Former Deputy Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

Gary Garland, Shannon Garland, Johnnie Wells, Michael Skelton, and Duwone Allen, all of Anderson, were arrested on a multi-count federal indictment charging violations of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography back in August, according to a press release from the US Attorney’s Office, and now, a former Oconee County Sheriff’s Deputy has been indicted in connection with the case.

Former SRO John Towery of Westminster was arraigned in federal court Monday on charges of sexual exploitation of children and conspiracy to commit human trafficking. He entered a plea of not guilty. Towery was formally indicted on April 21 by a grand jury. According to court records, Towery was granted a $25,000 bond, however, he must wear a tracking device and be confined to his residence.