Reginald Travis Pearson, 40, of West Columbia, was sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

Evidence presented to the court showed that between November 2022 and January 2023, Pearson distributed more than 900 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of cocaine to undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Additionally, Pearson sold seven firearms, despite being a convicted felon and legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

Pearson’s criminal record includes previous convictions for petty larceny and multiple drug-related offenses, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, as well as heroin distribution. Pearson was sentenced as a career offender based on his six prior drug convictions.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Pearson to 200 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.