Four individuals from York County, South Carolina, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Cory Martin, 32; Travis Queen, 33; Brandon Ramsey, 23; and Wesley Huffstetler, 31, all received prison terms after pleading guilty to various charges related to the distribution of these drugs. A fifth person connected to the case, Ashley Daniels, 34, is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. Authorities identified Martin as the leader of the group. According to evidence presented in court, law enforcement used confidential sources to arrange purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Martin. He then directed Ramsey to deliver the drugs. Huffstetler’s residence served as a location for receiving and storing shipments of methamphetamine. During their inquiry, officers intercepted more than 3.7 pounds of methamphetamine at Huffstetler’s home.
After being arrested on state charges linked to this operation, Martin continued coordinating activities from jail by instructing Daniels over the phone to retrieve additional drugs from his house. Queen also communicated with Daniels about which substances should be kept or sold. Law enforcement intercepted these calls and later discovered both methamphetamine and fentanyl pills during a search of Daniels’ property.
Authorities attributed over 26 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 22 pounds of fentanyl to this conspiracy.
Following his indictment on federal charges and while in detention, Martin participated in submitting false letters intended to mislead the court regarding his role in the conspiracy. This resulted in an additional charge against him for contempt of court.
Martin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as contempt of court. Ramsey, Daniels, and Queen admitted guilt for conspiracy to distribute both drugs; Huffstetler pleaded guilty solely for conspiracy involving methamphetamine.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Martin to serve 276 months in prison followed by three years under supervised release. Queen received a sentence of 125 months imprisonment with three years’ supervision upon release; Ramsey was given a term of 96 months plus three years’ supervised release; Huffstetler was sentenced to 90 months followed by three years’ supervision after release. Sentencing for Ashley Daniels remains pending.
"There is no parole in the federal system."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall.
