PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) -- An Upstate man has been sentenced in connection with two separate drug investigations in Pickens County.

40-year-old Lloyd Ronald Bearden, of Pickens, was sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and failure to stop for a blue light.

Bearden's sentencing follows incidents in 2023 and 2024 where he fled from law enforcement and was found in possession of methamphetamine.

On May 21, 2023, deputies from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on Bearden, who fled and discarded a bookbag containing over 25 grams of methamphetamine.

He was apprehended later that day.

On July 21, 2024, Bearden was again apprehended by officers with the Liberty

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