Greene County man sentenced to DOC for meth possession
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By Carmen Ensinger
Another drug user is off the streets in Greene County following a guilty plea in Greene County Circuit Court for drug possession.
Greene County State’s Attorney Craig Grummel announced that Geoffrey J. Scott, 45, was sentenced to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony. As part of this negotiated plea, two additional felony charges were dismissed.
Scott appeared in Greene County Circuit Court in front of Judge Zachary Schmidt on June 1 and entered a plea of guilty to possession more than 15 grams, but less than 100 grams of methamphetamine. He received the eight-year prison sentence and was given credit for 42 days previously served in Greene County Jail.
As part of the sentence, Scott was also recommended for substance abuse programming while in jail.
The case was investigated by the Carrollton Police Department with assistance from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and the White Hall Police Department.
“Methamphetamine continues to devastate families throughout Greene County,” Grummel said. “Every person who appears before the Court has family members who care about them, and the pain experienced by loved ones is often one of the most tragic consequences of addiction and criminal behavior.”
Grummel said he knows Scott personally, so his downward spiral is doubly hard to see.
“Mr. Scott is someone I have known for a long time and I do not take any satisfaction in seeing anyone sent to prison,” he said. “However, there comes a point where accountability must take precedence. Criminal conduct cannot be repeated without consequence.”
And most of the time, that consequence results in a prison sentence.
“I hope this sentence sends a clear message,” Grummel said. “If you choose to involve yourself with methamphetamine, especially in significant quantities, you should expect serious consequences. Law enforcement agencies throughout Greene County and the surrounding counties are working together every day to combat illegal drug activity and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those offenses.”
Grummel said for those struggling with addiction, help is available. Greene County and surrounding counties are fortunate to have treatment providers, recovery programs and community resources available to those who seek assistance.
“I encourage individuals and families to reach out before addiction leads to another victim, another broken family or another prison sentence,” Grummel said. “I want to thank the Carrollton Police Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Department and White Hall Police Department and the many law enforcement agencies that continue to address drug activity throughout Greene County and the surrounding region.”