Chester man convicted of tax evasion
47-year-old Lawrencium Germaine Martin of Chester admitted in court last week to tax evasion, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and lying to federal investigators. Prosecutors said from 2019 through at least 2021, Martin ran an online business called Lancaster Tactical Supply (LTS), which appeared to be a legitimate business to customers. It supposedly sold firearm accessories and parts, including gun build kits, slides, imitation suppressors, optics, and body armor. Nearly 400 customers from 43 states complained to the Better Business Bureau and the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, claiming Martin took their money and didn’t ship the products to them. Martin made more than $2 million in proceeds deposited into his personal bank accounts and didn’t pay any state or federal taxes for any year from 2015 through 2022. Martin faces up to 10 years in federal prison and will also be subject to mandatory restitution, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of court-ordered supervision after release. He was placed on bond and will be sentenced at a later date.
