United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS - James P. Shroba, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA St. Louis Division, today announced that Julian V. Rodriguez, 22, of Johnston City, Illinois, was sentenced to 188 months in prison after being convicted on the charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and the distribution of methamphetamine.

Rodriguez had previously pleaded guilty to his charges, admitting that he committed these acts between December 2016 and January 23, 2017. In both his plea and sentencing hearing, evidence presented detailed how Rodriguez and his co-defendant, Johnathon Long, were involved in the distribution of both crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “Ice,” as well as marijuana. Ice is methamphetamine that has a purity level of at least 80%.

In January of 2017, Rodriguez sold ice to a law enforcement confidential source. Investigators later conducted a search warrant at the residence of Rodriguez and Long, where they collected multiple firearms, over 200 grams of ice, marijuana, and a large amount of U.S. currency. During sentencing, Rodriguez was found to be responsible for distributing at least 1.13 kilograms of ice and at least 224.9 kilograms of marijuana. Rodriguez also received sentence enhancements for his possession of firearms and maintaining a residence for the distribution of drugs. Rodriguez’ co-defendant, Long, is currently pending sentencing.

The DEA and the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group investigated this case, and also received assistance by the Williamson County, Illinois, States Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.