Georgetown County, S.C. – A coordinated law enforcement operation in Georgetown County led to the arrest of six individuals involved in a large-scale drug and weapons operation, authorities reported. The arrests came after multiple citizen complaints prompted an investigation by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit.
Traffic Stop Leads to Arrests
The operation began when deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle believed to be linked to illegal activity. Maniel Lathorn Dorsey, one of the occupants, allegedly fled on foot before being apprehended. During the arrest, deputies discovered a large quantity of suspected fentanyl and a firearm in his possession.
Other occupants of the vehicle, Herbert Leon Moore and Kevin Tyrone Palmer, were found with cocaine. Palmer also had active family court warrants, highlighting a pattern of legal violations among the suspects.
Search Warrant Yields Extensive Seizures
Following the initial arrests, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Hanna Loop. The search uncovered significant quantities of illegal substances, including:
- Fentanyl in trafficking amounts
- Cocaine for distribution
- Marijuana for distribution
- Hydrocodone pills
- Multiple firearms, including at least one stolen weapon
This search led to the arrest of Roderick Weaver, Herbert Leon Moore, and Catherine Lynn Hughes, all facing multiple felony charges.
Charges Against the Suspects
Authorities outlined the charges for each suspect as follows:
Maniel Lathorn Dorsey
- Trafficking fentanyl (first offense)
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession with intent to deliver/distribute cocaine (first offense)
- Possession with intent to deliver/distribute marijuana (first offense)
- Possession with intent to deliver/distribute Schedule II controlled substance (first offense)
- Possession of a stolen firearm
Kimberly Shyann Moore
- Possession of cocaine (first offense)
Kevin Tyrone Palmer
- Possession with intent to deliver/distribute cocaine (first offense)
- Contempt of family court
Roderick Weaver
- Trafficking fentanyl (second offense)
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession with intent to deliver/distribute cocaine (second offense)
- Possession with intent to deliver/distribute marijuana (second offense)
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Possession with intent to deliver/distribute Schedule II controlled substance (second offense)
Herbert Leon Moore
- Possession of cocaine (third offense)
Catherine Lynn Hughes
- Wanted for financial transaction card fraud by the Georgetown City Police Department
Booking and Community Safety
All six suspects were booked into the Georgetown County Jail following their arrests. A sheriff’s office spokesperson noted that the operation demonstrates the department’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and illegal firearms in the county.
Sheriff’s spokesman Jason Lesley praised the efforts of the Narcotics and Vice Unit, noting that coordinated traffic stops, investigations, and warrant executions can remove dangerous drugs and weapons from neighborhoods, improving public safety for residents.
Law Enforcement Reminder
Officials emphasized the importance of community tips in identifying criminal activity and encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior to help law enforcement prevent drug distribution and violent crimes.
Do you believe citizen reporting is effective in helping law enforcement fight local drug operations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
