LaClarence Lamarcus Anderson, Gun and Drug Trafficking, South Carolina 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal jury has convicted LaClarence Lamarcus Anderson, 42, of Columbia, of 12 counts of gun and drug trafficking offenses.

Evidence presented during the two-day trial showed that Anderson sold drugs and guns on four separate occasions between 2024. The sales included a pistol, methamphetamine, and cocaine on the first occasion; two pistols, cocaine, and crack cocaine on the second occasion; a pistol, a rifle, and cocaine on the third occasion; and three pistols, an AR-style rifle, methamphetamine, and cocaine on the fourth occasion.

Anderson also sold a pistol with a switch on it, which converts semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons. The evidence showed that Anderson used the gun sales to further his drug trafficking.

Federal law prohibits Anderson from possessing firearms due to previous convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, armed robbery, burglary, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted person, resisting arrest, and an unlawful weapons sale.

Anderson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life on his four convictions for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He also faces a maximum sentence of 15 years on four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a maximum sentence of 20 years on four counts of drug distribution.

In addition to prison time, Anderson also faces a fine of up to $1 million and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie presided over the trial and will sentence Anderson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and the community. The program focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy, supporting community-based organizations, setting enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle Klein and Kathleen Stoughton are prosecuting the case.

Anderson’s sentencing is scheduled after the U.S. Probation Office submits a sentencing report. This incident is a reminder of the importance of community-based programs in reducing violent crime and gun violence.

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