Illinois Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Trafficking Associated with Street Gang
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Todd Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division, and U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois announced that Christopher Wallace, 32, from Springfield, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a wide-spread drug conspiracy involving a Springfield street gang, Boss Playas, which lasted from approximately May 2020 through November 2020.
At the sentencing hearing, Senior U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough found Wallace was accountable for over 10 kilograms of cocaine as a member of the conspiracy. During the hearing, Judge Myerscough noted that the group of conspirators were responsible for distributing large amounts of controlled substances in the Springfield area, which had a negative effect on the community.
Wallace was indicted on Dec. 15, 2020; arrested on Sept. 8, 2022; and pleaded guilty on Feb. 22, 2024. He has remained in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest.
The statutory penalties for the most serious charge of conviction – conspiracy to distribute cocaine – include not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the DEA; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Illinois State Police; and Springfield Police Department Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
