In April 2007, Orangeburg dentist Dr. David Hutto, along with brothers A.J. and Robert, sold approximately 20 acres of land on U.S. 601 for about $1.5 million to the Daniel Development Group.

"We have had this property for sale for four, five or six years," Hutto said. "We had several offers on the property from various investment groups talking about developing the property."

Federal officials say the company that bought the land was part of the 3 Hebrew Boys investment group. The organizers have been accused of scamming thousands of investors to the tune of $80 million.

Tony Pough, Timothy McQueen and Joseph Brunson are facing charges of mail fraud and securities fraud. The men focused on investors at military bases and in churches, officials say.

The property used to be part of the Hutto family's dairy farm.

Hutto said he did not know the men nor did he ever personally meet with them during the transaction.

"The sale went through and it was like a typical real estate transaction," he said. "I met with a lawyer in Columbia, we signed the papers and he handed me a check."

Hutto said he has often wondered about the transaction.

"I thought there were immediate development plans and that they were ready to go," Hutto said. "They paid a nice piece of change for the place. I was wondering why nothing has been done."

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.

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