White Supremacist Benjamin McDowell Pleads Guilty to Gun Charges

Benjamin Thomas Samuel McDowell, 30, of Conway, South Carolina, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a charge under Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). The plea was entered in Florence, South Carolina, before United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, who will sentence McDowell after reviewing a presentence report compiled by the U.S. Probation Office.

The case began when the FBI flagged McDowell’s escalating white supremacist rhetoric on social media. Investigators found he openly advocated violence against non-white communities and expressed admiration for Dylann Roof, the convicted Charleston church shooter. Of particular alarm were McDowell’s posts referencing a specific Jewish synagogue, suggesting it could become a target. He also made repeated public statements about wanting to acquire a firearm.

In response, the FBI deployed an undercover agent posing as a member of a white supremacist group to assess McDowell’s intentions. The two engaged in multiple recorded conversations where McDowell reaffirmed his respect for Roof and spoke broadly about attacking individuals of Jewish and Muslim faiths. While he never detailed a specific attack plan, he made clear his intent to use a gun for violent purposes.

During the sting, McDowell specified he wanted a .40 caliber Glock pistol and .40 caliber hollow-point ammunition. On February 15, 2017, the undercover agent completed a controlled sale, providing McDowell with an inert Glock—rendered inoperable by shaving the firing pin—at a Myrtle Beach hotel parking lot. McDowell paid $109 for the weapon and ammunition, which were seized moments after the transaction.

Following his arrest, McDowell admitted to purchasing the gun and ammunition. Authorities confirmed he had prior felony convictions, legally barring him from possessing any firearm or rounds. The FBI investigation was supported by the Horry County Police Department, Myrtle Beach Police Department, and Horry County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Attorney Beth Drake announced that McDowell faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham is prosecuting the case out of the Florence office. The guilty plea underscores federal efforts to disrupt ideologically driven violence before it escalates into mass tragedy.