FLORA, Ill. - Flora Police Chief John Nicholson has released department activity for the time period covering October 24 through November 5 for his city, which showed a quiet week and a half.

Tuesday, October 24 at 3:09 pm, Ralph Artis, 48, of Iowa was issued a Local Ordinance Citation for Dog Running at Large, following an incident in the 500 block of West 5th Street.

Sunday, October 29 at 12:43 am, Flora Police arrested Kohl Harrison, 24, of Louisville on a Clay County Failure to Appear Warrant. Harrison was transported to Flora Police Department prior to being transferred to Clay County Jail.

Monday, October 30 at 3:32 pm, James Shreve, 81, and Austin Frazier, 18, both of Wayne City, were issued Local Ordinance Citations for Disturbing the Peace, following an incident in the 900 block of Stacey Burk Drive.

Saturday, November 4 at 11:32 pm, Flora Police arrested Daren Davis, 47, of Flora for Harassment Through Electronic Communication. Davis underwent booking procedures at Flora Police Department and was transferred to the custody of Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Sunday, November 5 at 5:46 pm, Jimmy Carter, 52, of Xenia and Michael McGee, 37, of Flora were issued Local Ordinance Citations for Fighting, following an incident in the 200 block of West North Avenue.

Adam Joseph Schexnayder

CRAWFORD CO., Ill. - A man hailing from Carmi in White County has been sentenced to a prison term out of Crawford County considerably to the north.

Adam Joseph Schexnayder, 44, showing a most recent address of Sheridan Street in Carmi in far-flung White County to the south, was taken into custody in Crawford County for transport to Illinois Department of Corrections following a Friday, November 3 sentencing in Crawford.

Schexnayder was charged a year ago this month with Possession of Meth less than 5 grams in Crawford. The charge is a Class 3 felony.

Schexnayder has criminal histories in both counties dating back to the early 90s.

His sentence is going to end up being just enough to make him mad: He got two years in IDOC, which means he'll be there about a year.

He was also ordered to pay $1,397 in fines and fees, which has already been paid, and which fact might explain the light sentence.

UPDATE, 9 P.M.

FROM THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE DISTRICT 22, ULLIN

The Illinois State Police District 22 in Ullin is searching for Michael A. Lafond, age 30, who fled on foot from a traffic stop on I-24 at milepost 7.

Lafond was last seen on Tunnel Hill Road at Deer Ridge Road.

The State Police is urging residents in the Goreville area to lock the doors to their residence, vehicles, and be on the watch for Lafond. If anyone observes Lafond please do not approach and call 911.

Lafond is described as: 5’10”, 210 lbs, shoulder length brown hair, musical note tattoo on his temple. He was wearing a light gray T-shirt, gray fleece pants, and canvas shoes.

Lafond is wanted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Below is the original post.

JOHNSON CO., Ill. - Authorities in Johnson County issued an alert shortly after 6 p.m. this evening for folks in the area of the interstate running through the county to be watchful.

The alert stated that at that time, officers were actively searching for a suspect that fled on foot from the area of I-24 at exit 7.

He was last seen traveling on foot heading west.

He is described as a white male, approximately 30 years old. 5' 10" 175 lbs with shoulder length brownish red hair.

He was last seen wearing a short sleeve gray t-shirt and blue or grey pants.

Residents should make sure that all vehicles and doors are locked.

If seen, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.

MARION, Ill. - Here's a big Marion Police Department report, courtesy of the fine men and women in blue in Marion, Illinois, in Williamson County.

Nickolas Tingue, 31 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on October 29.

Michelle Tingue, 33 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on October 29.

Chad Kavis, 36 of Marion has been arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the 1100 block of N Madison St on October 29.

Andrew Cooper-Ray, 19 of Marion has been arrested for Domestic Battery and Interfering with Reporting a Domestic Battery on October 29, in the 500 block of E Browning St.

Bethany Bailey, 44 of Marion has been issued a citation for Unlawful Visitation Interference on October 29.

Kelly Hart, 50 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on October 30.

Justine L Doyle, 29 of Herrin has been arrested for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on October 30.

Thomas Jackson, 51 of Pharr, Texas, has been issued citations for Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Damage and Improper Lane Usage in the area of Court St and Main St on October 30. No injuries were reported.

