A Columbia man has been convicted by a federal jury on 12 counts related to illegal gun and drug sales. LaClarence Lamarcus Anderson, 42, was found guilty after a two-day trial for offenses involving the trafficking of firearms and narcotics.
During the trial, evidence demonstrated that Anderson sold drugs and guns on four occasions over approximately three weeks in 2024. On separate instances, he sold various combinations of pistols, rifles—including an AR-style rifle—methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine. One of the firearms he sold had a switch that converts semi-automatic weapons into automatic ones. Testimony indicated that Anderson used these gun sales to further his drug trafficking activities.
Anderson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous convictions, which include assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, armed robbery, burglary, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted person, resisting arrest, and unlawful weapons sale.
He faces mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines: at least 20 years in prison—and up to life—for four convictions involving carrying a firearm during drug trafficking crimes. Each of his four counts as a felon in possession of a firearm carries up to 15 years in prison; each count of drug distribution carries up to 20 years. Additionally, Anderson could be fined up to $1 million and may face five years of supervised release following imprisonment. United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie oversaw the trial and will determine sentencing after reviewing the U.S. Probation Office’s report.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime by coordinating efforts between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention groups, prioritizing targeted enforcement strategies, and tracking outcomes since its strengthened implementation in May 2021.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle Klein and Kathleen Stoughton are prosecuting.
“LaClarence Lamarcus Anderson’s conviction sends a clear message: repeat felons who arm themselves while trafficking drugs will face significant consequences under federal law,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina.
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