United States Drug Enforcement Administration

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a three-count indictment against Quonzy Hope, 33, Timario Gayton, 30, Javaris Johnson, 35, and Thomas Perry, 29, all of the York County area, for drug trafficking offenses.

The indictment alleges that beginning in August 2022, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, and over 500 grams of cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on October 19, 2022, the defendants possessed with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, and over 500 grams of cocaine.  Additionally, the indictment alleges that in August 2022, Hope possessed with intent to distribute and distributed over 400 grams of fentanyl. 

The defendants face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (YCMDEU).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov . Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv

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