Man pleaded guilty in out-of-town drug smuggling case, 3 more people were sentenced to prison

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A man pleaded guilty and three others were sentenced in connection with an Upstate methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

Jeffrey Michael Wilson, 54, of Commerce, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Authorities announced Wednesday, October 23, that the following defendants were sentenced for their roles in the Upstate drug ring:

Richard Brian Walker, 49, of Chesnee He was sentenced to 270 months in prison. Walker also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a short-barreled rifle and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Rebecca Elizabeth Whitesides, 54, of Mooresboro, NCHe was sentenced to 120 months in prison. Whitesides was also found guilty of money laundering
Amanda Gail Tuck, 45, of Chesnee. sentenced to 70 months in prison

On January 18, 2023, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in Whitesides on I-85 and searched his car, finding almost two kilograms of methamphetamine.

An investigation of his bank accounts showed that he helped others conceal payments for drug proceeds, according to authorities.

On February 22, 2023, deputies staked out Walker’s home and observed Wilson’s car coming and going. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Wilson and found more than 5,800 grams of methamphetamine and a semi-automatic handgun loaded with 19 rounds.

Throughout the conspiracy, Wilson, along with Walker, was responsible for smuggling 50 kilograms of methamphetamine. Wilson was previously convicted in a federal methamphetamine conspiracy case in 2000, authorities said.

A search warrant was also executed at Walker’s residence and storage building. Investigators found more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, 85 grams of fentanyl and three firearms.

Tuck was also on the property. On March 24, 2023, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped Tuck and found almost a kilogram of methamphetamine in a U-Haul truck.

U.S. District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced the defendants and entered Wilson’s guilty plea. The court decided that each sentence would be followed by a period of probation.

According to authorities, Wilson’s sentencing will be given at a later date. The maximum penalty for the crime is life imprisonment.

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