9 in Midlands indicted on federal drug charges
Federal authorities unsealed a 42-count indictment for various drug trafficking related charges against 9 men from the Columbia area, U.S. Attorney Beth Drake said in a news release. Seven of the men are in custody and two are on the run, Drake said.
In custody are:
- Christopher Donnell Brown, age 38
- Delvaron Mufeed Jonel Thomas, age 34
- Meldrick Leon Owens, age 27
- Ernest Gerod Sims, age 43
- Reginald Yvon Jones, age 52
- Stacey Andre George, age 32
- and, Warren Spruill, Jr., age 32
The two men on the run and being sought by law enforcement are
- Brian Lamark Gunter, age 26
- and, Frederick Raheem Gunter, age 24
All 9 men face charges of using a telephone for drug trafficking and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base. If convicted, they could face life in prison and a maximum fine of $20 million.
Brown also was indicted on charges of distributing crack cocaine which could result in life in prison and a $20 million fine if convicted.
Sims faces the additional charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and being in possession of a firearm while committing the crime of drug trafficking.