David Matthews Jr., age 52, was convicted this week in Lexington County General Sessions Court on multiple counts of Trafficking Narcotics and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. Following a jury trial, Matthews was sentenced on Tuesday March 11. Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley sentenced Matthews to 25 years in the S.C. Department of Corrections.

This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitors Jordan Cox, Luke Pincelli, and Caroline Strom. The investigation was conducted by the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team (“NET”).

On January 29, 2024, investigators with the NET team conducted surveillance on Matthews’ home in the area of Rolling Meadows mobile home park, culminating with his arrest. A search of the West Columbia home led to the seizure of trafficking amounts of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine, and Cocaine. Investigators also located several firearms and over $20,000 cash in the home.

Matthews was convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl, 28 grams or more, which is the highest level fentanyl offense under South Carolina law. Fentanyl is a highly lethal narcotic which can prove deadly in very small amounts. During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that based upon current information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), the amount of fentanyl seized was potentially enough for 41,000 fatal overdoses.

Following the trial, Matthews received concurrent terms of 25 years for the Fentanyl offense, 10 years for each additional Trafficking offense, and 5 years on both of the firearm offenses. Under state law, Matthews will not be eligible for parole.

This case represents the continued efforts of the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office and local law enforcement to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who choose to flood our communities with dangerous drugs.