Three southern Illinois residents were indicted on July 9, 2013, in an indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Michael J. Lasky, 55, and Daniel M. Caraker, 51, both of DuQuoin, and Lori A. Helmer, 49, Elkville, are charged in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and June 2013, in Perry, Jackson and Randolph Counties. The three co-defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances in United States District Court in Benton on July 19, 2013.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Lasky, Caraker, and Helmer face a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a $1,000,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, DuQuoin Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Perry County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
