The Lee County Sheriff’s Office announced the successful resolution of a significant narcotics investigation that led to the arrest and subsequent sentencing of 47-year-old James L. Ballard.
The investigation, which culminated in a search warrant executed on June 30, 2024, at 320 S. Canal Drive in rural Dixon, resulted in multiple charges against Ballard relating to the distribution and possession of methamphetamine.
James Ballard was charged with:
Methamphetamine Delivery 100<400 grams (a Class X Felony)
Methamphetamine Delivery 15<100 grams (a Class X Felony)
Methamphetamine Delivery 5<15 grams (a Class 1 Felony)
Possession of Methamphetamine 15<100 grams (a Class 1 Felony)
Plea Agreement and Sentencing: On April 3, 2025, James Ballard pleaded guilty to the charge of Methamphetamine Delivery 15<100 grams, a Class X felony. As a result, Ballard was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
