PEORIA, Ill. – In a move to dismantle a major methamphetamine trafficking operation, a Peoria man has been sentenced to a total of 360 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine.
Christopher R. Williams, Jr., also known as “Black”, 31, of the 2100 block of West Starr Street, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. He also pleaded guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The evidence presented during a two-day sentencing hearing held on November 7th and 8th before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid established that Williams was a large-scale dealer of ice methamphetamine throughout the greater Peoria area. He was a top-tier, primary source for other wholesale drug dealers in central Illinois, with an extensive customer base including Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton, and Henry counties.
The investigation revealed that Williams was the source of a supply of narcotics responsible for the overdose deaths of three individuals in Peoria and Tazewell Counties. Judge Shadid found that Williams sought and carried firearms during the course of his drug conspiracy and used threats of violence to collect drug monies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge commended the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, stating, “Thanks to the steady efforts of all law enforcement involved, Williams can no longer prey on and profit from the addictions of others.”
Williams was indicted in July 2021 and entered a guilty plea in May 2022. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield Resident Office, with critical efforts provided by the Pekin Police Department and Peoria Metropolitan Enforcement Group (PMEG). Williams has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on August 11, 2021.
Williams’ sentence will serve as a warning to those involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations. His case highlights the devastating impact of methamphetamine on communities and the importance of continued efforts to disrupt and dismantle these operations.
Mandatory Facts:
– Defendant: Christopher R. Williams, Jr.
– Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
– City and State: Peoria, Illinois
– Date: November 7th and 8th, 2022 (sentencing hearing), August 11, 2021 (arrest)
– Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release
– Dollar Amounts: Not applicable
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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