Columbia man accused of gun, drug trafficking sentenced to federal prison
Evidence presented at court showed that on Oct. 22, 2022, deputies of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Justin Washington’s residence based on his involvement in multiple car break-ins throughout Richland County.
Photo: Columbia Police Department
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A Columbia man was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of stolen firearms and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, said the Department of Justice.
Evidence presented at court showed that on Oct. 22, 2022, deputies of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Justin Washington’s residence based on his involvement in multiple car break-ins throughout Richland County.
During the search, deputies found four firearms, 9mm and 300 blackout ammunition, multiple gun magazines, over $4,300 dollars in cash, more than 220 grams of marijuana, a window punch, and several tools related to breaking into motor vehicles, said the sheriff’s department.
Deputies said Washington admitted to his possession of the items recovered by law enforcement and stated to law enforcement that he stole the firearms in his possession.
He also told law enforcement that he would often sell the firearms he stole from motor vehicles.
During the incident, Washington was on parole for breaking into a motor vehicle.
United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Washington to 90 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.
