A man from South Carolina who went viral after buying more than $500 of Girl Scout cookies so two Girl Scouts would not have to stand in the rain was arrested in a federal drug bust Tuesday.
The man's photograph with the Girl Scouts quickly became an internet hit with more than 10,000 shares in five days.
According to South Carolina's 7News, 46-year-old Detric McGowan, who is also known as "Fat," was among 11 suspects arrested in an ongoing drug investigation launched last year by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. He was charged with 10 counts related to manufacturing and possessing drugs with intent to distribute. The drugs are heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.
The DEA noted McGowan was "taken into custody at his home in a rural part of Laurens County, where cash and other assets were seized by U.S. Marshals," 7News noted.
News of his arrest shocked the public which had been captivated by his act of kindness.
"This man purchased 7 packs of cookies," Girl Scout leader Kayla Dillard wrote on post to Facebook that has since been deleted, according to People magazine. "Gave the girls $40, told them to keep the change. Then he came back to the table and said 'pack up all of your cookies. I'm taking them all so y'all can get out of this cold' $540 he spent on cookies. What an amazing soul!!!!"
Karen Kelly, vice president of recruitment and marketing for Girl Scouts of South Carolina-Mountains to Midlands, responded to the news Tuesday.
"Nobody was hurt," she said, according to USA Today. "Nobody was threatened. We had no reason to believe that this man was anything other than one of our valuable customers that is helping Girl Scouts power awesome experiences through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. This is now in the hands of law enforcement, and of course we will cooperate with authorities."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.