Rock Hill, South Carolina, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Eric Brown, a York County man, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in a drug conspiracy distributing fentanyl and other illegal substances in the Rock Hill and Charlotte area. The investigation uncovered the largest fentanyl seizure in York County’s history, highlighting the severe public health risks associated with synthetic opioids. Other conspirators also received significant sentences as part of this extensive operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – A York County man, Eric Brown, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his involvement in a major drug conspiracy distributing 400 grams of fentanyl in the Rock Hill and Charlotte region. Brown was part of a conspiracy that reportedly operated out of Rock Hill and was responsible for trafficking multiple controlled substances, including cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills designed to resemble 30-milligram Oxycodone tablets. The counterfeit pills were manufactured using fentanyl sourced from various locations in the Rock Hill and Charlotte areas.
Federal investigators from the U.S. Department of Justice stated that Brown sold drugs acquired from other members of the conspiracy, which posed a severe threat to public safety. U.S. District Court Judge Sherri Lydon characterized the drug operation as a “calculated and prolonged criminal enterprise.” In addition to Brown, other key figures involved in the conspiracy received prison sentences, including Timario Gayton and Quonzy Hope, each sentenced to 15 years for their roles in the operation.
The operation was uncovered in October 2022 when a search warrant was executed at a Lake Wylie mobile home. Law enforcement seized over 60 pounds of fentanyl, marking the largest seizure of the synthetic opioid in York County and South Carolina’s history. In total, authorities confiscated seven pill presses, over 160,000 illegal pills, two firearms, and thousands of dollars in cash during the operation. This seizure underscores the significant public health risks associated with fentanyl, which is highly potent and has contributed to a nationwide epidemic of overdose deaths.
Prosecutors highlighted the dangers of the unregulated pills manufactured by the conspiracy, emphasizing the extreme risks to users who may not be aware that fentanyl was present. Timario Gayton, who operated a pill press producing hundreds of thousands of illegal fentanyl pills, played a critical role in the conspiracy. Initially trying to help his twin brother, Gayton ended up developing a gambling addiction that fueled his criminal activity. Quonzy Hope, who had a prior criminal record, was described as “higher up the food chain” in the conspiracy.
In the broader context of the investigation, a coalition of law enforcement agencies participated, including the FBI, York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, Rock Hill Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and South Carolina Department of Corrections. This extensive effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force initiative aimed at curbing high-level drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
Multiple individuals associated with this drug operation are still facing legal proceedings. Other persons arrested, such as Thomas Anthony Perry and Javaris Latrey Johnson, are awaiting their sentencing after pleading guilty to charges related to the conspiracy. Additionally, Timothy Markee Gayton, Timario Gayton’s twin brother, has pleaded guilty to related drug conspiracy charges and remains in jail pending sentencing. The repercussions of this conspiracy extend beyond the individual sentences, shedding light on a growing crisis surrounding synthetic opioids and public health.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Eric Brown |
| Sentence | 14 years in federal prison |
| Involved Substances | Fentanyl, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, counterfeit pills |
| Location of Operation | Rock Hill and Charlotte region |
| Operation Discovered | October 2022 |
| Largest Seizure Recorded | Over 60 pounds of fentanyl |
| Additional Confiscated Items | Seven pill presses, 160,000 illegal pills, two guns, cash |
| Involved Law Enforcement Agencies | FBI, DEA, ATF, and others |
FAQ
What was Eric Brown sentenced for?
Eric Brown was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in a major drug conspiracy that distributed 400 grams of fentanyl across the Rock Hill and Charlotte region.
What substances were involved in the drug conspiracy?
The conspiracy involved trafficking cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills resembling 30-milligram Oxycodone tablets, manufactured using fentanyl.
How was the drug operation discovered?
The operation was discovered in October 2022 when law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Lake Wylie mobile home, resulting in significant seizures of drugs and equipment.
What were the consequences of the drug operation?
The consequences included the sentencing of multiple individuals linked to the operation, the largest seizure of fentanyl in York County and South Carolina’s history, and ongoing legal proceedings against other arrested individuals.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: York County Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- QC News: York County Men Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy
- Google Search: York County Drug Conspiracy
- Herald: Drug Trafficking in York County
- Google Scholar: Synthetic Opioids
- WGME: 5 Arrested in York County Drug Trafficking Scheme
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fentanyl
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl
- Google News: Drug Trafficking York County
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.
