Conway Man Cuffed in FBI Gun Bust

Benjamin Thomas Samuel McDowell, 29, of Conway, South Carolina, is behind bars on federal gun charges after an overnight arrest by the FBI in Myrtle Beach. The takedown, confirmed by U.S. Attorney Beth Drake, stems from McDowell’s alleged possession of a firearm and ammunition—both strictly off-limits due to his status as a prohibited person under federal law.

McDowell was hauled in late Monday night following a coordinated move by federal agents and local law enforcement. He appeared Tuesday morning before a federal magistrate judge in Florence, South Carolina, where the charges were formally read. He faces prosecution under Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), which bars individuals with certain criminal histories from owning or handling guns.

The case, now heating up in federal court, has a preliminary hearing and detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. at the McMillan Federal Building in Florence. McDowell remains locked up pending those proceedings, with no bond issued as of press time.

Investigation into McDowell’s possession was led by the FBI, working in tandem with the Horry County Police Department and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. While sources familiar with the probe decline to detail the tip or surveillance that led to the arrest, they confirm the firearm was recovered during the apprehension.

U.S. Attorney Drake reiterated the foundational tenet of the justice system: all charges are accusations until proven in court. “Benjamin McDowell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” Drake stated in a press release. Still, conviction under Section 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

For updates on this developing case, contact FBI public affairs liaison Lance Crick at (864) 282-2105. Grimy Times will continue covering the February 21 hearing and any further disclosures from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.