Derrick Jameel Joye and Jalen Shaprie Rutherford, both 24 and from Lexington, were sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition, according to an April 15 announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina.
The sentencing follows a June 4, 2024 incident in which West Columbia Police officers stopped a speeding vehicle. During the stop, Joye fled with an AR-15–style pistol but was apprehended after discarding the weapon. Officers also detained Rutherford, who admitted to having a firearm in the vehicle. A search uncovered a loaded semiautomatic pistol from Joye and another loaded semiautomatic 9mm pistol with extended magazine and additional ammunition from Rutherford.
Rutherford had previous felony convictions including involuntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm. At the time of his arrest he was out on bond facing state charges for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Joye had been convicted previously for second-degree assault and battery. Both men were prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition due to their felony status.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Joye to 33 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervision; Rutherford received 30 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), described as "a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone." The statement adds that PSN focuses on "fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results." The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with West Columbia Police Department investigated this case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted it.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina protects communities across South Carolina through criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, debt recovery efforts on behalf of victims or taxpayers as well as representing the federal government according to its official website. The office operates out of Columbia, Charleston, Florence and Greenville employing about 120 prosecutors along with support professionals.
