Quantcast
Channel: Disclosure News Online
Viewing all 12449 articles
Browse latest View live

JAIL DEATH INVESTIGATED

$
0
0

screen-shot-2016-12-12-at-5-36-17-pm

RICHLAND CO. – A woman who was an inmate for a brief time at the Richland County Detention Center in Olney is dead after an incident at the jail that’s being investigated as suicide.

Shannon Tarpley Cessna, 30, died three days after the December 4 incident, on Wednesday, Dec. 7, when her family had to make the decision to pull her life support.

Family advised that she had had minimal brain activity after the incident, and medical personnel wanted to give her 48 hours after they received her in the ER at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana.

Family said the brain activity didn’t show improvement, and rather than prolong the inevitable, they took her off the machines.

The family is somewhat shocked at the way Richland County authorities handled the matter.

However, Richland officials, in the form of State’s Attorney Brad Vaughn and Sheriff Andy Hires, were more forthcoming about what happened – if not specifically the ‘how’ – than the previous county administration under former state’s attorney David Hyde, who wouldn’t issue a press release, vague or otherwise, if his life depended on it.

Vaughn and Hires, to their credit, did indeed issue a press release, on the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 5.

In this release, however, few details were given.

Cessna was not identified in the release; she was called only “a white female.”

Her name has been inserted here at the appropriate spots.

The situation emerged at approximately 9:57 that Sunday night, when Cessna was arrested and transported to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.

“Due to more than one arrested person being transported at that time,” the release said, “(Cessna) was secured in a holding cell, while another person was being processed into the facility.”

Sources have advised that the other person arrested with Cessna was Brandon Wise, 25.

“While being secured in the holding cell,” the release read, “(Cessna) removed an ace bandage from under her shirt sleeve and applied the bandage around her neck. The ace bandage had been wrapped around her arm to cover a wound on her arm.

“Once this was discovered by Sheriff’s Office employees, they immediately began rendering aid to (Cessna), who was unconscious and not breathing.”

Cessna was transported to Richland Memorial Hospital and later transported to Vincennes, the release stated, concluding with the statement that the incident continues to be under investigation.

Family advised Disclosure that same day that it was their understanding that Cessna somehow managed to actually hang herself with the Ace bandage she’d unwrapped from her arm.

While there is no indication of an actual hanging at the jail, family of Cessna’s advised that when they called Good Sam in Vincennes, treating physicians called it that: a hanging.

A close friend of Cessna’s advised that just two days before the incident, Cessna was at her house and was talking of suicide.

Because of a 2014 meth felony and subsequent arrests since that time (some of which had been dismissed), Cessna was sentenced to 33 months in IDOC, this sentence issued on September 11, 2015.

She had apparently served a short stint in DOC (since 33 months doesn’t equal 33 months for most offenders, but only half that), and had told the friend on the prior Friday, Dec. 2, that she “wasn’t going back to prison,” and if something happened that could send her there, she would rather “kill herself.”

In fact, said this friend, Cessna was wearing the Ace wrap because she had in recent days attempted to slash her wrists. The wrap was there to keep the bandages over the slash marks in place.

Family of Cessna’s hadn’t been aware of a prior suicide attempt with the wrist-slashing, so some were under the mistaken impression that the slashes had been done in the county detention center.

However, that proved not to be the case.

It’s unclear where Cessna and Wise were taken into custody, and no officials have revealed how it was she allegedly obstructed justice, although a good guess would likely be that she gave a false name when authorities were questioning her.

And while family and friends have wondered openly why jail staff were unaware of what Cessna was doing with her Ace bandage until it was too late, the likelihood is that the jail staff simply didn’t realize she had the means to strangle herself until it was too late, as the long-sleeved shirt she was wearing was effectively hiding the bandages and wounds.

It’s unclear whether there are cameras in the holding cell, as no official would comment on it.

However, Disclosure is aware that many county jail holding cells don’t have cameras, simply because the cells are mostly viewable from three sides, as it’s just a temporary placement for someone under arrest until they can be processed in.

Still, there was apparently just enough of commotion at RCDC so that Cessna could carry out what she’d threatened just two days before.

Cessna has a negligible criminal history and friends say that this decline into the drug world over the past couple of years was the result of just hanging out with the wrong type of people, which is more often than not why anyone in southern Illinois gets hemmed up for dope.

Prior to that, friends and family said, Cessna was just a regular gal, who’d gone through a couple of relationships and producing children from them.

She leaves behind a son and two daughters, all under the age of 10.


MARION MAN CITED WITH DUI IN GALLATIN COUNTY CRASH

$
0
0

dui, drinking, handcuffs, keys

 

MARION, Ill. - A traffic crash on U.S. Route 45 in Gallatin County last night sent a Marion, Illinois, man to a hospital and got him cited for DUI.

Illinois State Police who worked the wreck said that it happened at 11:57 p.m. last night, Monday, December 12.

According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, Gabriel G. Hernandez, 32, was driving a red 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe north on U.S. Rt. 45 approximately a half-mile south of Illinois Rt. 141, when the vehicle drove partially off the roadway to the east. 

