Darlington County, South Carolina – A series of routine traffic stops during the holiday week resulted in the arrest of five individuals on drug-related charges across Darlington County, according to information released by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that the arrests stemmed from three unrelated traffic stops conducted in the Lamar and Hartsville areas between Friday and Christmas Day. Sheriff Michael August said deputies uncovered multiple illegal drugs and firearms during the stops, leading to several felony charges.
Lamar Traffic Stop Leads to Fentanyl Arrest
On Sunday, deputies stopped a vehicle in the Lamar area for a window tint violation, according to the sheriff’s office. During the stop, authorities identified the driver as Timothy Flowers.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 2.88 grams of fentanyl, deputies said. Flowers was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
He was later released from the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center after posting a $25,000 bond, according to jail records.
Three Arrested During Separate Lamar Stop on Friday
In a separate incident on Friday, deputies conducted another traffic stop in the Lamar area, which resulted in the arrests of William Bird, Brandon Hall, and Coty Lee, the sheriff’s office reported.
William Bird
Deputies said William Bird was found in possession of 17.54 grams of marijuana and a handgun during the stop. He was charged with:
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
Bird was released from jail after posting $8,000 in combined bonds, authorities said.
Brandon Hall
Brandon Hall was found to be in possession of 2.77 grams of methamphetamine, according to deputies. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute meth.
As of Monday morning, Hall remained in custody at the detention center on a $25,000 bond, based on online jail records.
Coty Lee
Deputies said Coty Lee was found with a significantly larger quantity of drugs, including:
- 42.65 grams of methamphetamine
- 7.89 grams of cocaine
- 17.6 grams of marijuana
Lee was charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Trafficking meth or cocaine base (28 grams or more, less than 100 grams)
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
He remained jailed as of Monday morning on bonds totaling $80,000, officials confirmed.
Christmas Day Stop in Hartsville Results in Meth Trafficking Charge
A fifth arrest occurred on Christmas Day in the Hartsville area, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies patrolling along South Marquis Highway noticed a vehicle with a defective tag light and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as Donna Nutter.
During the stop, officers discovered 14.7 grams of methamphetamine, deputies said. Nutter was arrested and charged with trafficking meth or cocaine base (10 grams or more, but less than 28 grams).
As of Monday morning, she remained in jail on a $25,000 bond, according to detention records.
Ongoing Enforcement During Holiday Period
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office noted that the arrests highlight continued enforcement efforts during the holiday period, when deputies often increase patrols to address impaired driving, traffic violations, and criminal activity.
Officials emphasized that what begin as minor traffic infractions can lead to more serious discoveries when violations of the law are uncovered during routine stops.
Conclusion
All five arrests remain part of ongoing court proceedings, and the individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as investigations continue.
Anyone with information related to illegal drug activity in Darlington County is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Share your experiences or thoughts on increased holiday patrols in the comments below.