Joe Alexander, 65 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on October 31.

Hiram Jones, 39 of Marion has been arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the 1800 block of Bittle Place on November 1.

Cody Goins, 29 of Goreville has been issued citations for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Improper Lane Usage in the area of DuFour St and Atchison St on November 3.

Lisa Chamness, 48 of Johnston City has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on November 3.

Michelle Dunnigan, 49 of Marion has been issue a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on November 3.

Kyle Cane, 18 of Johnston City has been arrested for Domestic Battery on November 3, in the area of Midway Ct.

Gregory Wicks, 57 of Marion has been arrested for Disorderly Conduct In the 1900 block of W Main St on November 3.

Keeton Brown, 26 of Eldorado has been arrested for Speeding, 2 counts of Driving Under the Influence, Improper Lane Usage, Disobeying Traffic Control Device, No Valid Registration and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle in the area of Williamson Country Parkway and DeYoung St on November 4.

Levi Fortner, 24 of Marion has been arrested for Domestic Battery, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Controlled Substance in the area of Shawnee Dr. and Russell St on November 4.

Franklin Byars, 34 of Eldridge, Alabama, has been arrested for Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer, Obstructing Justice, Obstructing Identification, Possession of Methamphetamines and Retail Theft at Rural King on November 5.

Elizabeth A Norris, 36 of Marion has been arrested for being in Possession of Stolen Property and Trying to Sell Stolen Property over the Internet on November 5.

Chastity M Jones, 38 of Marion has been arrested for being in Possession of Stolen Property on November 5.

Rashawn Davis, 31 of Marion has been issued citations for Driving Without Headlights when Required and Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle in the area of Main St and Carbon St on November 5.

Austin C. Perrone

GALLATIN CO., Ill. - The fifth person wanted in a big theft and meth sweep that was effected last week has been brought into custody.

Austin C. Perrone, 26, had been sought since about last Thursday, when authorities began rounding up a number of people following some incidents of theft in the county; read this report from yesterday as supplied by Gallatin County State's Attorney Doug Dyhrkopp for the details.

It's reported that Perrone sneaked into his place to see his wife, who is reportedly pregnant with twins; police got a tip and the burst into the place and took him into custody. 

Reports indicate that Perrone, who has been steadily getting into more and more trouble in Gallatin since last year when he was busted several times for totally-avoidable stuff, as you can see at this link here if you have an online membership to the e-Edition, is something of a little shyster.

He reportedly had been telling people he was "working at the mines" for three months, leading up to this incident, but some folks checked up on him and found out that that was a complete falsehood: Perrone reportedly wasn't working at all. Yet he was driving a brand new Range Rover, and always displaying photos of himself on his social networking wearing brand-new clothes. Some sources indicate that his family is one of the "connected" in Gallatin and that their misguided support of the guy resulted in these "nice things"...but some said it's a little more insidious. This might be supported by the report that the a black car is sitting in a driveway with its windows busted completely out; it was reported that Perrone did that, however, no charges have been forthcoming on it, as apparently no complaint was filed.

Perrone is being held at the White County Jail; his new charges are Class 2 felony Burglary, and Class 3 felony Theft. We'll have a full detailed account in the next issue, on stands November 29; be sure you pick up the current issue, November 2017, as one of Perrone's alleged co-horts is featured in that one.

Felicia Fritchley

MT. CARMEL, Ill. - There's been no explanation thus far as to what on earth prompted an Edwards County woman to lose her stuff in the deli section of a grocery store in Mt. Carmel yesterday, but that's what police report apparently happened.

Felicia Fritchley, 38, of Albion, was in the deli section of Buehler's Buy-Low yesterday, said police reports, when for no apparent reason, she attacked another woman.

When officers arrived, Fritchley is accused of attacking them.

Arresting charges include five counts of Aggravated Battery, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting a Peace Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (which, depending on what "drug" might have been associated with the "paraphernalia," might explain a lot).

Things probably aren't going to go very well for Fritchley, as, at the time of the incident, she was working her way through a one-year sentence of conditional discharge issued to her on August 22 of this year, this after prosecutor Cassandra Goldman was kind enough to take a Class 2 felony Aggravated Battery of a Peace Officer down to a Class A misdemeanor simple Battery charge. She had been issued a six-month jail sentence on that conviction, which was stayed...and which she'll now likely have to complete.

