Federal jury hands down crack cocaine conviction

James "Coop" Cooper, 37, of Carbondale was convicted of possessing and dealing crack cocaine by a federal jury in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, U.S. Attorney Ronald Tenpas announced March 30.

The jury found Cooper guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Cooper was acquitted on one count to distribute cocaine.

Cooper is facing up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $3.25 million. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Robertson prosecuted the case.

Tenpas also announced that Archie Dunklin, Jr., and John Tolliver, both of Du Quoin were convicted by a jury in Benton on one count to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine.

Dunklin, 57, and Tolliver, 37, each face a statutory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life and fines up to $4 million each. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Norwood handled the case.