Sean Demetrius Goins, a 54-year-old resident of Rock Hill, South Carolina, has been sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl. According to evidence presented during the investigation, Goins sold or intended to sell fentanyl on eight occasions and led a drug trafficking organization operating between Rock Hill and Columbia.
After his arrest in May 2023, federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration found four firearms—two of which were previously reported stolen—along with ammunition, two kilogram presses, 1,365 grams of fentanyl, and 494 grams of cocaine. Authorities ultimately held Goins responsible for distributing 11,475 grams of fentanyl, 495 grams of cocaine, and 29 grams of fentanyl analogue.
Goins had prior convictions in the Middle District of Pennsylvania for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He received a previous sentence of 20 years for those offenses. In addition, he was convicted in 2020 for assault with a dangerous weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and habitual offender status.
United States District Judge Sherri Lydon sentenced Goins to 245 months imprisonment followed by an eight-year term of court-ordered supervision. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF program focuses on identifying and dismantling major drug traffickers and criminal organizations through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.
