11 charged in regional meth ring
Nearly a dozen individuals from across the region have been arrested and charged in connection with distributing methamphetamine across a five-county area.
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced last week that 11 individuals now face federal charges for distributing meth in Jackson, Massac, Perry, Saline and Williamson counties.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with assistance from the Carbondale Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Illinois State Police.
“The charged offenders are accused of distributing meth mainly across five rural counties in southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “DEA agents and our local law enforcement partners are dedicating resources to help ensure illegal drug distribution operations continue to be identified and disrupted.”
Nigelle J. Bird, 32, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Jackson County.
Nathan Behrens, 35, of Harrisburg was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Williamson County.
Darvon D. Ellis, 36, of Harrisburg is facing two counts of distribution of meth in Saline and Williamson counties.
Jeffrey T. Dancy, 41, of Sparta, was charged with two counts of distribution of meth in Perry County.
Blake Mann, 36, of Carrier Mills was charged with two federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.
Desmond Nelson, 44, and Chanel Nelson, 47, of Carrier Mills are each facing three federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.
Tony L. Goss Jr., 36, of Brookport, Kelsey M. Hesser, 27, of Smithland, Ky., and Autumn J. Lynn, 40 of Golconda are facing one federal count of conspiracy to distribute meth in Massac County. Goss was charged with four additional counts of distribution of meth, Lynn was charged with two additional counts, and Hesser with one additional count.
Joe J. Taylor, 32, of Brookport is facing two charges of distribution of meth in Massac County and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
"Drug traffickers drive violence and infect our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA is committed to removing these individuals from every aspect of society by working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt, dismantle and destroy the criminal organizations they belong to. Our commitment to the citizens of southern Illinois and the American public is steadfast, and doesn’t stop with just one win. We will continually strive to make our streets safe.”