Drug Indictments Touch Cutler, Percy and Chester

Seven Southern Illinois residents have been indicted in a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

The announcement of this indictment was delayed in order to allow for the arrests of the charged individuals.

Steven A. Zweigart, II., a/k/a "Swag," 36, of Chester, Michael J. Jaimet, 30, of Percy, David A. Shockley, 35, of Murphysboro, Christopher R. Stacy, 25, of Percy, Jeremy R. Rettig, 31, of Cutler, Kathy L. Griffin, 36, of Percy, and Gerilynn Bennett, 40, of Percy, were charged in a one count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

The offense occurred between January, 2011, and October 12, 2012, in Perry, Jackson and Randolph Counties. The offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years' imprisonment, three years' supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

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.

The on-going investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Perry County Sheriff's Office, Percy Police Department, Murphysboro Police Department, Sparta Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.