Jacksonville, Il Man Charged With Methamphetamine Offenses

Springfield, Ill. – A Jacksonville, Ill., man, James Trotter, 27, no street address available, arrested yesterday, made his initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in Springfield before U.S. Magistrate Judge Byron G. Cudmore. Trotter was ordered to remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date of Oct. 1, 2013, has been scheduled before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough.

The indictment, returned on Aug. 7, 2013, but sealed pending Trotter’s arrest and initial court appearance, alleges that from about Feb. 7, 2013, to May 31, 2013, Trotter conspired with others to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. Trotter is also charged with two counts of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; one count of possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture meth; and three counts of using or maintaining a building to manufacture meth: at 760 W. Douglas Ave.; 1033 E. Morton Ave., Lot 26; and 102 S. Marnico Lane, Jacksonville, Ill.

If convicted, the statutory penalty for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine is five to 40 years in prison; for each count of the offenses of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture meth; and for maintaining a building for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine, the statutory penalty is up to 20 years in prison.

The charge is the result of an investigation by the Illinois State Police, Jacksonville Police Department, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan D. Freres in cooperation with the office of Morgan County State’s Attorney Robert V. Bonjean III.

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