Lexington County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking

Lexington County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Cocaine Trafficking

Columbia, S.C. – In a significant ruling that shines a light on the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, a man from Lexington County has been handed a 25-year prison sentence for trafficking cocaine in Kershaw County. This announcement came from South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. The conviction of Walter Goad marks an important victory for law enforcement and the community.

The Investigation Unfolds

The investigation into Goad’s activities began back in August 2016. Law enforcement officers had been keeping tabs on a suspected cocaine dealer in Kershaw County. As it turned out, the investigation led them to Goad, who was identified as the supplier. Things took a turn when agents spotted Goad showing up at the residence of the suspected dealer on Ward Road in Lugoff on September 22, 2016.

In a twist that sounds like a scene right out of a crime drama, officials reported that the suspected dealer contacted a confidential informant. The dealer excitedly mentioned that he had “just got his hands on” the cocaine he was waiting for. Law enforcement jumped into action and swiftly executed a search at the dealer’s residence less than 30 minutes later, uncovering ten ounces of cocaine.

A Web of Narcotics

Following the discovery, the suspected dealer shared the news that Goad was indeed his supplier. To strengthen their case, agents set up a monitored and recorded phone call between the dealer and Goad. During this intense call, Goad wasted no time in asking about his payment and blatantly referred to the cocaine delivery. In a shocking turn, after hanging up, Goad called back with a sinister request, inquiring if he needed to “send people over to Kershaw County to put guns in people’s faces to make them pay their drug debts.”

Search Warrant Executed

The authorities wasted no time in getting to the bottom of things. A search warrant was executed at Goad’s home in Lexington County on October 3, 2016. During the search, a K9 officer alerted agents to the scent of narcotics from a large black bin found in the garage. Inside the bin, agents discovered industrial-sized packaging materials resembling those used for cocaine, alongside a large digital scale and what looked like a drug ledger. It was clear that Goad was deeply entrenched in this illicit operation.

Justice Served

Goad’s trial lasted four days, and when all was said and done, he was sentenced by Judge Jocelyn Newman. As part of his sentencing, Goad also received a hefty fine of $100,000. This ruling has been seen as a major step in holding drug traffickers accountable. Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan expressed gratitude over the outcome, 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.”

A Community Effort

This case reflects the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug-related crimes in South Carolina. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may be tied to drug trafficking. The successful prosecution of this case serves as a reminder of the dangers that illicit drugs pose to families and neighborhoods.

As South Carolina continues to address the challenges of drug trafficking, the hope is that more cases like Goad’s will serve as deterrents to those tempted by the allure of illegal drugs. With continued community support and strong law enforcement, there’s every reason to be optimistic about the road ahead.