Williamson County Man Charged With Methamphetamine Offense

On June 6, 2017, a Williamson County man was indicted for a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.

Rex A. Hopper, 43, of Creal Springs, was charged in a one-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred on January 2016 and May 31, 2017, in Williamson and Franklin Counties. Hopper made his initial appearance in federal court on June 9, 2017. He was ordered held without bond pending a June 12, 2017, detention hearing.

The methamphetamine offenses carry a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.

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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson and Franklin County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.