Lancaster man charged with trafficking drugs, possessing weapon near education center

Caryn Little,

LANCASTER, S.C. — A search warrant executed at an alleged crack dealer’s house led to the arrest of a Lancaster man for possessing drugs and guns.

Investigators say Joequinn Miller, 32, was charged with nine drug and weapons charges after the execution of the search warrant at his home on Chesterfield Avenue on March 5th.

Last month, investigators with the Lancaster County Multijurisdictional Narcotics Task Force say they made a controlled purchase of suspected crack cocaine from Miller at his home, which is near Southside Early Childhood Development Center.

Authorities say Miller was home along with three other adults who were not involved in illegal activity and were not charged. However, a news release says everyone inside the house was detained while the search was conducted.

Investigators say they located 21.27 grams of suspected cocaine, .82 grams of suspected crack cocaine, two digital scales, and $1,737.00 cash during their search. A news release says they also seized an AR-15 rifle and a 5.7 caliber pistol. Miller is prohibited by South Carolina law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Authorities say all the illegal items found during the search of the home were either in Miller’s possession or in his bedroom.

Miller was transported to the Lancaster County Detention Center where he faced a judge who denied his bond.

Miller faces the following charges:

  • Distribution of Crack Cocaine
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance in Proximity to a School or Park
  • Trafficking Cocaine 10-28 Grams
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance in Proximity to a School or Park
  • Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Violent Crime (two counts)
  • Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Convicted of Certain Crimes (two counts)