A major drug trafficking operation based in North Charleston has been dismantled, with 18 individuals receiving a total of 144 years in federal prison. The case, resulting from a lengthy wiretap investigation by the Lowcountry Violent Crime Task Force, targeted a violent street gang involved in drug trafficking and organized crime.
The Drug Ring and Its Operations
Fredrick McCray, 44, the leader of the gang, directed the distribution of large quantities of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana. The gang used an abandoned community center as their central hub for narcotics distribution. McCray armed his associates with fully automatic machine guns to defend their territory from rival gangs.
Cornelius Walker, one of the gang’s primary enforcers, and Tyrone Cox, the main drug supplier, played significant roles in the organization’s activities. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 700 grams of marijuana, 500 grams of crack cocaine, 26 firearms—including four fully automatic machine guns—and $70,000 in cash.
Sentences for Key Individuals
The sentences for those convicted in connection with the drug trafficking ring were as follows:
Fredrick Wendell McCray, 44, of North Charleston, received 30 years for conspiracy to distribute drugs, possession of firearms, and other charges.
Tyrone Cox, 44, also of North Charleston, was sentenced to 25 years for his involvement in the distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Cornelius Walker, 21, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 15 years for conspiring to distribute drugs and possession of a machine gun.
Quinton Antonio McClain, 35, of Mount Pleasant, received 12.5 years for his role in drug distribution.
Warren Lamar Forrest, 33, of Charleston, was sentenced to 12 years for felon in possession of a firearm and marijuana distribution.
Angel Joaquin Flores, 34, of California, was sentenced to 10 years for distributing methamphetamine and marijuana.
Kevin William Dukes, 39, of North Charleston, received 10 years for distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Kendrick Smalls, 35, of North Charleston, received 7 years for conspiring to distribute cocaine and possession of a machine gun.
Kenneth Roger Brown, 35, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 6 years for drug distribution and possession of firearms.
Earl Allen, 24, of Charleston, received 5 years for drug trafficking and firearms possession.
Other defendants, including Santerio Bernard Maurice Smith, Da’Shawn Marquis Richards, Terrell Kurt Myers, and others, received varying sentences for their involvement in the drug ring, with some serving time for firearm-related offenses and conspiracy charges.
The Investigation and Seizures
The investigation, which spanned several months, involved wiretaps, surveillance, and extensive collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The Lowcountry Violent Crime Task Force’s efforts were critical in identifying and disrupting the gang’s operations, leading to the seizure of substantial amounts of illegal drugs and firearms.
The Call for Continued Action
In light of these successful arrests, law enforcement officials are continuing to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime in the region. The dismantling of this drug trafficking ring marks a significant victory for the community and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in addressing organized crime.
The Role of the Community
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina stressed the importance of community involvement and law enforcement cooperation in tackling violent crime. These arrests are a part of a broader effort to dismantle organized criminal enterprises and improve public safety in the region.
