John Maurice Anderson, a 40-year-old resident of Hampton, South Carolina, has been sentenced to over ten years in federal prison. Anderson pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The court was presented with evidence showing that from January 2023 through June 2023, Anderson collaborated with others to distribute more than 340 grams of high-potency methamphetamine and approximately five grams of fentanyl. These drugs were sold to a cooperating source and an undercover officer. Following his arrest, a search of Anderson's vehicle revealed two loaded firearms and a loaded extended magazine. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered nine loaded firearms—two reported as stolen—as well as various drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, bath salts, drug trafficking supplies, and over $35,000 in cash.
"Anderson's distribution of illegal narcotics presented a grave threat to the public, and this prison sentence makes our community safer,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal operations that bring drugs and violence into our community.”
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division, remarked on the impact of drug traffickers: “Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits. The success of this investigation is proof that those trying to destroy our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable.”
Hampton County Sheriff Anthony Russell highlighted the long-standing issue: “Drug trafficking has plagued our communities for far too long. This case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect our citizens."
Hampton Police Chief Perry McAlhaney expressed gratitude towards all agencies involved: “I’d like to thank all the agencies, local, state, and federal, involved in this case. Prior to this operation our community had an overwhelming number of overdoses and this cut down on those significantly.”
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Anderson to 130 months imprisonment followed by five years of court-ordered supervision without parole.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton Police Department, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra Henderson is handling prosecution duties.