SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Quincy, Ill., man made his initial appearance in federal court today after he was charged by criminal complaint for alleged possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Robert L. Tallent, 39, of the 500 block of S. 19^th St., Quincy, Ill., was arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Quincy.

During today’s audio/videoconference hearing, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins, Tallent waived a detention hearing and was ordered to remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled on April 15.

The complaint and supporting affidavit allege that on March 13, 2021, Tallent possessed approximately 19 grams of a crystal substance in six baggies, when Quincy police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Tallent. At the time, Tallent had an outstanding Adams County warrant for a charge of possession of methamphetamine. According to the affidavit, the substance tested positive for methamphetamine in a field test.

If convicted, the statutory penalty for the offense is five to 40 years in prison.

The charge is the result of an investigation by the Illinois State Police West Central Illinois Task Force; the FBI – Springfield Division; the Quincy Police Department; and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Seberger represents the government in the federal case prosecution with the cooperation of the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Members of the public are reminded that a complaint is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.