United States Drug Enforcement Administration

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jalik Shykeil Tucker, 31, of Sumter, has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison for possession 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 thatin March 2023, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office began a joint investigation after receiving information that Tucker was selling large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in both counties. 

RCSD deputies 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 for storing and distribution of his drugs. They obtained search warrants for all three locations. 

During the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement 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 in the distribution of the drugs, and an electric mixer also used in drug distribution.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Tucker to 235 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, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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MEDIA CONTACT:   Veronica Hill, Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Attorney’s Office, veronica.hill@usdoj.gov, (803) 929-3000