
Drug Trafficking Photo: DEA
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Five in Multi-State Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Ring
FLORENCE, S.C. – Drug Trafficking: A federal grand jury in Florence has returned a four-count indictment against Jawan Rayel White, 37; Derrell Sherald, 38; Amon Rasheem Rutledge, 34; Alexis Nicole Loscar, 30; and Christian Vargas, 21, for conspiracy to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to the indictment, Jawan Rayel White orchestrated the trafficking operation from within the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), where he is currently serving a 25-year sentence for a prior drug distribution conviction. White allegedly worked with his co-defendants to funnel significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl into South Carolina and neighboring states.

Charges and Penalties in Drug Trafficking
- Jawan Rayel White faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He remains incarcerated in SCDC on trafficking illegal drugs in Horry County, and has a current release date of 04/19/2035.
- Amon Rasheem Rutledge, who also faces a potential life sentence, is detained pending an initial appearance and detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kaymani D. West.
- Derrell Sherald, Alexis Nicole Loscar, and Christian Vargas each face up to 20 years in prison and are detained pending initial court appearances before the United States District Court.
The Drug Trafficking Epidemic and Its Impact
This case highlights the ongoing crisis of methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking, two of the most devastating drugs contributing to the opioid epidemic in the United States. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50-100 times more potent than morphine, has been a leading cause of overdose deaths nationwide. Methamphetamine remains a significant driver of addiction, known for its highly addictive properties and severe long-term health effects.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative
This investigation is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and drug trafficking. The initiative emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, alongside community-based organizations. PSN focuses on fostering trust within communities, preventing violence before it occurs, and strategically targeting high-impact offenders.
The current iteration of PSN was relaunched on May 26, 2021, with a refined strategy built around core principles, including:
- Strengthening community trust and legitimacy.
- Supporting prevention programs to deter violence.
- Setting focused enforcement priorities.
- Measuring the results to ensure effectiveness.
Investigative Efforts
The case was investigated by:
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- United States Postal Inspection Service
- South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Ellis is prosecuting the case.
Statement from the U.S. Attorney
“This indictment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to addressing the scourge of drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We remind the public that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
The arrests underscore the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to combat the trafficking of deadly drugs that devastate families and communities. For additional information about the case and ongoing efforts under PSN, visit justice.gov.
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