconsider the sentence in light of the discretion granted by Booker. The original sentence was 60 months (!!!), at the high end of the Guidelines range, and I would not be surprised if Tedder is looking the same amount of time, at a minimum.
...there were more than 130 defendants in Operation Jackpot.
Let's see, in Lowcountry Boil there was an attorney who was also a restauranteur, a banker, a wildlife officer, a superintendent, a kingpin, and a women who lived on Fripp. Hmmm, seems like not much has changed. Oh! and a crabber and a shrimper and two little black boys and a guy that lived in a trailer. Also, a seedy nightclub ...hmmm ...again not much has changed.
I would really like to hear some stories from the real deal. Anyone have any good stories about Operation Jackpot. Hey Beaufortoriginal, I'll bet you do. Get the ball rolling, this could be fun.
The author states that the book is a work of fiction. But many of us locals recognize a ring of familiarity in a very loose way. But it is not a documentary and he takes lots of liberty even with the slightly familiar personalities and landscapes.
I enjoyed the book and liked his descriptions of the local settings.
You won't get much reality from locals undercoverbrother, 'cuz some of us know the real people and we keep our mouths shut. We mind our own business. You know about the 3 monkeys and their motto on evil. Continue your search on public documents if you want to know more
...hey, whatever makes your boat float. Your comments sound somewhat paranoid and a tad odd. Keep your head in the sand and everything will be fine. It will, it really will. Everything is going to be fine.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." The person who said it was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
...hey, whatever makes your boat float. Your comments sound somewhat paranoid and a tad odd. Keep your head in the sand and everything will be fine. It will, it really will. Everything is going to be fine.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." The person who said it was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
You might want to think about that. Make sure they matter. For many the past that you seem bent on dragging up doesn't matter. What are you going to change? What is there to gain from your curiosity?
...from the past and present and for that matter, the future.
fun until someone vanishes
...that's interesting. Please educate me.
...that's interesting. Please educate me.
in my life to educate you.
I do appreciate the "please". At least you are learning some manners.
Stick to fiction. It seems to come much easier for you than reality and truth.
..why don't you back up your original post?
"fun until someone vanishes" ...address that assortednutsand or are you going to give more double talk?
those of us who KNOW the real story, understand that statement fully well.
...is that the same risks(criminal element) that existed in the 70's and early 80's exists today. In other words, the same players the same risk, then and now. Is that what you are saying?
but if you do your research you will find out a few prominent people were involved and beaufort does still have the "good ole boy" element.
http://cases.justia.com/us-court-of-appeals/F2/801/1437/66179/
operation jackpot was the crumbs leftover from a big juicy apple pie.
...that sounds so much better than the crumbs. BTW, the crumbs were billions of dollars. I dare ask what was the "big juicy apple pie"?
operation jackpot is what happened after the general died and the seargents lost there direction.
know these things first hand. just some long talks over coffee and tea with people who have passed. i guess it is possible they could be exaggerated, but they make for one heck of a story.
There are things both known ,and unknown.....in between are the doors
I know you,you know me,together we both know a lot of the people involved in OJP...leave the shrimp where they are so to speak
Call me Anjil
Those involved in Operation Jackpot were sentenced, paid their penalties and debts to society. They have been punished according to the law. They have learned their lessons and want to get on with their lives. Many are trying to be normal productive people again like the rest of us.
Surely you are not one of those who likes to hurt people by dragging past mistakes up as gossip on the blogs. Live and let live.
...it's interesting that an episode that occured almost 30 years ago is such a touchy subject. Many people people still to this day, tip toe around the subject in fear. The mere mention of Operation Jackpot and I get comments like "people vanishing" and "mind your own business" and one New York transplant has told me to "shut up" on more than one occasion.
I do, however, agree with "live and let live". However, here's were the rubber meets the road. Unfortunately, some of the former Operation Jackpot players have seamlessly drifted back into "THE BUSINESS". Or, never left "THE BUSINESS". As far as I'm concerned, those players are going to meet their own demise. Except, this time they are much older and it's going to be much harder for them to recover and get back in the "biz". What has always been so amazing to me is the actual number players, literally in the hundreds, it's really mind boggling.
So, in the end, the players that have learned from their mistakes and have moved on and are "living normal productive lives" as you say, have nothing to worry about. On the otherhand, the career businessmen in "THE BUSINESS" have alot to fear and worry about.
egret57, "gossip" contains elements that are not true. Is there something on this thread that is not true? If so, please provide a correction.
This is not the first time that this topic (Operation Jackpot) has been brought up on this site. And there are always a number of people who try to silence any discussion by suggesting that the folks that discuss it are less than honorable. Again, the issues of avoidance and/or denial that seem to plague the area.
Like it or not it is a part of Beaufort history although I doubt that it is ever discussed on historical tours, or by the Historical Society. There is much that can be learned from the past, however some choose to have selective memories.
