Sumter Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

SUMTER, S.C. - Denetrick Devontae Holland, 24, of Sumter, was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute illegal drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Evidence presented in court revealed that in 2023, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) received information regarding a "stash house" allegedly operated by Holland and his co-defendants in Sumter County. Acting on this information, the SCSO conducted a series of controlled drug purchases from the residence. During one of these transactions, Holland was caught on video distributing drugs from the location.

On Aug. 31, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the property. During the operation, authorities seized substantial quantities of illegal substances, including 109 grams of crack cocaine, 45 grams of fentanyl, 415 grams of marijuana, digital scales, individual packaging materials, cash, a stolen pistol, and a semiautomatic firearm.

Holland was not present at the time the warrant was executed, but he arrived shortly afterward, used his personal key to enter the residence, and searched the property. In a recorded jail call, Holland was heard telling a co-defendant that law enforcement had confiscated everything from the home used to distribute drugs.

Holland has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for second-degree assault and battery, possession of marijuana, unlawful carrying of a pistol, and third-degree assault and battery.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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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