Eric J. Hightower, Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Trafficking, Illinois 2017

A disturbing trend of illicit drug trade has been exposed in Alton, Illinois, with the conviction of Eric J. Hightower, a 36-year-old resident.

Hightower pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine on August 15, 2017.

The indictment, filed in the Southern District of Illinois, carries a maximum sentence of up to 40 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the first count, and up to 20 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the second count.

Hightower will also face four years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for the first count, and three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for the second count.

The guilty plea comes after a thorough investigation by the Alton Police Department, which used a confidential informant to purchase user quantities of crack cocaine and cocaine from Hightower at his residence on August 20, September 5, and December 5, 2016.

On December 6, 2016, the police obtained a search warrant and seized 126 grams of cocaine and 58 grams of cocaine base, commonly referred to as ‘crack.’ Hightower admitted to the police that the seized drugs were his and intended for distribution.

Hightower is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2017, and faces a maximum sentence of up to 40 years of imprisonment for the first count and up to 20 years of imprisonment for the second count.

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