Bringing up personal things such as what occurs within families, etc. is certainly questionable.....especially when much of it is rumor, speculation, etc. But Operation Jackpot is a matter of public record for people to examine and discuss if they want to do so. Those records appear to support drug dealings and I doubt that the "victims" or users of illegal drugs and their families who have suffered from such activities, would express many objections to such a discussion.
And finally, if people would read the official records of the operation, I doubt that they would find much that would intrigue them enough to continue much of the discussion. Better to get the truth than to read a fictional account of something. Better for all involved....
If anyone wants to know, then the public records are available and involves the charges and the sentences. That is public knowledge.
But to ask for the gory details or personal experiences or hearsay from locals is gossip. Gossip may be true from one person's perspective, but it may be only a part of a puzzle and doesn't show the big picture. That is not a matter of public knowledge or public records.
Just from reading the blogs, we can see lots of different perspectives and opinions. We don't need to spread gossip about people trying to live normal lives. There is no way to justify a thirst for gossip. Go watch the soaps. Or go blog on those sickening political blogs about the candidates and their"secret" lives.
...please provide me with a list of the certified "normal" people and I will make every attempt to not mention them. By the way, there's Beaufort style "normal" and the rest of the world "normal". I hope you are referring to the rest of the world normal.
I suspect that what you are saying is that the people that you know that were involved in OJP are now normal. In other words, they are not involved in drug smuggling, money laundering, or associated in anyway to the ones who are. Good for them. Unfortunately, we have some lifers that won't, as you say, be "normal".
It seems that Drug Smuggling has become the norm. So it's normal, well I don't see anything normal about it. As a matter of fact, it has impacted the economic, moral, and social fiber of the community.
So, to all you Drug Smugglers out their that have turned "normal", keep up the good work. And, all you lifers out there, that won't be "normal, well I say your day is coming.
Egret57, I suggest that if you find something that is inaccurate or wrong, by all means correct it. As far as "people trying to live normal lives," a person that has been convicted of felonies and served time in prison has not lived a "normal" life in the eyes of our government. As far as paying a debt to society by serving time, that is perhaps true, but it doesn't erase anything that happened. We all must live with our transgressions and/or mistakes it's a part of life.
BTW, I don't think that I have ever heard you object to "gossip" on this site before. The local political contests got pretty nasty, including the "gossip" about candidates having affairs, controversial military records, etc., by I don't recall reading your objections. Not that I am advocating "gossip," but what makes this particular subject any different?.....some of those victims of the other "gossip" may have even been completely innocent, but did you "voice" an objection?
You are right that I did not post an objection to gossip during local elections. But my post would have been redundant with the number of other posters demanding verification of information. And I think a lot of comments about the candidates were gossip and hearsay with no verification and others also thought so. Even the blog editor Steve Blust asked everyone to keep it clean.
But why am I defending my no gossip posts? Are you and undercoverbrother saying gossip is ok? If you think it is, please state why gossip is defensible against private citizens. Have we all lost our right to privacy?
Gossip and information in the public domain are different animals. Newspapers can print stories in the public domain and we can also discuss that info in public. But the newspapers can be held liable if they print unverified stories about any citizen. That means that citizens have a right to privacy. They also have a right to seek compensation in cases of defamation of character, usually caused from gossip or unverifiable statements.
No Egret57, I have not Defended gossip......quite the opposite. I have suggested to you that if anything said is inaccurate or untrue that you should correct it. As you may have noticed, early on I offered a link for people to consult to dispel and/or correct any untruths. As I also pointed out, the truth/reality is not quite as fascinating as some may have thought.
As far as losing "our right to privacy," you absolutely know that that is not the case. However, when a person commits and is convicted on several felony counts a certain amount of privacy and other rights are usually forfeited under the laws of our country. To suggest that such things cannot be discussed is akin to shutting down much of the discourse that occurs in law school and law enforcement classes, etc.
Do people who have had such convictions afterward become positive, contributing members of society? Quite often they do....Martha Stewart is one name that immediately comes to mind. Thankfully it is not my judgement call to make. Now we can drop this at any time that you wish to do so.....we have actually continued the discussion much longer than I had intended.
Based on your previous posts and on this thread, I think we both agree that gossip is harmful and should be discouraged. My beginning posts here were mainly directed to undecoverbrother asking for stories from locals that were not in the public domain. Such anecdotal stories involving people living here could not serve any use and they now have families that might read these posts. Perhaps in the future in another generation, such stories, if verified, might be interesting reading.
that was a part of the salty bails floating in bft river lol. mabe that is why he did not charge me for my divorce. hum mabe i was a co-cospiritor without knowlage. lol
There is currently a factual account of Jackpot that has recently been written, interviews with participants, prosecutors, witnesses etc..
...please keep us posted.