COLUMBIA, S.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Terrance Demetrius Bass, 34, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for being a felon possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Dec. 16, 2022, Columbia Police Department officers approached Bass in a vehicle after concerned citizens reported that individuals were selling drugs out of the vehicle. Officers smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and conducted a probable cause search. Officers found a bag containing 295 pills which contained methamphetamine, and 91 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution. Officers also found a firearm in the glove compartment and a scale in the center console. Bass admitted the firearm and marijuana belonged to him.

Bass has prior convictions for conspiracy to commit burglary and armed robbery, assault and battery and domestic violence, all of which prevent him from possessing a firearm under federal law.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Bass to 80 months imprisonment, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case.

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