Columbia man sentenced to federal prison for drug and firearm charges

Image: Department of Justice (D.O.J.)

Image: Department of Justice (D.O.J.)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A Columbia man was sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, said the Department of Justice.

Officials say evidence presented in court revealed that on March 30, 2022, deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department were conducting surveillance on Jalon Amari Britt at his apartment to serve him with outstanding arrest warrants.

While doing surveillance, deputies saw Britt leave his apartment unit and enter a car registered in his name.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop and when the deputy approached the vehicle, he smelled marijuana, say officials.

The deputy began a search of Britt and his vehicle and say they found a bag of marijuana, two cell phones, and a large sum of cash.

A search warrant for Britt’s apartment was obtained and resulted in investigators finding around eight pounds of marijuana, two pistols with extended magazines, two loaded rifles, and various rounds of assorted ammunition.

The investigation revealed that Britt was the sole occupant of the residence and that one of the pistols had previously been reported as stolen.

Officials say evidence presented revealed that Britt was a validated member of a street gang.

Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Britt to 100 months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision.