Seven Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Methamphetamine Distribution

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Seven individuals, four men and three women, engaged in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in and around the McDonough County, Illinois, area, were sentenced on Friday, October 28, 2022, to multi-year terms in federal prison.

John William Yates, 56, of the 700 block of North Jackson Street in Bushnell, Illinois, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Christopher Allen Yates, 39, of the 1500 block of Jones Street in Joliet, Illinois, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Jeanna Rechkemmer, 36, of the 600 block of East Osborne Street in Bushnell, was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Amber Michelle Phelps, 31, of the 600 block of Sherry Street, in Colchester, Illinois, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Jerel Jay Guarin, 44, of the 600 block of Sherry Street in Colchester, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.

Amanda Sue Edwards, 42, of the 200 block of Poplar Street, in Bardolph, Illinois, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Trenton Lee Sealock, 28, of the 100 block of South Jackson Street in Bardolph, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.

Each of the defendants previously pleaded guilty to the offenses. One remaining member of the conspiracy, Shawn Thomas Connelly, has pleaded guilty and is set to be sentenced on January 5, 2023. 

The statutory penalty for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine is a mandatory minimum term of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be followed by at least five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for distribution of methamphetamine is up to a maximum of 20 years in prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release.

“This investigation and successful prosecution is another example of the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mathew. “The devastating impact methamphetamine has, especially on smaller rural communities, is reflected in the significant penalties imposed in this case.”

“Methamphetamine has plagued our communities and region for many years, which a multitude of adults and children have been negatively impacted by the presence of this substance,” said Jerel Jones, Chief of the Macomb Police Department. “We will tirelessly labor to prevent the usage, sale, and delivery of this drug, as the safety and well-being of our residents remains a priority.”

The Macomb Police Department, and the McDonough County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the cooperation of the McDonough County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.