Lawrence County meth dealer sentenced to federal prison

BENTON, Ill. - A district court judge sentenced a Lawrence County man to a total of 210 months of federal imprisonment for possessing and distributing methamphetamine in Lawrence and Richland Counties and unlawfully possessing several firearms.

David Royse, 47, of Sumner, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Royse's federal sentence will run concurrent with any term of imprisonment ordered in Royse's pending state cases in Lawrence County and Richland County. Following imprisonment, he will serve ten years of supervised release.

"Armed drug dealers face a certain future in federal prison," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "FBI data show 2025 produced the largest year-to-year drop in the violent crime rate since national estimates began in 1936. That is no coincidence. Aggressive enforcement works."

According to court documents, Royse possessed at least 50 grams of meth in February 2023 and sold meth on three occasions in March, May, and October 2025. During this time, Royse possessed multiple firearms despite having a prior felony conviction for methamphetamine production. Royse consented to the forfeiture of the firearms.

Royse was arrested in November 2025 and will remain in custody. The judge also ordered Royse to pay a $500 fine.

Bridgeport Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, Richland County Sheriff's Office, Olney Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.