Antonie Elbert Eaddy, a 49-year-old resident of Goodyear, Arizona, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges involving the distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. The sentencing took place in Columbia, South Carolina.
Investigators found that Eaddy and his associates were responsible for distributing significant amounts of illegal drugs: more than five kilograms of cocaine, over 400 grams of fentanyl, as well as quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana. According to authorities, intercepted phone calls revealed discussions about shipping cocaine and fentanyl from Arizona to South Carolina by hiding them inside a box containing a clock. Proceeds from the drug sales were then sent back to Eaddy in Arizona.
The investigation also determined that Eaddy mailed packages containing drugs to several cities including Columbia, Florence, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina; as well as locations in North Carolina, Maryland, and Florida. Couriers were used both to transport drugs to the East Coast and return cash proceeds to Arizona. Four other individuals charged alongside Eaddy have also pleaded guilty.
United States District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Eaddy to 135 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF uses collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to target high-level criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and related crimes. More information on the OCDETF program is available at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and United States Postal Inspection Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.
