South Carolina Toughens Stance on Gangs and Crime

South Carolina is cracking down on gangs and organized crime. Two new bills are making their way through the Senate. These bills aim to beef up state laws and make them more effective against criminal activities. The push for these changes comes from law enforcement. They say current laws aren't strong enough to stop gangs from recruiting younger members. Harsher penalties are on the table, especially for those who target minors. One bill focuses on increasing penalties for recruiting kids into gangs. The other introduces new racketeering charges, similar to federal laws. Gangs are a growing problem. They start small, with tasks like being a lookout or delivering packages. But these tasks can quickly escalate into more serious crimes. Lawmakers are concerned about this trend. They want to make sure that even informal groups involved in crime can be prosecuted. The threshold for what qualifies as an organized criminal enterprise is being lowered. This means groups with as few as three people could face charges. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are also a concern. These groups are often involved in violence and drug trafficking. They might not fit the typical image of a street gang, but they are just as dangerous. The new bills aim to address this issue by removing the requirement that someone commit multiple crimes over time to be considered part of a gang. The goal is to go after the leadership and the money. If law enforcement can't turn a gang case into a white-collar case, they haven't gone high enough. Currently, gang members are charged with the same offenses as someone not involved in organized crime. This needs to change. The new bills aim to make a difference by targeting the root of the problem. The bills are sponsored by Senator Greg Hembree. They represent a significant step forward in the fight against organized crime in South Carolina. The hope is that these changes will make a real difference in deterring gang activity and keeping communities safe.