Search Uncovers Marijuana Paraphernalia and a Machete in Clover Man’s Car

On Sunday, April 13th, York police found several items of marijuana paraphernalia, along with a machete, in a man’s car.

Sean Franklin Hagler, 25-year-old resident of Clover, SC, was pulled over at a traffic stop near the SC 321 bypass. The police report states that he failed to stop at a red light, leading officers to pull him over. The officers then noticed what they thought at the time was a firearm hidden in the back seat, as well as an empty machete case lying in the floor near the driver’s seat. However, officers discovered that the “firearm” was actually an Airsoft gun, which fires non-lethal, non-metallic pellets. Reportedly, the gun had been painted black so that it would look like a real gun.

As Hagler exited the vehicle, officers heard a loud clink and saw a pill bottle, missing its cap, land on the pavement as it fell from Hagler’s lap. Hagler admitted that he had “five or six marijuana pipes” in his car after police asked him a second time if he possessed any illegal items.

Officers searched Hagler’s vehicle further and found a 10-inch glass bong for marijuana on the floor, a real rifle, brass knuckles, several knives, a baton, and the machete that belonged in the empty case. The police report also states that the cap from the pill bottle had marijuana residue on it.

Hagler stated that all the items belonged to him, not to a female passenger that had been present during his arrest. The female passenger was not charged, and a tow truck took her home.

Marijuana Trafficking and Firearms Charges in South Carolina

Marijuana trafficking penalties can also be impacted based on where the sale took place and to whom the drugs were sold to. 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.

Trafficking Marijuana: more than ten pounds, but less than one hundred pounds:

• 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.

Under Federal Law, anyone who uses, possesses, or carries a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is subject to a five year mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment. If you are convicted of carrying a firearm, five years will be added to your sentence and it may not be served consecutively with any other count.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Charges for Marijuana and Firearms

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