Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the conviction of Marlo Jackson in relation to the "Triple Crown" investigation. Jackson was found guilty on March 27, 2025, following a bench trial before Judge Paul Burch. The charges included Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Cocaine, Trafficking Cocaine Base, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, and Trafficking Heroin, all involving significant quantities.

Jackson was a key figure in this drug trafficking investigation that began in 2019, correlating with a rise in drug overdoses in Kershaw County. The investigation showed Jackson's role as a primary drug distributor in Lee County's "little Egypt," a rural area near the Kershaw County line. Drugs distributed by Jackson reached across Kershaw, Lee, Richland, and Sumter Counties.

The investigation, which used controlled drug buys, surveillance, and other advanced techniques, highlighted a network involving multiple co-conspirators. Notably, individuals such as Janelle Kiser, Anthony Clarkson, Jonathan Cole, and Bryan Scarborough were also convicted in this case.

Judge Burch sentenced Jackson to 32 years in prison. However, the investigation's reach is not complete, with charges for other defendants pending. The broader case involves over 50 co-conspirators implicated in drug trafficking activities across Kershaw, Lee, Marlboro, Dillon, Sumter, and Richland Counties.

Attorney General Wilson praised the efforts of the office and law enforcement partners in securing the conviction. "Yet again, this Office and its law enforcement partners have succeeded in convicting a dangerous drug trafficker," Wilson stated. Senior Assistant Attorney General Creighton Waters emphasized the importance of collaboration across jurisdictions, noting, "The State Grand Jury continues to bring different jurisdictions to work together in these narcotics investigations."

The investigation was carried out by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, with Assistant Attorney General Savanna Goude leading the prosecution. The investigation was supported by a range of agencies including multiple county sheriff’s offices, police departments, and federal organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security, DEA, and FBI.

Attorney General Wilson reiterated that all defendants should be considered innocent until proven guilty in court.