Two Richland County Women Sentenced On Methamphetamine Related Charges

Two Richland County women were sentenced today to federal prison terms on methamphetamine related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.

Libby J. French, 49, of Claremont, IL, was sentenced to 87 months in prison, to four years supervised release following her imprisonment, and fined $300. French had previously pleaded guilty to a two count federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from on or about July 2009, until on or about September 2012, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Libby French and others conspired to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that from on or about July 2009, until on or about September 2012, in Richland County, Libby French did knowingly maintain a place, namely his residence in Claremont, Illinois, for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Libby French’s husband, Ronald French, was previously sentenced to 135 months in prison. Her son, Zachary French, was previously sentenced to 108 months in prison. They were convicted of similar offenses.

Debra J. Harms, 41, of Olney, IL, was sentenced to 97 months in prison, to four years supervised release, and fined $300. Harms previously pleaded guilty to one count in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from February 2011, until on or about October 2012, in Richland County and Edwards County, Harms conspired with others to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

The investigations were conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.

The cases are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.