West Columbia man sentenced for fentanyl and a gun during a traffic stop

A traffic stop in Richland County ended in a larger case.

Cedrick Exzavius Reese, 45, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for possession of crack cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a news release.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Reese to 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision on each count, to run concurrently. Reese must also pay a $5,000 fine.

A Richland County deputy observed a car speeding and running a stop sign at an unknown date. During the traffic stop Reese failed to provide a driver’s license and consented to a search, according to the release.

The deputy located methamphetamine in a clear plastic bag in his waistband, the release said. When the deputy searched the vehicle, a gun and ammunition were in the car, along with crack cocaine and fentanyl, iaccording to the release.

Reese said the narcotics were for “personal use” and had prior convictions for multiple drug offenses which prohibit him from possessing a firearm, according to the release.