Columbia man accused of assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal sentenced to prison

Image: Department of Justice (D.O.J.)

Image: Department of Justice (D.O.J.)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A Columbia man accused of assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal has been sentenced to federal prison, said the DOJ.

Johnny Mercer Vanover, 49, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assault on a federal employee.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on June 29, 2023, officers with the SC Department of Corrections took Vanover to federal court in Columbia to be arraigned on federal charges.

When Vanover arrived, a Deputy U.S. Marshal asked him to turn around so his restraints could be removed and Vanover refused to comply, said investigators.

During the incident the deputy placed a hand on Vanover’s shoulder to turn him around and access his restraints, he resisted and began cursing and yelling, according to a press release.

He also clinched his fists and told one of the deputies, “I’ll eat you up.”

Deputies assisted him to the ground and during the struggle, Vanover bit one deputy on the bicep, causing bleeding.

The bitten Deputy U.S. Marshal was admitted to the hospital and released with minor injuries.

Vanover’s 30 month sentence is to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision.