MARION, Ill. - Here's your Marion police report covering March 12 through March 23, 2018.

Jennifer Shadowens, 30 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on March 12.

Megan Berkel, 31 of Marion has been arrested for Theft in the 800 block of Sherman Dr. on March 12.

Dustin Bean, 37 of Herrin has been arrested for Retail Theft, Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Materials, Possession of Methamphetamines, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by a Felon and Battery in the 2500 block of Blue Heron Dr. on March 12.

Nicholas Montgomery, 37 of Herrin has been arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing materials in the 2500 block of Blue Heron Dr. on March 12.

Travis Conley, 38 of New Burnside has been arrested for Possession of Methamphetamines in the 800 block of W Chestnut St on March 14.

April Stucker, 28 of Harrisburg has been arrested for Possession of Methamphetamines in the 800 block of W Chestnut St on March 14.

Melissa Crabtree, 41 of Carbondale has been issued a citation for Criminal Trespass to Property in the 2800 block of Outer Dr. on March 14.

Bradley Spencer, 40 of Marion has been arrested for 2 counts of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Improper Lane Usage in the 800 block of S Hadfield St on March 14.

Wendi Tennyson, 50 of Marion has been arrested for Possession of Methamphetamines, 3 counts of Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on March 14, in the 1200 block of Boyton St on March 14.

Brandon Tennyson, 19 of Marion has been arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on March 14, in the 1200 block of E Boyton St.

Haidar Abdul Amir, 39 of Houston, Texas, has been arrested on Domestic Battery charges in the 2700 block of Walton Way on March 15.

LeMonet Brinson, 20 of Marion has been arrested for Possession of Cannabis 30-100 grams, Obstructing Identification and Resisting Arrest in the area of W DeYoung St and N Van Buren St.

Benjamin Pass, 29 of Vienna has been issued a citation for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart Supercenter on March 17.

Dusty AR Messamore, 29 of Marion has been arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the 2200 block of Walton Way on March 18.

Lowell Brown, 50 of Herrin has been arrested for Impeding the Flow of Traffic, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Possession of Controlled Substance in the area of N Court St and W DeYoung St on March 23.

Justin C. Ferrell, 39 of Marion has been arrested for Possession of Cannabis 10-30 grams and Possession of Controlled Substance on March 23 in the 2100 block of W Main St.

FLORA, Ill. – It’s Tuesday, so it must be time for city police reports out of Flora…and this one covers March 13 through yesterday, March 26, 2018.

Tuesday, March 13 at 8:39 pm, Richard Bassett, 57, of Flora was issued a local ordinance citation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, following a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Clan Street.

Thursday, March 15 at 4:34 pm, Flora Police arrested Kelly Moats, 31, of Flora on a Clay County Warrant for Petition to Revoke Probation, following an incident in the 900 block of North Olive Rd. Moats was transported to Flora Police Department for booking procedures, prior to being transferred to Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Friday, March 16 at 11:28 am, Emily Denning, 37, of Flora was issued a local ordinance citation for Dogs Running at Large, following an incident in the 400 block of East 5th Street.

Saturday, March 17 at 11:00, Megan Harvel, 23, of Flora was issued a local ordinance citation for Dogs Running at Large, following an incident in the 500 block of East 2nd Street.

Saturday, March 17 at 9:27 pm, Flora Police arrested John Conner Jr., 61, of Flora for Possession of Methamphetamine, following a traffic stop in the 200 block of South Mill Street. Conner was taken to Flora Police Department for booking procedures and was released with a Notice to Appear.

Monday, March 19 at 10:00 am, Flora Police arrested Dennis Kerner, 62, of Xenia for Theft, following an incident in the 800 block of Martin Street. Kerner underwent booking procedures at Flora Police Department and was released with a Notice to Appear.

Wednesday, March 21 at 3:49 pm, Flora Police arrested Dana Sapp, 30, of Flora on a Clay County Warrant for Petition to Revoke on original charge of Meth Precursors. Sapp was transferred to the custody of Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Thursday, March 22 at 3:43 pm, Donald Totten, 46, of Flora was issued a local ordinance citation for Threatening Dog, following an incident in the 400 block of West 3rd Street.

