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Date: 08-14-2018
Case Style:
United States of America v. Tabitha A. Hammond
District of South Carolina Federal Courthouse - Columbia, South Carolina
Case Number: 8:18-cr-00267-DCC
Judge: Donald C. Coggins
Court: United States District Court for the District of South Carolina (Richland County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: Bill Watkins
Defendant's Attorney: Lora Collins Blanchard - FPD
Description: Columbia, SC - Oconee Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth Charges
Tabitha A. Hammond, age 37, of Seneca, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, of Spartanburg, accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Hammond after he has a chance to review the Presentence Report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 8, 2017, an Oconee County deputy sheriff was patrolling in the Fair Play area when he observed a vehicle turn without signaling and then turn quickly into a residence before he could initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped at the residence for just a few minutes and resumed travel. Upon observing a defective break light, he initiated a traffic stop. There were four persons in the car and no one had a valid license with them. The deputy observed much suspicious behavior to include extreme nervousness, attempts to hide the contents of various bags, and one passenger giving indications of flight. The deputy received consent to search from the driver and located more than five pounds of methamphetamine in a bag belonging to Hammond. After being given her Miranda warnings, Hammond admitted to engaging in drug trafficking activity.
Ms. Lydon stated the maximum penalty Hammond can receive is a fine of $20,000,000 and/or imprisonment for life, plus a special assessment of $100.
This case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1),841(b)(1(A)-Defendant did possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance; Forfeiture;
(1)
Outcome: Guilty
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: