5 arrested in California-to-Sumter marijuana-trafficking ring responsible for 500 pounds shipped through mail

After a several-months-long investigation, the Sumter Police Department and federal officials have arrested a drug-trafficking ring responsible for bringing at least 500 pounds of marijuana into Sumter from California.

During the probe by the police department’s organized crime and vice control unit with the help of U.S. Postal Inspection Service, officers identified four people involved in buying and shipping marijuana through the mail to Sumter, according to Tonyia McGirt, spokeswoman for the department.

Law enforcement has also charged a fifth person associated with the ring.

Those arrested and charged include four men and one woman:

• Leroy Dixon, 51, of Thomas Drive, is charged with two counts of trafficking marijuana (100 pounds or more, but less 2,000 pounds), trafficking of marijuana (10 pounds or more, but less than 100) and two counts of criminal conspiracy;

• Latanya Dixon, 41, of the same Thomas Drive address, is charged with trafficking marijuana (100 pounds or more, but less 2,000), trafficking of marijuana (10 pounds or more, but less than 100) and two counts of criminal conspiracy;

• Tyrese Washington, 18, also of the same Thomas Drive address, is charged with trafficking of marijuana (10 pounds or more, but less than 100) and criminal conspiracy;

• Gregory McCabe, 34, of Lenoir Street, is charged with trafficking marijuana (100 pounds or more, but less 2,000) and criminal conspiracy; and

• Cedric Stevens, 49, of Cuttino Road, is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within a half-mile of a school or park.

Leroy Dixon, authorities said, reportedly would purchase marijuana from a co-conspirator in California and have it mailed to addresses in Sumter. The parcels would then be picked up by Latanya Dixon, his wife, and others and brought to his Thomas Drive home.

While serving a warrant at the home following the delivery of two parcels on Feb. 6, local and federal officers found eight pounds of marijuana packaged for sale, $3,000 in cash and two firearms, McGirt said. The two parcels delivered contained another six pounds of marijuana.

All five suspects were booked into Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center and have been released on bond.

An investigation is continuing, and more arrests are expected, McGirt said.