Pembrook Man Pleads Guilty To Crack Cocaine Conspiracy

On May 11, 2013, Percy C. Jefferson, 34, of Pembrook, IL, pled guilty in United States District Court in Benton to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

The offense occurred between February 2003, and April 27, 2006, in Jackson and Jefferson Counties, Illinois. Jefferson had been a fugitive until September 12, 2012, when he was arrested by members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Jefferson was involved with others in the distribution of crack cocaine in the Murphysboro area. Jefferson admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of more than 840 grams of crack cocaine.

Jefferson is currently being held without bond pending an August 29, 2013, sentencing hearing. At that time, Jefferson faces a term of imprisonment from 20 years to life, 10 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $20,000,000. Eight co-defendants have previously been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 120 months - 288 months for their role in the crack cocaine conspiracy.

The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation and is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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