NEWS RELEASE OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
A. COURTNEY COX, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
Nine Executive Drive, Fairview Heights, Illinois 62208, Telephone (618) 628-3700 For Immediate Release August 20, 2009
EAST ST. LOUIS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRACK COCAINE OFFENSES
A. Courtney Cox, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on August 20, 2009, RICARDO C. MASON, a/k/a “Bow Wow,” age 22, of East St. Louis, Illinois, pled guilty to an indictment charging three counts of distribution of “crack” cocaine. The violations occurred on April 14, August 6, and August 13, 2008.
Each count carries with it a possible sentence of a term of imprisonment from 5 to 40 years, a fine of not more than $2 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years following release from prison. A sentencing date has been scheduled for November 20, 2009.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), as part of its participation in Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative intended to combat gun and drug crimes. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott for prosecution.