Vonta Commer, a 37-year-old resident of the 200 block of David Street, has been handed a 15-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release for his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation. Commer, a known street gang member, was found guilty of possessing over five pounds of methamphetamine on March 1, 2022.
During the sentencing hearing, evidence presented by the prosecution revealed that Commer had been actively selling significant quantities of the drug for several months. His extensive criminal history, which includes convictions for armed robbery, battery, and drug distribution, further added to the severity of the sentence.
Shockingly, it was uncovered that Commer resumed his drug dealing activities while on mandatory supervised release following a 2013 conviction for drug distribution. Despite having received a ten-year sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections, he showed no signs of reform.
Commer had pleaded guilty on January 6, 2023, to one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. His arrest took place in March 2022, and he has since been detained by the United States Marshal.
The statutory penalties for this offense range from a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, accompanied by a mandatory five-year term of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Seberger, representing the government, emphasized the commitment of the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensuring community safety by combatting the distribution of drugs like methamphetamine. Seberger expressed gratitude to the local and federal law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Police Central Illinois Enforcement Group, and the Springfield Police Department.