News Summary
Jacquese Traveon Underwood, 40, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Despite being incarcerated for a previous drug conviction, he orchestrated drug transactions using monitored calls. This case sheds light on the persistent issue of drug trafficking within correctional facilities. The federal court’s decision aims to deter similar activities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in combating the drug crisis affecting communities.
Columbia, South Carolina – A Rock Hill Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy
Jacquese Traveon Underwood, a 40-year-old resident of Rock Hill, received a federal prison sentence of 10 years for conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The sentencing occurred on August 1, 2025, at the U.S. District Court in Columbia, South Carolina. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of drug trafficking, even behind bars, as Underwood was orchestrating narcotics transactions while serving time for a prior drug-related sentence.
Details of the Conspiracy
Despite being incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for a previous drug trafficking conviction, Underwood was found guilty of orchestrating the purchase and distribution of various drugs. Evidence revealed that he arranged for at least 1,000 fentanyl pills—which looked similar to Oxycodone pills, also known as Roxicodone—as well as more than 700 grams of methamphetamine and around 312 grams of cocaine. These drugs were provided to Underwood by an accomplice, Darryl Hemphill, who operated a drug trafficking organization that produced fentanyl pills clandestinely in both Rock Hill and Charlotte.
Throughout his incarceration, Underwood used monitored phone calls to facilitate these illicit transactions. His actions not only illustrated the rampant issue of drug trafficking within correctional facilities but also showed a significant disregard for the law and the risks associated with his activities.
Legal Context of Sentencing
U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis imposed a sentence of 121 months, which translates to nearly 10 years in federal prison. Following his prison term, Underwood will also undergo four years of supervised release. The federal prison system does not allow for parole, meaning Underwood will serve out his full sentence. This decision serves to deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities, particularly those who might think they can continue such operations while incarcerated.
Connections to Wider Investigations
This case is part of a broader investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Rock Hill area. In March 2023, Hemphill, along with four other men associated with the same trafficking organization, was sentenced to serve a minimum of 10 years in prison. The coordinated efforts between the FBI and the DEA have been crucial in addressing and dismantling these drug operations, emphasizing the severity of the drug crisis affecting communities across the region.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Jacquese Traveon Underwood emphasizes the persistent issue of drug trafficking even within correctional facilities, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and multi-agency collaboration to combat such illicit activities. The federal response to drug-related crimes remains a priority, aiming to curb the flow of dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine in communities throughout South Carolina and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- QC News: Rock Hill Man Sentenced for Drug Ring
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Man Sentenced
- Google Search: Rock Hill drug sentencing
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Man Gets 40 Years
- Google Scholar: Drug Trafficking Fentanyl
- Charlotte Observer: Rock Hill Drug Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- QC News: Two Rock Hill Men Sentenced
- Google News: Rock Hill drug trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
