East St. Louis, Ill. – Delon Echols, 31, of Belleville, Illinois, was convicted by a federal jury
on Thursday, September 29, 2022, for sending MDMA through the mail with the intent to later
distribute it.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Echols utilized the Dark Web to order
MDMA from the Netherlands. Echols shipped the drugs through the U.S. Postal service to an unwitting
individual in Mascoutah, Illinois. In August of 2019, the individual learned about the package
containing narcotics and immediately went to the Mascoutah Police Department. Police discovered
that 911.5 grams of MDMA was concealed in vacuum sealed bags inside whey protein jugs to avoid
detection. At trial, the individual discussed how Echol’s actions put both her and her family at
risk.
“This case serves as a great example of how a concerned member of the public working with law
enforcement can help make our communities safer,” said United States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“I join with our law enforcement partners in thanking her for her courage in coming forward. This
case also demonstrates yet another way in which drug trafficking is not a victimless crime.”
Sentencing has been scheduled for January 10, 2023, in front of United States District Judge
Stephen P. McGlynn. Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute is punishable up to 20 years in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Mascoutah Police Department, and United States Postal
Inspection Service conducted the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karelia S. Rajagopal and Kimberly S. Arshi.