Zuri Jaheem Stephens, Gun, Meth & Marijuana Trafficking, South Carolina 2022

Zuri Jaheem Stephens, a 23-year-old Horry County man, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his involvement in a string of crimes related to gun and drug trafficking.

According to a series of controlled buys conducted by law enforcement in October and November 2022, Stephens was found to be in possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Further investigation led to the execution of search warrants at addresses in Little River associated with Stephens.

During the searches, police discovered a cache of illicit substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and pills, as well as a pill press and assorted firearm magazines at one location. At another address, authorities found fentanyl, methamphetamine, and two firearms.

Stephens’ involvement in these crimes has earned him a 105-month prison sentence, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole available in the federal system.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Flynn and Lauren Hummel are prosecuting the case, which is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. The PSN program brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations to reduce violent crime and gun violence in neighborhoods across the country.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department. This collaboration is a key component of the PSN strategy, which emphasizes fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting prevention programs, and setting focused enforcement priorities.

U.S. District Judge Joseph Dawson, III presided over the sentencing hearing, imposing the maximum sentence allowed under federal law. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that come with engaging in illicit activities, particularly those involving firearms and controlled substances.

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