Drug Conspiracy Indictment Announced
Seven Southern Illinois residents were indicted on November 6, 2012, in a one-count superceding indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The announcement of this indictment was delayed in order to allow for the arrests of the charged individuals.
Steven A. Zweigart, II., a/k/a “Swag,” 36, of Chester, Michael J. Jaimet, 30, of Percy, David A. Shockley, 35, of Murphysboro, Christopher R. Stacy, 25, of Percy, Jeremy R. Rettig, 31, of Cutler, Kathy L. Griffin, 36, of Percy, and Gerilynn Bennett, 40, of Percy, were charged in a onecount superceding indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The offense occurred between January, 2011, and October 12, 2012, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. The offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
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, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Murphysboro Police Department, Sparta Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
