JACKSONVILLE MAN INDICTED ON FEDERAL METHAMPHETAMINE DISTRIBUTION CHARGE

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — A 24-year-old Jacksonville man faces a federal drug distribution charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Morgan County.

Justin McGee was arrested Tuesday and pleaded not guilty Thursday to a federal indictment alleging methamphetamine distribution. Federal authorities are seeking to detain him pending further court proceedings.

If convicted, the charge carries a statutory sentence of 10 years to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $10 million.

Court records identify release conditions barring contact with two Springfield residents, Michael Smith, 32, and Marquesa Davis-Morton, 39, who face separate federal methamphetamine conspiracy and firearms-related charges. Both have pleaded not guilty. Authorities have not established whether the prosecutions are connected.

An indictment is an accusation, not a finding of guilt. McGee is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

PHOTO: Illustrative DEA agents file photograph. The agents pictured are not identified as participants in this Jacksonville investigation.