BENTON — A federal grand jury in Benton has charged 26 Southern Illinois residents with meth-related offenses in an indictment that was
suppressed until Wednesday so arrests could be made.
Seven of those named were charged with conspiracy to manufacture
methamphetamine, Stephen R. Wigginton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced.
They are Gary D. "Chuck" Parini, 38, of Bush; Brittaney M. Howell,
Johnston City; Jennifer L. Wilkie, 40, West Frankfort; Michael E.
Stroud, 42, Carterville; Elaina M. Holland, 32, Freeman Spur; Craig E.
Stumpe, 46, Freeman Spur; and Nicholas C. Biggs, 22, Royalton.
Those charged with providing pseudoephedrine to meth manufacturers are:
Richard E. Larson, 51, Benton; Amy J. Melvin, 34, West Frankfort; Amy J.
Innis, 37, Zeigler; Joshua Murphy, 33, Zeigler; Christa L. Gray, 26,
Valier; Melody J. Kostanek, 38, Marion; Jason E. Curry, 40, Christopher;
Rebecca S. Pena, 55, Johnston City; Melissa A. Pena, 21, Johnston City;
Lee Haught, Johnston City; Jeri Haught, 43, Johnston City; Sheila R.
Haught, 53, Johnston City; Sean J. Riley, 30, Johnston City; Casey A.
Riley, 29, Johnston City; Tina M. Monteith, 29, Herrin; Devin D. Duncan, 28, Herrin; Betty Colp, 24, Herrin; Tina K. Hill, 46, Creal Springs; and Gynelle L. Ledbetter, 41, Creal Springs.
Those charged with conspiracy to manufacture meth face a term of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Those charged with
providing pseudoephedrine pills to others face a term of up to 20 years
in prison and a $250,000 fine.
