Justin M. Rice, Methamphetamine Distribution, Illinois 2017

On October 18, 2017, Justin M. Rice, 27, Sparta, Illinois, was sentenced to federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, according to a federal indictment.

Rice had previously pled guilty to a one-count superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The superseding indictment alleges that the methamphetamine offense occurred between 2014 and September 2016, in Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, and Franklin Counties.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Rice was involved with numerous other persons in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found that Rice was responsible for the distribution of 137 grams of ice.

Rice received a sentence enhancement based on his possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was fined $200.00.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Illinois State Police, Sparta Police Department and Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Co-defendants Bradley M.D. Miller and Taylor C. Robertson were previously sentenced to prison terms of 169 months and 57 months, respectively, for their roles in the ice conspiracy. Two additional co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. One co-defendant has pled not guilty and is being held without bond pending an October 26, 2017, change of plea hearing.

Rice, who resides in Sparta, Illinois, was identified as a key player in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. His involvement in the conspiracy had significant consequences for the community. The sentencing of Rice is a step towards justice for those affected by his actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/randolph-county-man-sentenced-methamphetamine-offense-2