COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Harold Hall, Jr., age 34, of Richland County, South Carolina was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia sentenced Hall to a total of 360 months (30 years) on all three counts. In addition, Hall must serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

Evidence presented at the trial established that on June 25, 2012, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department with the use of a confidential informant made a purchase of marijuana from the home where Hall lived. Following this purchase, the police obtained a search warrant for the home. During the execution of the warrant, the police found more than 10 pounds of marijuana, 3 firearms and over $1,000.00. The police also found documentation that tied Hall to the residence. Hall and a relative were arrested a short distance from the home. During the trial, Hall’s relative testified that all of the marijuana, firearms and cash belonged to him and that Hall had nothing to do with the marijuana and firearms. The jury found the testimony of the relative incredible and convicted Hall on all counts.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Richland County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon and Benjamin Garner of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.