TRISTAN ROWAN PLEADS GUILTY TO 4½ YEARS IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION
WITH THE INTENT TO DELIVER METHAMPHETAMINE
Marsha L. Cascio-Hale, Jackson County State’s Attorney, announced today that Tristan
Rowan, 34, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to Unlawful Possession with the Intent to
Deliver Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 4½ years in the Illinois Department of
Corrections.
On October 15, 2025, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office arrested the defendant,
Tristan Rowan, on a failure to appear warrant. A search of his person incident to arrest
revealed less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, numerous plastic bags, and a digital
scale with methamphetamine residue. The court initially released the defendant on an
ankle monitor, to which there were numerous violations, and he was subsequently
detained in the jail.
On February 26, 2026, the defendant pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced to
4½ years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
The investigation was led by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The prosecution
was led by Assistant State’s Attorney Sophia Allen. ASA Allen explained that the
distribution of narcotics is detrimental to our society and that distribution offenses are
taken seriously.
“Substance abuse is on the rise. We are hopeful that, while in prison, this
defendant can utilize the resources available to begin a sober life.”
— State’s Attorney Marsha Cascio-Hale
LEGAL NOTICE
A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate. This
responsibility carries with it specific obligations to see that the defendant is accorded procedural justice,
and that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence. Except for statements that are necessary to
inform the public of the nature and extent of the prosecutor’s action and that serve a legitimate law
enforcement purpose, by Supreme Court Rule, the State’s Attorney is not allowed to make statements
about pending cases or investigations which would pose a serious and imminent threat to the fairness of
the proceeding. Rule 3.8 — Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor. For a list of certain subjects which
have been determined to pose such a threat to the fairness of the proceedings and for a list of subjects
which do not, please see Rule 3.6 — Trial Publicity.
For any press release involving a case which has not yet been tried, please note that: a defendant is
presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the
satisfaction of the jury.