72-year-old Lancaster man faces heroin trafficking charges after SC drug sting
A 72-year-old Lancaster man is charged with heroin trafficking and other drug and weapons charges following a months-long undercover sting, police said.
Oscar Jerry Roberts of Lancaster was arrested Friday on 15 warrants, said Doug Barfield, spokesman for the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Police seized more than $33,000 in cash, two guns, 197 grams of heroin and other drugs after making four undercover buys from Roberts starting in June, Barfield said. The heroin had a street value of more than $60,000, Barfield said.
Police seized a Chevrolet SUV Roberts used during drug deals as well as Suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid addiction, Barfield said.
Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile said the investigation with the State Law Enforcement Division and county drug agents started in June.
“Roberts had a robust business selling heroin, based upon the large quantities involved and the amount of cash found,” Faile said. “Our agents, with the assistance of SLED, worked this case for several months and removed lots of heroin, cash and two guns from the drug trade in Lancaster County.”
Roberts could face as many as 95 years in prison if convicted of all 15 charges against him.
Roberts faces a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison, up to 25 years, if convicted of trafficking heroin, South Carolina law states.
The 14 other drug and weapon charges carry up to a combined total of 70 years in prison if convicted, South Carolina law shows.
Roberts appeared in court Friday afternoon in Lancaster County and was denied bond. He remains at the Lancaster County jail.
