Man with lengthy criminal record arrested on multiple drug charges

ELGIN, SC (WIS) - Deputies in Kershaw County have arrested 41-year-old James Clerf Javins on multiple drug charges early Thursday morning.

Sheriff Jim Matthews says deputies searching Javins' home in Elgin and found nearly two ounces of crack cocaine, eight grams of cocaine, four ounces of marijuana, and 20 oxycontin pills. After claiming ownership of the drugs,

Javins was charged with his third offense of trafficking cocaine, his third possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance.

"Once again, we all ask ourselves why is this person on the street after so many arrests?" Sheriff Matthews said. "What is wrong with our criminal justice system that allows this? Illegal drugs, their distribution and use, are contributing factors in almost all crimes. Javins is now facing serious prison time. It remains to be seen if he gets it."

Javins has previously been arrested and charged with disturbing schools, trespassing, malicious injury to property, simple assault and battery, pointing and presenting a firearm, disorderly conduct, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, kidnapping, manufacturing or distribution of crack cocaine, assault and battery with intent to kill, leaving the scene of an accident, resisting arrest, animal fighting.

Javins also had been charged as a felon in possession of a firearm and as a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. Both of these charges are federal charges.

Javins is awaiting a bond hearing after being housed in the Kershaw County Detention Center.

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