Superseding Indictment Charges Peoria Man with Distribution of Heroin and Acryl Fentanyl Resulting in Death

Peoria, Ill. – A Peoria, Ill., man, Isaiah “Rico” Richardson, is scheduled to appear in federal court on Jan. 30, after a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment late yesterday that charges him with distribution of heroin and acryl fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person in June 2017. In addition, the indictment charges Richardson, 28, of the 2200 block of Monroe Street, with distribution of heroin, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute in June 2017.

The superseding indictment alleges that on or about June 10, 2017, Richardson distributed a mixture of heroin and acryl fentanyl, a synthetic opioid and analogue of fentanyl, and that death resulted from its use, specifically, the death of D.W. on or about June 11. In addition, the indictment alleges that Richardson possessed a Ruger .45 caliber handgun on June 29, when he was arrested.

Richardson was previously charged by complaint and was indicted in July on the charge of distribution of heroin. The affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint alleges that Richardson regularly sold heroin to users and that he sold heroin that resulted in at least one nonfatal drug overdose in June 2017. At the time, according to public records, Richardson had been released on bond on May 5, 2017, for a state charge of unlawful possession of heroin with intent to deliver, which remains pending in Peoria County Circuit Court. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley has ordered that Richardson remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pekin Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Legge is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the statutory penalty for distributing heroin and acryl fentanyl that results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person is 20 years to life in prison. If convicted on the other drug charges, the penalty is up to 30 years in prison, and the firearm charge carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison.

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