Columbia’s Largest Suppliers of Crack and Cocaine Sentenced in Federal Court

Three people responsible for the largest supplies of crack cocaine and cocaine in Columbia, SC have been sentenced on drug charges in federal court on Tuesday, February 25th, according to US Attorney Bill Nettles.

Ivan B. Moore, and his wife Shannon Yvette Moore, both pleaded guilty to the federal drug and conspiracy charges that stemmed out of their cocaine and crack cocaine dealing operation in the Midlands, particularly Columbia. The couple reportedly went as far as California to obtain cocaine and cocaine base for their South Carolina drug operations. Moore had a multi-kilogram cocaine and crack cocaine operation, which his wife assisted with, running out of their home in Columbia. Shannon Moore also allegedly drove her husband to several drug sales.

Ivan Moore was sentenced to 25 years in prison and 10 years’ probation for possessing with intent to distribute 5 kilograms of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base. Shannon Moore was sentenced to 10 years in prison and four years’ probation for possessing 500 grams of cocaine and 28 grams of cocaine base.

Also convicted on drug charges was Ismael Juarez Delgado, a 32-year-old Mexican citizen who had been on the run for cocaine and other drug charges since 2009. He was finally captured in Georgia last year. Delgado was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, 10 years’ probation, and a fine of $500,000, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms of cocaine.

Delgado is one of 120 defendants charged with drug crimes, including cocaine trafficking, in 2009 after a series of court-ordered telephone wire taps in Columbia, which led to the FBI investigation and arrests.

Trafficking: Cocaine, Marijuana, or Heroin in South Carolina

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

In South Carolina, possession of drugs at this weight or greater is considered trafficking.

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.

To be charged with actual possession of pot, cocaine, heroin or another illegal drug, the drugs must physically be on you, i.e., in your pocket, jacket, purse, or hand; to be charged with constructive possession, the drugs can be found in your car or home.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help With Drug Charges, Including Cocaine and Pot Possession or Distribution

If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with cocaine, pot, heroin, or prescription drug possession or distribution, contact the drug crime lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients, providing aggressive representation grounded in our years of experience building and interpreting the laws of South Carolina. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800