Herrin Man Pleads Guilty To Heroin Offenses

On November 5, 2015, James N. Taylor, a/k/a "James Taylor, Jr.", "James Taylor, II," and "Oolie," 47, of Herrin, Illinois, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

The offense occurred between 2014 and July 2015, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Taylor was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. On June 26, 2015, Taylor sold heroin to a confidential source working for law enforcement. During June 2015 searches of Taylor and his Herrin residence, agents located pre-packaged heroin and pre-recorded buy money. Upon his arrest, Taylor admitted that he was involved with others in the distribution of heroin.

Taylor is currently being held without bond pending a February 10, 2016, sentencing hearing. At that time, Taylor faces up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.

The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.