Three Lancaster men have been sentenced to a combined 27 years in federal prison for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
Tyre Amahdikeem Brooks, 23; John Matthew Railey, 36; and Ricky Shane Underwood, 43, each pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges.
According to court records, the trio conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Lancaster area beginning in January 2020. In June 2020, narcotics investigators from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Brooks. The following month, Brooks was arrested on outstanding state drug trafficking warrants and was found in possession of a loaded AR-15 style assault rifle, a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine, and quantities of methamphetamine. In 2022, Brooks faced additional charges in Rock Hill for possessing firearms and illegal narcotics.
In January 2021, Railey was found with nearly an ounce of 99% pure methamphetamine during a domestic incident. The next month, he sold methamphetamine to Lancaster County narcotics investigators in an undercover operation.
In February 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Underwood. Later that month, Underwood was arrested during a traffic stop, during which he attempted to flee. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm pistol and a quantity of methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Brooks to 10 years in prison, Railey to 9 years, and Underwood to 8 years. Each will also serve a term of court-ordered supervision following their release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rock Hill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Taylor and William K. Witherspoon are prosecuting the case.
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