COLUMBIA, S.C.— Phillip O’Neal McCoy, 45, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented in court revealed that agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives identified McCoy as a felon involved in the unlawful sale of firearms and narcotics in the West Columbia area. On Jan. 5, 2024, McCoy distributed a quantity of crack cocaine while also in possession of additional controlled substances. Five days later, on Jan. 10, 2024, McCoy sold a loaded semiautomatic pistol while in possession of additional controlled substances.
Federal law prohibits McCoy from possessing firearms and ammunition based on prior convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm, first-degree assault and battery, domestic violence, and multiple convictions for distributing various controlled substances. McCoy was also on probation at the time of this federal offense.
U.S. District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Phillip O’Neal McCoy to 77 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.
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Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — South Carolina — U.S. Department of Justice press release.