Drug dealer was found guilty by County of Lexington jury this week and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Donnell Lakeith Davis, 29, was convicted of Distribution of Methamphetamine - 3rd Offense.  This crime is classified as a “no parole” offense under South Carolina law. Davis’ prior criminal record includes convictions for Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Criminal Domestic Violence, and Grand Larceny.

Assistant Solicitors Bradley Pogue and Gill Bell prosecuted the case at trial. Assistant Solicitor Bell remarked, “Methamphetamine poses a significant challenge to public health and community safety for Lexington County.  A large proportion of the most violent crimes our office prosecutes surround the manufacture, distribution, or use of meth.” 

Assistant Solicitor Bell further stated, “The job these undercover agents do is dangerous, and often thankless, but we commend the tireless work they put into each case.  Their commitment is vital to protecting the safety of Lexington County residents.”

Lexington County Sheriff's Department Agents Michael Merckle and Scott Purdy are also with the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) and they utilized a confidential informant to conduct controlled buys on four separate occasions in 2015.  Upon execution of a search warrant of Davis’ home, the agents discovered evidence of an active meth operation, as well as items of property that had been reported stolen.  Davis was subsequently charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, as well as manufacturing methamphetamine.

In recent years, Lexington County has seen numerous homicides directly linked to the sale and trade of methamphetamine, as well as a significant number of property crimes.