SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — A 32-year-old Mt. Vernon man has been sentenced to in federal court to 14 years in prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy.

Joshua A. Pearce, also known as ‘Josh’ and ‘Junior’ had previously pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

Court records say the offense occurred between 2017 and September 2018, in Williamson and Jefferson Counties.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Pearce was involved with others in the unlawful distribution of ice.  Ice is methamphetamine, which has a purity level of at least 80 percent.

Pearce was found to have routinely transported dealer amounts of ice from Mt. Vernon to Herrin for distribution.

At sentencing, the district court found that Pearce was responsible for the distribution of 1.7 kilograms of ice.

The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group.

The Mt. Vernon Police Department and Herrin Police Department assisted in the investigation.