SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia has returned a multi-count indictment charging six individuals for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking operation, according to authorities.
Officials said the following defendants were arraigned in federal court Wednesday: Lorenzo Blackwell, 27, of Bishopville; Marquis Quintell Durant, 38, of Sumter; Marcus Martenez McConico, 37, of Sumter; Kalvin Clay Singletary, 36, of Sumter; Perry Sherrod Taft, 65, of Sumter; and Nikennia Fatese Carter, 34, of Bishopville.
The charges stem from a Homeland Security Task Force investigation targeting drug trafficking activity in Sumter and Lee counties.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers recovered significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana, along with multiple firearms.
Authorities said the case is also part of the FBI’s “Operation Spring Cleaning,” an initiative aimed at targeting violent gangs and drug-related crime through increased enforcement efforts.
Officials emphasized that the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation remains ongoing.
