Peoria Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Heroin, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Possession with Intent to Distribute

 PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Ill., man, David D. Major, 51, of the 1400 block of East Forrest Hill, has been sentenced to the maximum 20-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and with possession of heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

At Major’s sentencing hearing, on Sept. 14, 2020, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid found that Major obstructed justice when he attempted to tamper with a witness prior to sentencing. Judge Shadid also determined that Major is a career offender with prior convictions including aggravated kidnapping and unlawful delivery of heroin.

At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that an overdose death that occurred in Pekin, Ill, in December 2018, was connected to Major’s distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Evidence further established that Major purchased the heroin and fentanyl in Chicago and transported it to Peoria where he distributed it to customers. According to evidence presented, during February and March 2019, Major transferred nearly $10,000 to his drug supplier for the purchase of drugs.

On Oct. 11, 2019, Major pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin in February and March 2019, and two counts of distribution of heroin in February 2019, in Tazewell and Peoria county.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pekin Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge represented the government in the prosecution.