One Cayce man and one Columbia man have been sentenced to federal prison for 2020 actions resulting in one law enforcement officer’s leg injury and another officer’s head injury.

Brandon Jemar Pickett, 38, of Cayce, received a four-year prison sentence. Luis Rosario, 29, of Columbia, was sentenced to one year and one day. 

In addition, both men must complete two years of supervised release after serving their terms.

“Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on May 30, 2020, organizers held a peaceful protest at the South Carolina State House to protest the death of George Floyd. After the protest, some individuals continued protesting at the City of Columbia Police Department,” a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice read. “However, the protest turned into a violent riot when multiple individuals began throwing objects at police officers, destroying property, and setting police cars on fire.”

According to investigators, Pickett threw a large rock at a police officer, causing a leg injury that resulted in a chipped tibia, while Rosario threw water bottles containing an unknown substance at police, as well as a wooden barricade, which struck an officer in the head. The officer required seven stitches.

The press release read that Pickett has a criminal history that includes convictions for assault with intent to kill, failure to stop for a blue light and attempted burglary. Rosario had no prior convictions before the incident.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Columbia Police Department.