Eleven individuals have pleaded guilty in connection with a South Carolina State Grand Jury investigation into narcotics trafficking, including three defendants linked to fentanyl-related overdose deaths. The case, known as “Devil in Disguise,” was announced by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
“This case highlights the fact that fentanyl coming across our southern border makes its way to South Carolina and kills people in our state,” said Attorney General Wilson. “My office is going after the drug traffickers spreading this poison and holding them accountable.”
Amanda Raye Massengale, identified as one of the primary distributors of fentanyl in the case, pleaded guilty to several charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. Massengale was sentenced to 22 years in prison by Judge R. Scott Sprouse. She reportedly marketed her product as extremely potent and shared videos of users overdosing.
On March 20, 2022, Massengale supplied fentanyl that led to the death of Emily Turner, who was found deceased by her mother after her six-year-old son alerted his grandmother that “Mommy won’t wake up.” Turner died from acute fentanyl intoxication at age 24 and left behind three children.
Massengale also distributed fentanyl on July 11, 2022, which resulted in the death of Nathan Flaugher from toxic effects of the drug. He was found dead by his girlfriend at age 29.
Dean Morris Wolvington faced charges including distribution of fentanyl and money laundering; he received a sentence of 17 years. David Harrison Thrift was charged with multiple offenses related to distribution near a school and conspiracy; he was sentenced to 14 years.
Other sentences handed down included:
– Steve Cummings: Sentenced to 18 years for various trafficking offenses.
– Gregory Miller: Received a 13-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine trafficking, and weapon possession during a violent crime.
– Raymond Anthony Jordan Jr.: Sentenced to 13 years for methamphetamine trafficking and weapons violations.
– Reco Lamar Seaborn: Received an 11-year sentence for conspiracy.
– Shamus Sullivan: Sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy.
– Michael Eric Cox: Five-year sentence for conspiracy.
– Corey Allen Cook: Three years home incarceration program for conspiracy and possession with intent.
– Germaziay Nyshun Whitner: Ninety days for marijuana possession with intent.
The investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies including local law enforcement divisions, coroner’s offices, police departments across Greenville County, Pickens County, Anderson County, Easley Police Department, Traveler’s Rest Police Department, Greer Police Department as well as federal partners such as the United States Department of Homeland Security.
According to information from the official website, the South Carolina Attorney General serves as the state’s main legal advocate handling prosecutions statewide while collaborating closely with law enforcement on criminal cases. The office also supports victims through advocacy resources contributing to public safety efforts throughout South Carolina.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office reported there were 278 drug-related overdose deaths in Greenville County during 2022—most tied directly or indirectly to fentanyl trafficking. The DEA has noted that even two milligrams can be lethal depending on individual factors; tests show nearly half of pills containing fentanyl have potentially deadly doses.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized accountability stating that those caught distributing fentanyl could face significant prison time: “Drug dealers may not lose their lives but if they are caught distributing fentanyl it could cost them the rest of their lives in prison.”
Assistant Attorney General Savanna Goude handled prosecution duties on these pleas. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The next court date is set for March 2, 2026 in Greenville County.
