Rock Island, Ill. – A federal grand jury today charged Anthony Tyrone Shears, 46, of the 2400 block of 6th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The indictment alleges Shears possessed five grams or more of crack cocaine on or about February 25, 2009, in Rock Island, with the intent to distribute.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Rock Island Police Department and the FBI Quad Cities Gang Task Force in cooperation with the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Darrow is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Shears faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison for the drug offense.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.