3 Midlands Residents Sentenced in Drug Case

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that three defendants were sentenced in federal court for their roles in a Columbia-based drug distribution conspiracy. Jimmy Dean, age 28, of Columbia, led the conspiracy, which involved transporting cocaine from Atlanta and supplying it and marijuana to various drug dealers in the Midlands. Agents seized six firearms and several cars used by the defendants to further their drug dealing enterprise.

The following defendants were sentenced by the United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie:

Jimmy DEAN, of Columbia, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison;

Michael LOGGINS, age 27, of Swansea, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison; and

Laura SURLES, age 26, of West Columbia, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison.

In addition to the prison sentences, the defendants forfeited cash, cars, firearms, and other assets used in the conspiracy or purchased with drug money.

The investigation was a joint effort of the Cayce Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant United States Attorney James Leventis of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.