BILL STRENGTHENS PENALTY FOR USING FAKE ID TO BUY INGREDIENTS FOR METH

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Legislation approved Friday by the Illinois
Senate would increase the punishment for purchasing over-the-counter
ingredients for methamphetamine production using a fake or borrowed ID.

The bill, introduced by state Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville,
unanimously passed out of the Senate and has been sent to the House
for consideration.

"At a meeting with local law enforcement last fall, I was surprised
to learn that criminals who use a fake ID to buy medicine containing
ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are not charged under the criminal
code," Sullivan said.

"With this legislation we send the message that if you misrepresent
your identity to buy the ingredients to make meth, you face severe
consequences."

Under current law, a person faces only a Class A misdemeanor when
using a fake ID to buy ingredients to make methamphetamine. Senate
Bill 55 would increase this to a Class 4 felony punishable by one to
three years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 for first time offenders.

Those convicted a second time would face a Class 3 felony punishable
by two to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine. For a third
offense the penalty increases to three to seven years in prison and a
fine of up to $25,000.

According to the bill, pharmacies and retail distributors, along with
any employees, who violate the act face stricter penalties for first
and repeat offenses.

State law requires those buying ephedrine or pseudoephedrine -- which
are using in making meth -- to show their identification to store
workers and provide a signature on a sign-in sheet that goes to law
enforcement officials. There are strict limits on the amount of
medicines available.

Sullivan said "pill shoppers" using fake driver's licenses and other
false identification have been observed shopping for the controlled medicines.