BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–According to a federal court indictment, on December 17, 2013 Tony Riley, now an ex-deputy with the Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office, knowingly sold a Mossberg Maverick 88 shotgun to a person
under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
Two days later after selling the first firearm, court records show that Riley, who calls Goose Creek home, sold a Smith & Wesson .38 Special CTG revolver to another individual facing criminal charges.
In both instances, court documents never reveal the exact crimes these individuals are accused of.
Under South Carolina law, however, it is illegal for a person to knowingly sell, offer to sell, deliver, lease, rent, barter, exchange, or transport for sale into this State any firearm to a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence in any court of the United States, the several states, commonwealths, territories, possessions, or the District of Columbia or who is a fugitive from justice or a habitual drunkard or a drug addict or who has been adjudicated mentally incompetent.
After learning of Riley’s arrest, he was immediately fired from the Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office. The ex-deputy had worked at the sheriff’s office for nearly twenty years prior to his termination.
Following the arrest, Sheriff Wayne Dewitt issued a statement, expressing his disappointment in the news.
“I was surprised and disappointed to learn today of the arrest of Tony Riley by Federal officials,” said Dewitt. “Mr. Tony Riley has already been terminated from his employment with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. We are disappointed in Mr. Riley’s conduct and want to assure the public it does not reflect on the integrity of other members of the sheriff’s office.”
In 2012, Riley was demoted at the sheriff’s office after an inmate, James Sanders, was able to walk out of the jail under his watch. This resulted in a massive manhunt for the suspect. Sanders was eventually arrested by Myrtle Beach Police.
Riley was indicted on two counts of weapons charges on April 9th. Several days later, court documents show that he received an unsecured bond of $25,000.
To view the indictment, click here.
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