Alton man’s fentanyl sickened cop, handed six-year prison sentence

Sanford J. Schmidt, sschmidt@civitasmedia.com

Updated

8:47 pm CDT, Thursday, May 23, 2019

EDWARDSVILLE — An Alton man who was the subject of a six-week investigation for drug dealing pleaded guilty Thursday and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Ira A. Marchbanks, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance in exchange for prosecutors dropping one charge of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 500 feet of a school and one count of aggravated battery.

The aggravated battery count alleges Marchbanks caused an Alton Police officer to inhale fentanyl. The officer received hospital treatment but was not seriously affected.

Marchbanks was accused of delivering cocaine to a confidential informant on two occasions in 2018. He also was accused of possessing one to 15 grams of fentanyl on Oct. 4, 2018, the same day he allegedly caused the officer to inhale the drug. On that date, officers conducted a search warrant of Marchbanks’ home.

Prosecutors persuaded the judge to deny posting of bond because the source of the money allegedly would be from drug sale proceeds. Court documents states police set up several undercover purchases over about six weeks.

Authorities also are suing to take possession of $414 cash found during the search, stating that Marchbanks had “no visible means of support.”

Marchbanks’ criminal record dates to 2009 when he was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm. He also has convictions for retail theft, unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance.