Kelvin Eugene Patterson, Jr., 39, of Peoria, Illinois, received a twelve-year prison sentence on March 4, 2025. His sentence is followed by four years of supervised release for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. Patterson was also fined $26,140, separate from the forfeited monies in the case.
In May 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Patterson on drug and firearm charges. A superseding indictment later included Marcus L. Burnside (also known as "Pooty"), 30, of Peoria. In June 2024, Burnside admitted guilt to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Patterson pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge in November 2024.
Burnside was sentenced on October 23, 2024, to ten years in prison—two consecutive five-year terms for conspiracy and firearm possession related to drug trafficking. He will also serve four years of supervised release after imprisonment.
During the sentencing hearing before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm, evidence showed that Patterson and Burnside conspired from March 2021 through April 2023 to distribute marijuana. They used a loft apartment on Main Street in Peoria for storage and distribution purposes. Law enforcement observed individuals leaving the building who were subsequently searched; various quantities of marijuana were seized during these stops. In total, they were responsible for distributing and possessing 310 kilograms (683 pounds) of marijuana.
Judge Mihm noted that Patterson's above-guideline sentence was warranted due to the seriousness of the conduct involved in this conspiracy.
Both men must forfeit items seized during a raid on their Main Street apartment: a Glock model 30 .45 caliber handgun; $23,860; and a money counter.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy involving more than 100 kilograms of marijuana range from five to forty years' imprisonment and up to a $5 million fine with at least four years' supervised release. For possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, penalties include five years to life imprisonment served consecutively with other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years' supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force with assistance from several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Peoria Police Department; Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections; Illinois State Police; and Internal Revenue Service.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative uniting law enforcement at all levels with communities they serve aiming at reducing violent crime and gun violence while enhancing neighborhood safety. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy strengthening PSN based on principles such as fostering community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations preventing violence proactively.