Chester Woman Sentenced On Drug Charges

On January 25, 2013, a Randolph County resident was sentenced in U.S. District Court on methamphetamine related charges, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

Penelope J. Reed, a/k/a “Penny Warren,” 38, of Chester, IL, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, and fined $400. On September 13, 2012, a jury convicted Reed of one count of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and three counts of possessing pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. The offenses occurred between September, 2006, and October, 2011, in Randolph, Jackson, and Williamson Counties. Evidence at trial and sentencing established that Reed was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Reed purchased pseudoephedrine pills for others to use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Reed also allowed her Chester residence to be used for the manufacture of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court found that Reed was responsible for over 230 grams of pseudoephedrine. Seven co-conspirators have previously been sentenced for their involvement in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Two co-conspirators have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Chester Police Department, Murphysboro Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and Robinson Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.