News Summary
Rondarius Rasheed Davis has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl in Newberry. His criminal history includes violent offenses, and he must serve at least 85% of his sentence before parole can be considered. This case highlights the ongoing challenges related to drug trafficking and community safety as authorities work to combat the rise of fentanyl-related issues.
Newberry – Rondarius Rasheed Davis, a 26-year-old man, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl, following a series of violent offenses and a lengthy criminal history. The sentencing was confirmed by the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office on Monday, sealing a case that highlights ongoing challenges related to drug trafficking and community safety.
Davis pleaded guilty to trafficking between 14 to 28 grams of fentanyl before his sentencing on Thursday. Under South Carolina law, this offense is classified as a violent crime, attracting a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years. Importantly, Davis is required to serve at least 85% of his sentence before he can seek parole, ensuring that he remains incarcerated for a significant duration.
Law enforcement’s involvement with Davis traces back to his criminal history. He was on probation at the time of his fentanyl arrest, due to a previous conviction from 2022 for aggravated assault and battery following a shooting incident in Newberry. The Newberry Police Department had contacted the South Carolina parole agents to enforce new arrest warrants concerning a gunfire exchange that took place in December 2024.
Davis was tracked to the Indian Hill Apartments on Drayton Street, where he was apprehended. During his arrest, officers discovered 17 grams of fentanyl in his possession. This incident occurs amid rising concerns regarding the proliferation of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has dramatically escalated public health issues across the country.
The December 2024 shooting incident in which Davis was involved marked another chapter in a disturbing pattern of behavior. Officers responding to the gunfire exchange had already documented Davis’s prior infractions, including his wearing a GPS ankle monitor as a condition of his probation from earlier violent charges.
The 8th Circuit Solicitor, David Strumbo, underscored the serious threat that fentanyl dealers pose to community safety, stating that the community would undoubtedly feel safer with Davis serving a lengthy prison term. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant Solicitor Bret West Price, who collaborated with 8th Circuit Investigator Jeremiah Sinclair.
The ongoing issues surrounding fentanyl trafficking are not only a legal matter but also a public health crisis, prompting authorities to work intensively to curb drug-related violence. Fentanyl, known for its extreme potency and high potential for addiction and overdose, presents significant risks, prompting law enforcement agencies to prioritize the prosecution of dealers.
Davis appeared in court with legal representation from Ralph Wilson Jr. of Conway, with the proceedings adhering to standard judicial protocols for serious felony charges. The case serves as a stern reminder of the continuing battle against drug trafficking in the region as local officials strive to ensure public safety and maintain order in communities greatly affected by substance abuse and violent crime.
In summary, Rondarius Rasheed Davis has received a substantial sentence of 25 years for trafficking fentanyl, reinforcing the legal system’s commitment to combating drug-related offenses and addressing the impacts of violence within neighborhoods. As authorities remain vigilant, the hope is to deter future incidents by holding offenders accountable and taking significant steps toward ensuring community protection.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Newberry Criminal Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- WYFF4: Newberry Violent Criminal Sentenced
- Google Search: Fentanyl Trafficking
- WACH: Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl
- Google Scholar: Fentanyl Trafficking South Carolina
- ABC Columbia: Drug Arrest in Prosperity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- WCJB: Newberry Shooting Victim’s Family
- Google News: Newberry Criminal Sentencing
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.
