Charleston, North Carolina.18 people involved in a violent drug trafficking organization in North Charleston were sentenced to 144 years in prison as a result of a comprehensive federal investigation. The trio was charged with participating in organized gang activity and supplying fentanyl and cocaine throughout the area.
Drug Sales Tied to Firearms and Street Violence
A protracted federal investigation that revealed the gang’s activities throughout the North Charleston region came to an end with the punishment. According to the prosecutors, the defendants were in charge of a substantial amount of cocaine and fentanyl trafficking, two extremely addictive substances that are still a major cause of overdose deaths in South Carolina.
According to authorities, the network was closely associated with local gang activities, and the allegations were based on several cases of felons possessing firearms. Due of their violent criminal pasts, a number of members also received significant sentencing enhancements.
Federal Authorities Push Message of Accountability
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated, “This case is a strong example of how federal, state, and local partnerships can dismantle organized crime and improve community safety.” These offenders were in charge of sustaining violence in our communities and delivering lethal substances. Accountability is brought about by today’s penalties.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), North Charleston Police, and the Charleston Police Department collaborated with the FBI Columbia Field Office to lead the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Hummel and Chris Lietzow.
Lengthy Sentences Reflect Seriousness of Crimes
Depending on prior records and individual involvement, sentences were given down that varied from a few years to over ten years. Those who received sentences included:
-
Darrell Butler
, sentenced to over 10 years for conspiracy and firearms possession. -
Tremaine Jenkins
, given 12 years for trafficking cocaine and fentanyl. -
Robert Singleton
, sentenced to 11 years due to his leadership role in the gang s activities.
Although the complete list of those sentenced has not been made public, prosecutors pointed out that a number of them had prior criminal convictions, some of which included gang affiliation and gun violence.
A Broader Pattern in South Carolina
This case is representative of a larger trend in South Carolina law enforcement’s strategy for taking down neighborhood gangs and drug trafficking organizations. Officials claim that a growing number of high-profile prosecutions in recent years have resulted from cooperative tactics, such as agency intelligence sharing and federal task force assistance.
Fentanyl-related drug overdose deaths in the state continue to be a major public health concern. According to state health officials, there were more than 2,100 opioid-related deaths in South Carolina in 2023 alone, a 14% rise from the year before.
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