Sumter County Men Sentenced to More than 17 years in Federal Prison for Armed Drug Conspiracy

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Three Sumter County men have been sentenced to a combined 205 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl.

• Zuri Laxenda Cokley, 23, of Sumter
• Jashai Dyrell Mellette, 26, of Sumter
• Denetrick Devontae Holland, 24, of Sumter

According to facts presented in court, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, launched an investigation in 2023 after receiving a tip that the men were operating a stash house containing large quantities of various narcotics. Agents determined that Cokley was managing the drug operation and that Mellette and Holland used the stash house to sell narcotics. Agents utilized confidential informants to conduct controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from the residence. Cokley, Mellette, and Holland each sold informants fentanyl and crack cocaine during those transactions.

On Aug. 31, 2023, agents executed a search warrant at the property. During the search, investigators recovered 45 grams of fentanyl, 109 grams of crack cocaine, 415 grams of marijuana, digital scales, packaging materials, cash, a stolen pistol, and a semiautomatic firearm. Cokley and Mellette were present and arrested at the scene.

Cokley was released on bond in October 2023 but continued distributing narcotics. In April 2024, he sold additional fentanyl to an informant while on bond. He was arrested again in June 2024 and charged with distribution of a controlled substance.

All three defendants had prior criminal histories. Cokley had multiple prior drug-related convictions and convictions for failure to stop for blue light, driving under suspension, and hit-and-run resulting in property damage and minor injury. Mellette had prior convictions for failure to stop for a blue light, driving under suspension, unlawful distribution to a minor, and public disorderly conduct. Holland had multiple convictions for assault and battery, possession of marijuana, and unlawful firearm possession.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Cokley to 78 months' imprisonment, Holland to 70 months' imprisonment, and Mellette to 57 months' imprisonment, each to be followed by a three-year term of court ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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