Cutler Man Pleads Guilty To Being Part Of Methamphetamine Conspiracy

On October 17, 2013, Virgil L. Easton, 35, of Cutler, Illinois, pled guilty in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

The offense occurred between January 2011, and January 2013, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing established that, during the conspiracy, Easton obtained and provided pseudoephedrine to others for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Easton is currently being held without bond pending his January 30, 2014, sentencing hearing. Easton faces up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Ten co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Three co-defendants 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, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Murphysboro Police Department, Sparta Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

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