Carbondale Man Pleads Guilty To Heroin Offense

On February 14, 2014, Michael Burns, 45, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

Evidence at the plea hearing established that, between August 2012, and August 23, 2013, Burns was involved with others in the distribution of heroin in Carbondale, Jackson County. On multiple occasions between November 2012 and August 2013, Burns sold heroin to confidential sources working for law enforcement. When agents executed a search warrant at Burns’ Carbondale residence, they located heroin, cannabis, drug packaging materials, and a large amount of United States currency. At his plea hearing, Burns admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of more than one kilogram of heroin and 200-300 grams of cocaine. Burns is currently being held without bond pending a May 22, 2014, sentencing hearing. The heroin offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $1,000,000 fine.

The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police Tactical Response Team also assisted during the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.