Full Notification

In a coordinated operation early Thursday morning, June 5, 2025, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), executed federal arrest and search warrants at a residence on Logwood Path and Eastern Road in Burton.

The operation began shortly before 6 a.m. and led to the arrest of three individuals on federal charges:

• William Omar Heyward, Jr., 44, of Burton
• Ishmael Allen Rivers, 26, of Yemassee
• Christopher Andrew Copeland, 26, of Beaufort

Two additional individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants and are currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center:

• Katie Shannon Bradham, 37, of Beaufort
• Lindel Hugh Bonney III, 34, of Beaufort

All individuals were taken into custody without incident.
Details regarding the federal charges are outlined in the official indictment (view attached PDF) or view online at bcso.net under "Latest News".

Any additional information regarding this operation would come from the FBI, as it is the lead investigative agency.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office also acknowledges the support provided during the operation by Beaufort County Code Enforcement, Beaufort County Animal Services, Beaufort Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol (GSP).