United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CHARLESTON, S.C. — John Maurice Anderson, 40, of Hampton, was sentenced to more than 1o years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute high potency methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Evidence presented to the court showed that beginning in January 2023 and continuing through June 2023, Anderson conspired with others to distribute and did distribute over 340 grams of high potency methamphetamine and approximately 5 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating source and undercover officer. During a search of Anderson’s vehicle after his arrest, agents located two loaded firearms and a loaded extended magazine. During a search of Anderson’s residence in Hampton, agents located nine loaded firearms, two of which were stolen; approximately 1.9 grams of fentanyl, 29 grams of high potency methamphetamine, 26 grams of cocaine, 23 grams of crack cocaine, and 8 grams of bath salts; various drug trafficking supplies; and over $35,000 in cash. 

“Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The success of this investigation is proof that those trying to destroy our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable.” 

"Anderson's distribution of illegal narcotics presented a grave threat to the public, and this prison sentence makes our community safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal operations that bring drugs and violence into our community.”

“Drug trafficking has plagued our communities for far too long,” said Hampton County Sheriff Anthony Russell. “This case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect our citizens. Their efforts have made a significant impact in our fight against crime, and we will continue to stand together to ensure the safety of our communities.”

“I’d like to thank all the agencies, local, state, and federal, involved in this case,”  said Hampton Police Chief Perry McAlhaney. “Prior to this operation our community had an overwhelming number of overdoses and this cut down on those significantly, removing dangerous fentanyl and meth from our streets.”

United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Anderson to 130 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton Police Department, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra Henderson is prosecuting the case.

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 X and Instagram at @DEAATLANTADiv.

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