CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Eighteen men from the Lowcountry region have been collectively sentenced to 144 years in federal prison for operating a violent drug trafficking ring in North Charleston.
The case dates back to February 2022, when 12 suspects were arrested following a long-term wiretap investigation. They faced multiple charges, including intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Eleven men were formally charged while one had his charges dismissed. Several defendants were also charged with firearms offenses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina described the group as a “violent street gang.”
Leading the ring was 44-year-old Fredrick Wendell McCray, known as “Dub.” According to the Department of Justice, McCray coordinated drug operations from an abandoned community center in North Charleston and armed members with firearms. Tyrone “T-Player” Cox, 44, served as the primary supplier, and 21-year-old Cornelius “Lil Black” Walker acted as McCray’s main enforcer.
Authorities seized over six pounds of methamphetamine, three pounds of cocaine, 1.5 pounds of marijuana, and one pound of crack cocaine during the investigation. They also recovered 26 firearms, including four illegally modified full-auto machine guns, and $70,000 in cash.
McCray received a 30-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute multiple controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and firearms offenses. Cox was sentenced to 25 years for similar drug and firearm charges. Walker was sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a machine gun.
Other notable sentences include:
Quinton Antonio McClain, 35, of Mount Pleasant: 12.5 years for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
Warren Lamar Forrest, 33, of Charleston: 12 years for firearm and drug charges.
Angel Joaquin Flores, 34, of California: 10 years for conspiracy involving methamphetamine and marijuana.
Kevin William Dukes, aka “KD,” 39, of North Charleston: 10 years for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Kendrick “Ken Lo” Smalls, 35, of North Charleston: 7 years for drug conspiracy and firearm offenses.
Sentences for others ranged from time served to several years in federal prison for various drug and firearm-related charges.
This operation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation. The case involved collaboration between the FBI Lowcountry Violent Crimes Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and numerous local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Lietzow and Nick Bianchi prosecuted the case.
