Midlands man sentenced to 25 years in prison on drug and gun charges. What we know
A West Columbia man is set to spend a quarter century behind bars after being convicted in a drug and gun case.
The 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said in a release that West Columbia’s David Matthews Jr., 52, was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison after convictions on multiple drug trafficking charges, including trafficking fentanyl, as well possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
After a jury trial, Circuit Judge William Keesley sentenced Matthews to the 25 years on March 11. The SC court system public index listed Jean Marie Popowski as Matthews’ defense attorney. [Online copy updated]
According to the solicitor’s office, on Jan. 29, 2024, members of the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted a surveillance on Matthews’ home in the Rolling Meadows mobile home park, and he was later arrested. In a subsequent search of the home, officers reportedly found trafficking amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and cocaine, along with several guns and more than $20,000 in cash.
The solicitor’s office said in the release that “the amount of fentanyl seized was potentially enough for 41,000 fatal overdoses.”
Under state law, Matthews will not be eligible for parole, the solicitor’s office said.
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 11:13 AM.
