Marcus Dalton Hemingway, Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Conspiracy, South Carolina 2023

Conway Men Face 20 Years for Cocaine Conspiracy

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – In a shocking turn of events, Marcus Dalton Hemingway and James Earl Spain, II, both of Conway, South Carolina, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine and crack cocaine charges in federal court in Florence.

The indictment, which was handed down by a federal grand jury earlier this year, charges the duo with conspiracy to possess cocaine and crack cocaine. The penalty for this crime can reach up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a special assessment of $100.

According to the facts presented at the change of plea hearing, the DEA Florence Resident Office, along with local law enforcement, launched an investigation into a cocaine/crack distribution organization operating in and around the Conway area. Defendant Marcus Hemingway headed this drug distribution organization, which was associated with the moniker “LAB CITY.”

The investigation uncovered a conspiracy responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine as well as multi-ounce quantities of crack cocaine in the Conway area and elsewhere, dating back to approximately the year 2000.

During the takedown on April 9, 2015, law enforcement effected state and federal arrests and executed federal search warrants on multiple residences in the Conway area, seizing over $50,000 in cash. Agents also seized multiple firearms, including an AK47, from the residence where Marcus Hemingway was arrested.

The guilty pleas today follow a year-long undercover investigation by local, state, and federal law enforcement, part of the “C-S.T.A.N.D.” program launched in Conway in late 2013. The program aims to eradicate open drug dealing in a multiple block area of Conway and has seen success with seven individuals who were given the option to attend a public “call in” meeting and enter the program instead of facing arrest.

The members of the law enforcement team involved in this initiative include the Conway Police Department, the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, the Horry County Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Defendant/Respondent: Marcus Dalton Hemingway

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to possess cocaine and crack cocaine

City and State: Conway, South Carolina

Exact Date: Late yesterday afternoon

Sentence or Outcome: 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a special assessment of $100

Dollar Amounts: $1,000,000, $100, $50,000, $106,000

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