Fritchley remains behind bars at Wabash County's lockup, pending formal charges and setting of bond.

RICHLAND CO., Ill. - The Richland County Board agenda for the November meeting tomorrow night has been posted.

We present this agenda as a public service. Attend your board meetings, so your public officials will know you are holding them accountable for your hard-earned money taken out in taxes.

The Finance Committee meets prior to the full board; that agenda is presented first.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick wants local churches and businesses to know that the Sheriff’s Office is working with the Franklin /Williamson Bi-County Health Department to organize a Church Safety Workshop.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office have been presenting information from the ALICE-Active Shooter Civilian Response program to area schools and businesses for the past several years. They are currently developing a presentation specifically for churches that includes information from ALICE and will address specific issues that churches face when discussing security.

The tentative date for this workshop is December 2, 2017. Time and location will be announced.

Anyone who is interested in this workshop is asked to contact Deputy Brian Murrah at618-997-6541 ext. 1318.

Kyle Buchanan

WHITE CO., Ill. - Three individuals, some who've been sitting in jail for awhile, another just recently tossed back in, have been sentenced in White County Circuit Court this morning, November 8, 2017.

White County State's Attorney Denton Aud said Kyle D. Buchanan, 25, of Carmi, was sentenced in his Class 2 felony Burglary case filed in July. Buchanan was found guilty but mentally ill and sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections this morning for burglarizing the CVS pharmacy on July 8, 2017. He must follow that with two years of parole upon release. Public Defender Brian Shinkle represented Buchanan. Judge T. Scott Webb was the presiding judge imposing the sentence. Carmi Police Department was the investigating agency.

Anna Grant

Next was Anna M. Grant, 23, Carmi, who was sentenced in her Class 3 felony Aggravated Battery case. Grant had previously been placed on probation in 2015 in this case (which you can read about here). After violating the probation for notably failing to report, failing to complete counseling, using illegal drugs, and committing the offense of theft while on probation, the probation sentence was revoked with a three-year sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections being entered this morning. This is to be followed by a year of parole. Public Defender Brian Shinkle represented Grant. Judge T. Scott Webb was the presiding judge imposing the sentence. Carmi Police Department was the investigating agency.

Tiffany Weidenburner

And then Tiffany L. Weidenburner, 33, Carmi, was sentenced on her Class 3 felony Forgery charge, for which she received three years in IDOC, to be followed by one year of parole; and her Class 3 felony Possession of Methamphetamine charge, for which she will serve two and a half years in IDOC, to be followed by the same year of parole, as the sentences will be running concurrently. Weidenburner had previously been placed on probation in the forgery case. She was arrested last week for possession of methamphetamine which was a violation of her probation amongst other things. Her probation sentence was revoked in that case with concurrent sentences entered in the two cases. Judge T. Scott Webb was the presiding judge imposing the sentence. Carmi Police Department was the investigating agency.

Brittany Mathis

CARMI, Ill. - A woman from Enfield was spotted by a sharp-eyed cop in Carmi yesterday, driving when she allegedly wasn't supposed to.

In a report submitted by Carmi Police Chief Jason Carter, the traffic stop happened just before 10 p.m. last night, Tuesday, November 7.

The Carmi officer observed a white 2006 Chrysler driving on Oak Street with a registration that had expired in April. The vehicle was stopped at the intersection on Oak and 10th streets.

When she was pulled over, the officer found the driver, Brittany N. Mathis, 33, of Enfield, had a suspended license.

Mathis was arrested and transported to the jail, where she was cited for Driving While License Suspended and Operating Uninsured. She was able to post bond $150 to secure her release.

CLAY CO., Ill. - From Halloween night all the way up to yesterday, Clay County Sheriff Andy Myers and his deputies have been a busy bunch, dealing with repeat offenders (again) as well as the routine traffic stops and wrecks.

