A Centralia man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Jackie T. Scanlan, 54, received a sentence of 204 months following his admission to two counts related to possession with intent to distribute the drugs.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft commented on the sentencing: “This career offender built a life around selling dangerous narcotics and has a criminal history spanning over three decades of drug distribution. While he continued to make poor decisions following previous stints of incarceration, Scanlan’s 17-year federal prison sentence will help to protect the public from any further crimes.”
Court documents indicate that law enforcement began investigating Scanlan in February 2024 for distributing meth and fentanyl from a motel room. During an initial traffic stop, officers found 79 grams of methamphetamine, 24 fentanyl capsules, and two scales in Scanlan’s vehicle.
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. S. Johnson said: “Our success in combating drug trafficking in southern Illinois is a direct result of the collaboration both within the FBI Springfield’s Southern Illinois TOC-W Task Force and outside it with our dedicated partners. By combining our resources, we’re able to effectively seize drugs and firearms, and arrest those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”
In March 2024, Scanlan admitted traveling from Centralia to St. Louis to purchase additional quantities—at least a pound—of methamphetamine as well as more fentanyl capsules. Law enforcement recovered another 232 grams of methamphetamine and more fentanyl during a subsequent traffic stop.
Scanlan was classified as a “career offender” under federal guidelines due to multiple prior convictions for drug trafficking and other felonies, making him eligible for an extended term of imprisonment.
After serving his prison sentence, Scanlan will be subject to four years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the FBI Springfield Field Office TOC-West Task Force with assistance from the Centralia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.
