Atlas Importers, Smuggling, South Carolina 2016

Columbia, South Carolina – Atlas Importers, Inc., a fireworks company based in Marion, has pleaded guilty to Smuggling, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 545, in federal court in Florence on Tuesday.

United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence the company at a later date. The case was investigated by agents of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Transportation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that between November 2013 and late 2016, Atlas Importers repeatedly imported unapproved fireworks for sale in the United States. These fireworks were omitted from invoices to conceal their presence in shipping containers. Many of the fireworks had been modified to change the powder ratios from what had been approved.

The modifications essentially increased the effect powders and decreased the launch powders, according to the evidence. United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that the maximum penalty for the crime is a fine of $500,000 and supervised release of five years.

The investigation into Atlas Importers was carried out by agents of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Transportation. The company’s guilty plea and pending sentencing mark a significant outcome in the case.

Individuals with information regarding this case are encouraged to contact Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. at (803) 920-3000. The case is a reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations and laws governing the importation of goods, particularly those related to safety and consumer protection.

The guilty plea and sentencing decision will be closely watched by those in the fireworks industry and regulatory bodies. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit activities.

The case is a significant example of the work being done by law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling and other crimes. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by those in the industry and regulatory bodies.

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