MOUNT VERNON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MARIJUANA CONSPIRACY CHARGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MARIJUANA AND COCAINE

A. Courtney Cox, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on May 13, 2009, JUSTIN KRIVI, a/k/a Justin Wheeler, age 28, of Mt. Vernon, IL, pled guilty after two days of trial to Count 1, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; Count 2, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; and Count 3, possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. KRIVI faces a sentence of 10 years’ to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $4,000,000, and at least 5 years’ mandatory supervised release. Sentencing is set for June 8, 2009. In addition, KRIVI agreed to forfeit $500,000 in cash, the real property located at 306 Kavanaugh, Pocahontas, IL, and a 2001, Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.