Chicago Man Sentenced For Southern Illinois Crack Cocaine Offense

On March 25, 2015, Maurice L. Christian, a/k/a "Reece," 26, of Chicago, was sentenced on a federal crack cocaine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

Christian, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment, charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200.00. The offense occurred between 2013 and March 2014, in Jackson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Christian was involved with co-defendant Johnathan T. Buck, a/k/a "Buffalo," and others in the distribution of crack cocaine in Carbondale. Buck, Christian, and their associates were transporting crack cocaine from northern Illinois to Carbondale for distribution. On multiple occasions, Buck and Christian sold crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. At sentencing, the district court found that Christian was responsible for 493 grams of crack cocaine. Christian’s sentence was enhanced because he possessed a firearm during his participation in the crack cocaine offense. Buck was previously sentenced to 120 months for his role in the crack cocaine conspiracy.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.

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