Pekin man charged with selling synthetic drug after death investigation

Posted on April 13, 2018
Central Illinois police have been investigating many recent cases of synthetic drugs apparently laced with a chemical found in rat poison. (Photo Courtesy of Bloomington Police.)

By Greg Halbleib

PEKIN – A Pekin man is charged with providing the synthetic drug responsible for another man’s death.

Tazewell County State’s Attorney Stewart Umholtz says Lonnie Smith, 46, is charged with the Class X felony of drug-induced homicide. Umholtz says Smith is accused of selling synthetic marijuana, often called K2 or spice, to Anthony Phillips last weekend.

Pekin Police began an investigation after Phillips’ death on Monday, which a medical examiner said appeared to be from bleeding in the brain. Court documents show police found more than 15 pounds of K2 in a dumpster after Smith admitted to disposing of the remaining drugs.

At least two other people in Central Illinois have died after using synthetic drugs that appeared to have been laced with chemicals found in rat poison.

Smith is also charged with aggravated battery and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The more serious felony charge carries a possible sentence of six to 30 years in prison.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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