On May 4, 2012, a Carbondale, Ill. man pled guilty in federal court in Benton to an
indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for
the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

Todd A. Cavins, 32, entered a guilty plea to the one-count superseding indictment charging
conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The conspiracy offense occurred
between 2009, and July 25, 2011, in Jackson and Williamson Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing
established that Cavins was involved with others in the manufacture, distribution, and use of
methamphetamine. Cavins was involved in anhydrous ammonia thefts and would also collect
pseudoephedrine pills from others to use during methamphetamine cooks. Cavins admitted that he
was involved in the manufacture of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

The offense carries a penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $20
million, and a term of supervised release of at least 10 years. Co-defendant Donald E. Norris has
been sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy. Two co-defendants have
pled not guilty and are awaiting a June 25, 2012, jury trial. These individuals are presumed to be
innocent until the government has presented evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that they are guilty.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office,
Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Desoto Police Department,
Marion Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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