Anderson Couple Among Five Indicted for Child Sex Trafficking & Porn

Greenville, South Carolina — A chilling federal investigation has led to the arrest of Gary Garland and Shannon Garland, along with Johnnie Wells, Michael Skelton, and Duwone Allen, all from Anderson County. The five are facing a multi-count federal indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography.

United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., declared the gravity of the charges, stating, ‘Child sex trafficking is one of the most offensive and reprehensible crimes possible.’ The U.S. Attorney’s office vows to bring justice to those involved in human trafficking, including those who exploit victims.

Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte emphasized the urgency, highlighting that ‘sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery,’ and that HSI is dedicated to rescuing victims and bringing traffickers to justice.

U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Griffin, Jr., echoed the commitment, emphasizing that any crime against a child is a priority for the United States Marshals Service. ‘We will utilize any and all available resources so we can bring these offenders to justice,’ he said.

The ten-count indictment alleges that the Defendants began their heinous activities in South Carolina last year, advertising and transporting at least two minors for commercial sex acts. The Garlands are also accused of producing visual depictions of the minors involved.

This case is a testament to the cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with HSI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office leading the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Carrie Fisher Sherard and Winston Marosek are handling the prosecution, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service in making the arrests.

U.S. Attorney McCoy reminded readers that all charges are merely allegations at this stage and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.