United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BENTON, IL. - Stephen R. Wigginton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that a Carbondale, Illinois man was sentenced in federal court in Benton to life in prison on August 8, 2011, on a conviction for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

On August 8, 2011, 26-year-old Bryant Maybell, a./k/a “B,” of Carbondale, was sentenced to a life imprisonment term for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. Maybell was also ordered to pay a $1,250 fine.

At Maybell’s January 2011 jury trial, the evidence established that Maybell and his associates belonged to a group called “JACKMOB.” From at least January 2005, through October 2009, the group was distributing crack cocaine in Carbondale, primarily in the Jackson Street area. Maybell and the others often carried guns during the drug distribution. On August 6, 2006, Maybell was arrested in possession of prepackaged crack cocaine. On March 2, 2007, Maybell sold over a 1/4 ounce of crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. On November 15, 2007, when agents executed a search warrant at a Marion residence where Maybell and an associate were staying, agents located 92 grams of crack cocaine, 33 grams of cocaine, and a loaded .9 mm pistol.

“I hope this prison term, seemingly extreme to some, but fully justified by the law and the facts in this case, will serve as a deterrent to offenders who persist in dealing poison to the communities in Southern Illinois. May it also serve as deterrent force to others who want to follow in Maybell’s footsteps. The law, the Courts, and my Office will not abide with three-time offenders who simply will not conform their conduct to the requirements of society.” said USA Wigginton. “Mr. Maybell made conscious and deliberate decisions to waste his life. Perhaps others can learn from his example. No one takes pleasure in seeing such a waste of a young life.” added Wigginton.

At the August 8, 2011, sentencing hearing, the district judge determined that Maybell was responsible for the distribution of more than 2.8 kilograms of crack cocaine. Maybell was also assessed a sentencing enhancement based on his possession of a firearm. The imposition of the life sentence was mandatory because Maybell had two prior state felony drug convictions. Maybell’s seven co-defendants were previously sentenced to prison terms ranging from 78 to 240 months for their involvement in the crack cocaine distribution. In addition, two other co-conspirators have received 240- month prison terms.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Illinois State Police, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Carbondale Police Department. In addition, the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted throughout the investigation.

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