South Carolina Man Arrested for Speeding, Drug Trafficking, and Illegal Firearm Possession

A man from South Carolina faced severe legal consequences after being stopped for excessively speeding. The incident unveiled a series of criminal activities linked to the individual, as reported by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. 

Driver was going twice speed limit

On August 18, a deputy noticed a vehicle speeding at 60 mph in a 30 mph zone on Carolina Avenue, Sumter, between Broad Street and U.S. 378/U.S. 76. The officer, upon approaching the vehicle, detected a strong smell of marijuana emanating from within.

Discovery of Illegal Substances and Weapons

Upon conducting a probationary search based on the probable cause, officials discovered a white powdery substance identified later as cocaine, crack cocaine, and a handgun inside the vehicle. These findings led to multiple charges being filed against the driver.

The Allegations

The man, identified as Anthony Dwayne Pringle Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Sumter, was charged with trafficking in cocaine (10 grams or more, but less than 28 grams), being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, simple possession of crack, and driving on a suspended license. The severity of the charges reflects the grave nature of the discovered illegal activities.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Pringle’s driver’s license was suspended and that he was not authorized to possess a handgun due to a prior felony conviction for manufacturing cocaine. These factors further exacerbated his legal predicament.

Legal Proceedings

Following the traffic stop, Pringle was taken to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. He later secured his release by posting a bond of $43,147, covering the combined charges. Despite his release, the substantial financial implication and the gravity of the charges indicate the serious legal battle ahead for the individual.