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Disgraced Lake City Police Officer Sentenced to 20 Years for Extortion, Drug Conspiracy

U.S. Attorney’s Office May 27, 2009
  • District of South Carolina (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that former Lake City Police Officer Shanita McKnight, age 35, of Lake City, was sentenced today in federal court for extortion and for being a member of a drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Terry L.Wooten of Florence sentenced McKnight to 20 years in prison.

McKnight was a Lake City Police officer from 1998 until 2005. She became the target of an investigation by the FBI, SLED, and the Florence County Sheriff’s Department in 2005 after sources revealed that she received cash payments to provide protection and information to drug dealers.

Evidence presented at trial last October established that McKnight was co-owner of 104 Samuel Street in Lake City where a nightclub called “Mamie Lou’s” was located. Testimony established that Mamie Lou’s was operated by members of McKnight’s family, and was a well-known drug haven in Lake City where crack cocaine was sold and smoked, and prostitutes were available. McKnight was aware that drugs were sold at Mamie Lou’s, and warned her family and other persons in the area about police activity. McKnight also sought and received cash payments from cocaine dealer Lorenzo Jones. Another convicted drug dealer, DeShawn Wallace, testified that McKnight saw him with weapons and drugs, but never arrested him. He also testified that McKnight allowed him to drive her patrol car while smoking marijuana.

Mr. Wilkins stated, “Police officers are not above the law. When a public official, such as Ms. McKnight, abuses her authority, she drains the public trust and erodes the confidence that our citizens should have in law enforcement.”

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and SLED, and deputies of the Florence County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Deborah B. Barbier and Alfred Bethea prosecuted the case.

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