Infamous Columbia-Area Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Charges

An infamous Columbia, SC-based drug dealer has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for gun and drug trafficking charges.

Horace Antonio Taylor, nicknamed “Bloody Horace” was shot seven years ago outside Williams-Bryce Stadium in Columbia. The then 16-year-old followed that initial gruesome encounter with numerous other run-ins with law enforcement while drug trafficking and possessing deadly weapons.

Now 24, Taylor was initially arrested on drug trafficking charges in April 2012 when he was pulled over during a traffic stop.  During the traffic stop, police searched his vehicle, finding crack cocaine. The amount was so large that officers believed he had intent to distribute the drug.

Taylor also possessed a 9 mm pistol, further evidence of his intent to traffic the illegal drugs.

Taylor was released on bond after that initial arrest, but in 2013, Columbia police executed a search warrant on Taylor’s home in September, where they found he still had large amounts of crack cocaine, as well as a .45 caliber pistol. Because he was out on bond for the previous charge, Taylor’s weapon violated federal law. A federal grand jury indicted Taylor on multiple narcotics charges, including drug trafficking charges, and weapons charges. In June of this year, Taylor pleaded guilty to the charges.

“In light of Taylor’s prior convictions and his criminal activities, the Court sentenced Taylor to fourteen years in federal court,” US Attorney Bill Nettles said in a news release.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in South Carolina

The penalties for a drug trafficking conviction in South Carolina are severe. Your rights, freedom, and future are at stake.

Defendants facing drug penalties 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.

Drug Trafficking charges are based upon the weight of the drug you are in possession of:

• Ten grams of cocaine
• Four grams of heroin
• Ten pounds of marijuana

Penalties for drug trafficking can include a minimum sentencing of 25 years. Trafficking and distribution offenses are considered violent, no-parole offenses and a conviction can certainly have you serving the full time you are sentenced to.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help Defend Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug charges, including methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs, need to be examined from every angle, and in many cases are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. Aggressive representation can protect your future. Drug crime charges and drug busts in South Carolina are very serious. The drug possession and drug trafficking lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC,  include a former United States Attorney and Richland County Assistant Solicitor, a former Public Defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor. Mr. Strom has been given an AV-Rating, the highest ranking possible, from the respected legal guide Martindale-Hubble. 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.