Willianson County Man Charged With Cocaine Offense

Leon S. Johnson, 40, of Herrin, was indicted on November 8, 2016, in a one-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.

The indictment alleges the offense occurred on November 4, 2016, in Williamson County. Johnson made his initial appearance in federal court on November 15, 2016. He was ordered held without bond, pending a January 17, 2017, 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 cocaine offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Herrin Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Office and Illinois National Guard also assisted in the investigation.