Lewis D. Higgins, David Bereitschaft, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Illinois 2018

Two Randolph County Men Indicted for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

In a shocking turn of events, two Randolph County residents have been charged with a methamphetamine offense. On July 18, 2018, Lewis D. Higgins, 54, and David Bereitschaft, 39, both of Tilden, were indicted for their involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy.

According to the indictment, Higgins and Bereitschaft were charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The offense allegedly occurred between 2016 and June 2018, in Perry and Randolph Counties.

The indictment carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant, and under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

Higgins and Bereitschaft made their initial appearances in federal court on August 2, 2018. They were ordered held without bond pending an October 1, 2018, jury trial.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Sparta Police Department, Tilden Police Department, Marissa Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff's Office Drug Tactical Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County State's Attorney's Office also assisted in the investigation.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Defendant Information:

Name: Lewis D. Higgins, David Bereitschaft

Age: 54, 39

City: Tilden, IL

Criminal Charge: Conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine

Crime Date: Between 2016 and June 2018

Sentence: Pending trial

Fine: Up to $5,000,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/two-randolph-county-men-indicted-methamphetamine-offense