Columbia Felon Dyches Jailed for Gun Smuggling

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joseph Dean Dyches, 42, of Orangeburg, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being caught with a arsenal of illegal firearms and drugs. The court’s harsh verdict follows Dyches’s admission that he was a ‘five-time felon’ who had sold a stolen handgun and shotgun to an undercover ATF agent.

On November 13, 2019, Dyches, while boasting of his criminal past, handed over the weapons for cash. Weeks later, during a traffic stop by South Carolina Highway Patrol, authorities uncovered more guns and methamphetamine, solidifying his conviction as a felon in possession of firearms.

Dyches’s prior convictions include assault and battery, strong armed robbery, and criminal domestic violence. Despite being barred from owning firearms, the repeat offender was caught with multiple handguns and rounds of ammunition.

United States District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis imposed a 120-month sentence on Dyches, followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. The defendant was also ordered to pay a $35,000 fine, but parole is not an option in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence across communities. PSN focuses on fostering trust, supporting community-based organizations, strategic enforcement, and measuring results to keep neighborhoods safe.

The ATF investigated the case, while Assistant United States Attorney Elle E. Klein handled the prosecution.