Melissa McCoy
The Clarendon County Combined Narcotics Unit, which consists of agents from the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office and Manning Police Department, has arrested multiple individuals as part of an eight-month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics.
The investigation culminated in the arrest of 11 suspects, all of whom face charges related to the distribution of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Several charges also include distribution near a school, a serious offense that carries enhanced penalties. The following individuals were arrested:
- Curtis Lawson (37), Summerton, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 3rd or subsequent offense (3 counts)
- Lamar Bennett (50), Summerton, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 2nd offense (1 count); Distribution near a school (1 count)
- Andre Gardner (29), Summerton, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 1st offense (1 count); Distribution near a school (1 count)
- Kasey Ellis (34), Manning, SC: Distribution of Methamphetamine, 1st offense (1 count); Distribution near a school (1 count)
- Orion Thompson (25), Manning, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 2nd offense (3 counts); Distribution near a school (3 counts)
- Michael Tate (26), Manning, SC: Distribution of Methamphetamine, 1st offense (3 counts); Distribution near a school (3 counts)
- Dominic White (25), Manning, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 1st offense (3 counts); Distribution near a school (2 counts)
- Vauntravius Brown (29), Summerton, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 1st offense (2 counts); Distribution near a school (2 counts)
- Ronald Conyers (54), Manning, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 2nd offense (1 count); Distribution near a school (1 count)
- Daniel Hall (62), Alcolu, SC: Distribution of Methamphetamine, 1st offense (2 counts); Trafficking Methamphetamine, 1st offense (1 count); Distribution near a school (3 counts)
- Kevin Slater (43), Manning, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 3rd or subsequent offense (1 count)
The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are actively seeking the following suspects, who remain at large:
- Vijay Campbell (31), St. Stephen, SC: Distribution of Methamphetamine, 2nd offense (1 count); Distribution near a school (1 count)
- Kevin Bates (46), Manning, SC: Distribution of Crack Cocaine, 3rd or subsequent offense (1 count); Distribution near a school (1 count)
Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley encourages anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these individuals to contact the Sheriff's Office at (803) 435-4414.
This operation is part of the ongoing efforts by the Clarendon County Combined Narcotics Unit to disrupt drug distribution networks and maintain the safety of local communities.