United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BENTON, Ill. – Following an investigation into the drug trafficking network in southern Illinois, eleven individuals are facing federal charges for distributing meth in Jackson, Massac, Perry, Saline and Williamson counties in Illinois. 

Nigelle J. Bird, 32, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Jackson County.

Nathan Behrens, 35, of Harrisburg, Ill., was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Williamson County.

Darvon D. Ellis, 36, of Harrisburg, is facing two counts of distribution of meth in Saline and Williamson counties. 

Jeffrey T. Dancy, 41, of Sparta, Ill., was charged with two counts of distribution of meth in Perry County.

Blake Mann, 36, of Carrier Mills, Ill., was charged with two federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.

Desmond Nelson, 44, and Chanel Nelson, 47, of Carrier Mills, are each facing three federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.

Tony L. Goss Jr., 36, of Brookport, Illinois, Kelsey M. Hesser, 27, of Smithland, Kentucky, and Autumn J. Lynn, 40 of Golconda, Illinois, are facing one federal count of conspiracy to distribute meth in Massac County. Goss was charged with four additional counts of distribution of meth, Lynn was charged with two additional counts, and Hesser with one additional count. 

Joe J. Taylor, 32, of Brookport, is facing two charges of distribution of meth in Massac County and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

“The charged offenders are accused of distributing meth mainly across five rural counties in southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “DEA agents and our local law enforcement partners are dedicating resources to help ensure illegal drug distribution operations continue to be identified and disrupted.”

"Drug traffickers drive violence and infect our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA is committed to removing these individuals from every aspect of society by working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt, dismantle and destroy the criminal organizations they belong to. Our commitment to the citizens of southern Illinois and the American public is steadfast, and doesn’t stop with just one win. We will continually strive to make our streets safe.”

An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. 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.

DEA led the investigation with assistance from the Carbondale Police Department, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Illinois State Police.