Cedrick Exzavius Reese, a 45-year-old resident of West Columbia, South Carolina, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for possession of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, as well as for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to information from the investigation, a deputy from Richland County observed Reese driving at high speed and running a stop sign. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy found that Reese could not provide a driver’s license but allowed the deputy to search him. The search uncovered suspected methamphetamine in a clear plastic bag in his waistband. Reese told the deputy that the drugs were for “personal use.” A further search of the vehicle revealed a gun and ammunition along with crack cocaine and fentanyl.
Reese had previous convictions for multiple drug offenses that legally barred him from possessing firearms.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Reese to 36 months in prison. He will also serve three years of court-ordered supervision on each count, with sentences running concurrently. In addition, Reese was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. There is no parole available in the federal system.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department implemented an updated strategy for PSN focusing on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that work to prevent violence before it occurs, prioritizing targeted enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.
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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