Italian man in ex-treasurer case arrested

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – An Italian citizen charged as part of a cocaine conspiracy that included former South Carolina state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel is in custody after more than three years on the run.

The FBI said on Friday that Charleston-area wine expert and Italian citizen Pasquale Pellicoro was arrested late Thursday in Belfort, France.

Pellicoro had been on the run since mid-2007, when he was indicted on a conspiracy charge in the case.

Ravenel served 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to buying cocaine for himself and to share with friends.

The man authorities say sold cocaine to the former Republican lawmaker also served 10 months in prison. A French national pleaded guilty to drug possession and was sentenced to probation.
   
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