Zuri Jaheem Stephens, a 23-year-old resident of Horry County, has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses. The charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to evidence presented during the investigation, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Stephens in October and November 2022. These operations led authorities to obtain search warrants for properties in Little River linked to Stephens. During the searches, officers discovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, pills, a pill press, assorted firearm magazines at one location, and additional fentanyl, methamphetamine, and two firearms at another.
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson III handed down a sentence of 105 months imprisonment for Stephens. Following his release from prison, he will be subject to five years of court-ordered supervision. Federal sentencing does not allow for parole.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that coordinates efforts among various levels of law enforcement and community organizations to address violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice strengthened this program on May 26, 2021 by focusing on building trust within communities, supporting prevention efforts through local organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked alongside the Horry County Police Department in investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Flynn and Lauren Hummel are prosecuting.
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