Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard continues to praise his staff for the work they are doing during these unprecedented times. “This week, we handled approximately sixty matters by video-conferencing and in-person court.  Our prosecutors are diligently working hard to ensure justice is served in Lexington County. We have resumed in-person court a few days each court term while abiding by health and safety guidelines.”

Several serious offenders were sentenced by Chief Administrative Judge Frank R. Addy, Jr., to lengthy, active prison sentences for offenses in Lexington County this term of court.

Thomas Adam Anthony, 33, was sentenced to fifteen (15) years following a guilty plea to Criminal Sexual Conduct Second Degree.

• On September 26, 2019, Anthony sexually assaulted a nine-year old child while the child repeatedly asked Anthony to stop. A witness walked in on Anthony in the act. Anthony acknowledged what he had done prior to fleeing the incident location. During an interview, Anthony admitted to law enforcement details about what he had done.
• Anthony will have to register as a sex offender and this charged is classified as a “no parole” offense under South Carolina law. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department handled the investigation of this case and prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Sutania A. Fuller.

Daron Johnny Hugee, 28, was sentenced to twelve (12) years following a guilty plea to Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature.

• On November 28, 2019, during a Thanksgiving celebration, Hugee engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with a family member. Hugee then pulled out a firearm, pointed it at his family, and eventually shot one of his family member’s multiple times. Hugee later admitted to the shooting during an interview with law enforcement.
• This charge is classified as a “no parole” offense under South Carolina law. Hugee has prior convictions for robbery, burglary, larceny, and domestic violence. This case was investigated by the West Columbia Police Department and prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Ashley Wellman.

Steven Dewayne Edwards, 43, was sentenced to ten (10) years following a guilty plea to Arson Third Degree.

• On April 16, 2019, Edwards set fire to multiple cardboard boxes inside the Walmart located on Harbison Blvd to create a diversion to shoplift. The fire resulted in approximately three million dollars in damages. This incident was captured on video surveillance and Edwards was identified based on tips received by law enforcement from the public.
• Edwards has prior convictions from multiple states for robbery, forgery, theft, cruelty to children, multiple counts of domestic violence, possession of a controlled substance, and receiving stolen goods. The case was investigated by the Columbia Police Department and prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Russell Parker.

Cameron Michael Tardif, 20, pled guilty to Domestic Violence in the First Degree and was revoked on probation resulting in a ten (10) year active prison sentence.

• On February 4, 2020, Tardif repeatedly physically assaulted his girlfriend and strangled her to the point of unconsciousness. He made verbal threats of further harm if she tried to leave. She finally freed herself and reported the assault. She suffered a fractured nose and had several lacerations and bruises about her body. Tardif was on probation for domestic violence from June of 2019 when this incident occurred. The Judge revoked four (4) years Tardif’s probationary sentence and sentenced him to six (6) years for this new charge to be run consecutively, which resulted in a ten (10) year sentence.
• Domestic Violence in the First Degree is a violent and serious offense under South Carolina law. This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor LeAnna McMenamin and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole.