Springfield Man Found Guilty of Meth Trafficking and Firearm Offenses, Faces Decades in Prison

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on May 29, 2024, against James Russwinkel, a resident of the 20th block of Country Lake Road in Springfield, Illinois.

Russwinkel was convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon. His sentencing is scheduled for October 2, 2024, at 1:30 P.M., at the U.S. Courthouse in Springfield, Illinois, before U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless.

During two days of testimony, the government presented evidence that, on May 8, 2020, Russwinkel, a convicted felon, was stopped while driving and subsequently arrested by Springfield Police Officers due to an outstanding warrant. During a search of Russwinkel, officers found a loaded 9mm magazine, a loose 9mm round, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

A further search of the vehicle revealed a black backpack within arm’s reach of Russwinkel containing over 26 grams of methamphetamine in multiple bags, a 9mm pistol without its magazine, and an even larger amount of U.S. currency. In total, $14,637 was seized.

The jury determined that Russwinkel possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug distribution activities. Additionally, they found that Russwinkel, as a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed the firearm and ammunition.

Russwinkel remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. He faces statutory penalties of not less than five years and up to forty years in prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine; not less than five years in prison consecutive to the drug charge for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and up to ten years in prison for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon.

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