U.S. DISTRICT COURT, BENTON, Ill.—On June 25, 2014, James D. Gunn, 34, of Marion, pled guilty to a two-count indictment, charging unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offenses occurred on October 31, 2013, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Gunn sold cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. During an October 31, 2013, search warrant at Gunn’s Marion residence, agents located a Ruger, Super RedHawk, .44 caliber revolver, cocaine, digital scales, drug packaging materials, and U.S. currency. Upon arrest, Gunn admitted to ownership of the firearm and cocaine. At the plea hearing, Gunn’s bond was revoked and he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, pending an October 30, 2014, sentencing hearing.
On the firearm offense, Gunn faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. On the cocaine offense, Gunn faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Illinois State Police, and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.