Brian Leroy Watson, Jr., Human Trafficking, South Carolina 2016

Brian Leroy Watson, Jr., a/k/a “B,” a/k/a “Lil B,” 48, of Blythewood, South Carolina, was arrested on August 20, 2020, and charged in a 12-count federal indictment with nine counts of human trafficking and attempted human trafficking, along with three narcotics violations. The charges span from 2016 to 2019 and detail a harrowing pattern of exploitation and drug distribution across central South Carolina.

The indictment alleges Watson used coercion, dependency on drugs, and manipulation of basic needs to force multiple victims into commercial sex acts. Federal prosecutors say the scheme was sustained through threats, violence, and the strategic use of narcotics like heroin and fentanyl to maintain control. In addition to the trafficking charges, Watson is accused of distributing heroin and fentanyl and operating a Blythewood residence as a stash house for heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine.

The arrest was the result of a joint operation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. Agents moved swiftly after gathering evidence pointing to Watson’s dual role as a trafficker of both people and deadly drugs. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges at the Matthew J. Perry Courthouse in Columbia following his arrest.

“Human trafficking is an egregious crime that often targets the most vulnerable among us for the profit of another,” said U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. “It is a dark reality even here in South Carolina, and this office will not tolerate it.” McCoy emphasized collaboration with law enforcement and community support groups dedicated to helping survivors and raising public awareness.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jody Norris stated, “Operations like these result in the release of human trafficking victims from their horrifying bondage.” Norris credited the Richland and Kershaw County Sheriff’s Offices for their critical roles in the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about trafficking networks to contact the FBI-Columbia field office at 803-551-4200.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan both stressed that trafficking doesn’t always involve abduction—many victims are lured through manipulation and addiction. “Holding your child close to you while in a crowded place is not always as important as knowing what your child does when they are away from you,” said Sheriff Boan. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels. Watson remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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