FLORENCE, SC – Terry Shawn Petrill, 48, of Myrtle Beach, is trading server rooms for prison cells after being sentenced to two years in federal prison today for pilfering over $340,000 from Horry County. The former IT Security Director systematically defrauded the county by pocketing the profits from stolen network equipment purchased with federal funds.
United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. didn’t mince words, stating, “Those who steal from our local governments are raiding the South Carolina taxpayers. This is unacceptable, and as this case shows we will seek prison time and restitution against those who engage in such theft.” McCoy’s office successfully argued for a significant prison sentence, sending a clear message that such brazen abuse of public trust will not be tolerated.
Court records reveal a calculated scheme spanning from June 11, 2015, to August 23, 2018. Petrill authorized the purchase of forty-one Cisco 3850 network switches, intended to upgrade the Horry County network using federal program funding. Instead of installing the equipment, he diverted the switches, selling them through online marketplaces like eBay and pocketing the cash. The total loss to Horry County tallied a staggering $345,265.57.
The brazenness of the theft is particularly galling. Petrill, entrusted with securing the county’s IT infrastructure, instead exploited his position for personal gain. The county spokesperson, while acknowledging the unfortunate situation, expressed gratitude for the swift action of federal investigators and prosecutors. “Justice was served,” they stated, highlighting the collaborative effort that brought Petrill to account.
Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell handed down the 24-month sentence, followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. In the federal system, there’s no early release through parole – Petrill will serve the full term. The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with crucial assistance from the Horry County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Everett McMillian expertly prosecuted the case, building a solid case based on evidence of Petrill’s fraudulent activity.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of authority are not above the law. The Department of Justice, currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, continues to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of public corruption, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used for their intended purpose – not lining the pockets of dishonest officials. More information on the DOJ’s history can be found at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Related Federal Cases
- Habitat Heist: Finance Director Admits $514K Theft · South Carolina
- Fort Lawn Man Nabbed for Decades of Social Security Fraud · South Carolina
- William Tye Grisel Sentenced for $1M Dumpster Co. Heist · South Carolina
- Haiti Official Nabbed: $156K DoD Scam Lands Him in Federal Prison · South Carolina
- ‘South Carolina Scammer Biebel Rips Off Feds for $1.2 Mil in Tax Heist’ · South Carolina
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
