One Arrest Leads to Arrests of Four More for Marijuana Trafficking

In Richland County, tips that led to the arrest of one suspect for marijuana trafficking eventually, after a month-long investigation, led to the arrests of four additional marijuana trafficking suspects.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said that deputies used tips to arrest Ralph Pitt, Jr., 37, on charges of trafficking marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and three counts of distribution of marijuana. After his arrest, further information led to the arrests of four other suspects.

Deputies arrested Deleon Summersett, Angela Homewood, Gergory Sellers and Christy Bell on drug-related charges, including trafficking marijuana and possession of hashish oil.

As a result of the investigation, deputies seized 65 pounds of marijuana, scales, cash, hashish oil, and five vehicles.

All five marijuana trafficking suspects were transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Argument Over Money and Marijuana Leads to Fatal Stabbing

Aiken County investigators say that an argument over the cost of a bag of marijuana led to a fatal stabbing.

The coroner’s office said that Brennan Tucker, 24, was stabbed and died on Sunday evening, April 13th.

Police in Jackson, SC said that Skyler Wright, 18, wanted Tucker to pay him for a bag of marijuana, and the disagreement about price turned into a heated argument. Wright stabbed Tucker and fled the scene.

Investigators say that Wright was found a few blocks away from the scene of the stabbing, in possession of a 2-inch blade. Reportedly, several people saw the stabbing.

Wright has been charged with murder. It is currently unknown if he has a lawyer.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Marijuana Drug Charges

Until different marijuana legislation is passed through the South Carolina state legislature, a first time offender charged with simple possession of marijuana can face up to thirty days in jail and be ordered to pay a fine, which can more than double when you add in court costs.

Penalties for Trafficking Marijuana: more than ten pounds, but less than one hundred pounds, can include:

• First offense: One to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines;
• Five to 20 years in prison and $15,000 in fines for a second offense trafficking charge;
• 25 years in prison and $20,000 in fines for a third or subsequent offense.

If you are charged with trafficking over one hundred pounds of marijuana your possible conviction can result in up to 30 years in prison and $200,000 in fines.

The penalties can significantly increase depending upon:

• The type of drug,
• the quantity of drugs,
• whether your case is brought in State or Federal court,
• your prior criminal record, or
• if you are accused of a drug crime within proximity of a school, park, or childcare facility.

The marijuana trafficking and possession lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC 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