West Columbia man sentenced to federal prison for firearm offense

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

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

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A West Columbia man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, said the DOJ.

Officials said, evidence presented in court revealed that agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives identified Phillip O’Neal McCoy as a felon involved in the unlawful sale of firearms and narcotics in the West Columbia area.

McCoy is accused of distributing a quantity of crack cocaine while also in possession of additional controlled substances on Jan. 5, 2024.

Also, investigators said McCoy sold a loaded semiautomatic pistol while in possession of additional controlled substances five days later, on Jan. 10, 2024.

Federal law prohibits McCoy from possessing firearms and ammunition based on prior convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm, first-degree assault and battery, domestic violence, and multiple convictions for distributing various controlled substances.

McCoy was also on probation at the time of this federal offense.

A judge sentenced Phillip O’Neal McCoy to 77 months imprisonment which is to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.