Four individuals from York County, South Carolina, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine. Cory Martin, 32, Travis Queen, 33, both of Rock Hill; Brandon Ramsey, 23, of Clover; and Wesley Huffstetler, 31, of York received sentences following an investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. A fifth member of the group, Ashley Daniels, 34, is awaiting sentencing.
Investigators determined that Martin was the leader of the operation. Witnesses identified Martin along with Queen, Ramsey, and Huffstetler as members of the conspiracy. Law enforcement used confidential sources to arrange purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Martin. After coordinating sales with these sources, Martin directed Ramsey to deliver the drugs. Huffstetler’s residence was used as a location to receive and store shipments of methamphetamine. Authorities intercepted more than 3.7 pounds of meth shipped to this address.
All four men were arrested on state charges connected to the case. While in custody, Martin communicated with Daniels instructing her to retrieve drugs from his home. Queen also spoke with Daniels about which drugs should be kept or sold. Law enforcement intercepted these calls and subsequently discovered methamphetamine and fentanyl pills during a search at Daniels’ property.
The total amount attributed to this drug conspiracy included over 26 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 22 pounds of fentanyl.
After being indicted on federal charges and detained, Martin submitted false letters to the court attempting to mislead officials about his role in the scheme. This led prosecutors to charge him with contempt of court.
Martin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine; as well as contempt of court. Ramsey, Daniels, and Queen pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving both substances while Huffstetler admitted guilt for conspiracy related only to methamphetamine distribution.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Martin to 276 months in prison followed by three years supervised release. Queen received a sentence of 125 months imprisonment plus three years supervised release; Ramsey was given a sentence of 96 months imprisonment plus three years supervised release; Huffstetler received a sentence of 90 months followed by three years supervised release. Ashley Daniels has not yet been sentenced.
There is no parole available in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall after investigations conducted by ATF agents alongside local law enforcement agencies.
