Armed Robber Pleads Guilty in Federal Court

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jaquan Latrel Samuel, a/k/a “Trey,” a/k/a “Trap,” age 30, of Hartsville, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to Robbery of United States Government Property and Use of and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on March 29, 2017, Samuel robbed a person having lawful charge, custody, and control of $400.00 belonging to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by use of a firearm.  During the hearing, agents presented evidence that Samuel pointed a firearm at the victim in order to force the victim to give up the cash. 

Ms. Drake stated that the defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The case was investigated by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Hartsville Police Department, and the ATF.   Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Hummel of the Florence office and J.D. Rowell of the Columbia office are prosecuting the case.

#####