York County Man Receives 19-Year Sentence for Fentanyl Trafficking

York County Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

York County, SC – A 20-year-old man was sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking fentanyl and possessing a weapon during a violent crime. Omari Janard Meeks accepted the plea on Monday at the Moss Justice Center, marking a significant case in the ongoing battle against fentanyl in the county.

Details of the Case

Meeks was arrested in October 2023 as law enforcement executed surveillance for an unrelated assault and battery incident. During the arrest, he was found with 16 grams of fentanyl—a synthetic opioid known to be 50 times more potent than heroin—and a gun hidden in his shoe, according to prosecutor Kevin Bayona from the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. This amount of fentanyl exceeds half an ounce and would typically carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years under South Carolina’s strict trafficking laws.

Plea Agreement and Sentencing

Before the trial began, Meeks agreed to a plea deal for a lesser trafficking charge. Bayona negotiated the 19-year sentence with Meeks’ attorney, Fred Davis, from the York County Public Defender Office. Meeks was previously on parole for a different shooting conviction, making this case even more significant in terms of his continued criminal behavior.

Judge Bill McKinnon accepted the plea agreement, reiterating the seriousness of fentanyl trafficking and the legal repercussions offenders will face. “People caught trafficking fentanyl in York County are going to face the consequences,” Bayona stated following the court proceedings.

Impact of New Legislation

This case marks the 32nd fentanyl trafficking conviction in York County since the South Carolina General Assembly implemented tougher laws and sentencing guidelines in June 2023. The swift increase in convictions has prompted discussions among politicians, law enforcement, and prosecutors about the pervasive threat of fentanyl. The substance is not only cheap and deadly but also easily obtainable on the streets, making it particularly perilous for the community.

A Growing Crisis

York County has seen a significant uptick in fentanyl-related cases, with law enforcement presenting 149 fentanyl trafficking cases to prosecutors since the new laws took effect. According to prosecutor Marina Hamilton, many cases are still pending, with a dedicated team of five prosecutors assigned to handle drug-related crimes, including fentanyl trafficking.

The new fentanyl trafficking law categorizes any amount greater than 4 grams as trafficking, reflecting a harsher stance on drug offenses in the state. Davis noted that the severity of mandatory minimum sentences often leads to guilty pleas for lesser charges, highlighting the ongoing struggle between defending clients and the necessity of maintaining community safety.

Conclusion

The case of Omari Janard Meeks illustrates the growing challenge of fentanyl trafficking in York County and serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences awaiting those involved in such activities. As the community grapples with the implications of fentanyl’s rise, law enforcement and prosecutors remain vigilant in their efforts to combat this ongoing crisis.