Williamston Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Belton Dollar General Robbery

Thomas Britt Alewine pled guilty to Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery charges.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:08pm

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Thomas Britt Alewine of Williamston, South Carolina was sentenced to 20 years in prison for an armed robbery and shooting at a Dollar General store in Belton, South Carolina last year. Alewine pled guilty to Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery charges and will not be eligible for parole.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime and armed robberies targeting small businesses in rural and suburban areas of South Carolina. The swift investigation and prosecution of Alewine sends a strong message that such acts of violence will be met with serious consequences.

The details

On February 19, 2025, Anderson County Sheriff's Deputies responded to an armed robbery and shooting at a Dollar General store in Belton, South Carolina. When officers arrived, they found a victim who had been shot by an unknown white male, later identified as Thomas Britt Alewine. Alewine pulled out a gun, demanded money from the employees, and then fired at the victim before fleeing with cash from the register. The victim was treated at a hospital and survived the gunshot wound. Investigators were able to identify Alewine as the suspect based on surveillance footage and tips, and he ultimately confessed to the crime.

  • On February 19, 2025, the armed robbery and shooting occurred at the Dollar General store in Belton.
  • Last month, Alewine pled guilty to the charges of Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery.
  • On March 11, 2026, Alewine was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Judge Scott R. Sprouse.

The players

Thomas Britt Alewine

A resident of Williamston, South Carolina who pled guilty to Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery charges for the 2025 incident at a Dollar General store in Belton.

Judge Scott R. Sprouse

The judge who sentenced Alewine to 20 years in prison, with no possibility of parole.

Patti Ferguson

The Senior Assistant Solicitor who prosecuted the case against Alewine.

Cody Rhoads

The lead investigator from the Anderson County Sheriff's Office who helped apprehend Alewine.

Micah Black

The Solicitor who praised the work of law enforcement in quickly solving the case and apprehending Alewine.

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What they’re saying

“Thomas Alewine will spend the next two decades behind bars for his senseless actions last year at the Belton Dollar General. We are thankful for law enforcement's quick actions that day in treating the victim and then ultimately apprehending the defendant in this case, and I pray that the victim will be able to continue to heel from the physical and emotional trauma this situation has caused her and her family.”

— Micah Black, Solicitor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Thomas Britt Alewine out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This sentencing highlights the serious consequences for violent crimes targeting small businesses in South Carolina, and the importance of effective law enforcement investigations and prosecutions to hold perpetrators accountable and protect public safety.