Lancaster Drug Traffickers Sentenced to a Total of 27 Years in Federal Prison

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Tyre Amahdikeem Brooks, 23; John Matthew Railey, 36; and Ricky Shane Underwood, 43, all of Lancaster, were sentenced to a total of 27 years federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Evidence presented to the court showed the three men conspired together in the Lancaster area to distribute methamphetamine beginning in January 2020. In June 2020, Lancaster County Sheriff's Office narcotics investigators made two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Brooks. In July 2020, Brooks was arrested on outstanding state drug trafficking warrants. He was in possession of a loaded AR-15 style assault rifle, a 9mm pistol equipped with an extended ammunition magazine, and a quantity of methamphetamine. In 2022, Brooks was also arrested in Rock Hill for possessing firearms and unlawful narcotics.

In January 2021, Railey was found with nearly an ounce of 99% pure methamphetamine during a domestic incident. The following month, Railey sold a quantity of methamphetamine to Lancaster County narcotics investigators during an undercover controlled buy.

In February 2021, Lancaster County Sheriff's Office narcotics investigators made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Underwood. Investigators searched Underwood's home a few days and found more methamphetamine and a firearm. In March 2023, investigators made another controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Underwood. A second search was made of Underwood's home and more methamphetamine, and another firearm were found in the home.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the case.

• Brooks pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.
• Railey was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine.
• Underwood pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 72 months in prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and the Rock Hill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Taylor and William K. Witherspoon are prosecuting the case.

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