Hernandez then lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn before exiting the roadway to the east and coming to rest in a field.

Hernandez was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained in the crash. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

He was cited for Driving Under the Influence.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Gallatin County Sheriff?s Department, Ridgway Police Department, Omaha Fire Department, Norris City Fire Department and Lifeline Ambulance Service.

MARION POLICE REPORT, DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 12, 2016

$
0
0

police, marion stock

MARION, Ill. – Marion police have enjoyed a little less activity out of the crims, citation-seekers and other issues they have to contend with, as this report shows, covering the time frame of December 1 through 12, 2016.

It starts with Brittany Hale, 29 of Marion who was issued citations for Retail Theft at Kroger’s on December 1, with an additional citation for Possession of Cannabis.

Jeannette Margenthaler, 45 of Marion was issued a citation for Retail Theft at Borowiak’s IGA on December 2.

Jason Mills, 34 of Zeigler was arrested on Battery charges and for Obstructing Identification on December 2 in the 2100 block of W Main St.

Mathew Conley, 40 of Herrin was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance, Retail Theft at Menards, Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Possession of Methamphetamines on December 2.

Carlos Phenix, 21 of Carbondale was arrested for Theft Over $500 and Burglar in the 1800 block of W Main St on December 3.

Walter Holderbaum Jr, 36 of Marion was arrested for Domestic Battery in the 700 block of S Future St on December 4.

Christina Pencock, 37 of Goreville was arrested for Retail Theft at Menard’s on December 4.

Joshua Cool, 40 of Goreville was arrested for Methamphetamine Manufacturing Materials in the 1700 block of W DeYoung St on December 8.

Jacob Erme, 21 of ‪Toledo, Ohio, was arrested for Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Disobeying a Traffic Control Device, Possession of Controlled Substance, Obstructed Windshield and Possession of Cannabis following a traffic stop in the area of Main St and Fifth St on December 10.

Jason Morgan, 44 of Marion was arrested for Domestic Battery in the 300 block of N Otis St on December 10.

Jason Norris, 29 of Marion was arrested for Domestic Battery in the area of Maureen Dr. on December 10.

Angel Avery, 26 of Harrisburg was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession/Receiving a Stolen Vehicle on December 12 in the 700 block of E DeYoung St.

Adam Duncan, 24 of Herrin was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession/Receiving a Stolen Vehicle on December 12 in the 700 block of E DeYoung St.

MT. CARMEL POLICE REPORT IS A BIG ONE

$
0
0

police-cop-car-crime-800x800

MT. CARMEL, Ill. - While bigger burgs in downstate had skinnier police department reports, little Mt. Carmel in Wabash County was rockin.

Things kicked off December 2 in Mt. Carmel when police arrested Erin L. Brunoehler, 38, of Princeton after she was stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of E. Third Street. During the traffic stop it was discovered that she was wanted on a Wabash County warrant and driving on a suspended driver's license. Wabash County K-9 Roy arrived on scene alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Police conducted a search and located narcotics in the vehicle. Brunoehler was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was served the failure to appear warrant, issued a citation for driving suspended and for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. She was also charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of hypodermic needles. A passenger in the vehicle was identified as Cinda K. Sloan, 49, of Princeton was found to be in possession of cannabis. Sloan was given an ordinance violation for possession of cannabis. Brunoehler was held pending the posting of bond.

On the 3rd, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Tommy L. Askren, 35, of Mt. Carmel after police were called to his residence in the 1100 block of Poplar Street reference a disturbance. During the investigation it was discovered that Askren was wanted on a Wabash County failure to appear warrant. Askren was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held pending the posting of $200 cash bond.

On that same day, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jose A. Tellez, 56, of Indianapolis after he was stopped in the 400 block of W. Ninth Street. During the traffic stop it was discovered that Tellez was operating a motor vehicle on a suspended driver’s license. Tellez was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for driving while suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Tellez was held pending the posting of bond.

Also on the 3rd, police arrested Austin T. Wiggins, 32, of Mt. Carmel after White County authorities had issued a warrant for his arrest reference an armed battery charge. Wiggins was located at 114 W. 12th Street in Mt. Carmel and placed under arrested. Wiggins was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held pending the posting of bond.

And Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jennifer A. Richardson, 40, and Tyler L. Baggett, 24, both of Mt. Carmel on multiple drug charges. Police stated that Richardson was stopped for a traffic violation in the area of Poor Farm Road and Park Road. During the traffic stop Wabash County K-9 Roy arrived on scene and conducted a open air sniff of the vehicle. K-9 Roy alerted on the vehicle and several drug items were located. Richardson was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of hypodermic needles, possession of drug paraphernalia. Baggett was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of hypodermic needles, possession of drug paraphernalia. Baggett was also being held on a Illinois Department of Corrections warrant. Both were held in the Wabash County Jail.

