Gannett News Service
Lee County, SC (WLTX) - Lee County deputies have charged four people they say tried to throw contraband into the Lee Correctional Institution.
Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon says officers received a call at 9:20 a.m. from the owner of Drayton Nursery, which is near Lee Correctional.
The owner said a white Buick LeSabre was trespassing on his property. When the owner approached the car, the vehicle pulled away, and the owner followed it and called 911.
Deputies responded and found Drayton and the vehicle more than 10 miles away.
Officers say they got the suspects out of the vehicle. Inside, they found three pre-packaged bags that contained tobacco, marijuana, lighters pre-paid cell phones and chargers.
In an incident report, deputies estimated the value of the items at $6,500.
"A lot of the times when they're making these drops they don't even know each other," said Simon.
He says the suspects-three men and one woman--were dressed in camouflage. The group has been identified as the following:
- Vance Lamar Fowler of Wildewood West St., Elgin, SC
- Cleveland Kantrell Bellinger of South Allen Drive, North Charleston
- Bunnie Jean Hawkins of Salters Rd., Apt. 906, Latta, SC
- Willie Lee Miles, no address
Simon says they see this type of incident once or twice a week.
He says most of the time the people traveling to Bishopville to make the drops aren't from the area.
"I can't remember in the past that we've arrested anyone from Lee County."
Simon says the suspects claimed they were making $200 each to make the drop. They will each be charged with contraband possession and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
"It is worth going to jail for $200?" said Simon.
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