Eight people charged following drug bust in Illinois

ILLINOIS — Eight individuals have been federally charged following a two-week coordinated operation targeting methamphetamine distribution in southern Illinois, officials announced.

A federal grand jury indicted the following suspects:

• Sarah L. Elverd, 35, of Centralia, charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
• Alan D. Fleming, 41, of Mount Vernon, charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
• John A. Fowler, 49, of Mount Vernon, charged with eight counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
• James B. Lockwood, 43, of Mount Vernon, charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
• Cedric R. Long, 32, of Bluford, charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
• Christopher L. Webb, 38, of Mount Vernon, charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Scott T. Miller, 40, of Centralia, charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Damion D. Thrailkill, 39, of Mount Vernon, charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

“Dealers know how addictive and destructive meth is for users but choose to infect communities and place profits above people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

The arrests stem from a multi-agency investigation carried out in late May and early June, led by the FBI Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force.

This task force consists of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers focused on dismantling violent criminal networks and protecting communities.

“These arrests send a clear message,” said Karen Marinos, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Springfield Division.

“We’re taking a more aggressive posture toward violent crime. No matter how remote the area or how insulated the group thinks it is—if you threaten the safety of our communities, we will act swiftly and decisively.”

“This operation was only possible because of the strong coordination among our law enforcement partners—a partnership that grows stronger every day. When we work together with a unified mission, there’s nowhere left for violent criminals to hide.”

In addition to the federal arrests, three individuals were charged with state offenses in Jefferson County:

• Janay Branch of Mount Vernon pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
• Anthony Smith of Mount Vernon faces one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
• Adrian E. Carruth Jr. of Mount Vernon was charged with meth delivery (100-400 grams), possession of cocaine (15-100 grams), and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Law enforcement also executed multiple search warrants during the operation, seizing firearms, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cannabis, and U.S. currency.

Indictments are formal charges, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Agencies assisting in the investigation include the U.S. Marshals Service’s Benton and East St. Louis offices, Carlyle Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Bond County Sheriff’s Office, Centralia Police Department, and the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Charges against the federally arrested individuals were filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests or charges may be announced.