Rockford Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine

A Rockford man has been sentenced to more than fifteen years in federal prison for trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing a loaded firearm.

WILLIAM SPEARS was arrested in June 2024 following a 4-month narcotics investigation. At the time of his arrest, Spears was in possession of three and a half grams of cocaine, which he had been planning to sell to another person. Following his arrest, law enforcement searched Spears's residence and a storage unit he rented and discovered approximately 700 grams of cocaine, $17,000 in cash, and a loaded handgun.

Spears, 68, pleaded guilty earlier this year to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. As a previously convicted felon, Spears was prohibited from possessing firearms. On Oct. 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced Spears to 15 years and eight months in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Winnebago County, Ill. Sheriff's Office assisted in the investigation.

"Defendant's actions significantly contributed to the drug problem plaguing the Rockford community," Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Rosati argued in the government's sentencing memorandum. "A significant sentence is necessary to protect the public and the community from defendant's continued drug trafficking activities."