Crime & Courts

South Carolina man arrested on multiple drug and gun charges, sheriff says

A South Carolina man was recently charged with multiple drug and gun crimes following a search, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Bateac Michael McLeod was charged with five counts of distribution of crack cocaine, as well as single counts of manufacturing crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

The 37-year-old Rembert resident was also charged with possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking controlled substance, according to the release.

In December 2024, McLeod pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge, Sumter County court records show.

McLeod was arrested following a June 11 search of the residence where he was staying, the sheriff’s office said. Information about what led deputies to search McLeod’s residence was not available.

During the search, deputies found a stolen gun, crack cocaine and additional evidence indicating the drugs were intended for distribution, according to the release. There was no word about how much crack cocaine was discovered in the search.

McLeod was taken to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where he is being held without bond, the sheriff’s office said.

Despite McLeod’s arrest, the sheriff’s office said an investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.

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Noah Feit
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription
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