Ongoing Methamphetamine Indictments Announced

A southern Illinois resident and St. Louis resident were indicted on February 2, 2016, for a methamphetamine offense, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.

Brandon L. Watson, a/k/a "Dubb," 28, of Metropolis, and Gary M. Skinner, 61, of St. Louis, are charged in a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between May 2015 and October 26, 2015, in Williamson and Massac Counties. Both Watson and Skinner are being held without bond pending a March 28, 2016, jury trial.

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 methamphetamine offense carries a penalty of up to 5-40 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years’ supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Illinois State Police, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Massac County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

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