Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Six individuals have been charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in the Quincy, Illinois area. The arrests took place this month as part of an investigation into drug trafficking activities.
Marcus T. Bush, 41, from Alton, Illinois, was arrested on February 21 and appeared before United States District Judge Colleen R. Lawless on the same day. At a detention hearing on February 25, Judge Lawless ordered Bush to be detained pending trial. If convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Bush could face penalties ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment, a fine up to $10 million, and at least ten years of supervised release. For illegal use of communication facilities, he faces up to four years in prison and a fine not exceeding $30,000.
Lasha B. Lewis, 40, from St. Louis, Missouri; Aamina R. Dorsey, 36; and Nicholas A. Strieker, 27; both from Quincy were also arrested on February 21 and appeared before Judge Lawless that day. Lewis and Dorsey were released on bond after their detention hearings on February 25 and February 26 respectively while Strieker was ordered detained pending trial.
Bruce L. Pinnick, 49, also from Quincy was arrested on February 21 and ordered detained pending trial after his hearing on February 27.
Michael A. Bloodson, 42 from Chicago was apprehended on February 27 with his initial court appearance taking place the following day where he was temporarily detained pending a March 6 hearing.
All defendants indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4 face potential penalties including up to life imprisonment for conspiracy charges along with substantial fines if convicted.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Field Office alongside Illinois State Police West Central Illinois Task Force with assistance from various local law enforcement agencies such as Quincy Police Department among others involved in this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks across the nation through coordinated efforts among different agencies.
Assistant U.S Attorney Sarah E Seberger is prosecuting the case reminding that all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty within judicial proceedings.
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