GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Police said Thursday that the 19 men involved in the "rehabbing" incidents where alleged drug dealers were beaten will be charged with lynching.

South Carolina doesn't have a specific state law to prosecute gang violence, so state Rep. Bob Leach said he is sponsoring one.

"So many times we have reacted instead of taking action, and I think this is one time we're taking action up front," said Leach.

Leach's bill would make gang violence involving two or more people a felony.

"We feel like if it had been in place here, we could've utilized it and have more significant penalties for the cases we're dealing with," said Lt. Mike Gambrell, of the Greenville Police Department.

Leach expects the gang prevention bill to pass through the House with no problem.

If it passes the Senate, he hopes the new law could go into effect by July 1.

Rep. Leach's gang violence bill