BENTON — Two Jackson County men have been indicted on federal methamphetamine-related charges

U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft announced Monday that 33-year-old Jonathan R. Moore of Carbondale and 34-year-old Elijah S. Lacy of Murphysboro were indicted in a three-count indictment.

Count 1 charges that between December 2018 and Jan. 28, 2019, Moore and Lacy conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Count 2 charges that on Jan. 28, 2019, Moore knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Count 3 charges that on Jan. 28, 2019, Lacy knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The offenses are alleged to have occurred in Jackson County. Each violation carries a maximum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, up to a $10 million fine and supervised release of not less than 5 years.

The indictment was returned on March 5, 2019. On March 13 and March 14, Lacy and Moore appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Both Moore and Lacy have been ordered held without bond pending a jury trial on May 20.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service are conducting the ongoing investigation. The Murphysboro Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Carbondale Police Department and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.