A Sumter man has pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in both Sumter and Richland counties.
Jalik Shykeil Tucker, 30, admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and other controlled substances. Authorities began investigating Tucker in March 2023 after receiving information that he was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to law enforcement officials, narcotics investigators from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department conducted several undercover purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Tucker over a three-week period. During the investigation, officers identified two locations in Sumter County and one in Richland County used by Tucker for drug distribution. Search warrants were executed at all three sites.
During these searches, police seized more than $25,000 in cash—including money used during undercover drug buys—along with methamphetamine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, firearms, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, digital scales, baking soda believed to be used for making crack cocaine, sandwich bags for packaging drugs, and an electric mixer also allegedly used in drug distribution.
Tucker could face up to life in federal prison if convicted on all counts. He also faces a potential fine of up to $10 million and must serve a five-year term of supervision following any imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted Tucker’s guilty plea; sentencing will occur after review of a report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting.
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