COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Lexington County Man Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking
In a significant legal development, a Lexington County man has received a hefty sentence of 25 years in prison for his involvement in trafficking cocaine in Kershaw County. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson made the announcement this past Friday, shedding light on a case that has captured the attention of local law enforcement and the community.
The Case Unfolds
Walter Goad, the convicted individual, was found guilty of trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine in Kershaw County, following a detailed investigation that began in August 2016. The authorities were tipped off about a suspected cocaine distributor operating in Kershaw County, which ultimately led them to Goad.
The investigation took an interesting turn when law enforcement witnessed Goad arriving at the residence of the suspected distributor on Ward Road in Lugoff. This event occurred around September 22, 2016, and it was within minutes of his arrival that the suspected dealer contacted a confidential informant to spill the beans about his recent acquisition of cocaine.
Law Enforcement Action
With the informant’s help, law enforcement sprang into action. They executed a search of the residence and discovered a staggering ten ounces of cocaine right at the location where Goad had just delivered it. What unfolded was a chilling account as the suspected dealer informed agents that Goad was indeed the supplier and that he had just arrived with the goods.
To gather more evidence, agents set up a monitored and recorded phone call with Goad. During this conversation, he was heard asking about the whereabouts of his money while referencing the cocaine he had just delivered. In a shocking twist, he even hinted at the possibility of sending people over to Kershaw County to threaten those who owed him money. This revelation added another layer of gravity to the situation.
The Investigation Grows
The investigation didn’t end there. A search warrant was executed at Goad’s home in Lexington County on October 3, 2016. What investigators found was alarming. A K9 officer indicated the presence of narcotics in a large black bin located in Goad’s garage. Inside the bin, they discovered industrial-sized packaging materials that matched those used for the cocaine, a large digital scale, and even a suspected drug ledger.
The Legal Outcome
After a tense four-day trial, Judge Jocelyn Newman handed down the sentence, which included a $100,000 fine. This decision highlights the seriousness of drug trafficking offenses and the commitment of law enforcement to combat these illegal activities in the community.
A Message from Law Enforcement
Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan shared his sentiments regarding the case, expressing gratitude for the prosecution and sentencing of drug traffickers. He remarked, “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.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in communities and the importance of standing vigilant against such crimes that greatly affect lives in many ways. As residents of South Carolina have seen through this case, authorities are steadfast in their mission to ensure public safety and hold those accountable who engage in illegal activities.
In closing, this case not only stresses the dangers of drug trafficking but also underscores the relentless efforts of local law enforcement to keep communities safe. The road to justice may be long, but the commitment to protecting citizens remains unwavering.
