A man from Charleston, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of several serious drug-related crimes. The announcement came from the Office of Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson on Thursday.
What Happened?
The man, identified as Antiwayne Jabar Rouse, was found guilty by a jury of trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine, both for the third time. He was also convicted of having fentanyl with the intent to sell it (third offense), running from police (second offense), and carrying a weapon during a violent crime.
The verdict was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
The Police Chase
The charges are linked to an incident that happened late at night on Monday, January 23, 2023. Around 11 p.m., officers from the North Charleston Police Department tried to stop Rouse while he was driving on International Boulevard.
Instead of stopping, Rouse sped up, ran a red light, and led the officers on a high-speed chase. The chase ended when he lost control of his car while trying to get onto the I-26 East ramp. His car stopped working, and he ran away on foot.
A police K9 named Elf quickly caught him after a short chase.
What Police Found
Police say they found large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl very close to where Rouse was arrested. They also found a gun on the floor of his car, along with a digital scale and over $4,300 in cash.
This evidence showed clear signs of drug trafficking.
Rouse’s Criminal Record
This is not Rouse’s first time getting in trouble with the law. Prosecutors said he has already been convicted 12 times for drug-related crimes. In 2010, he also assaulted a police officer while resisting arrest. In 2020, he was caught carrying a gun unlawfully.
Court Decision and Statement
Judge Benjamin H. Culbertson sentenced Rouse to 25 years in prison. He also fined him $50,000.
Assistant Solicitors R. Hunt Russell and Cassity Brewer handled the case for the state. They thanked the jury for their quick and firm decision.
“This could’ve ended much worse. We’re lucky no one died,” said Solicitor Scarlett Wilson. Assistant Solicitor Russell added, “This verdict shows that our community will not accept dangerous drug trafficking or reckless behavior.”
This case highlights the dangers of drug trafficking and the risks involved in running from the police. Thankfully, no lives were lost during the chase. But with his long criminal history and serious charges, the court made it clear that Rouse will face strong consequences for his actions. Authorities hope this sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated in Charleston or anywhere else.
