Richland County Men Arrested on Federal Drug Charges

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Published on January 8 2018 4:22 pm
Last Updated on January 8 2018 4:22 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Three Richland County men have been indicted on methamphetamine related charges in separate indictments returned by a federal grand jury.

Brian E. Adkins, age 35, of Olney was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charged that from February 2015, until on or about December 11, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Adkins conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on August 30, 2015, in Richland County, Adkins distributed methamphetamine. With respect to Count 1, Adkins faces ten years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years. With respect to Count 2, Adkins faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.

Brandon L. Atwood, age 33, of Olney was charged in a four-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2015, until on or about December 29, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Atwood conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on November 4, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that on November 5, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 4 charges that on December 29, 2017, Atwood possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine. With respect to Count 1, Atwood faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years. With respect to Counts 2-4, Atwood faces on each count up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.

Robert A. Harden, age 44, of Calhoun was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 chargesthat from 2016, until on or about August 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Harden conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on January 20, 2017, in Effingham County, Harden possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. With respect to Count 1, Harden faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years. With respect to Count 2, Harden faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.

The investigations in this case were conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Flora Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police.