Oct. 31, Edward Olson, 40, Olney, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. Bond set at $3,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

Oct. 31, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Shannon Hays, 38, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Petition to Revoke Probation on the original charge of Unlawful Use of Property. Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent). She is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

Nov. 1, the Clay County Sheriff's Office was notified of a motor vehicle accident at 9:57 a.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and N. 3rd Street, N.E., Clay City. Apparently Bridgette Fulk, 19, Ingraham, operating a 2001 Saturn, was travelling north on North Main Street, slowed to turn right and was struck another northbound vehicle operated by Lalin Evangelista, 27, Dieterich. Evangelista was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. No injuries
reported.

Nov. 1, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Kelly R. Moats, 30, Clay City, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Petition to Revoke Probation on the original charge of Unlawful Use of Property. Bond set at $10,000.00 (10 percent). She is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

Nov. 1, Thomas D. Richardson, 42, Mt. Vernon, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Operation of Uninsured Motor Vehicle. Bond set at $4,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

Nov. 3, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Robert Okoniewski, 32, New Smyrna Beach, Florida for Driving While Driver's License Suspended. He posted $150.00 cash and was released.

Tiffany Beard

Nov. 3, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Tiffany Beard, 28, Flora, on an outstanding Richland County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of DUI. Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. Beard was transported to Richland County Jail.

Nov. 3, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Vivian Pruitt, 49, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Criminal Trespass to Land. She appeared in Clay County Court and was released.

Nov. 4, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Tonya D. Yates, 47, Clay City, for Domestic Battery. Bond set at $3,000.00 (10 percent). She posted bond and was released.

Ryan Staton

Nov. 5, Ryan Staton, 36, Flora, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Driving While Driver's License Revoked. Bond set at $3,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

Chuck Vinson

Nov. 6, Chuck Vinson, 29, Farina, was arrested on two Clay County warrants. The first, Failure to Appear on the original charge of Criminal Trespass to Residence. Bond set at $10,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. The second, Failure to Appear on the original charge of Domestic Battey. Bond set at $3,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

Nov. 7, Maggie Matlock, 28, Mason, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Deceptive Practice. Bond set at $15,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. She is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

Nov. 7, Kenneth Pontious, 34, Edgewood, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver. Bond set at $15,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

From our friends the Edgar County Watchdogs

Barry S. Wolfe

BY JMKRAFT ON NOVEMBER 8, 2017

COLES CO., IL. (ECWd)  – ECWd has just learned that the accused AAU girls basketball coach, Barry Wolfe, from Martinsville, Illinois, has been charged a second time, with what appears to be a second victim.

This charge includes 42 COUNTS of various Criminal Sexual Abuses of a minor with which he held a position of trust, authority, and supervision over.

Thirty Counts are Class 1 Felony Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, each carrying a 3 - 7 year sentence and $25k fine, if convicted.

Twelve Counts are Class 2 Felony Criminal Sexual Assault, each carrying a 4 - 15 year sentence with a $25k fine, if convicted.

His bond was set at $5 million in this...

To read the rest, including file material, hit this link.

Coverage of Wolfe, as well as other AAU coaches across the country (including two right here in Illinois) who have gotten into trouble for this very thing, can be found at our Page 13 article in the current edition, which is on stands now (vendors at this link); or, if you're an online member at the e-Edition, hit this link. If you're not on with the e-Edition, you can do so very easily at this link; just a few clicks, and you'll be able to read all print versions we've produced for the past five years. Don't miss out...join today.

Help the Watchdogs out by clicking the icon below!

Michael Lafond

JOHNSON CO., Ill. - The man who escaped from authorities after a traffic stop in Johnson County Tuesday has been apprehended.

Michael Lafond, 30, who is a registered sex offender in Henrico County, Virginia, didn't last long in the chilly weather downstate Illinois has been experiencing the last couple of days, since he was wearing only a t-shirt, fleece pajama pants and canvas shoes (effectively, he was dressed for a trip to Walmart, not hiding out in the wilderness of southern Illinois).

The vehicle he was in was the subject of a traffic stop on Interstate 24 at exit 7 in Johnson County. He ran from the stop and was able to flee police after they discovered he was wanted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Now he's in even more trouble, because simply running from the stop is worthy of a felony fleeing/eluding charge on its own.

This morning at about 8 a.m., Lafond was located in the Goreville area of Johnson County. Authorities have not advised as to the circumstances of his arrest (other than he gave them no trouble) nor where he had been for a day and a half. All that's been released is that a local observed a person matching Lafond's description walking across a field along Deer Ridge Road. Because of the distinct "look" Lafond has - long hair and of course the non-arctic gear - the individual believed the field-pedestrian was indeed Lafond, and called police.

