Sumter County 3 Month-Long Investigation Leads to Drug Charges and Arrests for 40+ People

After a 3-month investigation, Sumter County authorities have issued drug charges and arrested more than 40 people for selling illegal narcotics and moonshine throughout the county.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), in partnership with Sumter Sheriff Deputies, conducted several raids on drug charges for suspected drug and alcohol houses and residences, which were believed to be hotbeds for sales of crack cocaine, marijuana, cocaine, liquor and moonshine, beer, and wine.

Reportedly, officers seized 72 cases of beer (1726 cans), 198 bottles of liquor, 4 bottles that are suspected to have moonshine inside, 1762.1 grams (3 lbs, 14 ounces, 26 grams) of suspected marijuana, 37.1 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and 19 grams of cocaine. The marijuana alone has a street value of $17,620, while the crack has a street value of $3,700, and the cocaine is valued at $1,900.

In addition to the drug charges, during the raids authorities found nine guns, including several that had been stolen. The stolen guns were two Ruger 9mm Handguns, a Glock .357 Handgun, a Glock 45 cal. Handgun, A Para-Ordinance 45 cal. Handgun, and a Springfield XD9 9mm Handgun.

Deputies also seized $5,217 in US currency, as well as drug paraphernalia including digital scales, pipes, grinders, 40 controlled prescription pills, and other items related to illegal drug activity.

The 9-day long drug charges bust landed 40 people in the Sumter/Lee Detention Center. Other suspects were arrested at the residences with outstanding warrants.

The investigation and drug charges in Sumter County continue.

The following suspects are still at large: Larry Obrien Archie 26, Kalvin Singletary 23, Jamaal T. Jackson 33, and Michael A. Durant 38.

Defending Drug Crimes in South Carolina

Federal and State drug crime charges in South Carolina carry some of the stiffest penalties in the nation. When faced with a drug charge, you need a lawyer who knows how the system works and will fight to protect your rights. Drug cases in particular need to be examined from every angle, in many cases are subject to mandatory minimum sentences, and aggressive representation can protect your future.

Defendants facing drug charges in South Carolina can be punished with a monetary fine and mandatory minimum sentences of up to life in prison with no chance of parole, depending on:

• the amount of drugs involved,
• whether the case is brought in state or federal district court, and
• how many prior drug offenses a defendant has.

Additional drug penalties include:

• Asset forfeiture
• Impounding of your car
• Seizure of your home or property if drugs were found on the premises
• Seizure of cash
• Loss of business or professional licenses
• Restrictions on owning guns or firearms

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Charges

The drug charges attorneys at Strom Law Firm, LLC will aggressively defend your case, whether you are under investigation or have been arrested for drugs in all State and Federal Courts in South Carolina as well as the Federal Courts in Georgia. Drug charges need to be examined from every angle, and in many cases are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. If you have been charged with possession, trafficking, or manufacturing drugs, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today by calling (803)252-4800.