In the one Dec. 6 incident, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Logan N. Stoneberger, 27, of Mt. Carmel after she was stopped for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop it was discovered that Stoneberger was wanted on a Wabash County warrant. Stoneberger is accused of stealing a wallet from a purse at the VFW. Stoneberger was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and she was served the warrant. She was held pending the posting of bond.

On Dec. 7, police arrested James C. Miller, 40 of Mt. Carmel after police were called to his residence concerning a domestic. James is accused of striking two individuals living in the residence after reportedly finding text messages on a phone concerning infidelity. Miller is accused of striking his girlfriend and pushing her from the residence. Miller was then accused of taking a can of cooking spray and spraying it in the eyes of a juvenile residing in the residence. Miller was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery. Miller was held pending the posting of bond.

On the 8th there were a couple of incidents: Police arrested Jackie P. Martinez, 32 of Mt. Carmel after police were called to the 400 block of W. Fifth Street reference a possible domestic. The arresting officer reported this was the second call in the evening to the same residence. Police stated it did not appear that a domestic had occurred but a neighbor signed charges against Martinez for disorderly conduct. Martinez was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged with disorderly conduct and held pending the posting of bond.

Also on the 8th, police arrested Mallory L. Hall, 33, of Mt. Carmel after police were called to the 1200 block of Walnut Street reference a disturbance. Police were told that an intoxicated Hall was knocking loudly on the door of a residence and yelling at the occupants. Police stated Hall's actions were disturbing others in the area and this was the second time they were called to the area due to Hall's actions. Hall was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was cited for disorderly conduct.

December 10 was a busy day: Mt. Carmel Police arrested Chase Schuler, 21, of Mt. Carmel for DUI after he was stopped for a traffic violation. According to the arresting officer, Schuler was stopped when he failed to make a complete stop at the intersection of College Drive and Park Road. During the traffic stop the arresting officer reported smelling a strong alcoholic beverage smell coming from Schuler. It was reported that Schuler failed field sobriety testing and was subsequently arrested for suspicion of DUI. Schuler was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for disobeying a stop sign, DUI, and illegal transportation of alcohol. Schuler was released after posting bond.

On that same day, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Ronnie E. Allen, 49 of Mt. Carmel after police were called to a dispute at Hope Fellowship Church during a dinner. Allen is accused of pushing a female inside of the church and yelling at another subject. Allen was arrested and charged with battery and disorderly conduct. Allen was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held pending the posting of $150 cash.

And finally on the 10th, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Lynda D. Brown, 57 of Mt. Carmel after police were called to her residence in the 800 block of Cherry Street reference a disturbance. Police arrived on scene and were told by Brown that she wanted two male subjects to leave her residence. While inside of the residence police observed suspected methamphetamine, cannabis, and drug paraphernalia in plain view. Brown was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and she was issued citations for the cannabis and the cannabis drug paraphernalia. Brown was held pending the posting of bond.

KELLER SENTENCED IN EDWARDS COUNTY BURGLARY

$
0
0
MARK STEPHEN KELLER II

MARK STEPHEN KELLER II

EDWARDS CO., Ill. - The Carmi man who last week was sentenced in a high-profile burglary case in White County has now been sentenced in Edwards County.

Mark S. Keller, 42 of Carmi, entered a plea in his burglary case in Edwards County, a case which dated back to July of this year, this morning in Edwards County Circuit Court.

The burglary preceded the Matz burglary in White County in August, which plea in that county got him 17 years in DOC, this determined on December 5.

Now, as of the plea this morning, Keller will be serving a 10-year DOC term concurrently with the White County sentence.

Items stolen from the Hawkins residence, recovered.

Items stolen from the Hawkins residence, recovered.

Keller admitted to burglarizing the Jeff and Katie Hawkins residence in Grayville; jewelry and other items were taken. There's been no indication of whether the burglarized loot was pawned as the Matz items were. A huge number of burglaries and thefts this year were conducted in order to fund dope addictions; in nearly every county, pillheads and methheads were breaking, entering and stealing whatever wasn't nailed down. While we haven't learned what was behind the Hawkins and Matz thefts, the reality is that this is happening all over. Folks are urged to lock up their stuff in secure locations and if you have to be gone from your home, use timers on light and radios/TVs, or get a home surveillance system; they're inexpensive and they work great if there IS an incident at your home. either when you're away or even when you're actually present.

Williamson County…you’re about to be saturated

$
0
0

...by patrols, that is.

Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick would like to announce an upcoming Traffic Safety campaign.

Through the next several weeks, Roadside Safety Checks will be scheduled during both daytime and nighttime hours in order to encourage safe driving through the Christmas holiday.

These Roadside Safety Checks will be held at several different locations within Williamson County for the purpose of detecting and removing impaired drivers from the road. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested. Deputies will also focus on seat belt usage and uninsured motorists.

Several DUI Saturation Patrols will also be scheduled through the next few weeks.

Funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety makes these Roadside Safety Checks and Saturation Patrols possible.

red-traffic-lights-800x800

CRAZY BUSY WEEK FOR CLAY COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

$
0
0

police, car, lights

 

CLAY CO., Ill. - Clay County Sheriff Andy Myers has sent material showing his department's activity for the past few days, and it appears things are kicking up a little bit in the midst of the holiday season.

