A federal grand jury has indicted five individuals, including a South Carolina inmate, for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout South Carolina and neighboring states.
Jawan Rayel White, 37, who is currently serving a 25-year sentence for drug distribution, is accused of orchestrating the operation from within the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC).
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The indictment alleges that White conspired with Derrell Sherald, 38; Amon Rasheem Rutledge, 34; Alexis Nicole Loscar, 30; and Christian Vargas, 21, to distribute the drugs.
White faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. Rutledge also faces a potential life sentence, while Sherald, Loscar, and Vargas each face up to 20 years in prison.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer.
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The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the SCDC Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis is prosecuting the case.
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