Florence man gets 10 years for drug, firearms charges

A Florence man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for federal drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins said in a press release.

U.S. District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced 26-year-old Shawn Altego Cato this week. There is no parole in the federal system. 

Evidence in the case established that on Oct. 28, 2008, Florence County sheriff’s deputies seized a loaded gun from Cato’s waistband after a traffic stop and brief struggle with officers. While on state bond for that offense, Florence police recovered two loaded guns and crack cocaine from Cato after searching Cato’s apartment on North Guerry Street in Florence on Dec. 11.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rose Mary Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case, which also was investigated by the State Law Enforcement Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.