A Carbondale resident pled guilty to a charge of possession with intent to distribute crack
cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton,
announced today.

On May 18, 2012, Sammeyale O. Williams, 22, appeared in federal court in Benton and
entered a guilty plea to a one-count Information charging possession with intent to distribute more
than 28 grams of crack cocaine. The factual basis submitted at Williams’s plea hearing established
that, on September 2, 2011, law enforcement personnel executed a search warrant at Williams’s
Carbondale residence. Agents located more than 28 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded firearm, and
United States currency, which included pre-recorded currency from a previous drug transaction. At
the hearing, Williams admitted that he had been involved with 196-280 grams of crack cocaine.

The offense carries a penalty of 5-40 years’ imprisonment, at least 4 years’ supervised
release, and a fine of not more than $5 million. Williams is currently being held without bond
pending his August 16, 2012, sentencing hearing.

The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro
Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, and Drug
Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted throughout
the investigation.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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