North Augusta Racketeering Ring Change-of-Plea Hearings Set for Tuesday

It’s a tense scene in the courtrooms of Columbia, South Carolina, as 22 defendants tied to a sprawling criminal enterprise in North Augusta prepare to face the music. The group, accused of racketeering charges, is set to have their change-of-plea hearings scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2017.

Law enforcement has been on high alert since the indictment of these suspects, who are alleged to have operated a web of illegal activities that included drug trafficking and public corruption. The defendants, ranging in age from 23 to 50 years old, hail from various cities across South Carolina, including North Augusta and Columbia.

The hearing schedule is packed with proceedings set for three separate times throughout the day: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The Matthew J. Perry, Jr., Courthouse at 901 Richland Street, Courtroom #3, will serve as the backdrop for these pivotal events.

Among those facing charges is James ‘Jimmy’ Thompson of North Augusta, who is accused of leading the operation and directing significant drug trafficking activities. His alleged co-conspirators include Joseph ‘Joe’ Ramirez, 35, from Columbia, and Maria ‘Mia’ Garcia, 28, from Aiken, both of whom are charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

The investigation has been a joint effort by the FBI, DEA, and local police forces, who have been combing through mountains of evidence against these defendants. If convicted, they face stiff penalties that could include decades in prison.

Jim May, the contact person for further information on this case, can be reached at (803) 929-3000. As the clock ticks down to Tuesday’s court appearances, the grim reality of organized crime in North Augusta becomes all too clear.

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