A Peoria man, Matthew T. Miller, 40, has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on September 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm, who also ordered a five-year term of supervised release following Miller’s imprisonment.
During the sentencing hearing, evidence showed that between June and September 2024, Miller sold methamphetamine three times, totaling 86.14 grams. In September 2024, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in which Miller was a passenger. When officers instructed him to exit the car, he refused and tried to destroy what appeared to be a large amount of methamphetamine by dumping it from baggies inside the vehicle. Officers subsequently arrested Miller and found approximately 55.72 grams of actual methamphetamine and marijuana both in the vehicle and on his person.
The court held Miller responsible for distributing a total of 257.22 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, as well as possessing 55.72 grams of actual methamphetamine and 20.35 grams of marijuana.
Judge Mihm determined that Miller qualified as a career offender due to previous drug-related convictions.
Miller was arrested in September 2024 and indicted the following month. He pleaded guilty in January 2025 and has remained in custody since his arrest.
According to federal law, distributing more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine carries penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, at least five years of supervised release after incarceration, and possible fines up to $10 million.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Springfield Resident Office and the Peoria Metropolitan Enforcement Group (PMEG), with support from the Peoria Police Department and Bartonville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites law enforcement agencies with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence nationwide by focusing on trust-building efforts, supporting prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes through coordinated strategies.