On December 7, the Clay County Sheriff's Office was notified of a motor vehicle accident at 3:15 p.m. at the North Clay High School parking lot in Louisville. Apparently a 16-year-old male from Louisville, operating a 2005 Pontiac was backing from a parking spot and was struck by a 2000 Ford operated by a 16 year old male from Louisville. No injuries reported.

Dec. 9, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Oliver D. Bangert, 31, Clay City, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Contempt of Court on the original charge of Failure to Pay Maintenance fee. Bond set at $100.00
cash. He posted bond and was released.

Dec. 11, the Clay County Sheriff's Office was notified of a motor vehicle accident at 9:28 p.m.  at the Dollar General Parking Lot In Louisville. Apparently Lewis Charlton, 63, Louisville, operating a 2000 Chevrolet
Pick-up swerved to avoid another vehicle and struck a pole. No injuries reported.

Dec. 12, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Jacob Cornwell, 22, Edgewood on two outstanding warrants.  One warrant from Effingham County for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Driving While Driver's License Suspended, Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee, the second warrant from Jasper County for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Criminal Damage to Property. Bond set at $3,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. Cornwell was transported to Effingham County Jail.

Dec. 13, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Joshua L. Ferguson, 33, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for  Failure to Appear on the original charge of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond set at
$3,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

Dec. 13, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Jason J. Eskew, 37, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County Contempt warrant on the original charge of Failure to Pay Maintenance fee. Bond set at $100.00 cash. He posted bond and was released.

TAMARA WILLIAMS FOUND NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY

$
0
0

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - The woman who murdered Barbara Beers in November of 2013 has been found guilty of the murder, but legally not guilty by reason of insanity.

In the bench trial held in Williamson County this morning, prosecutor Lisa Irvin proved her case against accused murderer Tamara Williams, who was charged in the stabbing death of Beers at a location in south Williamson County more than three years ago. Judge Brian Lewis, after a four-hour recess, found Williams guilty on all 4 counts of the murder of Barbara Beers.

However, Lewis explained that while that verdict was issued, he had to take into consideration the evidence presented by her attorney Teresa Thein and by the mental health evaluations as provided by two experts. When all was said and done, Williams, for purposes of sentencing under Illinois law, has to have a legal determination of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Williams' bond has been revoked and she was returned to the Williamson County Jail. She will be sent to the Department of Human Services for evaluation.

Barbara Beers

Barbara Beers

Prosecutor Irvin told the victim's family they can bring their signed victim impact statement that will be sent along to her evaluation and that this will help to determine her treatment. Thirty days after that, another hearing will be held.  Williams can be held up to 120 years, or she could be let go. The likelihood of the latter happening, however, according to officials, is "slim to none."

Irvin said medication administered to Williams while in custody of the sheriff was wearing off and during today's proceedings, Williams was "already hearing voices." She said Williams had been released by human services six times and "all six times she went off her meds." When she was apprehended in Laverne, Tennessee, her interview answers were "out there," according to Irvin.  The voices she Williams was hearing, she'd said at the time, were "trying to kill her."

Beers' body was found to have 30 stab wounds. She also suffered contusions on her forearms and hands consistent with defense wounds. When Williams was found with Beers' stolen vehicle, she had a brown stain on her hand that turned out to be blood; additionally, a search of Beers' car turned up blood found on the keys as well as a blue-handled kitchen knife.

There were 21 members of the Beers family present and Williams was represented by six of her own family members in the courtroom today. Williams' grandmother left the courtroom during the most gruesome parts of the evidence being presented.

Tamara Williams, Williamson County Sheriff's Department mugshot

Tamara Williams, Williamson County Sheriff's Department mugshot

 


CHARGES FILED IN SUNDAY’S ALLEGED GUN-THEFT SPREE

$
0
0

babbs-shane

LAWRENCE/JASPER COs., Ill. - Two days after they are alleged to have taken off through a rural area of Jasper and then Lawrence Counties, formal charges have been filed against Shane Babbs and Tabitha Carwile.

The two have been identified as the subject of a police search, which included every law enforcement officer in Lawrence County, as well as a state police K9 unit and a fixed-wing flight, this after they ran into a marshy wooded area outside Chauncey in Lawrence County and somehow got either lost or stuck.

They were joined by Richland and Crawford officials, and a Game Warden with the IDNR, largely because the fear was that one of the two - reportedly Babbs - had suffered some kind of injury or condition that was causing him to cry out for help from the wooded area, which is what neighbors in the vicinity were hearing.

It was discovered that the alleged crimes took place in Richland, not Jasper or Lawrence.

They're being held at the Richland County Detention Center, both on preliminary charges of Residential Burglary, wherein they are accused of breaking in to homes in the rural location of Richland County, and stealing guns.

