Two Jackson County Men Indicated on Drug Charges

Two Jackson County, Illinois, men have been indicted on federal methamphetamine-related charges, Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Jonathan R. Moore, a/k/a "J-Mo," 33, of Carbondale, and Elijah S. Lacy, a/k/a "E," 34, of Murphysboro, were indicted in a three-count indictment. Count 1 charges that, between December 2018 and January 28, 2019, Moore and Lacy conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that, on January 28, 2019, Moore knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that, on January 28, 2019, Lacy knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The offenses are alleged to have occurred in Jackson County. Each violation carries a maximum penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years.

The indictment was returned on March 5, 2019. On March 13 and March 14, Lacy and Moore appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Both Moore and Lacy have been ordered held without bond pending a May 20, 2019, jury trial.

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.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service are conducting the ongoing investigation. The Murphysboro Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Carbondale Police Department, and Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.