Randall G. Scott, Firearm and Ammunition Misuse by Drug User, South Carolina 2018

Columbia, South Carolina - In a shocking turn of events, former Columbia Police Chief Randall G. Scott, age 50, of Richland County, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

The charges against Scott stem from a December 4, 2017 incident, where Richland County deputies arrived at Old Hopkins Road and Garners Ferry Road in Richland County to find Scott's vehicle parked on the roadway with the engine running and in drive. Deputies discovered a loaded Glock Model 27 pistol in the center armrest of the vehicle, which was registered to Scott. A DNA test indicated that Scott's DNA was on the pistol.

According to evidence presented to the court, Scott had given the firearm to the driver, who was asleep behind the wheel, for his protection. The driver, who has since pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, admitted to using cocaine and methamphetamine with Scott and selling drugs.

On April 2, 2018, Scott's medical records indicated that he tested positive for cocaine, amphetamine, and opiates. His records also indicated that he was diagnosed with an illness related to cocaine abuse and methamphetamine abuse.

On July 18, 2018, the U.S. Marshals executed an arrest warrant at Scott's house, where they found a large number of guns and a small amount of methamphetamine. Scott was seen pulling a gun out of his waistband and running through the house with the gun.

U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced Scott's sentence, which will be followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Scott's case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and maintaining public trust in law enforcement.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff's Department.

Mandatory Facts:

1. Defendant: Randall G. Scott

2. Exact Criminal Charges: Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance

3. City and State: Columbia, South Carolina

4. Exact Date: December 4, 2017 (incident date), April 2, 2018 (medical records date), July 18, 2018 (arrest warrant execution date)

5. Sentence: 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/former-columbia-police-chief-sentenced-federal-prison