We'll have more as it becomes available.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hit our Facebook page (yes we still have one), and this post on it if you'd like to discuss this subject on Facebook; and be sure you check your "get notifications" selection under the 'like' button on our page; recent Facebook upgrades have booted many of our followers off from getting our posts. Also check us on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Tumblr!…and if you like what you’re reading here, why not subscribe? You can get the print version as well as the e-Edition (the electronic version of the print version, where we put the in-depth articles as well as the serious crime and corruption rundown for the previous weeks; more than local papers provide) at this link…get clicking and get on board so YOU can be informed!

CENTRALIA RESIDENT SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS IN FED PRISON FOR FIREARMS OFFENSES

$
0
0

gavel-800x800

CENTRALIA, Ill. - Brandon Hoskins, 32, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced to sixty months in federal prison on December 13, 2016, for possession of a firearm in connection with a drug offense, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced Wednesday.

Hoskins was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment and to serve three years of supervised release after he is released from prison.

On November 29, 2014, the Buchheit of Centralia farm and home supply store was burglarized and thirty-nine firearms were stolen, along with at least one thousand rounds of ammunition.

Evidence established that two of the guns stolen during the Buchheit’s burglary were eventually transferred to Brandon Hoskins. When agents went to Hoskins’ home on December 5, 2014, to search for the stolen firearms, they discovered a separate Glock pistol in his bedroom, along with an amount of heroin, a drug log book, and drug packaging materials. Hoskins admitted that he kept that firearm as protection related to his drug dealing. The two stolen firearms were eventually recovered by law enforcement officials. Hoskins pleaded guilty on August 11, 2016, in United States District Court.

Centralia Police and agents from the ATF identified the suspects soon after the burglary and
have recovered thirty-seven of the thirty-nine stolen guns as of this date. Anyone with knowledge of the remaining stolen firearms or the ammunition is encouraged to call law enforcement.

The investigation is being conducted by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Centralia Police Department, along with the Clinton County State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

THEFT CASE IN WILLIAMSON RESOLVED WITH PLEA

$
0
0
Austin Norris

Austin Norris

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - Williamson County State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti announced yesterday that on December 12, 2016, Austen Norris, age 20 of Marion, pled guilty to theft, a Class 3 felony, and fraudulent use of electronic transmission, a Class 4 felony, and was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections.

Norris also pled guilty to another count of theft and was sentenced to five years in DOC to run concurrently with the previous sentence.

On July 14, 2016, a truck was stolen from the parking lot of Best One Tire in Marion. Marion Police investigated the matter, and their investigation eventually led them to identify Norris as the theft suspect. On August 30 in a separate incident at the Herrin Walmart, Norris originated electronic information to an electronic fund transfer terminal in that he authorized the transfer of funds from an account not belonging to him and without authorization for the purpose of purchasing a computer laptop from Walmart, which he did indeed purchase with the illegally obtained funds.

Norris was arrested on August 31 and was charged with the offenses by State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti on September 2. The truck and laptop was recovered, and Norris was ordered to pay restitution for any damage caused to the stolen property. Norris has been held in the Williamson County jail since his arrest and will be transferred to DOC.      

“This is a fine example of multiple police departments in the county working together with my office for the common goal of making our communities safer by taking a dangerous person off the street,” Zanotti said. “I commend the Marion, Herrin and Energy police departments for their hard work and cooperation with each other during this investigation.”

RAMEY’S ATTORNEY SLIDES A MOTION IN TODAY; NO HEARING TOMORROW

$
0
0
GLENN RAMEY

GLENN RAMEY

RICHLAND CO., Ill. - The public defender appointed to handle accused murderer Glenn Ramey's case is already going above and beyond.

Earlier today (Thursday, December 15), a hearing was held on a motion made last week (Dec. 9) by Ramey's court-appointed attorney Jim Lane, regarding defendant's fitness.

And he's not talking about physical fitness.

Ramey, who is perfectly capable of running all over town, getting into fights with 16-year-old kids, hanging out with other lowlifes drinking beer and smoking cigarettes, and working odd jobs for people such as shade-tree mechanic work, lawn mowing and wood splitting/tree trimming (as well as stealing anything not nailed down), suddenly becomes mentally incompetent when he's charged with a serious crime. This is how he got out of theft charges in Crawford County in 2011, and the sexual abuse of his own son in Massac County, an incident where DCFS founded the abuse but the courts believed it "too difficult" to prosecute some 20 years ago.

As predicted in both newspapers released prior to the SCHEDULED court date that was to take place tomorrow (Dec. 16), Ramey has pulled out the "mental fitness" card and that's what Lane filed last week.

He was able to slide a hearing in today and during that, the court determined that a mental fitness exam conducted in early 2012 after the Crawford County case, can be taken into consideration in this case. The documents from that exam were filed under seal today by Judge Larry Dunn. It was also ordered that Ramey must undergo a new fitness exam pertaining to his fitness to understand the charges against him in the rape and murder of 8-year-old Sabrina Stauffenberg November 23, and to assist in his own defense. In light of this order today, there will be no preliminary hearing tomorrow, so people who were making plans to attend the hearing (a great number of people still don't understand that court hearings are public and that they can come and observe them) have now found their plans changed.

