Allendale Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Distribution of Crack Cocaine

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ernest Roberts, a/k/a “Balla Walla,” age 41, of Allendale, South Carolina, was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841. United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Roberts to 180 months in prison.

At trial, audio and video evidence presented established that on February 22, 2016, Roberts traveled to a pawn store in Fairfax, South Carolina, to meet with an informant working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).  After discussing the meet on several recorded phone calls, evidence established that Roberts sold the informant 26.35 grams of “crack” cocaine in exchange for $1300.00 while standing near 10th Street in Fairfax.  SLED agents testified that they observed the transaction and identified Ernest Roberts as the individual who met with the informant to conduct the controlled purchase.

Roberts has numerous prior convictions, the most recent of which were for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and crack cocaine in 2014, possession with intent to distribute marijuana in 2013, and distribution of cocaine in 2006.

This case was investigated by Special Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and officers with the Allendale Police Department.  The case was prosecuted pursuant to 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone’s longstanding partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to target career criminals in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, Colleton, and Allendale Counties in federal court. Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the US Attorney’s Office in Columbia prosecuted the case. 

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