U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs | U.S. Department of Justice
Denetrick Devontae Holland, a 24-year-old resident of Sumter, South Carolina, has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Holland pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of illegal drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The court was presented with evidence showing that in 2023, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received tips about a "stash house" reportedly run by Holland and his associates. The SCSO conducted controlled drug purchases from this location, capturing video evidence of Holland distributing drugs.
On August 31, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the property. During the search, authorities seized significant amounts of illegal substances: 109 grams of crack cocaine, 45 grams of fentanyl, and 415 grams of marijuana. They also found digital scales, packaging materials, cash, a stolen pistol, and a semiautomatic firearm.
Although Holland was not present during the search warrant execution, he arrived shortly after and used his key to enter the residence. He was recorded in a jail call informing a co-defendant that law enforcement had confiscated all items used for drug distribution from the home.
Holland's criminal record includes 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 in prison followed by three years of supervised release. It is noted that there is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.