We'll update this post when we find out what Johnson County is going to charge Lafond with, and it could be hefty, as air support was called out Tuesday night by ISP district 22 in Ullin. Be watching.

CARMI, Ill. - Carmi police handled an early-morning DUI and two warrant arrests one upon traffic stops between Wednesday and early this morning, according to police reports issued by Police Chief Jason Carter.

Dustin Rose

The first warrant arrest happened yesterday morning (Wednesday, November 8) when Dustin L. Rose, 23, of Springerton, was stopped for a license plate check on a Chevrolet 4-door on Fairground Road at 10:19 a.m. The subsequent check of the driver, Rose, found that he was wanted on a warrant for Driving Suspended out of Hamilton County. He was taken into custody and bond was set at $375, which he was apparently able to post to secure his release.

Jason Sigmund

Then late last night, at about 11:25, another man, this one from Carmi (or Crossville, depending on which documents you're viewing), was taken into custody on a White County warrant, but the circumstances surrounding the arrest weren't made clear.

However, Jason M. Sigmund, 22, was the one escorted to the county jail on a felony Obstructing Justice warrant, which charge was filed on November 1.

Then early this morning (Thursday, Nov. 9), at about 1:08 a.m., a traffic stop landed a local man at the jail.

Christopher Hosman

Documents show that Christopher L. Hosman, 41, of Norris City, was the subject of a traffic stop in the 800 block of West Main Street in Carmi.

Upon executing the stop, the officer believed a DUI-Alcohol investigation was warranted, and apparently that's what happened, as Hosman was taken in on that misdemeanor count.

He was also cited with Driving While License Revoked, as well as Operating Uninsured and Illegal Transportation or Possession of Alcoholic Beverage.

Hosman was able to post bond to secure his release.

Douglas Hearn

JOHNSTON CITY, Ill. - Authorities in Johnston City in Williamson County have announced arrests in a crime reported just a couple of weeks ago.

On October 24, 2017, a residence on East 13th Street was reported as burglarized, and several items stolen including three firearms.

During the subsequent investigation by the Johnston City Police Department, two individuals were arrested and charged for the Burglary into the residence: Douglas K. Hearn, 31, and Charles C. Hutchinson, 26, both of Johnston City.

Charles Hutchinson

Brandon Blair

An additional subject, Brandon M. Blair, 24, of  Vienna, was arrested in Jackson County for Possession of Stolen Property after a search warrant was conducted and two stolen guns found in a home in rural Carbondale by members of the Johnston City Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the ILEAS Tactical Team.

All three guns were recovered because of the arrests.

Amber Talley

CRAWFORD CO., Ill. - Two women, one of them a sex offender, the other a repeat drug offender, were sentenced recently in Crawford County Circuit Court.

The first was Amber L. Talley, 35, of Robinson, who was sentenced on October 27 after her most recent arrest came about in mid-September and caught a misdemeanor charge on the 12th.

Talley was sentenced to a term of three years in Illinois Department of Corrections on a Class 4 felony Possession of a Controlled Substance charge as filed against her in early August.

In exchange for a plea, other charges of a Class 3 felony Non-Narcotic Schedule I/II, an earlier Class 3 felony Meth Possession and misdemeanor Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe/Needles (charged against her in late January of this year) were dismissed. In addition to the DOC sentence, Talley had to pay $1,783, which has been paid in the case.

The second sentencing came about Thursday, November 8.

Lynn A. Like

Lynn A. Like, 45, of Robinson, is a registered sex offender as of a couple of years ago after this terrible incident in Lawrence County.

Like apparently never did get the hang of becoming a sex offender, having run into a bit of a problem just two years ago after moving around Jasper County.

Apparently her most recent move was to Crawford County, where she was charged on September 17 with Violating Sex Offender Registry there.

On Thursday, she was sentenced to two years in IDOC to the Class 3 felony. She was also ordered to pay $367 in fines and fees; none of that has yet been paid.

