South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced a significant development in the “Triple Crown” State Grand Jury investigation. Jonathan Wesley Cole, also known as “Buckshot,” pleaded guilty to multiple charges on February 26, 2025. The charges span across Kershaw, Sumter, and Richland counties and include trafficking cocaine and marijuana, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, money laundering, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Cole was identified as a major supplier within the investigation. He reportedly traveled to California to acquire drugs which he then transported back to South Carolina using commercial flights. On April 30, 2022, law enforcement detained one of Cole’s associates who had returned from California carrying approximately 12 pounds of marijuana intended for another conspirator.
Further searches conducted on June 2, 2022, at properties linked to Cole uncovered substantial quantities of drugs including cocaine and fentanyl. Law enforcement found two vacuum-sealed bags containing around 635 grams of cocaine and 1,437 grams of fentanyl buried near his residence. They also discovered $27,384 in cash along with an assault rifle and body armor-piercing ammunition. Additionally, about 16 pounds of marijuana were seized from the location. Authorities revealed that Cole used an empty barber shop as a front for laundering drug proceeds.
Judge Paul Burch sentenced Cole to serve 25 years in prison.
The broader Triple Crown investigation is ongoing with over 50 alleged co-conspirators facing charges related to trafficking various illegal substances across several counties including Kershaw, Lee, Marlboro, Dillon, Sumter, and Richland Counties. A trial is set for the week of March 24 in Kershaw County.
The case was handled by the South Carolina State Grand Jury under Assistant Attorney General Savanna Goude’s prosecution. Multiple agencies collaborated on this investigation including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), local sheriff’s offices from several counties such as Kershaw and Lee County Sheriff’s Offices among others; Camden Police Department; Florence County Sheriff’s Office; federal agencies like Homeland Security; DEA; FBI; and more.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
