A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a single-count indictment against James Robert Peterson, 37, of Prosperity, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that on June 11, Peterson was found in possession of firearm during an incident where he allegedly shot and killed South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) K9 Agent Coba while law enforcement was attempting to arrest him. Peterson has been charged in state court for a number of other charges related to the incident. Peterson has a previous felony conviction that prevents him from possessing a firearm.

Peterson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and is currently detained awaiting trial.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.