Kristain Harris, a 30-year-old resident of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced on Jan. 13 to 120 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and a firearm in Peoria, Illinois. U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley ordered that Harris serve the sentence concurrently for three counts of distributing 50 or more grams of methamphetamine and one count of distributing five grams or more. She will also be subject to five years of supervised release.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address drug trafficking and gun crimes in the community. According to information presented at the sentencing hearing on March 10, beginning in June 2024, a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) purchased methamphetamine from Harris during several recorded transactions in Peoria. In total, ATF agents bought nearly 598 grams of "ice" methamphetamine from her. During one transaction, Harris also sold a nine-millimeter pistol to the informant.
Harris was indicted in September 2024 and pleaded guilty the following October. The statutory penalties for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine include mandatory minimum sentences ranging from five years up to life imprisonment depending on the amount involved.
The investigation was conducted by the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, which includes agents from ATF as well as local police departments and state agencies. Criminal Chief Darilynn J. Knauss prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The sentencing reflects continued efforts by federal authorities to target individuals involved in drug distribution and illegal firearms sales as part of broader strategies aimed at improving public safety.