Friday, March 23 at 8:20 am, Flora Police arrested Melissa Hagen, 36, of Flora on two Clay County Contempt Warrants. Hagen underwent booking at Flora Police Department and posted the necessary cash bond and was released.

Monday, March 26 at 7:49 am, Flora Police arrested Crystal Harvel, 43, of Flora on a Contempt Warrant out of Effingham County. Harvel posted the necessary cash bond and was released.

HERRIN, Ill. – It’s a brief police report coming out of the city of Herrin in Williamson County, but after the weekend the police there had (detailed in this report from yesterday), they kinda deserve a break. Here’s the department report covering March 19 through Monday, the 25th.

Brandy A. Lile, 36, Bellefontaine, Ohio, was arrested on March 19 on a Warrant for Obstructing a Court Order out of Logan County, Ohio. Lile was also charged with Obstructing Identification and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lile was transported to the Williamson County Jail.

Richard B. Pawlicki, 59, Herrin, was arrested on March 20 for Domestic Battery. Pawlicki was transported to the Williamson County Jail pending a court appearance before a Judge.

Jamie E. Holland, 32, Royalton, was arrested on March 22 on a Failure to Appear Warrant (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol) out of Franklin County and on a Failure to Appear Warrant (Possession of a Controlled Substance) out of Jackson County. Holland was transported to the Williamson County Jail.

Carrie J. Jeralds, 44, Royalton, was arrested on March 22 on a Failure To Appear Warrant (Possession of a Controlled Substance) out of Williamson County. Jeralds was transported to the Williamson County Jail.

Alfred E. Bone, 28, Herrin, was arrested on March 23 on a Failure To Appear Warrant (Criminal Damage to Property) out of Williamson County. Bone was transported to the Williamson County Jail.

Jeremy W. Upton, 28, West Frankfort, was arrested on March 24 for Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Unlawful Use of Weapons by a Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Driving While License Revoked, Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer, and on a Failure To Appear Warrant (Domestic Battery) out of Franklin County. Upton was transported to the Williamson County Jail.

Solomon K. Hollenbeck, 38, Herrin, was arrested on March 24 for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Hollenbeck posted his valid Illinois Drivers License and $100.00 cash for bond and was released from custody.

Donovan D. Bates, 26, Marion, was arrested on March 25 for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Bates posted his valid Illinois Drivers License and $100.00 cash for bond and was released from custody.

William Catt

WABASH CO., Ill. – If you feel like you’re having a bit of déjà vu looking at this kid’s mug, you likely are: Mr. Catt, here, has been arrested again in Mt. Carmel.

Mt. Carmel authorities say that on March 26, at approximately 5:40 a.m., Mt. Carmel Police were called to the 1200 block of Walnut Street reference an unwanted person inside of the residence.

When police arrived on scene, the complainant advised she found William L. Catt, 20, formerly listed as being a resident of Harrisburg, inside the bedroom of her 15-year-old daughter.

Catt was initially arrested for Criminal Trespass to a Residence and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Further investigation resulted in Catt being charged with one count of Criminal Sexual Abuse of a person between the age of 13-17.

Catt was currently out on bond awaiting sentencing in a 2017 Wabash County case where he was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a person between the age of 13-17.

Catt is currently being held in the Wabash County Jail without bond.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - Two individuals were sentenced to stints in the Illinois Department of Corrections out of Williamson County on Tuesday, reports Williamson's State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti.

Zanotti said that on March 26, 2018, Brent Battles, 21, of Marion pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a Class 4 felony, and Resisting a Peace Officer, a Class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On May 31, 2016, Battles was arrested after a routine traffic stop in Marion. During the stop, officers noticed cannabis in the vehicle along with a loaded .22 caliber handgun. Battles had a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon. 

Then on March 26, 2018, Cameron E. Adams, 37, of Fresno, Texas pled guilty to one count of Robbery, a Class 2 felony, and was sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On December 12, 2017, after a brief chase, Adams was arrested for threatening someone with a handgun and robbing the victim of items on his person. The incident took place at the Marion Motel. Once reported, the suspect was identified driving on Route 13 in his vehicle. After initial attempts to stop the vehicle failed, the suspect fled on foot and was later apprehended by Marion Police officers. 

