LANCASTER, S.C. — A Lancaster man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to numerous gun and drug charges for a drug trafficking operation in South Carolina, prosecutors announced.
Shannon Layne Myers was sentenced to 30 years for convictions of conspiracy to distribute meth and heroin, possession intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a felon and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Myers led a drug-dealing operation in Lancaster and Kershaw counties that was being directed by Daniel Shannon, an inmate serving a life sentence in South Carolina prison.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that Myers was sent to clean up a 2019 retaliation murder ordered by Shannon from jail. Myers is accused of leaving the victim's body alongside a highway in Westville, South Carolina. Myers was arrested after a raid on his Lancaster home uncovered evidence tying him to drug activity. While on bond in 2020, Myers returned to drug trafficking prosecutors alleged, saying a June 2020 search of his home found drugs, scales and a loaded gun.
“These defendants operated without regard for life or the law,” U.S. attorney Adair F. Boroughs said. “Illegal drug trafficking rings like this jeopardize the health and safety of our community.”
Myers pleaded guilty to all of his charges one day before his trial was scheduled to begin in October. Shannon also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in federal prison. Shannon will be under court-ordered supervision upon being released from prison. He is not eligible for parole because his charges are at the federal level.
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