Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Charge

Faces 8-40 year sentence for possession of over 5,500 grams

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

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Macoupin State's Attorney Jordan Garrison announced that Mare A. Wash, 47, of Durant, Mississippi, has pleaded guilty to possessing more than 5,500 grams (12.125 pounds) of cocaine in Macoupin County. The Honorable Joshua A. Meyer accepted the guilty plea and set the matter for sentencing on July 2.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the significant penalties faced by those convicted of possessing large quantities of illegal narcotics. The seizure of over 5,500 grams of cocaine represents a major disruption to the local drug trade.

The details

On June 11, 2021, Trooper Keith Hauter conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Wash that was speeding and had a broken tail light. During the stop, the vehicle was found to smell of cannabis, leading to a search that uncovered the large stash of cocaine.

  • On June 11, 2021, Wash was pulled over by Trooper Hauter.
  • On March 18, 2026, Wash pleaded guilty to the cocaine possession charge.
  • The sentencing hearing is set for July 2, 2026.

The players

Jordan Garrison

Macoupin State's Attorney who announced Wash's guilty plea.

Joshua A. Meyer

The judge who accepted Wash's guilty plea and scheduled the sentencing hearing.

Keith Hauter

The Illinois State Trooper who conducted the traffic stop that led to the discovery of the cocaine.

Mare A. Wash

The 47-year-old Mississippi man who pleaded guilty to possessing over 5,500 grams of cocaine.

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What’s next

The judge will decide Wash's sentence at the hearing on July 2, 2026.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the severe penalties faced by those involved in the drug trade, even for possession of large quantities. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics in local communities.