GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC (WSPA) – The man in a viral photo who spent more than $500 cash to buy 121 boxes of Girl Scout cookies so two Girl Scouts wouldn’t have to stand in the rain, has been arrested in a long-term federal drug investigation.
The photo went viral quickly, garnering nearly 10 thousand Facebook shares in 5 days with people praising the thoughtful gesture.
Nexstar affiliate 7-News set out to cover the act of kindess Tuesday, interviewing both of the scouts and the woman who took the photo. However, late in the afternoon, WSPA learned that the mystery man, identified as Detric McGowan, was arrested Tuesday morning by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
He is accused of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. McGowan allegedly tried to import drugs from Mexico.
According to the indictment, McGowan was charged with:
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances,
- Conspiracy to import controlled substances
- Conspiracy to commit bulk cash smuggling ($1,004,665.00),
- Interstate travel and transportation in aid of drug trafficking business,
- Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin,
- Maintaining a drug-involved premise,
- Conspiracy to structure transactions to evade reporting requirement
- Three counts of unlawful use of a communication facility.
Read the full indictment by clicking here.
According to the local DEA, McGowan was taken into custody at his home in a rural part of Laurens County, where cash and other assets were seized by U.S. Marshals.
A spokesman told us that McGowan’s arrest was part of a long-term federal drug investigation that began in September 2018 and spanned out of state.
McGowan faced a judge Tuesday afternoon, along with several others who were arrested in this operation.
We’re told he will have a bond hearing on Friday.
McGowan remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.