Meth Manufacturer Sentenced To Lengthy Federal Prison Term

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On March 20, 2014, Eric L. Kellems, 43, of Madison, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

Kellems, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 192 months in federal prison, to be followed by 6 years on supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between June 2012 and January 28, 2013, in Jackson and Randolph Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Kellems was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, Kellems obtained over 70 grams of pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Kellems received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.

The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

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