Dennis D. Jackson, Methamphetamine Distribution, Illinois 2018

A Harrisburg man has been found guilty of distributing a highly addictive and potent substance in the region. Dennis D. Jackson, 32, was convicted of methamphetamine related offenses on Thursday following a four-day jury trial at the federal courthouse in Benton.

According to sources, Jackson was found guilty of three counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The offenses were committed in March 2017.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict on two counts that charged Jackson with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Jackson has been held without bond since August 2017. Following the jury’s verdict, he was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing, which is currently set for October 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the United States District Court in Benton.

The investigation leading to the charges and conviction was conducted by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and Illinois State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Cutchin and Amanda A. Robertson.

Jackson's conviction is a significant blow to the region's fight against the distribution of methamphetamine. The highly addictive substance has been linked to numerous health problems and is often trafficked through the region.

As the trial comes to a close, residents are breathing a sigh of relief that justice has been served. The harsh reality, however, remains that methamphetamine distribution continues to plague the region. Efforts to combat the issue will continue in the coming months.

Mandatory Facts:

• Defendant/Respondent: Dennis D. Jackson
• Criminal Charges: Three counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine
• City and State: Harrisburg, Illinois
• Exact Date: March 2017 (crime date), August 2017 (arrest date), October 24, 2018 (sentencing date)
• Sentence or Outcome: Currently held without bond, awaiting sentencing

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/harrisburg-man-convicted-methamphetamine-offenses