Both investigations were handled by the Marion Police Department, and Assistant State’s Attorney Sean DeMello led the prosecution of both cases. 

“More great work by the Marion Police Department," said Zanotti. "A routine traffic stop netted an illegal firearm off of our streets in one case, and a chase led to the capture of a dangerous man in the other. All in all, we are thankful to see justice served by these two defendants going to prison."

GALLATIN CO., Ill. - Gallatin County State's Attorney Doug Dyhrkopp has announced sentencing that's occurred in his county as of this week...and it involves four individuals who are also in trouble and/or have been sentenced in neighboring White County.

Dyhrkopp said that Monday, March 26, 2018 in Gallatin County Circuit Court four individuals were sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Misty Hazel

Misty Hazel, 27 of Shawneetown, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Use of Property, in that she used a vehicle to transport and possess 31.1 grams of methamphetamine, under a negotiated plea agreement Monday in front of Judge Thomas Foster. Hazel was sentenced to a term of six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a two-year term of parole to be served upon her release. Under the agreement, Hazel admitted to possessing 31.1 grams of methamphetamine and using a blue Pontiac SUV to transport that methamphetamine in Shawneetown. The case was investigated by the Shawneetown Police Dept. with assistance from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept., the Illinois State Police and Gallatin County Probation. 

Roxann L. Roberts

Roxann Roberts, 31 of White County, but formerly of Shawneetown, also entered a plea of guilty under a negotiated plea agreement in Gallatin County Court Monday morning. Roberts pleaded guilty to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine in Shawneetown. Roberts also had involvement in the theft and burglary ring busted by Gallatin County Law Enforcement last Thursday that stretched between Gallatin and White counties and involved the issuance of a search warrant and multiple arrests. Roberts admitted to having less than 5 grams of methamphetamine in her possession; and was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for a period of five years with a one-year period of parole. Roberts was ordered to pay court costs, fees, and assessments. Additionally, A 1995 Honda ATV used in the commission of the crime was forfeited to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept. as part of the negotiated plea agreement. The case was investigated by the Shawneetown Police Dept., the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept., and the Ridgway Police Dept.

Nick Jester

Nicholas Jester, 23, formerly of Gallatin County, also entered a plea of guilty under a negotiated plea agreement in Gallatin County Circuit Court Monday morning for his involvement in the above-mentioned burglary and theft ring from Thursday, March 22, in Gallatin County. Jester pleaded guilty to one count of Burglary and was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a mandatory parole period of two years. Under the agreement, Jester admitted that he made unlawful entry into a building South of Omaha, on Graves Road when he beat the handle off of the door with a sledgehammer. Jester admitted that the break-in was done with the intent to commit a theft once inside. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept., Shawneetown Police Dept., and Ridgway Police Dept. all investigated and worked the case. The Sheriff, two deputies, two chiefs of police, and several concerned citizens pursued Jester all morning on the 22nd through northern Gallatin County and into White County, where he was apprehended with assistance from the White County Sheriff’s Dept. and workers from an oil field company.

Sarah Ann Ray

Sarah Ray, 27 of New Haven, also entered a plea of guilty Monday morning in Gallatin County Circuit Court to Aggravated Identity Theft. Ray admitted that she used the personal information of her elderly father to obtain credit in the amount of $3,500 from Wal-Mart, and that her father was over 60 years of age at the time of the offense. Ray was sentenced to three years in IDOC with a parole period of two years upon her release. The investigation that lead to the arrest and conviction of Ray began months ago by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept. and Posey County, Indiana Sheriff’s Dept. and culminated with the service of a search warrant at Ray’s home on February 9, 2018. The warrant was executed by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept. with assistance from Shawneetown Police Dept., and Ridgway Police Dept. Evidence was located at the residence which implicated Ray in the aggravated identity theft. 

All four individuals also had charges pending in White County Circuit Court. With the coordination and cooperation of the White County State’s Attorney Office and the Gallatin County State’s Attorney Office, all four individuals were sentenced in both White and Gallatin counties.

CARMI— Carmi authorities responded to a two-vehicle accident involving an unoccupied parked car Tuesday afternoon.

