Ronald L. French, 54, Libby J. French, 48, and Zachary H. French, 24, all of Claremont, Illinois, were indicted on methamphetamine related charges returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.

Count 1 charges that from on or about July 2009, until on or about September 2012, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Ronald French, Libby French, And Zachary French conspired to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that from on or about July 2009, until on or about September 2012, in Richland County, Ronald and Libby French did knowingly maintain a place, namely their residence located at 4889 North Stringtown Road, Claremont, Illinois, for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that July 6, 2009, to on or about July 8, 2012, in Richland County, Zachary French possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

With respect to Count 1, all three face from 5-40 years imprisonment, up to a $4,000,000 fine, and no less than 4 years supervised release to follow incarceration. With respect to Count 2, Ronald and Libby French each face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and no more than 3 years supervised release following incarceration. With respect to Count 3, Zachary French faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and no more than 3 years supervised release to follow his incarceration.

An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. 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 investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George A. Norwood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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