‘Burned Cross, Posted Address’: South Carolina Man Indicted On Federal Charges After Targeting Black Neighbors

A man in Conway, South Carolina, has been federally indicted after allegedly posting his Black neighbors' address and photos online, threatening them with a cross, and setting a cross ablaze in his yard. The incident, which local authorities first investigated in late 2023, later produced a two-count federal indictment in April 2026.

Who Is Accused: Federal prosecutors say 31-year-old Worden Evander Butler targeted his next-door neighbors, Shawn and Monica Williams. Butler and an associate, identified in state court as Alexis Hartnett, were arrested after the incident and initially charged at the state level.

What Happened: According to charging documents and public reports, Butler allegedly posted photos of the Williamses’ home, vehicles and mailbox — including their street address — on Facebook. Prosecutors quote Butler as saying he would give his “racist neighbors … a good scare for the health. With a cross in the lawn.” The night after the posts, authorities say Butler and Hartnett placed a cross facing the Williamses’ house and set it on fire, prompting responses from police and firefighters.

State Case: Local police arrested Butler and Hartnett and charged both with second-degree harassment; Hartnett also faced a third-degree assault and battery charge. Butler later pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment in January 2025 and received credit for time served under the state disposition.

Federal Case: A federal grand jury in April 2026 returned a two-count indictment charging Butler with (1) interfering with the Williamses' housing rights and (2) using fire to commit a federal felony. After the indictment, California authorities arrested Butler and returned him to South Carolina.

At his May 6, 2026 arraignment, Butler pleaded not guilty to the federal counts. During a detention hearing six days later, prosecutors argued he should remain in custody, citing concerns about his housing stability and potential flight risk; the judge ordered him detained. On May 18, Butler's attorneys asked for psychiatric and psychological evaluations, a motion to which the federal prosecutor reportedly consented.

Case Status: Public reporting has been sparse since May 2026. As of Sept. 17, there are no verified public updates about the results of the mental health evaluations, any subsequent pleas, trial dates, convictions or sentencing in the federal matter. That absence of reporting does not prove the court has taken no action; federal cases often advance through filings and hearings that don't generate news coverage.

Presumption of Innocence: The federal allegations remain allegations — Butler has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody. Prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Timeline (Key Dates)

• Nov. 24, 2023 — Incident reported in Conway: alleged postings and cross-burning.
• Jan. 2025 — Butler pleads guilty to state second-degree harassment and receives credit for time served.
• Apr. 2026 — Federal grand jury returns two-count indictment.
• May 6, 2026 — Butler pleads not guilty at federal arraignment; detained.
• May 18, 2026 — Defense requests psychiatric and psychological evaluations; prosecutor consents.
• Sept. 17, 2026 — No verified public update on the federal case reported.

Note: This article summarizes allegations and public court events reported by law enforcement, prosecutors and local media. Allegations have not been proven in federal court.