News Summary
Kendolius Cortez Jones has been sentenced to 107 months in federal prison for illegal gun possession. The West Columbia man sold 13 firearms to undercover agents, including stolen weapons. With prior felony convictions, he faced severe penalties under federal law. The prosecutor emphasized this case’s importance in combatting gun crime and ensuring public safety. Multiple agencies collaborated in the investigation, highlighting the commitment to addressing firearm-related offenses among individuals with previous criminal records.
West Columbia, South Carolina – Kendolius Cortez Jones, a 32-year-old man from West Columbia, has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a gun possession charge. The sentencing, handed down by Judge Sherri Lydon, amounts to 107 months, followed by three years of supervised release. Since the sentence is under federal jurisdiction, Jones is not eligible for parole.
Jones’s conviction stems from his illegal activities involving firearms. Between April and June of 2023, he sold a total of 13 guns to undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Notably, some of these firearms were reported stolen and included weapons designed to accept large capacity magazines. The case against Jones was supported by a multi-agency investigation involving ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the West Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Jones’s previous felony convictions barred him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition. His criminal history includes offenses such as criminal conspiracy, assault and battery, failure to stop for blue lights, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, forgery, and multiple drug-related crimes, including the distribution of crack cocaine. This extensive record highlights the serious nature of his violations and the risks presented to the community.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore, who emphasized the importance of law enforcement’s collaborative efforts in bringing Jones to justice. His conviction serves as a reminder of the federal government’s commitment to combating gun crime and protecting public safety.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing details in a news release on Wednesday. The comprehensive investigation into Jones’s illegal activities underscores a proactive approach to addressing gun violence, particularly with individuals who have a known history of criminal behavior.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies have intensified their focus on preventing firearm-related crimes, particularly among individuals with prior convictions. Initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence emphasize both the enforcement of existing laws and public safety education efforts.
As communities across the nation grapple with issues related to gun violence and illegal firearms, the sentencing of individuals like Kendolius Cortez Jones reflects ongoing efforts to deter criminal activity and enforce regulations surrounding firearm possession. The collaboration between several local and federal agencies highlights the seriousness with which these offenses are treated and the collective commitment to reducing crime rates.
This case serves as a significant example of the judicial system’s stance on gun-related crimes, particularly concerning individuals with a history of violent and drug-related offenses. As Jones begins his sentence, it reaffirms the justice system’s position against the illegal sale and possession of firearms in the country.
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Additional Resources
- Southwest Lexington Ledger
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- Cola Daily
- Google Search: West Columbia shooting
- The State
- Google Scholar: Gun possession laws
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- KOMU
- Google News: Gun violence
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
