News Summary
David Fields Jr., 52, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of running a significant drug trafficking operation from his mobile home in Port Royal. Authorities discovered a vast array of drugs, firearms, and cash during a raid. Fields, who represented himself in court, has a long history of criminal offenses. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues with drug-related crime even in peaceful communities.
Port Royal Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Drug Trafficking Operation from Mobile Home
In a significant turn of events for the cozy community of Port Royal, a man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison as a result of his involvement in a widespread drug trafficking operation. David Fields Jr., aged 52, was found guilty of multiple drug-related charges after a thorough investigation led by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit.
A Pharmacy for Illicit Drugs
During the trial, it was revealed that Fields ran his operation right from his mobile home on Wayside Lane, and Deputy Solicitor Mary Jordan Lempesis went as far as to describe it as a “pharmacy for illicit drugs.” The phrase may sound outlandish, but the details presented in court certainly painted a vivid picture. Fields was even said to have a drive-up window for his customers!
The investigation into Fields’ activities began several months before the final bust on July 18, 2019. Thanks to a confidential informant who tipped off authorities about crack cocaine sales occurring at his mobile home, police were able to confirm these reports through extensive surveillance and controlled purchases.
Seizure of Significant Substance
Law enforcement officials made a staggering discovery when they executed a search warrant at Fields’ home. They seized an array of drugs that included:
- 31.485 grams of fentanyl
- 144.81 grams of cocaine
- 16.49 grams of crack cocaine
- 37 oxycodone tablets
- 948 pills of various types
- 1.85 grams of methamphetamine
But that’s not all! Authorities also confiscated five pistols, two of which were reported stolen, along with more than $3,381 in cash, including bills that matched those used in controlled buys. It paints a rather grim picture of operations that were running right under the noses of neighbors in what is usually a peaceful setting.
Fields’ Criminal History
Fields’ recent conviction is just a chapter in a long history of run-ins with the law. His track record dates back to 1989 and includes a host of past offenses, such as assault and battery, shoplifting, filing a false police report, resisting arrest, DUI, and driving under suspension. It’s as if he had become a regular feature in the local court system.
During the trial, Fields took the unusual step of representing himself, which is a brave (or possibly reckless) choice that many legal experts advise against. Nevertheless, the jury took just 75 minutes to reach a verdict on the eight serious charges against him, which included:
- Trafficking cocaine
- Trafficking crack cocaine
- Distribution of crack cocaine
- Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
- Possession with intent to distribute oxycodone
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
- Possession of a handgun with an obliterated serial number
Judge’s Ruling
Circuit Court Judge Robert Bonds oversaw the sentencing and made it clear that the gravity of Fields’ actions would not go unpunished. With a hefty fine of $75,000 added to the time behind bars, Fields now faces a long and arduous journey ahead, marking a notable end to a troubling chapter for the Port Royal community.
As the dust settles in Port Royal, residents can breathe a little easier knowing that justice has been served, at least on this front. The community hopes that this case serves as a cautionary tale, reminding everyone that crime and its consequences eventually catch up.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia
- Your Island News
- Google Search: drug trafficking
- WTOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: drug trafficking
- WSAV
- Google News: Port Royal drug bust
