Criminal Defense Attorney inGreer, SC

GREER, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The United States Attorney’s Office said a Greer man has been sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering related to CARES Act fraud.

Officials said 54-year-old Jonathan Wade Sumter will serve 80 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.

According to the US Attorney’s Office, evidence revealed that between June 2020 and Jan. 2022, Sumter, his twin brother Jason Elijah Sumter, and Gerothia McCullough came up with a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Plan and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs by applying for funds on behalf of sham or defunct companies.

Officials went on to say that Jonathan and the others submitted applications containing phony company expenses, employee wage statements, and other false documents on behalf of the following companies:

Using these fraudulent applications, they obtained over $1.8 million of EIDL and PPP payments, officials said.

“Jonathan Sumter was the ringleader and submitted the applications on behalf of and with the permission of the others,“ the US Attorney’s Office said. ”When the loans were funded, the three split the proceeds.”

Officials mentioned that Sumter’s sentence will run concurrently with a 92-month sentence he was already serving for a 2023 federal conviction for health care fraud.

To recover ill-gotten gains from the defendants, officials said Jonathan Wade Sumter was ordered to pay $1,802,741 in restitution. Jason Elijah Sumter was ordered to pay $739,786 in restitution and he was ordered to forfeit a parcel of real property in Orangeburg County. Gerothia McCullough was ordered to pay $478,366 in restitution and she was ordered to forfeit a 2018 GMC Canyon.

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Southern Gates Fence Co. highlights privacy fence installation services in Greer, SC for homeowners seeking secure, attractive, and functional backyard fencing solutions.

Southern Gates Fence Co. is expanding its focus on privacy fence installation in Greer, SC as more homeowners look for secure backyard fencing that improves privacy, safety, and curb appeal. The company provides residential fencing solutions designed to help property owners create more functional and private outdoor spaces with wood and vinyl fence options tailored to their needs.

Greer, SC - Southern Gates Fence Co. is increasing its focus on privacy fence installation in Greer, SC as more homeowners seek secure backyard fencing that adds privacy, improves property boundaries, and supports more comfortable outdoor living. Through its growing local presence, Southern Gates Fence Co. is helping residential customers in Greer find fencing solutions that combine function, durability, and curb appeal.

Growing Demand for Secure Backyard Fencing in Greer, SC

Homeowners across Greer are placing greater value on outdoor privacy and residential security. As backyards continue to serve as spaces for family gatherings, pets, relaxation, and day-to-day living, the need for dependable fencing has become more relevant for many local properties.

This demand is contributing to increased interest in secure backyard fencing in Greer, SC, particularly among homeowners looking for practical ways to create more private outdoor environments. Privacy fencing can help reduce outside visibility, define lot lines, and provide a stronger sense of enclosure for residential spaces.

About Privacy Fence Installation in Greer, SC

For many property owners, privacy fence installation in Greer, SC is more than a visual upgrade. It is a long-term improvement that can support security, enhance outdoor comfort, and help homeowners make better use of their yards.

Southern Gates Fence Co. provides access to privacy fence installation options designed for residential needs. Whether a homeowner is planning a new fence for a backyard, replacing an aging structure, or evaluating ways to improve both privacy and appearance, professional installation plays an important role in the final result.

A well-planned privacy fence can also complement the style of a home while offering practical day-to-day value. In growing residential areas, that combination of form and function continues to make privacy fencing a preferred upgrade.

Wood and Vinyl Privacy Fence Options for Greer Homeowners

Material selection remains one of the most important parts of any fencing project. Homeowners in Greer, SC often consider wood and vinyl among the most popular choices for privacy fencing.

Wood privacy fences are often selected for their traditional appearance, flexibility in design, and natural character. Vinyl privacy fences are frequently chosen for their clean look and lower-maintenance appeal. Both options can serve homeowners who want a fence that supports privacy while matching the layout and style of the property.

By offering custom solutions for different yard sizes, preferences, and residential needs, Southern Gates Fence Co. helps homeowners evaluate which type of privacy fence best suits their goals.

Why Southern Gates Fence Co. Is Expanding in Greer, SC

Southern Gates Fence Co. is bringing added attention to its privacy fence services in Greer in response to rising local demand. As more residents invest in outdoor living and home improvements, access to a dependable privacy fence company in Greer, SC becomes increasingly important.

The company’s local focus is intended to make it easier for homeowners to connect with a fence contractor in Greer, SC that understands the needs of residential properties. From selecting materials to planning layouts and installation details, Southern Gates Fence Co. aims to deliver fencing solutions that reflect both property function and homeowner preference.

How Privacy Fences Support Security, Comfort, and Curb Appeal

Privacy fences offer benefits that extend beyond basic enclosure. For many homeowners, they contribute to a safer backyard environment, support a greater sense of comfort, and improve the visual appeal of the property.

