United States Drug Enforcement Administration

COLUMBIA, S.C. —Jalik Shykeil Tucker, 30, of Sumter, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that during March 2023, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office began a joint investigation after receiving information that Jalik Tucker was selling large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

RCSD narcotics investigators made several undercover buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Tucker over a three-week period. During this same time, law enforcement was able to identify two locations in Sumter County and one location in Richland County that Tucker was using in distributing his drugs. They obtained search warrants for all three locations.  

During the search, police found more than $25,000 cash, including money they paid in purchasing the drugs. They also found methamphetamine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, firearms, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, digital scales, baking soda used in the making of crack cocaine, sandwich bags used to distribute the drugs, and an electric mixer also used in drug distribution.

Tucker faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.  He also faces a fine of up to $10 million restitution, and five-year term of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Tucker after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon 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 Facebook, X and Instagram at @DEAATLANTADiv.

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