PROSPERITY — An Irmo man was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after he received a delivery of illegal drugs through the mail.

Bond on Kenny Teray Basnight, 24, of 313 Doncaster Driver, was set at $10,000. He was released Nov. 23 after posting bond.

“This is another excellent example of the working relationship we share with many state and federal agencies,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “Because of our proven working relationship and reputation, the federal authorities knew who they could call to get the job done.”

On Nov. 016, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance on a residence on South Main Street in Prosperity after receiving information from the U.S. Postal Service that a suspicious package believed to containing illegal drugs would be delivered to that residence. The package was sent from California.

After the package was delivered, Basnight took the package and left the residence in a vehicle. The suspect was stopped by officers of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, who could immediately smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, the deputies located a package containing approximately one pound of marijuana. Deputies also located an additional ounce of marijuana in a bookbag in the vehicle.

Basnight was arrested without incident and taken to the Newberry County Detention Center.

Foster said they held the information while additional investigation could be conducted by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and federal authorities.

Foster also said they waited to release the information about the case until federal authorities decided if they would adopt this case for prosecution. Federal rules regarding releasing information about criminal cases are far different than state level cases. Basnight will be prosecuted in the state courts so it was decided to release the information.

Basnight
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_maryj-arrest.jpgBasnight

Staff Report