Daniel Rodriguez, Methamphetamine Distribution, South Carolina 2014

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – In a major blow to the methamphetamine trade, Daniel Rodriguez, 26, of Lilburn, Georgia, was sentenced to 155 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network. Rodriguez was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, as well as two counts of using a communication device (telephone) to facilitate the commission of a drug felony, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).

The investigation, which began in early 2012, was led by the DEA in Greenville and involved a two-year probe into an upstate-based methamphetamine distribution network. The network was sourcing pounds of methamphetamine from individuals in the Atlanta-area and distributing it in South Carolina.

Agents identified Rodriguez as a Georgia-based member of the conspiracy who was making frequent trips to South Carolina to bring methamphetamine as well as collect drug proceeds. Members of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and Anderson City Police Department were able to establish surveillance on Rodriguez on Sunday, August 5, 2012, as he met with other members of the conspiracy in the parking lot of a restaurant located off of Exit 19, Interstate 85, in Anderson County.

Agents then maintained surveillance on Rodriguez and Jesus Buruca-Martinez, another member of the conspiracy, as they traveled in tandem to a residence in Belton, South Carolina. The surveillance revealed that Buruca-Martinez had $20,240 in cash seized from him during a traffic stop, and a review of a home surveillance system seized from the residence revealed Rodriguez arriving at the residence on two previous occasions in July 2012 and counting over $20,000 in cash with other members of the conspiracy.

United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that the sentence is a significant blow to the methamphetamine trade in South Carolina. Rodriguez was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, who also sentenced Buruca-Martinez to a ten-year federal prison sentence last month.

The investigation resulted in the indictment of 27 defendants, with 25 entering guilty pleas. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the methamphetamine trade in the state.

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