COLUMBIA, S.C. – In a shocking display of violence, Johnny Mercer Vanover, 49, of Columbia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assault on a federal employee.
According to evidence presented to the court, the incident occurred on June 29, 2023, when officers with the South Carolina Department of Corrections transported Vanover to federal court in Columbia to be arraigned on federal charges.
When Vanover arrived, a Deputy U.S. Marshal asked him to turn around so his restraints could be removed. Vanover refused to comply, and a deputy placed a hand on Vanover’s shoulder to turn him around and access his restraints. Vanover resisted and began cursing and yelling.
He also clinched his fists and told one of the deputies, “I’ll eat you up.” Deputies assisted Vanover to the ground and during the struggle, Vanover bit one deputy on the bicep causing bleeding. The bitten Deputy U.S. Marshal was admitted to the hospital and released with minor injuries.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Vanover to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
Vanover, who plead guilty to assault on a federal employee, will serve 30 months in federal prison. He is also required to undergo two years of court-ordered supervision following his release.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Jonathan Andrew Felkel, Hate-Fueled Assault, South Carolina 2025 · South Carolina
- Kenneth David Sipple, Assault on Federal Officer, South Carolina 2024 · South Carolina
- Lonnie Cecil Buchanan Jr, Capitol Assault, South Carolina 2024 · South Carolina
- Christopher Rockey, Capitol Assault, South Carolina 2021 · Maryland
- Jonathan Andrew Felkel, Violating Housing Rights, South Carolina, 2023 · South Carolina
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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