William Justin Marshall, 43, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
According to evidence from the investigation, a deputy from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle where Marshall was a passenger. A K-9 officer alerted to the car during the stop. Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement found a digital scale with white residue that appeared consistent with crack cocaine. The substance tested positive for cocaine. Both Marshall and the driver denied owning the drugs and were charged with possession of crack cocaine before being taken for processing.
During processing, Marshall resisted a full search by officers and requested transport to a hospital. At the hospital, police removed his shoes and discovered several bags containing fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Marshall to 120 months in prison followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting.
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