An armed dealer in illegal drugs and guns will spend 17 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Samuel Arnette Jr., 43, pled guilty in June to possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm during drug activities, U.S. Attorney G. Norman Acker III said in a press release. Sentencing was today (Nov. 4.)
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into Arnette after multiple complaint by citizens about illegal activities in and near his home. Over the course of four months in the summer of 2019, investigators bought crack cocaine and firearms from Arnett via an undercover informant. On five occasions, Arnett sold the individual crack cocaine. Two other times, Arnett sold firearms to the confidential source and on two additional occasions, Arnett sold both firearms and crack cocaine to the source of information.
When Vice-Narcotics agents raided the home, they found cocaine, drug paraphernalia, two other firearms, ammunition and cash.
The court determined that Arnett is a Career Offender, having multiple convictions for violent felonies. In 2003 Arnett was convicted of two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, and in 2005 he was convicted again of the same charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Columbus County Sheriff’s office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.
