Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Dominique Lavelle Oatis, of Centralia, Illinois, pleaded guilty today to an indictment charging him with distribution of methamphetamine (3 counts), carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The offenses all occurred in Centralia in March 2018. Oatis, 28, remains in custody without bond after he was arrested on the charges in Kansas earlier this year.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 5. For the drug distribution charges, Oatis faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1 million fine, and at least three years supervised release. For carrying a gun during and relation to a drug trafficking crime, Oatis faces 5 years to life imprisonment, which must follow any other term of imprisonment imposed, a fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release of not more than five years. Being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release.

Information leading to the charges against Oatis was obtained in an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Centralia Police Department, and the Carlyle Police Department.

###