SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In a chilling verdict delivered on May 29, 2024, James Russwinkel, a resident of the 20th block of Country Lake Road in Springfield, Illinois, was found guilty by a federal jury of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearms or ammunition as a convicted felon.
The trial, which spanned two days, revealed that on May 8, 2020, Russwinkel, a known felon, was stopped for an outstanding warrant by Springfield Police Officers. During the stop, police discovered a loaded 9mm magazine and round, along with a substantial amount of cash. A subsequent search of his vehicle yielded a black backpack containing over 26 grams of methamphetamine in multiple bags, a 9mm pistol without its magazine, and additional currency totaling $14,637.
The jury concluded that Russwinkel intended to distribute the methamphetamine and had used the firearm to further his drug trafficking activities. Additionally, the court found that he was in possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, a violation of his legal status.
Russwinkel remains in custody pending sentencing, set for October 2, 2024, at 1:30 P.M., at the U.S. Courthouse in Springfield. He faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison on the methamphetamine charge, an additional five years for using a firearm to further drug trafficking, and up to ten years for possessing firearms as a felon.
The charges against Russwinkel were the result of a joint investigation by the Springfield Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanner K. Jacobs and Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government during the trial.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative effort aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on fostering trust, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results to ensure safer neighborhoods.
RELATED: D.C. Felon Jailed for Stolen Glock
RELATED: DC Felon Gets 2 Years for Stolen Glock
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News