SC inmate ran drug ring from prison

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A high-volume, multiyear drug conspiracy run by a South Carolina prison inmate has netted him a lengthy federal prison sentence.

Benjamin Johnathan Newman, 38, was sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of South Carolina says. More than 350 kilograms of methamphetamine, 18 kilograms of marijuana, 4 kilograms of heroin, nearly a kilogram of cocaine and 250 grams of crack cocaine were distributed in South Carolina by Newman and his co-conspirators.

Newman has been a state prisoner since 2012, serving a 25-year sentence for drug trafficking. He is now an inmate at Evans Correctional Institution in Bennettsville.

Since he was imprisoned, the South Carolina Department of Corrections has seized 16 contraband cellphones from him, evidence presented in his federal trial showed. The phones were used to lead the drug conspiracy since at least January 2018, including recruiting drivers to bring the drugs in from Georgia, Florida, Texas and Mexico and deliver them to the Lexington County area for distribution.

Newman was sentenced to 26 years, eight months in prison in the case, the release says.

Also sentenced to federal prison were:

• Benjamin Johnathan Newman, 38, of Lexington — 26 years, eight months in prison and five years of post-release supervision.
• Chelsea Grace Wynn, 32, of Lexington, — 18 years, four months in prison and five years of post-release supervision.
• Nehemiah Jimmy Mayes, III, 29, of Lexington — 14 years, two months in prison and five years of post-release supervision.
• Josiah Daniel Dailey, 38, of Aynor — Five years, three months in prison and five years of post-release supervision.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Carolina Department of Corrections and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.