THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PRESS RELEASE:
Brett Magana, formerly of 621 Dewitt Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois, was sentenced today to twelve (12) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of Methamphetamine Possession, a Class 1 Felony. Day-for-day sentencing credit applies, and the sentence shall be followed by one (1) year of Mandatory Supervised Release (i.e., Parole). Additionally, Magana must provide truthful testimony in any hearing or trial involving his co-defendant, Caleb Hackler, who remains in the custody of the Vermilion County Sheriff on Class X Felony Methamphetamine Delivery charges and Class 2 Felony weapons offense.
The Honorable Derek Girton entered the sentence upon hearing that on August 13, 2021, Vermilion County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to conduct a stop on a motor vehicle for a traffic violation. Rather than pull over, the vehicle raced away at a speed in excess of 100 m.p.h. Ultimately, the car crashed. The driver, later identified as Magana, and the passenger, later identified as Hackler, fled from the wreck. In the vehicle, law enforcement located firearms, over 150 grams of methamphetamine, and identification belonging to the two men.
Upon being apprehended shortly thereafter, Magana confessed to agents with the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (VMEG) that he and Hackler were on a “business move,” meaning a drug transaction. According to Magana, when law enforcement first attempted to pull the car over, Hackler placed a gun to Magana’s head and threatened to shoot if Magana did not attempt to elude the Deputies. Magana further indicated that, at the time, Hackler was wearing a bullet-proof vest. This vest also was located by law enforcement after being abandoned by Hackler during his flight from the crashed vehicle.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the Sheriff, his Deputies, and VMEG for their excellent work in this matter. She noted that, “Though this defendant did cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation, and has agreed to provide truthful testimony against his co-defendant, when it comes to drug dealers, this Office will insist on severe punishment.”
