Two Illinois men were sentenced to prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin.
According to a March 30 Department of Justice news release, Silvis, Ill., residents William E. Sykes Jr., 54, and Dionte Marquell Brown, 25, were sentenced March 29 for their respective roles in distribution of heroin and conspiring to distribute heroin. Sykes was sentenced to 16 years in prison and a three-year term of supervised release. Brown was sentenced to 15 years in prison and three years of supervised release.
“This case starkly demonstrates what drug dealers can expect when they choose to sell poisonous drugs in our communities," Attorney Grant Hodges. "Our office commends the Silvis Police Department’s dedication and perseverance in working up the chain to target drug dealers in our community. Their collaboration with the FBI is a successful example of leveraging the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against drug dealers who profit off of vulnerable individuals with little care for the potentially tragic effects.”
Court documents reveal the two men sold heroin from the apartment they lived in with Brown's sister, Mary Ann Brown, according to the release. Law enforcement reportedly discovered the heroin and other supplies when executing a search warrant for the apartment. Sykes was reportedly convicted for distribution of heroin and conspiring to distribute heroin, and Brown was convicted of conspiring to distribute heroin.
“With this sentencing, two more drug dealers have been effectively stopped from spreading dangerous narcotics into Illinois communities," said David Nanz, special agent in charge of the FBI Springfield field office. "This case highlights the danger posed to communities when drug dealers recklessly push illegal substances without regard for the deadly consequences. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to be vigilant and aggressive in our pursuit of criminals whose actions endanger others.”
