Sumter residents' complaints end in heroin trafficking arrest

Police still seeking information on South Salem Street shooting

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A 51-year-old Sumter man faces heroin-related charges after months of investigation according to Tonyia M. McGirt, public relations officer for Sumter Police Department.

The investigation was in response to residents' complaints and an ongoing effort to end crimes resulting from drug activity and neighborhood rivalries, according to a news release from the department.

Tyrone Josey, of 9 Creed St., was taken into custody when officers served a warrant and searched the residence on Wednesday. Found were more than 15 grams of heroin, 300 grams of marijuana and nearly $2,000 in cash. Josey was charged with trafficking heroin; possession with intent to distribute marijuana, second offense; and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within a half mile of a school or park. He also is charged with three counts of distribution of heroin, second offense, and three counts of distribution of heroin within a half mile of a school or park.

Josey is being held at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

According to the release, local law enforcement agencies have been focusing the past few months in southern and western portions of Sumter city and county after multiple calls about shootings, one of which resulted in a death.

Marcus Brown, 54, was sitting in a vehicle on South Salem Street on Oct. 30 when he was fatally wounded. Brown, who was not the intended victim, was not involved in the illegal activity that led to his death.

An up to $5,000 reward remains available for information that could lead to an arrest in that case.

Residents are strongly encouraged to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

Anyone with information is asked to call the department at (803) 436-2700. Tips can also be given anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC (1-888-274-6372).