Peoria Man Sentenced to 136 Months in Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Andrew Scott Howard, 30, of the 1400 block of West Candletree Drive (formerly of the 1400 block of West Maywood Avenue), was sentenced on November 2, 2022, to 136 months in prison following his convictions on two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government presented evidence that in July 2021, Howard sold 4 ounces of methamphetamine. The completed purchase netted 110.7 grams of actual methamphetamine that tested as 99% pure. Later, in August 2021, Howard again distributed methamphetamine. After analysis, the methamphetamine weighed 106 grams and tested 100% pure. A search warrant was issued early in September 2021 for Howard and his West Maywood residence. Agents found a Smith and Wesson M&P .45 caliber handgun in Howard’s bedroom on the nightstand. The firearm was loaded and had been previously reported stolen. The search also located $1,950 in drug proceeds in the pocket of a coat hanging on the bedroom door. Howard admitted receiving methamphetamine in pound quantities, for a total of 5 pounds.

Howard was indicted in September 2021 and pleaded guilty in June 2022. He has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since entering his guilty plea.

The statutory penalties for distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine are not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment, not more than a $10 million dollar fine, and a minimum five-year to a maximum life term of supervised release.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Macomb Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead Cook represented the United States the prosecution.