People who have known and associated with Ramey over the past several decades (including his own mother) have, one after the other, told Disclosure that Ramey will "play like he's crazy" so he will get out of the murder charge. They state that he is perfectly capable of conducting his day-to-day business until it comes to being charged with a crime; then he becomes "mentally incompetent." These same associates state that Ramey knows full well what he's doing by "playing crazy," and that it is a ploy.

Unfortunately the state psychologists tasked with discovering this duplicity generally can't. They might be able to raise a question as to mental unfitness - as in the case of Tamara Williams, which was decided yesterday in Williamson County - and show that a person is "insane" when they commit a murder as in the case of Williams, but they seem to have a hard time being able to ascertain when they're being fooled. Under the current circumstance, Judge Dunn has ordered that no Department of Human Services documents will be provided to Dr. Jerry Boyd, the shrink set to do the evaluation, and no DHS facilities will be used in the exam to be conducted by Dr. Boyd. While we haven't had that completely clarified by court officials, that appears to us that Dr. Boyd gets to examine Ramey "cold"...meaning that prior history can't be taken into consideration, and so his prior "playing the crazy card" antics won't be considered.

State's Attorney Brad Vaughn is in kind of a difficult spot with it, as, if there is a question of mental fitness raised, he can object but such an objection doesn't do much good; if there's a question of a person's competence to stand trial, it really needs to be answered. So Vaughn today didn't object. The matter has therefore been set for a January 27 status hearing. It's possible the exam results won't be back by then. So this at the very least will drag out a little longer, and Richland County taxpayers are going to be giving Ramey three hots and a cot in a place that, judging by the appearance of his last digs, is a great improvement and he doesn't have to pay extra to stay warm like the rest of us will this winter.

Give us your input, here or on social networking, as to what you think about this turn of events. Does Ramey know what he's doing? Or is he so "crazy" that he's just oblivious and knows how it's worked out in the past, so he's just going along with it as a matter of rote? Is this justice for both the victim and the accused? Discuss.

BRIAN BURNS SUFFERING FROM CANCER; SEEKING BOND REDUCTION

$
0
0
Dr. Brian Burns, in custody at the SCDC

Dr. Brian Burns, in custody at the SCDC

SALINE CO., Ill. - In a hearing held today in Saline County Circuit Court, the attorney representing the former doctor accused of murder has entered a motion for a bond reduction based on failing health of the defendant.

Former doctor Brian T. Burns, who was accused back in March of this year of shooting then dismembering his wife and burning her body parts, made a brief appearance today as his attorney, Bryan Drew of Franklin County, had heard a motion to reduce Burns' bond.

Stating that Burns, 57, is suffering from macular degeneration and malignant melanoma, Drew said in his motion that Burns has had no treatment and no follow up for either condition since he was jailed in mid-March. Interestingly, there has been NO mention of either of these conditions up to this point, including during an April motion to reduce bond, as well as in Burns' filings of a financial affidavit or attendant paperwork to show any kind of medical claim or physical condition (which, in a financial affidavit, might be disclosed by stating bills or ongoing expenses associated with it).

As a result of these conditions and lack of care, Drew is asking that Burns' bail be reduced from a million dollars cash to a half-million.

Conventional wisdom might dictate that if Burns is able to raise a half-million dollars to be sprung from holding at the Saline County Detention Center, he might be able to advise jail personnel that he needs some treatment and if it's THAT bad and he's so worried about it, he'd be able to pay for treatment if the county told him they weren't able to (inmates housed in county jails and who have ongoing medical conditions are generally required to disclose such a thing; and counties are supposed to ensure that detainees are provided adequate medical care while housed there. Sometimes, however, if the ailment is too severe or expensive for the county to handle, they will either release the person on a recognizance bond if they're indigent, or will reduce bond to something manageable. It's unclear whether this will prove to be one of those cases.)

The problem with Burns' pleading on the case right now is that he'd previously told Stacey Kintner, the ISP investigator who questioned him prior to charges, that he wouldn't kill his wife and then stay here knowing he'd be the first person they'd look at; he had enough money to leave the country before that would happen, ergo, by this reasoning, he didn't kill her.

Nobody bought it then, and it may not play out now. There's been a status hearing set for December 27 to address this matter, and the case is still on track for a jury trial March 22, 2017. He's still under charges for Aggravated Kidnaping, wherein he was charged with trying to solicit someone to kidnap State's Attorney Mike Henshaw for a thousand dollars; that case is set for a prelim in January 5.

TWO INJURED IN ROUTE 45 CRASH, EFFINGHAM COUNTY

$
0
0

EFFINGHAM CO., Ill. - A man from Edgewood and a man from Effingham were injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday on U.S. Route 45.

Illinois State Police in District 12 Effingham report that a blue 1990 Toyota being driven by Brandon Loy, 21, of Effingham, was traveling Rt 45 southbound at the south edge of Heartville approaching E 850th Avenue, this at about 6:09 p.m. Thursday, December 15. 

