More than a Dozen Individuals Indicted in Drug Trafficking Operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. - A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 21-count indictment against 13 individuals for drug trafficking offenses. The indictment alleges that beginning in January 2016, 13 individuals engaged in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

Ten defendants were arraigned in federal court today:

Quincey Jackson, 40, of Columbia

Timothy Gayton, 32, of Rock Hill

Elijah Rhodes, 42, of Columbia

Desane Washington, 19, of Summerton

Shane Bennett, 32, of Summerton

Byron Canty, 35, of Rowesville

James Croslen, Jr., 48, of Summerton

Kenneth Robinson, 46, of Columbia

Clifton Mickles, 43, of Rock Hill

Richard Ragin, 46, of Columbia

Three defendants remain at large.

This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI Columbia Field Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, Clarendon County Sheriff's Office, Lexington County Sheriff's Department, City of Columbia Police Department, and Richland County Sheriff's Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major is prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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