A Centralia man has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to various methamphetamine charges.  45 year old Charles R. Hays of the 400 block of Clarida Drive was sentenced on December 14th, to 15 years of imprisonment for possession with the intent to distribute 50 or more grams of actual methamphetamine; possession with the intent to distribute 5 or more grams of actual methamphetamine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

At the sentencing hearing in front of US District Judge Sue E. Myerscough, the government presented evidence that on October 15th, 2019, Hays was arrested during a traffic stop in Owaneco and found in possession of 60.3 grams of 94% pure methamphetamine.  Several weeks later, on November 27th, 2019, Hays was again arrested in Taylorville. During that stop, 8.8 grams of 94% pure methamphetamine and a Smith and Wesson .38 Special, Model 36 revolver loaded with 5 rounds of ammo. 

Hays has prior felony convictions and was previously sentenced to the Department of Corrections for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  Hays was indicted in March of 2020 and plead guilty to all three charges in October of 2021. 

The Illinois State Police, Taylorville Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Springfield Division investigated the case.  Assistant US Attorney Timothy A. Bass represented the government in the prosecution.