Lancaster Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm Charges

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kevin Lamont Clinton, 50, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison following his guilty plea to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The case stemmed from a 2019 investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In December 2019, agents executed a search warrant at Clinton’s residence after a controlled purchase of heroin was made at his home. Clinton was found with a loaded .40 caliber pistol and over 18 grams of fentanyl-laced drugs in his possession. Ammunition was also scattered throughout the residence. Additionally, Clinton was found with firearms and drugs at different locations in Lancaster County in July and August 2020.

Due to previous felony convictions, including a 1997 federal drug charge and a 2006 conviction for resisting arrest and drug possession, Clinton was prohibited from owning firearms.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Clinton to 71 months in federal prison, followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Under federal law, there is no parole.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. This case was investigated by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, Homeland Security, and ATF, with U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Taylor prosecuting.

For more information about PSN and its efforts to combat violent crime, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.

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