SC white man indicted in cross burning near Black neighbors’ house

A 31-year-old white man who used to live in Horry County has been indicted by a South Carolina federal grand jury for using a burning cross to intimidate his Black neighbors in Conway.

Worden Evander Butler, 31, was indicted for interfering with the housing rights of his Black neighbors and using fire to commit a federal felony, an indictment in the case said.

The indictment alleges that Nov. 24, 2023, Butler made a series of Facebook posts about his next-door neighbors, including that he would give “his racist neighbors ... a good scare for the health. With a cross in the lawn.”

Butler then set up the cross in his backyard, set it on fire and positioned it to face his Black neighbors’ home, the indictment said.

Butler also uploaded photos of the victims’ home, vehicles and mailbox to his social media, the indictment said.

The Black neighbors were a man and woman who owned their own home, the indictment said.

The indictment did not specify where in Conway the incident took place.

“Every family in America has a right to feel safe in their own homes,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina in a press release. “Defendant Butler’s actions threatened this fundamental right. This office will continue to protect South Carolinians’ fundamental rights.” “Racial animosity has no place in our community,” said FBI Columbia Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jose Charriez in the release, “This indictment reflects the serious nature of the alleged crimes and our dedication to ensuring the victims see a just resolution.”

Conway is the county seat of Horry County, one of the state’s most prosperous counties and the home of Myrtle Beach and well-to-do coastal communities.

Butler faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. He was arrested in California and was scheduled to make an initial appearance Wednesday, April 22, in the Eastern District of California. Butler is slated to be arraigned in South Carolina on May 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the McMillan Federal Building near downtown Florence.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and Horry County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle Klein is prosecuting the case.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.