Nigelle J. Bird, Meth Distribution, Illinois 2024

BENTON, Ill. - Eleven Charged for Meth Distribution in Southern Illinois

Following an investigation into the drug trafficking network in southern Illinois, eleven individuals are facing federal charges for distributing meth in Jackson, Massac, Perry, Saline and Williamson counties.

Nigelle J. Bird, 32, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Jackson County.

Nathan Behrens, 35, of Harrisburg, was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Williamson County.

Darvon D. Ellis, 36, of Harrisburg, is facing two counts of distribution of meth in Saline and Williamson counties.

Jeffrey T. Dancy, 41, of Sparta, was charged with two counts of distribution of meth in Perry County.

Blake Mann, 36, of Carrier Mills, was charged with two federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.

Desmond Nelson, 44, and Chanel Nelson, 47, of Carrier Mills, are each facing three federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.

Tony L. Goss Jr., 36, of Brookport, Kelsey M. Hesser, 27, of Smithland, Kentucky, and Autumn J. Lynn, 40 of Golconda, are facing one federal count of conspiracy to distribute meth in Massac County.

Goss was charged with four additional counts of distribution of meth, Lynn was charged with two additional counts, and Hesser with one additional count.

Joe J. Taylor, 32, of Brookport, is facing two charges of distribution of meth in Massac County and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

"The charged offenders are accused of distributing meth mainly across five rural counties in southern Illinois," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.

"Drug traffickers drive violence and infect our communities," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois.

An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. 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.

DEA led the investigation with assistance from the Carbondale Police Department, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Illinois State Police.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant/Respondent: Nigelle J. Bird

Criminal Charges: One federal count of distribution of meth in Jackson County

City and State: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Exact Date: Not specified

Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending

Dollar Amounts: None specified

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/eleven-charged-drug-trafficking-southern-illinois