California Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Firearm Charges in Illinois

In a significant blow to the war on drugs, a California man has pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and to possessing a loaded semi-automatic pistol during and in relation to that crime.

Thomas Gregory Lilley, 36, of Fontana, California, entered his guilty plea today in United States District Court in Benton, Illinois. According to authorities, the offenses occurred on April 24, 2014 in Fairfield, Illinois.

Lilley faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and 3 years to life on supervised release following his incarceration on the methamphetamine charge. He also faces a consecutive 5 years to life, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years supervised release on the firearm charge.

Lilley has been held in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest on federal charges in May. He was returned to the custody of the Marshal to await sentencing on February 18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Benton.

The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin. This development serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and keep our communities safe.

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