COLUMBIA, S.C. — A major drug trafficking operation moving massive quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine through York County has been dismantled, with its core members now facing years behind bars. On February 26, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the federal sentencing of four key conspirators involved in a distribution network that stretched across Rock Hill, Clover, and York.
The Investigation: 48 Pounds of Narcotics Intercepted
The investigation, a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, uncovered a sophisticated conspiracy led by 32-year-old Cory Martin of Rock Hill.
Law enforcement utilized confidential sources to coordinate undercover buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl directly from Martin. The investigation revealed a clear operational structure:
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Cory Martin (32, Rock Hill): Orchestrated drug sales and directed subordinates.
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Brandon Ramsey (23, Clover): Acted as the courier, delivering drugs after Martin coordinated the sales.
- Travis Queen (33, Rock Hill): Coordinate which drugs to sell or keep with Daniels
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Wesley Huffstetler (31, York): Used his residence as a hub to receive and store large shipments of narcotics. During the probe, officers intercepted more than 3.7 pounds of methamphetamine shipped to his home.
In total, authorities attributed a staggering 26.4 pounds of methamphetamine and over 22 pounds of fentanyl to the conspiracy.
Crimes from Behind Bars
Even after initial state-level arrests, the group attempted to maintain operations. While incarcerated, Martin and Travis Queen were intercepted on recorded calls instructing Ashley Daniels to retrieve, store, and sell fentanyl and methamphetamine from Martin’s home. Law enforcement acted on these calls, searching Daniels’ property and seizing the hidden narcotics.
Furthermore, after being indicted on federal charges, Martin attempted to obstruct justice by submitting fraudulent letters to the court to mislead officials about his leadership role. This resulted in an additional charge of contempt of court.
Final Sentences
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon handed down the following sentences:
| Defendant | Role/Charges | Sentence |
| Cory Martin | Leader; Distribution & Contempt | 276 Months (23 Years) |
| Travis Queen | Conspiracy to Distribute | 125 Months (10.4 Years) |
| Brandon Ramsey | Conspiracy to Distribute | 96 Months (8 Years) |
| Wesley Huffstetler | Conspiracy to Distribute | 90 Months (7.5 Years) |
All defendants will face an additional three years of court-ordered supervision upon release. Under federal law, there is no parole. Ashley Daniels, 34, has pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.
A Safer York County
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall. The successful investigation and subsequent heavy sentencing of these individuals remove a significant source of lethal synthetic opioids and stimulants from the York County community.
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