Peoria, Ill. – A federal grand jury today returned a two-count indictment charging Jeremy Settles, 38, of Lewistown, Ill., with conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin, both resulting in death. The indictment alleges that in 2010, Settles conspired with others to distribute heroin and that death resulted from use of the drug. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges that Settles purchased heroin in Peoria and elsewhere and distributed it to others. The indictment further alleges that on June 29, 2010, Settles distributed heroin in Lewistown, Ill., and that death resulted from use of the drug.

If convicted, each offense carries a statutory penalty of a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison and up to life in prison.

“The enhanced federal penalties led to our decision to ask federal prosecutors to take this case,” said Fulton County State’s Attorney John Clark. “Hopefully it will deter those who promote or engage others to use illegal drugs.”

“Heroin use and heroin abuse causes damage and destruction to many lives and many families. We are working with our law enforcement partners to address this problem,” said U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis, Central District of Illinois. “The Lewistown Police Department, Canton Police Department, and the agencies of the Illinois State Police West Central Illinois Task Force have done excellent work to appropriately investigate these allegations.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Tate Chambers in cooperation with the office of Fulton County State’s Attorney John Clark.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.