Following a two-week coordinated operation led by the FBI, eight individuals are facing federal charges related to distributing meth or possession with intent to distribute in southern Illinois.
A federal grand jury charged:
Sarah L. Elverd, 35, of Centralia, with one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of meth
Alan D. Fleming, 41, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth
John A. Fowler, 49, of Mount Vernon, with eight counts of distribution of meth
James B. Lockwood, 43, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth
Cedric R. Long, 32, of Bluford, with two counts of distribution of meth
Christopher L. Webb, 38, of Mount Vernon, with one count of possession with intent to distribute meth
Scott T. Miller, 40, of Centralia, with two counts of distribution of meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth
Damion D. Thrailkill, 39, of Mount Vernon, with one count of distribution of meth
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft emphasized the dangers of meth, stating, “Dealers know how addictive and destructive meth is for users but choose to infect communities and place profits above people.”
The arrests resulted from a multi-agency investigation targeting crime throughout southern Illinois in late May and early June. The FBI Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force, comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, led the efforts to dismantle violent criminal networks and protect local communities.
Additionally, three individuals were arrested on state charges in Jefferson County. Janay Branch of Mount Vernon pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Anthony Smith, also of Mount Vernon, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute meth. Adrian E. Carruth Jr., of Mount Vernon, was charged with meth delivery (100-400 grams), possession of cocaine (15-100 grams), and conspiracy to distribute meth.
During this operation, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants, seizing firearms, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cannabis, and U.S. currency.
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