Richland County Man Sentenced for Possession of Illegal Drugs

COLUMBIA, S.C. - William Justin Marshall, 43, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff's Department made a traffic stop on a car in which Marshall was a passenger. During the stop, a K-9 officer alerted to the car. The car was searched, and the deputy found a digital scale with a heavy white residue consistent with crack cocaine. The substance field tested positive for cocaine. Both the driver and Marshall denied ownership and were charged with possession of crack cocaine and taken to a field office for processing.

While in processing, Marshall became defensive and would not allow the officers to do a complete search of him. Marshall then asked to be taken to the hospital. At the hospital, police removed his shoes and found multiple bags containing fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

United States District Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Marshall to 120 months' imprisonment, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

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