Everette Kale Wanamaker, a 37-year-old resident of Columbia, has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for firearm offenses. Wanamaker pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Court evidence indicated that between November 2022 and February 2023, Wanamaker sold 15 firearms to undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. These firearms included high-capacity magazines and some with obliterated serial numbers. Additionally, Wanamaker sold 30 grams of fentanyl and 55 grams of counterfeit heroin. He was arrested on February 13, 2023, with three more firearms, including one that was stolen, and 28 grams of fentanyl.
A known felon, Wanamaker is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. His criminal history includes convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, domestic violence, financial identity fraud, possession of heroin, and possession of methamphetamine.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Wanamaker to 151 months in prison, which will be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by integrating law enforcement efforts with community support. The Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021. The strategy focuses on fostering trust in communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, establishing enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.