Melvin May, Cocaine and Firearms Sales, Illinois 2026
A convicted felon from Bloomington, Illinois, has been sentenced to federal probation for selling cocaine and firearms in the city.
According to a recent investigation, Melvin May, 44, a former Bloomington resident, sold cocaine and/or firearms in Bloomington on five occasions between September 27, 2024, and October 25, 2024. In total, he sold two firearms and 151.8 grams of cocaine.
May, who had four prior felony convictions, was on probation in McLean County, Illinois, at the time he committed the federal offenses. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The statutory penalties for distribution of a controlled substance (cocaine) are a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment per count, while the felon in possession charges carry a maximum of 15 years' imprisonment per count. Each charge requires the imposition of a minimum three-year term of supervised release.
On May 7, 2026, May was sentenced to five years' probation by United States District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley after pleading guilty to four counts of distribution of a controlled substance (cocaine) and two counts of possession of a firearm as a felon.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and the Illinois State Police investigated the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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