Zuri Jaheem Stephens, a 23-year-old resident of Horry County, has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses. According to evidence presented during the investigation, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Stephens in October and November 2022. After these transactions, authorities obtained search warrants for properties in Little River linked to Stephens.
During the execution of these warrants, officers discovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, pills, a pill press, and various firearm magazines at one location. At another property, they found additional quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as two firearms.
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson III imposed a sentence of 105 months in prison on Stephens. This will be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that work to prevent violence before it occurs, focusing on strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked with the Horry County Police Department on this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Flynn and Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.
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