COLUMBIA, S.C. – Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison
In a significant turn of events, a Lexington County man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine in Kershaw County. This alarming case illustrates the persistent battle against drug trafficking that law enforcement officials are determined to tackle head-on.
Goad’s Criminal Activities Exposed
Walter Goad was convicted on Thursday, with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office announcing the decision late Friday. The investigation into Goad’s activities kicked off back in August 2016, when agents suspected a cocaine distributor in Kershaw County. After digging deeper, they uncovered that Goad was not only involved but was, in fact, the primary supplier.
How the Authorities Caught Him
On September 22, 2016, law enforcement saw Goad arriving at the home of a suspected cocaine dealer in Lugoff. Shortly after, the dealer contacted a confidential informant, excitedly revealing that he “just got his hands on” cocaine from Goad. The agents acted quickly, and within minutes, they searched the residence on Ward Road to find a staggering ten ounces of cocaine.
A Chain of Evidence
The dealer confessed that Goad was indeed the supplier of this shipment. In a pivotal turn of events, agents arranged a recorded call with Goad. In this call, he bluntly asked about his money and showed no hesitation in referring to the drugs he just delivered. Even more shockingly, after wrapping up the call, he alerted the dealer that he would be more than willing to “send people over to Kershaw County to put guns in people’s faces to make them pay their drug debts.” Talk about crossing the line!
Uncovering More Evidence at Goad’s Home
A subsequent search warrant was executed at Goad’s home in Lexington County on October 3, 2016. Law enforcement was persistent and brought a K9 Officer along. The alert from the dog led them to a large black bin in the garage that contained industrial-sized packaging materials similar to those used for the cocaine. To make matters worse, they also discovered a large digital scale and a suspected drug ledger.
Justice Served
After a thorough four-day trial, Judge Jocelyn Newman delivered the sentence, which not only included the hefty prison term but also a $100,000 fine. This outcome has been a point of satisfaction for those working to combat drug trafficking in the area.
Community Reactions
Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan emphasized the importance of these prosecutions, stating, “We are always thankful to see drug traffickers get prosecuted and sentenced to prison. These crimes often get forgotten because drug trafficking can be seen as a victimless crime. It is not.” Such affirmations highlight the community’s commitment to fighting back against the scourge of drug-related crime.
Looking Forward
The case of Walter Goad serves as a stern reminder that drug trafficking is a serious issue that affects communities and families alike. Law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to dismantle the networks that perpetuate these offenses, ensuring that justice prevails for all.
As this story unfolds, the focus remains on the broader implications of drug trafficking in our communities, reinforcing the necessity of vigilance and ongoing efforts to address these pressing issues.
