Anderson Man Sentenced to Almost 15 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Mayo Pickens, 47, of Anderson, has been sentenced to almost 15 years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking.

On June 26, 2025, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Anderson County Sheriff's Office executed a federal search warrant at Pickens's residence in Anderson. Law enforcement found approximately 76 kilograms of cocaine and multiple firearms inside the house, including multiple pistols and a rifle. Agents seized more than $75,000 in cash.

Pickens was arrested in his vehicle with a loaded revolver. The investigation revealed that Pickens was also responsible for another 24 kilograms of cocaine that he intended to traffic.

Pickens previously received a 292-month sentence following federal convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering. Pickens was released from federal custody in 2021.

United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Pickens to 176 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen is prosecuting the case.

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