Simpsonville Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Conspiring to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Hundreds of Kilograms of Marijuana and to Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of his Trafficking Activity

Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Andre Eaddy, age 37, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Anderson.  Eaddy pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).  United States District Judge Timothy Cain, of Anderson, accepted the plea and will impose a sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Eaddy coordinated with individuals in California and Colorado to transport kilogram quantities of marijuana for distribution in South Carolina.  Eaddy made monthly trips, often with co-conspirators, to deliver large amounts of United States currency or to otherwise secure the purchase of marijuana from other co-conspirators.  Mr. Eaddy would then have such purchases mailed back to South Carolina, to addresses associated with himself or various individuals, where such marijuana was then redistributed.  Evidence indicates that Eaddy shipped over 1000 pounds of marijuana into South Carolina.  Additionally, at a search of Eaddy’s residence, he was found in possession of a Keltec 9mm handgun, a Nodak Spud LLC rifle, a Taurus Judge .410 pistol, and a large amount of ammunition.

Ms. Lydon stated that the maximum penalty the defendant can receive is a fine of $8,000,000 and/or imprisonment of up to Life, plus a special assessment of $100. 

The case was investigated by ICE - Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Service.  Assistant United States Attorney D. Josev Brewer of the Greenville office handled the case.

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