On March 26, a South Carolina man was sentenced to prison on a gun charge after taking part in a live video stream that showed him packing marijuana for a drug deal. The 19-year-old is a resident of Walterboro.
According to authorities, in April 2017, the defendant broadcast a live video stream that showed him sitting in his car preparing packages of marijuana for a drug sale. The video, which was posted on a social media platform, also showed him with a shotgun and a rifle that resembled an AR-15. Two other individuals were in the car with him.
After becoming aware of the video, federal agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home. During the search, officers found a loaded 9mm pistol magazine, a box of 12-gauge shotgun shells, a box of .45 ammunition and a single round of .223 ammunition. In a shed on the property, officers also located a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, a loaded rifle and a bag containing ammunition for various weapons. The defendant was previously convicted of felony burglary and failing to pull over for law enforcement, which means it was illegal for him to possess firearms. As a result, he was charged and convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Individuals who have been handed drug crime charges can face serious consequences if convicted. These can include incarceration and steep fines. As a result, it might be advisable to meet with a criminal defense attorney at an early stage so that a strategy to combat the allegations can be constructed.
Source: The State, “SC teen live streamed packing marijuana on social media. Now he’s going to prison“, Noah Feit, March 25, 2018
