Two Californians Charged In Methamphetamine Conspiracy

Two California residents were indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, for methamphetamine-related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.

Marcos Becerra, 29, and Francisco Ramirez-Quintero, 44, both of Richmond, CA, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute more than a 500 grams of methamphetamine and for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The two face a minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of life in federal prison if convicted. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing. The charges are related to a June 24, 2014, seizure of methamphetamine.

The investigation is being conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Cahokia Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.