Clay County Man Indicted On Methamphetamine Related Charges

Derek L. Cosner, 32, of Mason, IL, was indicted on April 2, 2013, on methamphetamine related charges in an Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.

Cosner was indicted on two charges. Count 1 charges that from February 2011, until on or about February 7, 2013, in Clay County, Cosner conspired with others known and unknown to the grand jury to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that from February 1-7, 2013, Cosner knowingly and intentionally possessed equipment, chemicals, products, or materials, knowing the items would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

With respect to Count 1, Cosner faces 5-40 years in prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and no less than 4 years supervised release to follow his incarceration. With respect to Count 2, Cosner faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and no more than 3 years supervised release to follow his incarceration.

An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force.

The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.