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Columbia Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

William Larry Javis Jr., 46, of Columbia, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 28, 2026, 8:36 p.m. ET
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William Larry Javis Jr., 46, of Columbia, was on August 28, 2026, to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina. Court records state that beginning in 2023, members of the organization distributed kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana throughout the Columbia and Lexington County areas. Investigators identified Javis as one of the organization's leaders, managing two stash houses and occasionally hotel rooms to store and distribute narcotics. The investigation also revealed that Javis, a convicted felon, possessed multiple firearms and facilitated their sale. At sentencing, Javis was held responsible for distributing more than 19,000 grams of methamphetamine, 8,000 grams of cocaine, 172 grams of marijuana, and 34 grams of fentanyl between September 2023 and January 2025. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis Javis to 240 months' imprisonment, followed by a 10-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Javis has a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base, as well as previous convictions for failure to stop for blue lights, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. At the time of the conspiracy, he was on probation for a prior drug conviction. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the City of Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, and the West Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

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  1. Version 129 Aug 2026, 00:36current

    First published.

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