Lexington woman sentenced to federal prison on gun, drug charges

A Lexington woman will spend close to a decade in federal prison after a sheriff deputy’s traffic stop uncovered an illegal firearm and a stash of drugs.

Natalie Michelle Quarles, 45, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, the U.S. attorney’s office announced Friday.

Quarles was stopped for a traffic violation on July 3, 2018. Quarles was driving with a suspended license, and had been deemed a habitual traffic offender by the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. When the deputy searched the vehicle after she was arrested, he found a loaded firearm, $1,400 in cash, marijuana, methamphetamine and amphetamine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and acetaminophen pills.

Quarles is prohibited from owning a gun in South Carolina due to previous felony convictions for assault and battery, grand larceny, burglary and strong-arm robbery.

Under federal sentencing rules, her term must be served without parole, and be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision.

This story was originally published January 15, 2021 at 2:45 PM.

Bristow Marchant

The State

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Bristow Marchant covers local government, schools and community in Lexington County for The State. He graduated from the College of Charleston in 2007. He has almost 20 years of experience covering South Carolina at the Clinton Chronicle, Sumter Item and Rock Hill Herald. He joined The State in 2016. Bristow has won numerous awards, most recently the S.C. Press Association’s 2024 education reporting award.  Support my work with a digital subscription