Centralia Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Felonies

Walter James Henson, the alleged kingpin of Centralia’s methamphetamine trade, has copped to serious federal charges. The 38-year-old man from Centralia, Illinois, entered a guilty plea on March 9, 2015, in connection with an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in November 2014.

Henson was charged with Possession of Equipment, Chemicals, Products and Materials with the Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine (Count 1) and Possession of Pseudoephedrine Knowing It Would Be Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine (Count 2), both occurring on March 5, 2014. These violations are substantial infractions under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

For Count 1, Henson faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The second count carries a stiffer sentence of up to twenty years imprisonment, another $250,000 fine, and the same term of supervised release. Both counts also necessitate an assessment of $100.

The evidence against Henson was gathered during a joint investigation by the FBI, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team. Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey is handling the case with unwavering determination.

Henson’s conviction underscores the ongoing battle against methamphetamine in Illinois and the dedication of federal law enforcement agencies to dismantling drug trafficking operations that plague communities like Centralia.

This gritty plea deal is a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who engage in the production and distribution of illegal drugs, both for their own lives and for the safety of innocent citizens.