A professionally installed privacy fence can create more usable outdoor space while helping a home feel more complete. This is one reason interest in backyard privacy fencing continues to grow among Greer homeowners looking for practical and lasting property upgrades.

About Southern Gates Fence Co.

Southern Gates Fence Co. is a residential fencing company serving homeowners with customized solutions designed to improve privacy, functionality, and appearance. The company offers fencing services for property owners seeking dependable workmanship and tailored results for their outdoor spaces.

With a focus on residential fencing and privacy-oriented solutions, Southern Gates Fence Co. continues to support homeowners looking for a trusted local provider for fence installation projects in Greer and surrounding areas.

Homeowners interested in privacy fencing and backyard security solutions can visit Southern Gates Fence Co. to learn more about available services, explore material options, and request a quote. Southern Gates Fence Co. invites Greer homeowners to take the next step toward a more private, secure, and functional outdoor space.

Media ContactCompany Name: Southern Gates Fence Co.Contact Person: Paul AughtryEmail: Send EmailPhone: +18644141620City: SimpsonvilleState: South CarolinaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://sgfenceco.com/

Dennis Carroll Ballentine, age 79, of Taylors, SC, went to be with the Lord on February 26, 2026.

Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Ena Trussell Ballentine and the late Bernard Carroll Ballentine of Columbia, SC.

Dennis graduated from A. C. Flora High School in Columbia and received his bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina. He served in Vietnam with the Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta where he received two Bronze Stars and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V. He received an honorable discharge after serving for four years with the United States Navy and later received the Quilt of Valor. He was a certified public accountant with S.D. Leidesdorf National CPA firm and then became Vice President of Finance with Hewitt Coleman and Associates. Later he owned his own CPA practice, Clarke and Ballentine, LLC, later renamed Ballentine and Hodges, LLC, before retiring in 2013. Since 1973 he was an active member of Taylors First Baptist Church, part of the church's security team, and an usher. He also served in various church ministries: he was a coach for a boys' basketball team, Royal Ambassador leader, marriage small group facilitator, Intercessory Prayer member, and Finance Committee member. He served on the Board for the Taylors Free Medical Clinic, served on the Board of the Paraclete Foundation, the Greenville Estate Planning Council, and the Finance Committee at the Poinsett Club. He supported World Vision and the North Greenville University Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund and served on the board of directors of the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund. He also held membership in numerous professional and civic organizations.

He was predeceased by his brother, Doug Ballentine of Lilburn, GA.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years Mitsy Winburn Ballentine, of the home; his son, Representative Nathan Ballentine of Chapin, SC; his two precious grandchildren, JC and Emma of Chapin, SC; sister-in-law, Gail Ballentine of Auburn, GA; brother-in-law, John (Susan) Winburn of Greer, SC; brother-in-law, Rev. Bob (Kathy) Clarke of Alpharetta, GA; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends in the Welcome Center at the church at 1:00 p.m. prior to the services. Services will be at 2 p.m. on March 3, 2026, at Taylors First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Taylors First Baptist Church, 200 W. Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687, Taylors Free Medical Clinic, 400 W. Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687, or North Greenville University Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund, North Greenville University, P.O. Box 1892, Tigerville, South Carolina 29688.

Mackey Mortuary will be handling the arrangements.

DMA Industries opened a new 1.4 million-sq.-ft. facility in Greer, SC. The company said this strengthens its distribution and operational capabilities within South Carolina’s automotive corridor.

According to DMA, the expansion supports faster speed-to-market and improved service performance for customers across the North American automotive aftermarket.

Strategic Location and Trade Access

The new facility is located less than four miles from the Inland Port of Greer, providing access to international shipping lanes and major domestic trucking terminals. DMA said the site will operate as a Foreign Trade Zone facility and is C-TPAT compliant, supporting secure and efficient global trade operations.

According to the company, the Greer location enhances inbound and outbound logistics flexibility while supporting continued growth in regional distribution capacity.

Technology Investments and Warehouse Systems

DMA said the new facility will integrate several advanced systems to improve operational efficiency and accuracy. These include ultra-wideband inventory control tracking, camera-based visualization for put-away tracking, and an upgraded AI-supported proprietary warehouse management system.

“These advancements will provide service efficiencies while ensuring the highest levels of picking accuracy and on-time delivery,” said John Treece, chief executive officer of DMA Industries.

“This facility represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to be the most reliable partner in the automotive aftermarket,” Treece said. “By investing in the Greer region, we are not just increasing our square footage, we are improving our logistical speed-to-market and service execution.”

Supporting Continued Growth in South Carolina

DMA Industries is headquartered in Loris and operates five additional distribution centers in the state. The company said the Greer expansion continues its long-term investment in South Carolina and supports economic growth in the region.

“With this infrastructure in place, DMA is uniquely positioned to scale operations rapidly and increase efficiency while maintaining the service quality our customers expect,” said Fred Snow, president and chief operating officer.