From our friends the Edgar County Watchdogs

BY KIRK ALLEN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Illinois (ECWd) – In Illinois, Judges can sleep during a trial. The appellate Fifth District Appellate Court majority concluded, without a showing that the defendant was prejudiced the sleeping would be treated as a harmless error. So provided you are not prejudiced, sleep away your honor!

Pass the Budget, raise your taxes, borrow money to pay down the backlog of unpaid bills, which at the time reported to be $14 Billion…..never mind, this is Illinois! After budgets, tax increases, and more borrowing, our unpaid bills that so many were up in arms about, have now climbed to $16.5 Billion!

Trouble with Law Enforcement? Never mind that, our State Law Enforcement Training Standards Board had never approved a Police Academy Director until we exposed their malfeasance.

That same agency, “We do not send non-compliance letters to Sheriffs”.  Never mind it is their statutory duty to send those letters. After exposure, they complied.

Did I mention that this same agency lied to the Attorney General Public Access Counselor regarding the database for Police being investigated for wrongdoing?  Yes, the same agency that has no course curriculum pertaining to educating law enforcement on their obligation to investigate crimes committed by public officials.

Why is this important you ask?

Report a clear violation of state law to the Illinois State Police and they refuse to investigate it because they don’t feel a crime was committed. Never mind it has nothing to do with how they feel.  Their job is to investigate and pass on to the State’s Attorney for charges if applicable. One particular case we are working on the ISP became the Judge and Jury by refusing to investigate because of their opinion of what may or may not have happened, all without even opening an investigation. Many police don’t know what their real obligations entail.

Contact the applicable State’s Attorney on the above-referenced matter and he tells me his first obligation is to protect his client, the County Board Chair. Wrong answer, read the law!  The People v. Ashton, 192 N.E. 820 (Ill. 1934). When prosecutors take this position it undermines our very system of justice! 

Provide evidence of a crime to the local Police Chief in Atlanta, Illinois and he responds with a position ‘no crimes have been committed because he has a letter from the alleged criminal’s attorney’.  You would have to be a real idiot to.....

To read the rest, click this link.

Help the Watchdogs!

JASPER CO., Ill. - A young woman from Olney is at a major hospital in Champaign after a car-deer accident this morning.

Illinois State Police said the incident that sent her car off the roadway and into a guy wire occurred at just before 6 a.m. this morning, Friday, November 10.

ISP said that Loretta L. Beck, 25, of Olney, was driving a gray 2008 Chevrolet Impala on County Road 300 N (known in the area as E 3o0th Ave) westbound approximately a half-mile west of Illinois Route 130, five miles south of Newton.

A deer ran out into the path of the Chevy and the car struck the animal, causing Beck to lose control and run off the left side of the roadway.

Beck's vehicle then struck an electric pole guy wire and a telephone pedestal.

Beck was injured and was transported to Carle Hospital in Champaign; there's been no indication of her condition at this time.

Glen R. Ramey, walking outside the Richland County Courthouse back to the jail

RICHLAND CO., Ill. - Despite persistent rumors to the contrary today, no plea agreement has been reached in the case of Glen R. Ramey in Richland County.

The case against Ramey, 54, who is accused of sexually assaulting then murdering 8-year-old Sabrina Stauffenberg a year ago this month, continues to drag through the court system after Ramey was found mentally fit to stand trial in the case back in September in Effingham.

A hearing yesterday (Thursday, November 9) didn't further the case much; in fact, it set it back considerably. The jury trial setting made last month for December 4 was continued with no jury trial date set. The matter was set for another pretrial conference on January 11 and the speedy trial clock, which Ramey insisted started tolling just following the fitness trial, was ticking, meaning he had to be tried by a jury by Dec. 14.

The state, however. filed a motion for additional time due to waiting for final DNA testing of certain evidence, and this has been given as the reason for the speedy trial clock stopping, as the defense did not object to the motion as filed.

It's our understanding that at the setting yesterday, Ramey and his attorney discussed a plea deal with the state, but as of right now, the plea deal has NOT been accepted by the defense. This has been definitively confirmed to us by multiple court officials, who wish to get the message across loud and clear: There has been NO plea deal accepted.

We'll continue to update as the court dates occur. Be watching.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. – It’s the weekend, and you know what THAT means….Felony Friday! This is where you get the week’s rundown of felonies charged in the county, as well as felony cases that have reached a resolution, and it was a busy one, with folks from all over being involved, including a woman from Shawneetown.

