Randolph County Woman Pleads Guilty To Methamphetamine Offenses

On October 17, 2013, Rachel S. Holt, 40, Sparta, Illinois, pled guilty to three methamphetamine-related offenses, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

Holt pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and two counts of possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea hearing established that, between 2009 and March 2013, Holt was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine in in Jackson, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties. On March 17, 2010, Holt obtained pseudoephedrine at stores in both Sparta and Belleville. On September 30, 2011, Holt and four co-conspirators purchased pseudoephedrine together at Carbondale and Murphysboro stores. The pseudoephedrine was obtained for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Holt is currently being held without bond pending a January 30, 2014, sentencing hearing. At that time, Holt faces 5-40 years in prison, 4 years of supervised release and up to a $5,000,000 fine.

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

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