A Murphysboro, IL, man pled guilty on August 25, 2011, in federal court in Benton, to Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

Christopher R. Davenport, 27, of Murphysboro, pled guilty to a one-count, third superseding indictment, charging Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine. Because Davenport has a prior felony drug conviction, his offense carries a penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and 10 years’ supervised release. The offense occurred between 2009, and April 6, 2011, in Jackson, Union, Randolph, and Williamson Counties. Evidence offered at the plea hearing established that Davenport was involved with others in the manufacture, distribution, and use of methamphetamine. On multiple occasions, Davenport stole anhydrous ammonia, which Davenport and others used to manufacture methamphetamine. Davenport admitted that he was responsible for the manufacture of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Davenport is being held without bond pending his December 9, 2011, sentencing hearing. Seventeen co-defendants remaining in the indictment have pled not guilty and are awaiting a September 19, 2011, jury trial. 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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office and United States Marshal Service also assisted during the investigation.

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

 

 

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