Felonies charged

This week starts with Roger Lee Williams, 55, of Herrin, who was charged on October 27 with Aggravated Driving Under the Influence Of Alcohol; he was also charged with Driving While License Revoked, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage, and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle. He’s free on a $1,500 cash bond.

Christopher R. Camden, 29, of Herrin, was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery. The charges say that on October 28, he knowingly strangled a family or household member by placing his hands around the neck of said person. He is also charged with the following misdemeanors: Unlawful Restraint, Interfering With the Reporting of Domestic Violence, Criminal Damage to Property and Criminal Trespass to Residence and Violation of Bail Bond from back in September when he had been charged with Domestic Battery on the same victim.

Mathew T. Hays, 24, and Jerry Cullum, 20, both of Pittsburg, have each been charged with one count of Theft and one count Criminal Damage to Property. Charges state on April 18, 2017 both men tried their hand at Obtaining a Power Steering Pump from Absher Motors using the old-fashioned five-finger discount by cutting a belt and hose from a vehicle leaving a trail of power steering fluid leading away from the vehicle. Their first appearance is December 15.

Linda M. Callahan, 37, of Johnston City, is charged with one count of Theft and one count of Unlawful Use of a Credit or Debit Card. On May 19, 2017, Callahan is alleged to have obtained control over $702.35 cash belonging to another person. Also in the same 24-hour time period, he’s alleged to have used her debit card to make purchases totaling over $300. First court appearance is December 15, 2017.

Chasity Jones, 39, of Marion, is charged with Possession of Stolen Property. She is the codefendant of Elizabeth A. Norris, 37, of Marion, who is charged with Online Sale of Stolen Property and Theft over $500. They each have November 27 court appearances.

Felony Dispositions

Zena Rosenberger, 36 of Shawneetown, was found guilty of Aggravated DUI and Aggravated Fleeing Police going 21 miles over speed limit. She given 30 months probation and 14 days in jail with credit for time served and a fine of $2,765. Charges of Battery of a Police Officer were dismissed.

Shownya Acree, 44, of Marion, was found Guilty of Resisting a Police Officer and fined $350 and was ordered a sentence of 2 days in jail with credit for time served. Charges of Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer were dismissed. Separate charges of Aggravated DUI and Aggravated Fleeing were also dismissed.

Dexter Waldron, 56, of Herrin, was given 24 months probation on two counts of Manufacturing/ Delivery Of Cannabis, 14 days jail with credit for time served and a $3,360.50 fine.

Timothy R. Trandel, 21, of Anna, was found Guilty of Arson over $150. He received 48 months probation, 111 days in jail with credit for time served and a $1,965 fine.

Shona Garner, 44, of Marion, plead guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams from a reduced charge of Meth Delivery and received 30 months probation, 7 days in jail with credit for time served and a $1,725 fine. Two Counts of Possession of other Narcotics schedule 1 and 2 were dismissed.

Joseph E. Sloat, 39, of Hurst, plead Guilty to Electronic Harassment/Obscene Proposal and was given 12 months probation, 4 days in jail with credit for time served and ordered to pay a $945 fine. A separate Intimidation charge he plead not guilty to was dismissed.

Felicia Hill, 31 of Herrin, was found Guilty of Battery with Physical Contact, reduced from Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer. She was fined $230. In a separate charge for Felicia, who gave a Johnston City address, she was found Guilty of Retail Theft of a Shopping Cart from the Johnston City Food Shop. She was sentenced to 24 months probation and fined $1,778.86. A Possession of Hypodermic Syringe/Needle was dismissed.

Noah Robinson, 22, of Marion, was found Guilty of Criminal Damage oo Government Property; he was given 18 months probation, 81 days in jail with credit for time served, and a $1,065 fine.

Kenneth Webb, 40, of Marion, plead Guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance and received 24 months probation and a $1,940 fine. A second Possession charge was dismissed.

Sandra Crain, 53, of Marion, plead Not Guilty to a False Alarm/Complaint to 911. No prosecution.

Casey Heath, 39, of Herrin, gave no plea to Theft/Stolen merchandise over $500. His case was dismissed.