Christopher Grant (Illinois State Police photo)

A federal grand jury has returned an eight-count indictment against a man charged in the death of an Illinois state trooper in East St. Louis.

Christopher Grant, 46, has been charged with several federal crimes, including using a firearm to murder an individual in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense.

State Trooper Nicholas Hopkins, 33, was killed the morning of Aug. 23, 2019 while attempting to execute a search warrant.

“On that devastating day in August, the U.S. Attorney’s Office pledged every available resource to support this investigation and to support the men and women of law enforcement – (this) indictment keeps that promise,” said U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft. “We continue to mourn for Nick and his family, and we will continue our work to honor his sacrifice.”

According to the federal indictment, Grant was using the house where the warrant was executed to distribute controlled substances. The indictment charges that Grant knowingly fired a Glock 9mm pistol, causing Hopkins’ death with “malice aforethought,” the state of mind needed to prove it was murder and not an accident.

Nicholas Hopkins (ISP photo)

Grant is charged with three counts of distribution of crack cocaine, and one count of maintaining a drug house, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, use of a firearm to commit murder in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Grant has been held in state custody on first-degree murder charges since the shooting occurred. His initial appearance and arraignment on the federal charges has not yet been scheduled.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said, “The Illinois State Police appreciate the steps taken by the Department of Justice and the U.S. attorney, who are working in partnership with the St. Clair County state’s attorney to ensure that justice is done. The joint state and federal prosecutions recognize the very real dangers the men and women of law enforcement face every day — perhaps now more than ever.”

St. Clair County State’s Attorney Jim Gomric said, “In August of 2019, Mr. Weinhoeft and I stood shoulder to shoulder and pledged that the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the death of Trooper Nick Hopkins would constitute a consolidated effort involving both the United States federal government and the state of Illinois. The federal indictment of Christopher Grant by the grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois places us one step further toward the fulfillment of that pledge. My office is thankful to all assets of every agency involved in this investigation. My office more than appreciates all of the diligent effort put forward by Mr. Weinhoeft and Criminal Chief Ali Summers who have worked so hard on this matter.”

The case is being investigated by the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

Hopkins and other Illinois State Police troopers were executing a search warrant at a residence on the 1400 block of 42^nd Street in East St. Louis. Trooper Hopkins was struck in an exchange of gunfire and died later that day at a local hospital.

Hopkins was a 10-year veteran of the State Police.

kbeese@chronicleillinois.com