Columbia Standard

A federal grand jury in Florence has indicted five individuals on charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The accused include Jawan Rayel White, 37; Derrell Sherald, 38; Amon Rasheem Rutledge, 34; Alexis Nicole Loscar, 30; and Christian Vargas, 21. They face allegations of conspiring to distribute these substances across South Carolina and neighboring states.

Jawan Rayel White is alleged to have orchestrated the conspiracy while serving a 25-year sentence for drug distribution in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. He faces a potential life sentence if convicted. Amon Rasheem Rutledge also faces a maximum life sentence and is currently awaiting an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kaymani D. West. Meanwhile, Sherald, Loscar, and Vargas each face up to 20 years in prison.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime by fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence. The initiative emphasizes strategic enforcement priorities and measuring outcomes.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Ellis is handling the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs emphasized that "all charges in the indictment are merely accusations" and reminded that "defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."