Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Leader of Beaufort Gun and Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More than Twenty Years in Federal Prison
Columbia, South Carolina — United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Brandon Singleton, age 34, of Seabrook, South Carolina, to 248 months in federal prison, without the possibility of parole, in federal court in Charleston. Singleton and his five co-defendants were charged in a twenty-two count indictment involving cocaine and gun trafficking activities in the Beaufort, South Carolina area. In July 2017, Singleton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offenses.
During the course of the investigation, state and federal agents made undercover buys of nine firearms and more than 700 grams of cocaine from Singleton and his co-defendants. As the leader of the organization, Singleton arranged and directed all of the undercover purchases. In total, law enforcement seized 14 firearms from Singleton and his codefendants throughout the investigation, including stolen firearms, semi-automatic firearms, and high capacity magazines.
Singleton’s conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and investigators with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. In response to the sentence, U.S. Attorney Drake stated, “ We work best when we work together. Many thanks to the Beaufort County Sheriff and to ATF. Your great work enabled us to make the case and make South Carolina safer.” ATF Resident Agent in Charge Scott Perala stated, “This significant sentence is the result of the outstanding partnership between ATF and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office working together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to remove the most violent offenders involved in the criminal use of firearms and drug trafficking activities from the community.” Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse and Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson prosecuted the case.
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