3 Sumter men sentenced to federal prison for armed drug conspiracy

The United States Attorney Office announced the sentencing of three Sumter men arrested in 2023 on federal drug charges.

According to a news release, Zuri Laxenda Cokley, 23, Jashai Dyrell Mellette, 26, and Denetrick Devontae Holland, 24, were sentenced to a combined 205 months, or approximately 17 years and one month, in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl.

Evidence presented in court indicated Sumter County Sheriff’s Office received a tip in 2023 about men operating a stash house containing large amounts of various narcotics. After launching an investigation with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, agents determined Cokley managed the drug operation and Mellette and Holland used the stash house to sell drugs.

Using confidential informants, the agency conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from the stash house. 

On Aug. 13, 2023, agents executed a search warrant and recovered 45 grams of fentanyl, 109 grams of crack cocaine and 415 grams of marijuana. They also discovered digital scales, packaging materials, cash, a stolen pistol and a semiautomatic firearm, according to the news release.

Cokley and Mellette were arrested at the scene. 

While released on bond, Cokley sold fentanyl to an informant. He was arrested again in June 2024 and charged with distribution of a controlled substance, the release said.

Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Cokley to 78 months in prison, Holland to 70 months in prison and Mellette to 57 months in prison, each followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 

All three defendants had prior criminal arrests. According to the release, Cokley had multiple prior drug‑related convictions and convictions for failure to stop for blue light, driving under suspension, and hit-and-run resulting in property damage and minor injury. Mellette had prior convictions for failure to stop for a blue light, driving under suspension, unlawful distribution to a minor, and public disorderly conduct. Holland had multiple convictions for assault and battery, possession of marijuana, and unlawful firearm possession.