Frederick Siou Beaufort, a 41-year-old resident of Camden, South Carolina, has been sentenced to over two years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. The sentence follows an incident on September 3, 2023, when a Kershaw County sheriff’s deputy observed Beaufort driving without a seatbelt. During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed a large hand-rolled cigarette on the front passenger seat. Upon inquiry, Beaufort identified it as a “blunt,” referring to a marijuana cigarette.
The subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a handgun concealed under the driver’s side floor mat. Beaufort admitted he did not possess a concealed weapons permit and was aware of his status as a convicted felon. His criminal history includes convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, resisting arrest, distribution of crack cocaine, and he was out on bond for murder at the time of his arrest.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Beaufort to 27 months in prison followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Federal sentences do not include parole.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy under PSN focusing on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is handling prosecution duties.