A tan 2009 Ford being driven by Timothy Forehand, 50, of Edgewood, was traveling Rt 45 northbound approaching E 850th Avenue. The Toyota driver failed to yield, turning left in front of the Ford. The Ford struck the Toyota in the front passenger side. The Toyota spun northbound, coming a rest in the northbound lane of traffic. The Ford continued northbound, running off the roadway right, coming to a rest in the ditch.

Effingham City/County EMS Transported Loy to St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham. Loy was then flown to Carle Hospital in Urbana for further treatment. Forehand was transported to St. Anthony Hospital for treatment. 

Loy was cited for Failure to Yield Turning Left, and Driving Without Lights when required.

AREA SHERIFFS REPORTING ANOTHER SEASONAL SCAM

$
0
0

Scams

ILLINOIS - Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick has been kind enough to supply us with a press release about the latest scam going around this holiday season.

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association is advising all Illinois county residents that there is currently underway a phone campaign fraudulently using the name “Disabled Police and Sheriffs Foundation” in their solicitation.

Although the number appears to resonate with an Illinois company that is not the case. Charities often solicit donors under multiple names. It is also listed as one of the “Top 50 Worst Charities.”

CharityWatch is aware of this charity soliciting donors using the following names:

American Police & Sheriffs Association

DPSF

Police Officers Safety Association


This group is not registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office according to the Charitable Database maintained by General Madigan’s Office. They are also not associated with any Illinois Sheriff or legitimate police organization in Illinois.


Telemarketing fraud costs billions of dollars each year. Phone solicitors who want you to "act immediately" or are offering a "too good to be true" opportunity are most likely fraudulent. Remember that if you have any doubts, or are highly pressured - Just Hang Up.


You have the right to ask for the following information:

1) The name, address and phone number of the organization for which they are 
soliciting.

2) The name, address and phone number of the telemarketing firm.

3) The percentage of every dollar paid to the telemarketing firm.

4) Insist on something in writing prior to making a pledge or commitment.


If you cannot get the answers to these questions do not hesitate to hang up the phone. After all, it is your money.


Although there are some legitimate organizations that use telemarketers for their fundraising efforts the Sheriffs of Illinois, through the Illinois Sheriffs' Association, are adamantly opposed to police groups and associations using telemarketers in their fundraising efforts.

Again, the Illinois Sheriffs' Association never solicits by phone.
 Should you receive a call from someone saying they represent your local sheriff or the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and are asking for donations contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately or gather as much information as you can from the caller and report it to the Illinois Sheriffs' Association at ISA@ilsheriff.org


The Illinois Sheriffs' Association never solicits by phone but does conduct a direct mail campaign throughout the state of Illinois endorsed by the individual Sheriffs across Illinois.


REMEMBER THESE TELEMARKETING TIPS:

 Offers too good to be true usually are. Ask to receive the “unbelievable deal” or the “amazing prize offer” in 
writing so you can read it carefully before making a commitment. 

 Never give out your personal information over the phone or Internet unless you have initiated the contact. 
Legitimate business callers will never ask you for this information over the phone.

 If a caller asks you to pay for an offer in advance or asks for your credit card number or Social Security 
number, tell the person you don’t give out personal information over the telephone and hang up. 
 Remember that legitimate telemarketers won’t be turned off if you use these techniques. They will appreciate 
dealing with an educated consumer. It’s not rude – it’s shrewd


ACCUSED MURDERER’S FATHER ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES, INDIANA

$
0
0
Joseph Marley, Knox County mugshot

Joseph Marley, Knox County mugshot

KNOX CO., Ill. - There are some things that you just can't make up, despite Facebook giving you the opportunity to say that someone is.

This story is one of those.

Regular readers, particularly in Lawrence County, will recall from two issues ago the front-pager about the local boy Lance Marley, 26, graduate of Lawrenceville High School, who is accused of stabbing his 32-year-old girlfriend Lindsey Fleck to death back in October in Princeton, Indiana.

Marley is sitting in jail in Gibson County, charged with her murder.

LANCE MARLEY

LANCE MARLEY

Marley's dad Joseph, 66, resides in Vincennes right across the river from Lawrenceville and one county north of Gibson.

Earlier this week, authorities went to the elder Marley's home on a complaint out of Gibson County: Overhears on phone calls the younger Marley was making to his father seemed to indicate that dad was allegedly making plans with son to break son out of jail.

When authorities from both Knox County as well as the city of Princeton arrived at the elder Marley's Vincennes home, a search turned up alleged letters between the two detailing the alleged escape plan...and a whole bunch of marijuana plants. Like, $100,000 worth.

The elder Marley, who has only a petty criminal record but an extensive civil record in the area showing that he simply doesn't pay his bills, was taken into custody, this happening yesterday (December 15), and is awaiting what the prosecutor's going to say about formal charges; arresting charges include Possession of Marijuana and Dealing Marijuana.

There's been no word so far on the letters between the two; that situation will likely be pending the outcome of the investigation.

