Lontre Jason Wise, a 52-year-old resident of Columbia, was recently sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for his involvement in the distribution of crack cocaine and marijuana. The case unfolded when the Columbia Police Department Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit received an anonymous tip regarding illegal drug activities at a residence on House Street. The complainant reported high foot and vehicle traffic at the location, with individuals making brief visits. Acting on this information, a confidential informant conducted two controlled purchases of marijuana from Wise at the residence.
Subsequently, a search warrant was issued and executed by the CPD, leading to Wise’s arrest on marijuana distribution charges. Upon searching Wise, authorities discovered crack cocaine in his possession. Further exploration of the residence uncovered a black book bag containing a significant quantity of marijuana, alongside a 9mm handgun and a .38 caliber revolver. A safe found beneath the couch contained additional crack cocaine, along with Wise’s personal identification documents and cash. The presence of hand-rolled marijuana cigars scattered throughout the living room emphasized the extent of Wise’s illegal activities.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. handed down a sentence of 156 months in prison for Wise, followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Notably, the federal system does not offer parole, underscoring the severity of Wise’s punishment. This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative to curb violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and local communities. The strategy, launched on May 26, 2021, focuses on building trust, supporting violence prevention programs, setting enforcement priorities, and assessing outcomes to enhance neighborhood safety.
The investigation into Wise’s criminal activities was conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department’s Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is responsible for prosecuting the case, ensuring justice is served in this significant legal matter.
