Man sentenced to 25 years in Horry County drug trafficking case

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A Longs-area man has been sentenced to 25 years in connection with a 2023 drug trafficking case.

A jury convicted Ray Chestnut, 40, of trafficking fentanyl on Tuesday, one day after his trial started, according to the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Chestnut was originally caught by an undercover Horry County officer whom he sold drugs to, the sale being captured on audio and video, according to reports.

He was previously convicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute, making this his second offense.

The lab tested and revealed that the drugs were a mix of fentanyl and cocaine.

Joshua D. Holford, the senior assistant solicitor who prosecuted the case, explained, “Fentanyl is a much more potent narcotic than heroin, and a much smaller amount can lead to death. Drug dealers who are selling fentanyl but claim it to be heroin or other less-potent substances are responsible for numerous deaths in the area.”

The penalties for these types of offenses are very specific. Due to the amount of drugs trafficked and it being his second offense, the judge does not have any discretion in sentencing.

The penalty is 25 years, no more, no less.

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