Lexington Shocker: Man Gets Slammed with Federal Sentence Over Drugs and Guns

R’Mani Jy’Mere Holloway, a 26-year-old man from Gaston, South Carolina, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This conviction stems from a February 2023 arrest where law enforcement officers discovered significant evidence of his criminal activity.

On February 9, 2023, Holloway was apprehended by deputies from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. They arrested him based on outstanding state warrants related to probation violations. During his arrest, law enforcement officers found a loaded .45 caliber handgun, 16.12 grams of N, N-Dimethylpentylone—commonly known as MDMA—ammunition, and digital scales inside Holloway’s vehicle. A subsequent search of a hotel room where Holloway had been staying uncovered more ammunition, as well as gang-related artwork, further linking him to illegal activities.

Holloway has a significant criminal history, including previous convictions for third-degree burglary, third-degree domestic violence, public disorderly conduct, and discharging a firearm into a dwelling. At the time of his February 2023 arrest, he was already serving probation for a prior firearm-related conviction. Because of his prior felony convictions, Holloway is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition, making the discovery of the handgun and ammunition a serious violation.

In light of his criminal history and the nature of the offenses, U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Holloway to 60 months in federal prison. Following his prison term, Holloway will also serve a three-year period of court-ordered supervision. It is important to note that parole is not available in the federal system, meaning Holloway must serve the entirety of his sentence.

This case was part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The program emphasizes the importance of building trust, supporting community organizations, and setting focused enforcement priorities to combat crime.

The investigation into Holloway’s activities was a collaborative effort between the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore successfully prosecuted the case. This outcome highlights the ongoing efforts of federal and local agencies working together to address crime and protect communities.