Jersey County Sheriff’s investigation leads to meth trafficking arrest
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By Steven Spencer
Anthony J. “Tony” Piper
A Jersey County resident is looking at a possible prison term of 18 to 80 years following their arrest last week.
Anthony J. “Tony” Piper, 49, led police on a high speed vehicle pursuit and foot chase on Wednesday, June 4, following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest after a Sheriff’s Office investigation into a group believed to be involved with methamphetamine trafficking.
The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that charges for Conspiracy to Commit Methamphetamine Trafficking were issued on May 23 along with a warrant for Piper’s arrest.
Piper attempted to flee from the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office outside of Virden where he crashed a car into a field before then trying to flee on foot before being apprehended.
The full press release from the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office on Piper’s arrest reads:
“On May 23, 2025, Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten charged Anthony J. “Tony” Piper (age 49) with Conspiracy to Commit Methamphetamine Trafficking, a Class X felony. A warrant was issued for Piper’s arrest.
Those charges stemmed from a Jersey County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) investigation into a small methamphetamine trafficking group involving Piper (a Jersey County resident) and others. The investigation revealed that for several months, the group moved methamphetamine from Missouri to Illinois, where it was believed to have been distributed in Jersey and surrounding counties. It also included the March 17, 2025, vehicle stop and arrest of Dawn M. Wells (age 45), also of Jersey County. On that date, Wells was found in possession of approximately 330 grams (3/4 pound) of crystal methamphetamine, much of which was found in the truck driven by Wells at the time, but known to be owned and operated by Piper. The investigation and subsequent charges are part of the ongoing JCSO drug strategy, targeting the larges scale drug distributors residing in, or affecting, Jersey County.
On June 4, 2025, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrested Piper after a High speed vehicle pursuit outside of Virden, Illinois, wherein Piper crashed in a field, then fled on foot until he was apprehended. The JCSO thanks the MCSO for their assistance and courageous actions in safely arresting Piper.
If conicted, Piper faces a term of imprisonment of 18 to 80 years. Piper is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
