BENTON — A Marion man will serve more than 10 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Steven D. Weinhoeft announced Wednesday that 35-year-old Timothy O. Meadows will serve the time after pleading guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of meth and distribution of more than 5 grams of meth.

The indictment alleged that the offenses occurred between April of 2017 and January of this year in Williamson County. At sentencing, the district court found that Meadows was responsible for the distribution of approximately 450 grams of ice, or meth with a purity level of at least 80 percent.  Meadows received an enhanced sentence because he kept a loaded crossbow nearby while dealing meth.\

The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, SWAT Team, and the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.