Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty To Crack Cocaine Offenses

Follow @SDILNews

On August 15, 2014, Eric Scott Russell, 48, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to a two-count superseding indictment, charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The offenses occurred between 2012 and April 2013, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Russell was involved with co-defendant Albert Wesley, a/k/a “Boogie,” and others in the distribution of crack cocaine. On April 7, 2013, Russell sold crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. Russell faces a prison term of up to 20 years on each count, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine. Russell is currently being held without bond pending a December 3, 2014, sentencing hearing. Wesley has previously pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.

The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.