Evergreen Reporter

Contaurus Dermont Smith, a 46-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison. This follows his guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The incident leading to Smith's arrest occurred on June 30, 2023. Officers from the Columbia Police Department (CPD) responded to reports of a shooting on House Street. Upon arrival, they discovered Smith with a gunshot wound to his leg. Surveillance footage from CPD’s Real Time Crime Center revealed that Smith had accidentally shot himself. The video also showed another individual retrieving an object from the scene and taking it into a nearby home.

Based on this evidence and witness statements, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence at 940 House Street. Inside, they found four firearms, including one modified with a machinegun conversion device capable of automatic fire. Smith admitted to possessing the firearm he used during the incident and was held accountable for the machinegun found at the location. As a convicted felon, Smith is prohibited from legally owning firearms or ammunition.

United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Smith to 63 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole available in the federal system. Judge Currie considered Smith's extensive history of violent offenses and previous federal conviction for similar charges when deciding on an upward variance beyond sentencing guidelines.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The initiative emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Columbia Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Sanford is handling prosecution duties.