On September 23, 2011, Wilson Howard, a forty-four year old Madison, IL, man pled guilty in federal district court in East St. Louis to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute “Crack” Cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Sentencing is set for December 22, 2011, at which time Howard will face penalties up to life in prison; a fine of up to $4 million, at least 5 years’ supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

Evidence at Howard’s change of plea hearing revealed that during periods of time between August, 2009, and September, 2010, Howard allowed other individuals from the conspiracy to use his residence to sell “crack” cocaine. Under federal law, the fact that Howard allowed other members of the conspiracy to use his residence made Howard a part of the conspiracy and, therefore, responsible for the drug amounts sold.

The investigation which resulted in Howard’s conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.

 

 

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