Jonathan E. Merydith, Methamphetamine Offense, Illinois 2015

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Table of Contents

Methamphetamine Offense Rocks Union County

A Union County resident has been sentenced for a methamphetamine offense, sending shockwaves through the community. Jonathan E. Merydith, 27, of Cobden, Illinois, was found guilty of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and was subsequently sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200.00.

The offense occurred between 2012 and March 2014, in Union, Williamson, and Jackson Counties. Evidence presented at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Merydith was involved with co-defendant Rusty Smith and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The district court determined that Merydith was responsible for the possession of more than 74 grams of pseudoephedrine.

Merydith’s co-defendant, Ruth Diane Wiseman, was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison for her role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Co-defendants Rusty Smith and Shannon Connett have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The 19th Judicial District Drug Task Force (Tennessee) assisted in the investigation.

The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution. The full weight of the law has been brought down upon Merydith, and it remains to be seen how his co-defendants will fare in the upcoming sentencing hearings.

In a statement, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that those involved in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine would be held accountable for their actions.

Merydith’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of methamphetamine and the severe consequences that come with its manufacture and distribution. As the community continues to grapple with the effects of this offense, it is clear that those responsible will be brought to justice.

Mandatory facts:

Defendant/respondent: Jonathan E. Merydith
Criminal charges: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine
City and state: Cobden, Illinois
Exact date: February 13, 2015
Sentence or outcome: 60 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200.00