Benjamin Johnathan Newman, 38, an inmate in the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), was sentenced to more than 26 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.

Newman has been incarcerated in the state prison system since 2012, serving a 25-year sentence for drug trafficking. SCDC has seized 16 illegal contraband cellphones from Newman during his time in SCDC, according to evidence presented in court.

Newman used those contraband phones to lead a large-scale drug distribution operation since at least January 2018. Newman used the phones to order the importation of large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, including directly from sources in Mexico. Newman recruited drivers to pick up the drugs in Georgia, Texas, and Florida and to deliver the drugs to stash houses in the Lexington County area, where the conspiracy would then supply drug dealers in South Carolina. The conspiracy also used threats of violence to protect against cooperation with law enforcement and to protect its drug supply.

More than 350 kilograms of methamphetamine, four kilograms of heroin, nearly one kilogram of cocaine, 18 kilograms of marijuana, and 250 grams of crack cocaine were distributed in South Carolina by Newman and the conspiracy.

Newman and each of his seven co-defendants have been convicted in federal court. Four have been sentenced by United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon:

• Benjamin Johnathan Newman, 38, of Lexington, was sentenced to 320 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision.
• Chelsea Grace Wynn, 32, of Lexington, was sentenced to 220 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervision.
• Nehemiah Jimmy Mayes, III, 29, of Lexington, was sentenced to 170 months to be followed by five years of supervision.
• Josiah Daniel Dailey, 38, of Aynor, was sentenced to 63 months to be followed by five years of supervision.

“Some of our highest volume drug traffickers are working from a prison cell,” said Adair Ford Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We thank Director Stirling and the investigators at the South Carolina Department of Corrections for their work to put an end to their continued criminal conduct.”

“This man is a very large-scale drug dealer in South Carolina, and he was able to continue his crimes from behind bars using illegal cellphones,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “His conviction highlights the urgent need for state prisons to be able to jam illegal contraband cell phones. I am grateful to the U.S. Attorney and everyone involved for helping us bring this criminal to justice.”

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and E. Elizabeth Major are prosecuting the case.

Photos are: Newman; Wynn; Mayes; Dailey