PRESS RELEASE
June 10, 2016

FCSO ARRESTS THIRD SUSPECT IN HOME INVASION

SUBJECT: Johnny Harold Larue Matthews, age 34, of 1001 Nellie Lane, Florence, SC was arrested by Investigators with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office on June 8, 2016 and charged with Armed Robbery While Armed with a Deadly Weapon (S.C. Code Ann. 16-11-330(A)), Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime (S.C. Code Ann. 16-23-490)), Burglary, First Degree (S.C. Code Ann. 16-11-311)), Distribution of Heroin (S.C. Code Ann. 44-53-370(B)(1)), three counts of Possession With Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances (S.C. Code Ann. 44-53-370(b)(2)), and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon (S.C. Code Ann. 16-23-500(A)). See FCSO Booking Website for additional information.

NARRATIVE: Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Johnny Harold Larue Matthews on June 8, 2016 on multiple drug and weapons charges. According to FCSO Narcotics Investigators, Matthews is charged with three counts of Possession With Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Distribution of Heroin and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon which allegedly occurred in April of 2016. In addition, Matthews was wanted by FCSO in connection with a Burglary and Armed Robbery which is alleged to have occurred on or about April 21, 2016 in the 3700 block of Southborough Road, Florence, SC. Along with co-defendants, Matthews is alleged to have participated in the burglary and armed robbery of a homeowner. (See FCSO Press Release of April 28, 2016 for additional details.) Matthews is also charged with Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Matthews was located by the U.S. Marshals Service in a hotel in New Jersey on May 16, 2016 and returned to South Carolina on June 8, 2016. Matthews is being held at the Florence County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

END

Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.