PEORIA, Ill. – Dandre Antwan Williams, 36, of Bloomington, Illinois, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 36 months for a double-dip of criminal activity: illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon and pushing cocaine on the streets. The sentence, handed down August 7, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, also includes three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
The feds laid out the evidence at sentencing, revealing that back in April 2024, Williams wasn’t just holding onto a firearm – he was actively selling one. A Russian-made Taurus .38, loaded with four rounds of specialized ammunition, changed hands courtesy of Williams. Along with that, he distributed 48.6 grams of cocaine. Considering his prior conviction, the man was already legally barred from owning or possessing any firearms. The situation was made worse by the discovery that at least one of the weapons had its serial number deliberately defaced, a clear attempt to evade law enforcement.
Williams was initially indicted in October 2024 and eventually entered a guilty plea in March 2025. He’s been cooling his heels in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service ever since his arrest last October, awaiting this outcome. The potential penalties were steep: up to 15 years for the gun charge, and up to 30 years for the cocaine distribution. He also faced potential fines of up to $250,000 for the firearm offense and a staggering $2,000,000 for the drug charge.
The investigation was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, a multi-agency team comprised of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Peoria Police Department, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, the Illinois Department of Corrections, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz handled the prosecution, building the case that ultimately led to Williams’ conviction.
Federal officials are framing this case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve. Launched with a renewed focus in May 2021, PSN emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts.
While 36 months isn’t a life sentence, it’s a solid chunk of time for Williams to reflect on his choices. And it sends a message, however faint, that dealing guns and drugs in central Illinois carries consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to track this case and others like it, holding those who prey on our communities accountable.
Related Federal Cases
- Belleville Man Gets 211 Months for Coke & Gun Plot · Illinois
- Heroin Dealer Gets 12 Years in Shelton OD Death · Illinois
- Antonio Thomas Gets 188 Months for Crack Conspiracy, Gun Charge · Illinois
- Brandy C. Anderson Gets 100 Months for Heroin, Gun Charges · Illinois
- Belleville Man Gets 10 Years for Meth, Gun Crimes · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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