2 Illinois residents charged with armed violence and drug offenses

EDWARDSVILLE – Two Alton residents were charged Friday with multiple felony counts, including armed violence for possession of a handgun during the commission of drug-related crimes.

DeMarcus L. Freeman, 43, and Cynthia N. Hall, 44, both of the same address in the 900 block of Hampton, Alton, were charged Aug. 16 with armed violence (both Class X felonies); possession of methamphetamine with intent to traffic and possession of a controlled substance with intent to traffic (all aggravated Class X felonies); and possession of a controlled substance with intent to traffic (both Class 1 felonies).

In addition, Freeman was charged with being an armed habitual criminal (a Class X felony), and Hall was charged with unauthorized possession (a Class 2 felony).

Alton Police presented the cases.

According to court documents, the two were found committing drug-related crimes on August 15 in possession of a 9 mm Lorcin pistol. They were also found in possession of 15 to 100 grams of cocaine with intent to traffic and 15 to 100 grams of methamphetamine with intent to traffic.

Hall was also accused of allowing the use of her home in the 900 block of Hampton Avenue for the sale of methamphetamine.

Freeman is charged with armed habitual abuse because he is a felon. He has previous convictions for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to traffic out of Madison County in 2007 and 2010.

Both were remanded in custody.

These individuals have only been charged and remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Not all charges may be reported.