MONROE — Agents with a local task force have pressed drug charges for methamphetamine possession, after they reportedly conducted a controlled buy of drugs with a Monroe suspect in a local trailer park.

As a result, Laverne J. Richards, 56, is charged with felony manufacture and possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a drug trafficking house.  

He was reportedly living at 420 W. 21st Street last year when agents with the Stateline Anti-Narcotics Task Force — also known as SLANT — began investigating him for alleged drug dealing. 

Using an informant on Oct. 19, 2023, more than three grams of suspected meth was purchased at the residence. It is unclear why there was so much time between the alleged purchase and the March 25, 2024 arrest date.  

The transaction began with a knock at the door. 

“Upon entering the trailer, Laverne presented the suspected methamphetamine which was contained in a clear plastic baggy…,” said the criminal complaint. 

He then gave the man $150 which had been obtained for use as evidence by Illinois State Police.

“The (informant) advised Laverne stated he only likes to sell 8-balls and quarter ounces, so people will return to his residence less frequently, and he only deals to approximately five or six other people,” the complaint said.

Richards last appeared in court on the charges Wednesday, April 11 before Circuit Faun M. Phillipson. He was represented by Attorney Michael S. Murph and pleaded not guilty to all charges. His next appearance is set for May 21.

If convicted of manufacturing/delivery of methamphetamine, a Class E Felony in Wisconsin, Richards would face a maximum of up to 15 years in state prison.

SLANT includes officers from the Green and Lafayette County sheriffs’ departments; the Monroe police department; the Illinois State Police; the Boone County (Ill.) Sheriff’s department; and the Freeport, Rockford, Roscoe and Loves Park (Ill.) police departments.