Federal Charges Filed Against Heroin Hauling Suspect

The California man who was charged locally recently with heroin possession has now been indicted by a Federal grand jury.

(CONRAD VALDEZ)

45-year-old Conrad Valdez, Jr. of Selma, California was indicted on a count of possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. He made his initial appearance on the count in Federal court on Thursday. He was ordered held without bond pending a December 21 jury trial.

Valdez had been arrested by local authorities in Effingham County on September 27.

The heroin offense carries a penalty of a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of life in federal prison, to be followed by at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Illinois Enforcement Group, and Illinois State Police. The Effingham County State's Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.