Convicted drug dealer John Dardeen has entered a not guilty to additional drug charges. The 61 year old Mt. Carmel man was convicted February 7th by a Wabash County Jury on a Class 2 felony charge of meth delivery of more than 5 grams.
During the trial, Dardeen testified in his own defense denying his sold meth, but instead sold cannabis. That triggered a search warrant by local authorities at Dardeen’s residence in the 300 block of Walnut Street. Police Chief Mike McWilliams said the search resulted in several items being located that are associated with the manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine, a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition, and many other cannabis related items.
State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman then filed two Class X felonies against Dardeen. The first, possession of meth with intent to deliver, carries a possible prison sentence of 10 to 50 years plus a possible $300,000 fine. The second Class X felony was for aggravated participation in methamphetamine manufacturing which carries a possible 12 to 50 years in prison and another potential $300,000 fine.
During a preliminary hearing yesterday in Wabash County Circuit Court, probable cause was found in the new charges at which Dardeen entered the not guilty plea. He is due back in court on those charges on June 13th.
A sentencing hearing for Dardeen’s original conviction was set for July 17th. He faces up to 7 years in prison in that case.
Dardeen has been held in the Wabash County Jail since his February conviction.
WSJD File Photo: John Dardeen is led to the Wabash County Jail in February after being found guilty of drug charges.