United States Drug Enforcement Administration

PEORIA, Ill. - A Pekin man faces federal charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin resulting in three deaths.  Anthony Mansini, 22, of the 4400 block of Meadow Drive, made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday and was ordered to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  A trial date has been set for May 6, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid.

A federal grand jury returned the indictment against Mansini last week; however, the case had remained sealed pending his court appearance.  The 11-count indictment charges Mansini with one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin, three counts of distribution of heroin resulting in death, and seven counts of distribution of heroin. 

The charges were announced this afternoon by Jim Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, and Tazewell County State’s Attorney Stewart J. Umholtz, along with Rene Sandoval, Director of the Tazewell County Major Crimes Task Force and the Peoria Metropolitan Enforcement Group; Glenn Haas, Resident Agent in Charge the Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield Resident Office;  Master Sergeant Kenneth Mullen, Illinois State Police; Tazewell County Sheriff Robert M. Huston; Pekin Police Chief Greg Nelson; East Peoria Chief Dick Ganschow; Morton Deputy Chief Jason Miller; and Washington Chief James W. Kuchenbecker. The case is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tate Chambers.

The indictment alleges that from about 2008 to December 2012, Mansini conspired with others to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin and possession of more than 1,000 grams of heroin with intent to distribute.  Mansini is also charged with distribution of heroin that resulted in death on August 25, 2012; November 12, 2012; and on November 15, 2012.  The indictment’s seven remaining counts allege distribution of heroin on various dates in December 2012.

If convicted, each count of conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin, possession of more than 1,000 grams of heroin with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin, carries a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison; or if a defendant has one or more prior felony drug convictions, up to 30 years in prison.  If it is found that death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of the heroin, the penalty is a mandatory 20 years in prison to life sentence. 
           
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.