Two sentenced for meth offenses

Two Harrisburg men were sentenced to imprisonment last week for methamphetamine offenses, according to a release from Saline County State's Attorney Mike Henshaw.

Martin Amburgey Jr., 45, Harrisburg, pled guilty to unlawful delivery of meth - a Class 2 felony - and Saline County Circuit Court Judge Walden E. Morris sentenced him March 19 to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Class 2 felonies are normally punishable by three to seven years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine, but based on Amburgey's previous criminal history an extended sentence was imposed. He will also serve three year's mandatory supervised release and costs.

On June 27, 2013, the Illinois State Police Southern Illinois Drug Task Force conducted an undercover operation using a confidential source during which Amburgey delivered a quarter gram of meth for $100, according to the release.

Destry A. Mitchell, 49, Harrisburg pled guilty to unlawful possession of a meth precursor, also a Class 2 Felony, according to a release from Henshaw's office. Morris sentenced him March 21 to 7 1/2 years incarceration, three years mandatory supervised release and costs. Normally punishable by three to seven years, Mitchell's previous criminal history also caused an extended sentence.

Harrisburg Police and the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team led the investigation. On April 22, 2013, Harrisburg Police initiated a traffic stop and noticed a strong chemical odor emanating from Mitchell's vehicle, according to the release.

The investigation revealed pseudoephedrine, lithium batteries, liquid fire, drain cleaner and muriatic acid, all common ingredients used to manufacture meth.

Assistant State's Attorney Jason A. Olson led the successful prosecution of both me.