Mullins Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Stolen Heavy Equipment

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that Ernest L. Cook, age 60, of Mullins, pled guilty today in federal court in Florence to conspiracy to buy and sell stolen motor vehicles, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the plea and will impose a sentence after he has reviewed a presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Cook, the owner of a construction company, purchased stolen motor vehicles such as trackhoes, bulldozers, graders, dump trucks, excavators, wheel loaders, and tractors from two co-conspirators. The co-conspirators stole the equipment primarily from North and South Carolina. Cook purchased the motor vehicles for below market value and sold it at a discount. The total amount loss caused by the fraud is approximately $400,000.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Cook can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for five years, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office handled the case.