JACKSON CO./U.S. DISTRICT COURT, SOUTHERN DISTRICT, ILLINOIS—On November 19, 2014, Maurice Christian, a/k/a “Reece,” 26, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2013 and March 2014, in Jackson County. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Christian was involved with co-defendant Johnathan Buck, a/k/a “Buffalo,” and others in the distribution of crack cocaine in Carbondale. Buck, Christian and their associates were transporting crack cocaine from northern Illinois to Carbondale for distribution. On multiple occasions, Christian sold crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement.
The crack cocaine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000. Christian is currently being held without bond pending a March 25, 2015, sentencing hearing. Co-defendant Buck has previously pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.