Spartanburg’s ‘Home Front’ Initiative Nets Three Gun Indictments

SPARTANBURG, SC – Three Spartanburg County men are facing federal charges after being indicted last week as part of “Home Front,” a focused deterrence initiative aimed at combating domestic violence. The indictments, handed down by a federal grand jury in Greenville, mark an early success for the program, which launched in December 2016.

Rodney Juan Baker, 56, of Spartanburg, is accused of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 922(g)(9). Authorities say Baker should not have been in possession of a firearm. The case was jointly investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Derrick Casey, 37, also of Spartanburg, faces the same charge – possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). This investigation was also a collaborative effort between the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF. Separately, Hector Gonzalez, 31, of Spartanburg, has been indicted on the same charge, with the Spartanburg Police Department and the ATF leading the probe.

The “Home Front” initiative, modeled after a successful program in High Point, North Carolina, centers on early intervention. Solicitor Barry Barnette and High Point Chief Marty Sumner spearheaded the program, recognizing that addressing offenders at the initial stages of violence can disrupt escalating patterns. The task force has been meeting with law enforcement agencies across Spartanburg County, alongside partners like the County State Probation office and SAFE Homes, a victim’s advocacy organization.

Domestic violence isn’t just a family matter; it’s a drain on public resources and a serious threat to life. The CDC estimates domestic violence costs the U.S. over $5.8 billion annually, and it accounts for 40-50% of all murders of women. In South Carolina, the problem is particularly acute. The 2015 Violence Policy Center report revealed the state led the nation in rates of women murdered by men, with firearms used in 66% of those cases and 96% of victims knowing their killers. SAFE Homes alone served 6726 victims in Spartanburg County during 2015.

The Home Front strategy isn’t about simply arresting offenders; it’s about targeting repeat offenders with a history of both domestic and non-domestic violence. These individuals, often already known to the criminal justice system, are exposed to sanctions designed to break the cycle of violence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells, an Assistant Solicitor from the 7th Circuit specially designated to handle these federal cases. Contact Lance Crick at (864) 282-2105 for further information.