East St. Louis Man Sentenced For Narcotics And Firearms Offenses

Lee H. Grinston, 27, of East St. Louis, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 63 months in federal prison on September 6, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

On May 17, 2013, Grinston pled guilty to charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Distribution of Crack Cocaine (two counts), Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm With an Obliterated Serial Number.

All of the charges against Grinston arose from his arrest in the 800 block of 32nd Street in East St. Louis on April 3, 2012. At his change of plea hearing last May, Grinston admitted that he had sold crack cocaine twice on April 3, 2012, and that he had an additional 10 grams of crack cocaine in his possession when he was arrested. Grinston also admitted that he possessed a handgun with an obliterated serial number on April 3, 2012, and that he is a convicted felon.

The investigation which resulted in Grinston’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois (MEGSI).

The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.