Deon Lathel Gibson, 40, of Charleston, was sentenced on Mar. 18 to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address gun violence and drug trafficking offenses involving repeat offenders.
According to evidence presented in court, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration observed Gibson meeting with a known drug trafficking target in December 2023. After the meeting, deputies from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on Gibson. During the stop, Gibson attempted to fight multiple deputies before being secured and arrested. Deputies found nearly 447 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded .380 pistol inside his vehicle. Authorities also recovered $2,300 in cash.
Gibson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. These prior convictions made him eligible for an enhanced sentence under federal law. At the time of his arrest, Gibson was out on state bond after being accused of killing two people in a vehicular hit-and-run incident.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Gibson to 20 years imprisonment followed by ten years of supervised release. There is no parole available in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Charleston Police Department, and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow prosecuted the case.
