Southern Illinois Residents Busted in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

Federal authorities have cracked down on a southern Illinois methamphetamine ring, charging five residents with conspiracy to distribute the highly addictive and deadly drug.

According to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, Amber L. Williams, 23, of Percy, Justin M. Rice, 26, of Willisville, Taylor C. Robertson, 20, of Campbell Hill, Bradley M.D. Miller, 28, of Cutler, and Brandon A. Rice-Edwards, a/k/a “Brandon Rice,” 22, of Zeigler, were indicted on October 4, 2016, for their alleged roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy.

The superseding indictment alleges that the methamphetamine offense occurred between 2014 and September 2016, in Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, and Franklin Counties. Miller and Smith made their initial appearances in federal court on October 13, 2016. The other co-defendants have previously made court appearances on the federal charge.

The co-defendants are currently being held without bond pending a December 12, 2016, jury trial, where they face up to 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine if convicted.

An indictment is 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.

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 Offices also assisted in the investigation.

The suspects are accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, a highly addictive and deadly drug that has ravaged communities across the country. If convicted, they will face the consequences of their alleged actions.

Robert J. Smith, Jr., 48, of Tilden, was also charged in the indictment, but it is unclear at this time if he has made a court appearance.

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