A Lawrence County man has been sentenced to 17½ years in federal prison on methamphetamine and firearms charges.
David Royse, 47, of Sumner, pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Federal prosecutors say Royse possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine in February 2023 and sold meth on three occasions in 2025. Authorities also found Royse possessed multiple firearms despite a previous felony conviction for methamphetamine production.
Royse’s 210-month federal sentence will run concurrently with any prison terms imposed in pending cases in Lawrence and Richland counties. He will also serve 10 years of supervised release and pay a $500 fine.
Royse has been in custody since his arrest in November 2025.
The investigation involved several agencies, including the Lawrence and Richland County Sheriff’s Departments, Bridgeport and Olney Police, Illinois State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.