Dennis M. Vehlewald, 44, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced on April 20, 2012, to 30 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release in United States District Court in East St. Louis, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. In addition, Vehlewald was ordered to pay a fine of $150 and a special assessment of $100. Vehlewald had pled guilty on January 18, 2012, to Manufacturing and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

According to the Stipulation of Facts filed at the time of the entry of the plea, on April 26, 2010, officers of the Fairmont City Police were dispatched to Thomas Avenue in reference to a suspicious male near an RV. Police met with Vehlewald, who admitted he was wanted on a parole violation from Missouri. Vehlewald stated that he was in the process of purchasing the RV that was present at the scene and blocking the road. Subsequent investigation revealed that the Vehlewald had actually completed the purchase of the vehicle. Police learned that the RV had an open title. Drug paraphernalia and an active methamphetamine laboratory were found in the RV.

“I am thankful that good police work saved us from what was essentially a meth lab on wheels. As you know, meth is toxic and explosive. We all owe the police our thanks for keeping us safe,” noted United States Attorney Wigginton.

Evidence in support of the indictment was obtained in an investigation which was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fairmont City Police Department. This case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return to Top