Pana Man Indicted on Meth Trafficking and Gun Charges

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A federal grand jury today returned its indictment of a rural Pana, Ill., man, Michael Williams, on methamphetamine trafficking and gun charges. Williams, 49, was arrested on Jan. 26, 2018, and charged by criminal complaint with distribution of methamphetamine. During a court appearance on Jan. 29, U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins ordered that Williams remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The indictment alleges that Williams distributed 50 grams or more of ice methamphetamine on Jan. 24, 2018, and on Jan. 26, that Williams possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and that he possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges Williams possessed six firearms: a .38 caliber revolver; two 12 gauge shotguns; a .40 caliber carbine; .223 rifle; and, a .17 caliber long rifle.

If convicted, the statutory penalty for the charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine is 10 years to life in prison. For possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, the penalty is a mandatory five years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence ordered for the underlying drug crime.

The charges are the result of an investigation by DEA and the Central Illinois Enforcement Group (CIEG.) Officers with the Pana Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office and ATF assisted in the execution of a search warrant at Williams’ residence on Jan. 26, 2018. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crystal Correa. 

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