A Rockford man was sentenced on May 21 to fourteen years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as illegally possessing a firearm. Rishawn Jones admitted in a plea agreement that in May 2024 he possessed controlled substances at multiple locations, including his vehicle and a storage unit. The storage unit also contained a 9-millimeter pistol.
The crime occurred while Jones was serving court-supervised release after completing a prior federal prison sentence for distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court found this fact to be an aggravating factor during sentencing.
Jones, age 40, pleaded guilty in 2025 to one count each of possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, more than 500 grams of cocaine, and illegal possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston handed down the sentence.
The announcement was made by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Todd C. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd represented the government.
