SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A federal grand jury has charged three men with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine in central Illinois, specifically in the Beardstown area, and related drug charges. Those charged are Hector Lopez-Herrera, of the 12000 block of Ill. Route 125, Beardstown; Modesto Favela-Chaidez, Chicago, and Jose Rolando Acosta-Hernandez, of the 1000 block of Garm Ave., Beardstown.
The three men were arrested yesterday, in Beardstown, and made their initial appearance in federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins. The defendants waived detention hearings and were ordered to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Trial has been set for April 11, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough.
The indictment alleges that from May 2016 to Jan. 10, 2017, the three conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine obtained from Chicago to others in the Beardstown area. According to allegations in the indictment, as part of the conspiracy, Lopez-Herrera would arrange for Favela-Chaidez to deliver cocaine from the Chicago area to co-conspirators in Cass county, including Acosta-Hernandez. Prior to and after delivery of cocaine by Favela-Chaidez, Lopez-Herrera would allegedly accept payment for the cocaine delivered to Acosta-Hernandez and others.
The charges are the result of investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Illinois State Police; the Central Illinois Enforcement Group; Illinois National Guard, Macomb Police Department; the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office; and, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty for each offense charged is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as sentencing is determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. For conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, the statutory penalty is five to 40 years in prison; if a defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, the penalty is 10 years to life in prison.
Lopez-Herrera and Favela-Chaidez are also each charged with two counts of distribution and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Acosta-Hernandez is charged with four counts of distribution of cocaine. The statutory penalty for each count of these offenses, if convicted, is up to 20 years in prison; with a prior felony drug conviction, the statutory penalty is up to 30 years in prison.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.