Joshwa Givens, Crack Cocaine Trafficking, Illinois 2013

Joshwa Givens, Crack Cocaine Trafficking, Illinois 2013

In a shocking turn of events, Joshwa Givens, a 28-year-old East St. Louis resident, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for his involvement in a crack cocaine trafficking ring.

According to federal authorities, Givens was arrested on January 14, 2013, and has been confined in federal custody ever since. His troubles began in 2011, when he was caught with 22 grams of crack cocaine, worth over 3/4 of an ounce, along with $2,579 in cash, in a bust by local law enforcement.

Givens’ troubles deepened when he admitted to possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute it in St. Clair County on August 7, 2011, and in Madison County on January 2, 2012. Police also discovered that the cash seized from Givens was the result of the sale of crack cocaine.

The investigation, which led to Givens’ arrest and conviction, was a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and local police departments.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison led the prosecution of Givens, who pleaded guilty to three counts of Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and one count of Possession of Crack Cocaine in federal district court on February 27, 2013.

Givens’ sentence serves as a stark reminder of the harsh consequences of crack cocaine trafficking. With his conviction and imprisonment, law enforcement officials hope to send a message to those involved in the illicit trade that they will be held accountable for their actions.

Givens’ case is a prime example of the devastating impact of crack cocaine on communities. As we continue to report on the ongoing struggle to combat this menace, our thoughts are with the victims and their families who have been affected by this scourge.

Related Federal Cases