Pittsfield, IL – A Griggsville man was sentenced to eight years in prison this past week following a drug bust in Pittsfield earlier this year, authorities confirmed. John J. Bridgewater, 41, was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay additional court costs after being found guilty in Pike County Circuit Court.
Conviction Details
Bridgewater was convicted of Class 3 felony possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams and Class A misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia following a two-day bench trial in mid-October.
Court records indicate that Bridgewater failed to appear for a sentencing hearing on December 15, prompting authorities to arrest him two days later, on December 17.
January Drug Bust
Bridgewater’s arrest was part of a drug raid executed by Pittsfield Police and Pike County Sheriff’s deputies on January 4, 2025, at a residence on the 500 block of Kellogg Street in Pittsfield. During the raid, officers observed two individuals fleeing from the back of the home. One was immediately detained, while the second turned himself in on January 6.
At the time, the Pike County Sheriff’s Department noted that Bridgewater was a prior methamphetamine offender, having served prison time for a previous offense.
Sentencing Outcome
Bridgewater appeared before visiting 8th Circuit Judge Michael Atterberry on December 17, receiving a sentence of eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was also credited for 29 days already served in the Pike County Jail. In addition to the $1,000 fine, Bridgewater is responsible for all applicable court costs.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Officials emphasized that this sentencing reflects ongoing efforts to combat methamphetamine distribution in Pike County and hold repeat offenders accountable. Authorities hope the sentence serves as a deterrent for others engaging in similar criminal activity.
Do you think current meth-related penalties are sufficient to deter repeat offenders? Share your thoughts, opinions, and community safety tips in the comments below.
