Shiloh Wright, a 42-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Wright pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
According to evidence presented in court, officers from the City of Columbia Police Department arrested Wright on September 1, 2022. The arrest took place at a local truck stop where Wright was found driving a vehicle. Upon taking him into custody and conducting a search before his transfer to the detention center, officers discovered plastic baggies containing crack cocaine and cocaine hidden in his underwear. Further examination of Wright's vehicle revealed additional items including a digital scale, a loaded firearm within a black bookbag, fentanyl pills, marijuana, and a debit card belonging to Wright.
Wright's criminal history includes prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine, resisting arrest, domestic violence incidents, and assault and battery offenses.
The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie who imposed an 84-month imprisonment term followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups. On May 26, 2021, PSN launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy focused on building trust within communities while supporting organizations that work towards preventing violence. This approach involves setting strategic enforcement priorities and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is responsible for prosecuting the case.