Crack dealer sentenced to 16 years

Andre Monroe, “Dre,” 28, of East St. Louis, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Benton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Ronald J. Tenpas announced April 20.

Charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, Monroe was sentenced to 16 years in prison, five years of supervised release and was fined $200. Monroe had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment.

The investigation established that from at least June 1993 through August 1994, Monroe was involved with others in the distribution of crack cocaine in the Murphysboro area.

During that time, Monroe and co-defendants Corey Robinson and Michael Scott were transporting crack cocaine from East St. Louis to Murphysboro for distribution.

Monroe remained a fugitive in this case from 1994 until his arrest in April 2003.

According to Tenpas, Monroe received an enhanced sentence based on his possession of a firearm during the crack cocaine conspiracy and based on his obstruction of justice.

Co-defendants Robinson and Scott are currently serving sentences of 17-and-a-half years imprisonment and 15 years imprisonment, respectively, for their involvement in the drug offense.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and U.S. Marshal’s Service.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.