United States of America v. William Bernard Wright

Columbia, South Carolina assault and batter with a dangerous weapon charge criminal defense lawyer represented William Bernard Wright, a/k/a "Willie” Wright, a/k/a "Quentin Mitchell,” 28, of Gaffney, charged with unlawful transportation of firearms, semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.



Wright shoot a South Carolina Highway Patrolman in 2019.



On December 9, 2020, Wright was sentenced to 35 years in state prison, following convictions in the state court system on four charges: attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a weapon by a convicted violent felon, and failure to stop for blue lights.



"Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to protect and serve our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney DeHart. "We will bring the full force of justice against anyone who attempts to take the life of a law enforcement officer in South Carolina. The resolution in these cases could not have been possible without the incredible partnership between the U.S. Attorney's Office, the 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office, ATF, SLED, and South Carolina Highway Patrol.”



"This case highlights the dangers our dedicated men and women in law enforcement face every day, and we are grateful for the collaborative process that helps bring to justice those responsible for such senseless crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Vince Pallozzi. "We applaud Trooper Wise's bravery and recovery.”



”This officer-involved shooting underscores the sacrifice of serving and the dangers our law enforcement face on the job each day,” said Colonel Chris Williamson, Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. "The South Carolina Highway Patrol commends the decisive and brave actions of Trooper Paul Wise when he was fired upon during this incident. The department is grateful to the U.S. Attorney's Office and the 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office for their commitment to seeing justice served in this case.”



Evidence presented to the U.S. District Court showed that on June 2, 2019, Wright was in possession of a FN Herstal, model Five-Seven, semi-automatic pistol and 5.7 x 28mm ammunition at a time he was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on numerous prior felony convictions. At approximately 8:00 PM on that day, Trooper Paul Wise with the South Carolina Highway Patrol was on routine patrol in York County when he observed Wright operating a vehicle without a seatbelt. When Trooper Wise attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Wright fled and failed to stop for blue lights. Wright took the trooper on a car chase before bringing his car to a stop at the end a dead of a road. Wright then exited his vehicle, drew the firearm, pointed it at close range towards the patrolman's front windshield. Wright then discharged at least 12 rounds at Trooper Wise. Trooper Wise was struck in his ballistic vest in the chest area and sustained other injuries to the right side of his neck. As Wright began to flee, Trooper Wise exited his vehicle, returned fire, striking Wright, ordered Wright to the ground, and then called for backup.



Evidence presented also indicated Wright had numerous convictions prior to the shooting of Trooper Wise, to include pointing and presenting a firearm (2007); assault and battery (2008); discharging a firearm within city limits and unlawful carry of a pistol (2008); resisting arrest (2011); attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, and criminal conspiracy (2013); and assault and battery – second degree (2017). Evidence presented in court indicated Wright had only been out of custody from a prior conviction for about 10 months, and that he had a history of criminal acts or misconduct while in custody and while on supervision.



The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the federal case. Deputy Solicitor Willy Thompson prosecuted the state case.



The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Defendant was committed to the custody of the BOP for 98 months, to run concurrently to the undischarged term of imprisonment the defendant is presently serving on state convictions in #19-GS-46-03955, #19-GS-46-03955A, #19-GS-46-03956, and #19-GS-46-03957, with the court's recommendations that he be housed as close to home as possible and that he be considered for any available substance abuse and mental health treatment available while incarcerated. Upon release from imprisonment the defendant shall be on supervised release for 3 years with standard and special conditions to include mental health treatment, substance abuse testing, and he shall take all prescribed mental health medications. Special Assessment of $100.00 due immediately. Property outlined in the Preliminary Order of Forfeiture is hereby forfeited.

Wright will serve the federal sentence concurrent to the state sentence.