A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict for Kevin D. Stewart, a 59-year-old man from Edwardsville, Illinois. Stewart was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of meth.
The guilty verdict was handed down in a federal court in Benton, Illinois. Co-defendant Elizabeth J. Schwartzkopf, 43, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to distribute meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth.
The Illinois State Police Drug Task Force led the investigation, which was a result of a traffic stop in March 2024. Officers recovered 312 grams of methamphetamine, 924 grams of homemade THC gummies, and a scale from the vehicle.
Schwartzkopf was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment on Wednesday. Stewart’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on September 16, 2025, at the federal courthouse in Benton.
Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of meth carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Sanders and Tom Leggans are prosecuting the case.
The collaboration between the ISP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is essential in dismantling drug trafficking networks, stated ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
Related Federal Cases
- Amanda Carroll, Meth Trafficking, Illinois 2024 · Arkansas
- Jose V Sanchez, Meth Trafficking, Illinois 2023 · Kansas
- Jacob Reed, Meth Trafficking, Illinois 2024 · Virginia
- Xzavior Smith, Drug Trafficking and Gun Possession, Illinois 2021 · Wisconsin
- Harold Lee Parsons III, Meth Trafficking, WV 2016 · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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