Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Attempt to Kill Federal Officer

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Terrell L. Mallard, age 30, of Charleston, pled guilty today in federal court in Charleston to the charge of attempting to kill a federal officer, two counts of attempting to kill a person assisting a federal officer, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. United States District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy accepted the plea and will sentence Mallard at a later date. Mallard will remain in custody awaiting sentencing.

Last February, Mallard opened fire on Federal Task Force Officer Alan Ali, a Charleston County Deputy assigned to the United States Marshal Service, and North Charleston police officers James Roberts and Robert Burnem while the three were attempting to arrest him on a bank robbery charge. Mallard was hiding in a locked bathroom of the residence where the arrest took place. When Mallard refused to come out, the officers breached the door and Mallard began shooting, striking Ali. Officers Roberts and Burnem returned fire, striking Mallard until he dropped his weapon. Both Task Force Officer Ali and Mallard were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

Mr. Wilkins stated that Mallard entered into a plea agreement in which he agreed to a sentence of 30 years' imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI, the United States Marshal Service, SLED, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department, and the North Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Modica of the Charleston office handled the case.