The younger Marley is next set to appear in court in Gibson County January 18, 2017, after his hearing this month was continued due to this incident arising this week.

COWPER TAKES A PLEA IN SEX ASSAULT CASE

$
0
0
DEANGELO COWPER

DEANGELO COWPER

SALINE CO., Ill. - A violent crim who finally pulled a couple of stunts authorities weren’t going to put up with is off to IDOC.

The Saline County State’s Attorney’s office has advised that Deangelo M. Cowper, 33 of Harrisburg recently but originally of Carrier Mills, pled guilty to a sexual assault charge on Tuesday, December 14 in Saline County Circuit Court.

In a negotiated agreement with the state, Cowper entered a plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault and was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The offense occurred June 27, 2015, in Harrisburg upon a 13-year-old victim after Cowper had her consume controlled substances.

He had been charged with three Class X felonies in that case, and five Class 2 felonies the plea was to one of the Class X felonies. As a result, Cowper will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence and register as a sex offender for life.

Cowper was still under bond from the sex assault allegations when, on August 29, he is accused of stabbing a man in an incident on Poplar Street in Harrisburg. Just prior to that, he’d been sentenced in a misdemeanor count in neighboring Hardin County.

Facing all this, Cowper, set for a jury trial on the 14th, opted to enter a plea.

It’s unclear what the status of the stabbing case - in which he’s charged with Aggravated Battery in a Public Place and Felon in Possession of a Weapon, both Class 3 felonies - currently is right now.

Assistant State’s Attorney Eva Walker handled the case for the state. Judge Walden Morris presided.

ICY ROAD LEADS TO JUVENILE DRIVER’S CRASH ON EXIT RAMP

$
0
0

icy sign, ice, icy roads

EFFINGHAM CO., Ill. - An accident last night on an icy exit ramp sent a young driver to the hospital in Effingham for injuries that Illinois State Police said were non-life-threatening.

The accident occurred at 9:30 p.m. Friday, December 16 on the exit ramp at Edgewood off I-57 southbound in Effingham County.

Preliminary investigative details indicate that the bottom of I-57’s southbound exit ramp at Edgewood was blocked by a truck tractor-semi trailer that jackknifed across the entire exit ramp causing vehicles traveling down the ramp to attempt to stop and park on the exit ramp’s shoulder including Fransisco Ruiz, 46, of Toledo, Ohio. Fransisco Ruiz had exited his pickup just before a 17-year-old female juvenile from Iola, driving a red 2009 Toyota Corolla, exited onto the exit ramp. Due to the icy road surface, the juvenile driver was unable to stop, and struck the back of Ruiz’ white 2002 Dodge pickup.

The juvenile driver was injured and was transported by private vehicle to St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham for medical attention. Two passengers in Ruiz’ vehicle, Leticia Ruiz, 45, and a 12-year-old juvenile, both also of Toledo, were uninjured, as was Ruiz.

No citations were issued.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hit our Facebook page (yes we still have one), and this post on it if you'd like to discuss this subject on Facebook; and be sure you check your "get notifications" selection under the 'like' button on our page; recent Facebook upgrades have booted many of our followers off from getting our posts. Also check us on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Tumblr!…and if you like what you’re reading here, why not subscribe? You can get the print version as well as the e-Edition (the electronic version of the print version, where we put the in-depth articles as well as the serious crime and corruption rundown for the previous weeks; more than local papers provide) at this link…get clicking and get on board so YOU can be informed!

MOUNT PLEASANT WOMEN INJURED ON ICY ROADWAY

$
0
0

crash, wreck, accident, ice, icy road

FAYETTE CO.— A pair of Mount Pleasant women were transported to an area hospital after police say the vehicle they were in hit a patch of ice Friday, December 16.

According to authorities, at 7:22 p.m. last night, Heather Dawn Cato, 39, was southbound on I-57, driving a black 2008 Toyota 4-Runner SUV, when three miles north of Farina, at mile marker 138 and a half, she hit ice, causing her to lose control and slide off the roadway to the right, overturning.

Both Cato and passenger, 22-year-old Paige N. Pontarola, were transported from the scene by Farina Ambulance to Effingham St. Anthony Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

No citations were issued.

SINGLE-VEHICLE FATAL CRASH, CLAY COUNTY

$
0
0

fatal-accident-graphic

CLAY CO., Ill. - A man from Louisville is deceased following a single-vehicle crash on Athens Lane.

Illinois State Police who worked the crash said that it happened early this morning (Saturday, December 17) at about 2 a.m.

At that time, ISP said, preliminary details indicate that Henry D. Rockwood, 30, of Louisville, was driving a white 1991 Oldsmobile westbound on Athens Lane just west of County Road 1600 East in Clay County when Rockwood exited the roadway to the south and drove off a bridge, causing his vehicle to overturn.

The Oldsmobile came to rest upside down at the bottom of the creek bed.

Rockwood was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Clay County Coroner.

Viewing all 12449 articles
Browse latest View live


Latest Images

<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>