A federal grand jury has issued two multi-count indictments against over a dozen suspects in connection with drug trafficking and firearm offenses in the Lowcountry region. The indictments, filed in the United States District Court, highlight the significant scale of alleged criminal activity involving multiple individuals linked to local gangs.
Among those charged is Shawntez Gaillard, 32, from North Charleston, who faces serious charges including conspiring to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of methamphetamine, alongside multiple counts of distribution. Other individuals named in the indictment include Bernard Garland Gregory, Harold Alvin Champaigne, and Dominic Jaquan Mack, all of whom are accused of conspiring to distribute substantial quantities of cocaine.
The second indictment, known as the Bailey et al. indictment, includes charges against Jarell Montsho Bailey, 31, of Charleston, who is accused of conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, 40 grams of fentanyl, and 500 grams of cocaine, among several other distribution counts. Additional suspects such as Cleo Williams and Amanda Danielle Forth are also implicated in various drug-related charges.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the suspects are affiliated with the Gangster Disciples and Fruit Town Piru street gangs. During the investigation, authorities seized a staggering array of narcotics, including approximately 60 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, 600 grams of fentanyl, and 12 firearms, underscoring the severity of the alleged offenses.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling emphasized the importance of these indictments, stating, “These indictments send a clear message that we will not tolerate the proliferation of dangerous drugs and the violence they breed in our communities.” The extensive collaboration of local and federal law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in bringing these charges to light.
As this case unfolds, the community remains on alert regarding the implications of gang-related activities and the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Lowcountry.
