Defendant Sentenced to 16 Years for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

A Randolph County man has been handed a 16-year sentence in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Joseph S. Hatley, 39, of Tilden, Illinois, was sentenced on May 3, 2018, for his role in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Southern Illinois.

According to evidence presented at Hatley’s plea and sentencing hearings, he was involved with other individuals in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, Jackson, and St. Clair Counties. Co-defendants Dyllan Wayland and Colty Peak were previously sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment and 140 months’ imprisonment, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy.

The superseding indictment to which Hatley previously pled guilty charged that the conspiracy occurred between November 2013 and August 2015. At sentencing, the district judge found Hatley responsible for the distribution of 1.76 kilograms of methamphetamine and 283.5 grams of ice, a type of methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%. He was also found responsible for the unlawful possession of 28.8 grams of pseudoephedrine.

Hatley’s sentence was enhanced due to his reckless endangerment of others during an August 18, 2015 police pursuit in Monroe County. His federal sentence was ordered to run consecutively to any previously imposed state sentence.

The case is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Sparta Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Corrections. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

The 16-year sentence handed down to Hatley serves as a reminder of the severity of the consequences for those involved in methamphetamine-related crimes. Law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to combat the scourge of methamphetamine in our communities.

The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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