Lancaster County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Marijuana and Methamphetamine

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Vaughnta Markees Jones, 45, of Lancaster, was sentenced to five years in federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine. Jones was also sentenced for violating the terms of his prior federal supervised release. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office learned that Jones was dealing illegal narcotics in Lancaster County. Jones was on federal supervised release following convictions of being a felon in possession of a firearm and knowingly receiving and possessing an unregistered firearm in 2010. On March 29, 2023, HSI along with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office used an undercover informant to make a purchase of methamphetamine from Jones. Upon arrival at Jones’ home, the informant met with Jones and purchase 49.8 grams of methamphetamine.  

Thereafter, on May 8, 2023, Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies, along with an HSI agent, conducted a traffic stop of a car driven by Jones in Lancaster County. During a search of the car, the police found approximately four and a half pounds of marijuana and three pills marked “IP 109” that were determined to be hydrocodone. Jones was arrested by and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with the intent to distribute hydrocodone and tramadol. Jones admitted that he had traveled to Maryland to obtain the marijuana and was returning to Lancaster County.  

Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Jones to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by a four year-term of court-ordered supervision.  Judge Currie also sentenced Jones to a consecutive 12 months and one day imprisonment for violating the terms of his prior supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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