Drug Distribution, Firearms, Fleeing Cops

Serious drug charges regarding two locations in Laurens and a police chase in that part of town Tuesday were alleged in warrants Laurens Police served yesterday morning. 27-year-old Desmond Marquis Bates of 208 Jersey Street, Laurens was charged with Distribution of a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance and Distribution within Proximity of a School, along with 2nd Offense, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. He’s also charged with Failure to Stop for a Blue Light, Possession of a Stolen Handgun and Unlawful Carrying of that Pistol.

Warrants citing an investigation of Laurens Police Sgt. Billy Sellers allege that on December 4th Mr. Bates distributed a schedule 2 substance to a confidential informant in a parking lot at 101 Green Street in Laurens. Another warrant states this was within a half mile of Sanders Middle School.

Desmond Bates is also accused of having two bags of marijuana and a digital scale in his possession on Jersey Street, Tuesday. This was reportedly discovered during a lawful traffic stop.

Bates is accused of operating a vehicle on a roadway Tuesday and failing to stop when signaled by emergency blue lights and sirens as a lawful traffic stop was attempted. The offense reportedly began on Hance Street in Laurens. Bates allegedly reached speeds beyond those that are reasonable and prudent and endangered the general public.

The Possession of a Stolen Pistol warrant states that Bates had possession of a loaded Glock .45-caliber handgun that was reported stolen out of Clinton. This was reportedly discovered following a lawful traffic stop on Jersey Street. The unlawful carry warrant states that the handgun was located just behind the driver’s seat in a back-seat floorboard of the vehicle in which the defendant was found seated, on Jersey Street.

With cash or surety bonds set yesterday, totaling $101,000 on the six charges, Desmond Marquis Bates remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.