Batesburg-Leesville man sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A Batesville-Leesville man was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking, says the Department of Justice.

Nicholas Barrios Rattray, 40, of Batesville-Leesville was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

Officials say evidence presented to the court showed that on Nov. 28, 2018, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department narcotics agents visited Rattray’s Leesville residence after receiving information that Rattray was possibly involved in the distribution of methamphetamine.

Agents say when they briefly spoke with Rattray at the home they could smell the odor of marijuana and determined that the smell was coming from Rattray’s home.

During a search of the home and a vehicle parked on the property, agents found over 500 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, marijuana, and over $10,000 in cash among other items consistent with drug distribution. 

Rattray was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis.