Shrader Admits Gun Trafficking in SC

COLUMBIA, SC – Adam Tyler Shrader, 22, of Lancaster, South Carolina, has confessed to his role in a brazen gun trafficking scheme, pleading guilty in federal court to conspiracy to straw purchase a firearm. The deal, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, marks another win for federal investigators cracking down on illegal weapons pipelines.

The case unraveled after Lillie Mae Govea reported her pistol stolen to Lancaster County deputies on October 21, 2014. Govea claimed the weapon was snatched from her car trunk, singling out her boyfriend, Adam Tyler Shrader, as the only person with access. But the story quickly thickened, revealing a deliberate effort to skirt the law.

Shrader, according to court documents, admitted that a man known only as “Nick” enlisted Govea to purchase a handgun on his behalf. Nick allegedly provided the cash and directed them to a specific local gun store. The pair readily agreed to act as his proxies, effectively shielding Nick from background checks and legal scrutiny. The intended weapon wasn’t in stock, so they bought a different pistol and ammunition.

The deception didn’t end at the store. During the drive back, Shrader was overheard on the phone, coordinating the handover. Upon their return, a stranger approached, paid Govea more money, and took possession of the gun. Shrader then instructed Govea to delay reporting the pistol stolen for three days, fearing Nick might use it for illicit purposes. Govea, however, reported it within 24 hours. The weapon eventually surfaced during a search by another jurisdiction, in the hands of a convicted felon.

Govea has already pleaded guilty to the same charge and received sentencing. Shrader now faces up to 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Judge Mary Geiger Lewis will determine the final sentence after reviewing a pre-sentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department.

This prosecution falls under Project CeaseFire, a collaborative initiative between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies focused on aggressively tackling firearm-related crimes. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon is leading the prosecution, signaling a continued commitment to stemming the flow of illegal guns in South Carolina. Contact for further information: (803) 929-3000.