According to police reports, on March 27, at 12:20 p.m. a 2006 Ford Mustang, owned by Marcelo V. Perez, 21, of 730 Renshaw Ave., Apt. 1, was parked on Renshaw Avenue, facing north on the west side of the roadway.

Authorities say that Norminda Allen, 49, of 1296 Co. Rd. 800 East, Carmi, operating a 2013 Kia Sorento, owned by Teddy R. Allen, backed out of a parking spot in front of 730 Renshaw Ave., apartment building and struck Perez’ vehicle on the passenger side.

No injuries were reported from the collision and no citations were mentioned in the initial report.

Ricky Ray Rush

CARMI, Ill. — Other than making deals with prosecutors and prison math, it is unclear exactly what a Carmi career criminal, sentenced in November of 2014 to prison for six years, was doing out on the street.

The violent convicted felon, identified as Ricky Ray Rush, 28, of 727 Shipley St., Carmi, was taken into custody at the Carmi police department a couple of days ago (Tuesday, March 27) at approximately 11:43 p.m. on what authorities describe as a “felony warrant.”

There is no indication as to where the warrant is from or what it alleges.

Rush’s criminal history includes a conviction being found guilty May 29, 2008 of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, which earned him a sentence of conditional discharge for two years and was ordered to undergo alcohol treatment and to attend a special facility.

That case also cost him $1,920 in fines and fees.

Approximately five months later, October 29, 2008 of Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, for which he was sentenced to jail for 20 days, conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay $676 in fines and fees.

He was arrested November 17, 2010 and charged with Domestic Battery.

Several weeks later, December 8, 2010, he pleaded guilty to an amended charge of Battery Causing Bodily Harm, for which he was sentenced to court supervision for two years and ordered to pay $175.

Rush earned himself a sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for seven years after he was convicted of Unlawful Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Domestic Battery and Aggravated Battery in a Public Place.

That case cost him another $3,630.99 in fines and fees, of which he still owes $3,547.99.

Rush was arrested August 16, 2014 and charged with Home Invasion Causing Injury, Aggravated Battery Strangulation, Domestic Battery, Criminal Trespass to a Residence with Person Present, Resisting a Peace Officer and Criminal Damage to Property.

He pleaded guilty November 3, 2014 to both battery charges in return for the remainder of the charges being dismissed and shipped back to IDOC on a sentence sex years and $892 in fines and fees, of which he has paid nothing.

No bond information was available on the warrant.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti has announced yet another sentencing going on in his county this week, this one taking a DUI driver off the road.

Zanotti said that earlier today (Wednesday, March 28, 2018), Jeremiah Mandrell, 34, of Marion, was sentenced to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections stemming from two felony DUI convictions.

Mandrell pled guilty to both DUI charges last year, but then subsequently failed to appear in court further until he was arrested on warrants in January.

The first charge involved a DUI written by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and the second was written by the Marion Police Department. Mandrell was sentenced to five years on the earlier charge, and three years on the subsequent charge, with the sentences to run consecutively, totaling eight years in prison. Mandrell has a criminal history, including multiple prior DUIs.

Zanotti said he would like to commend both the Sheriff’s Department and Marion Police Department for their great work in getting a dangerous person off our roads, and Assistant State’s Attorney John Currie, who led the prosecution of the case.

Jayson Clark, Ken Clore, Mike Jones

SALINE CO., Ill. - A press conference was held this morning at the Saline County Sheriff's Office to announce an arrest in two recent burglaries in the county.

Those in attendance learned also that there is another suspect with a warrant for arrest having been issued.

Anthony Hobbs

Sheriff Keith Brown, Chief Deputy Ken Clore, and State's Attorney Jayson Clark held the conference at 10 a.m. this morning, during which is was announced that Anthony E. Hobbs, 36, of Muddy, had been taken into custody on charges relating to the March 26 burglary of Little Chapel Church north of Harrisburg, as well as a residence on the 800 block of College Road in Eldorado, this on March 19.

Hobbs was arrested Tuesday, March 27, on preliminary charges of Burglary, Theft over $500, Residential Burglary, and Aggravated Possession of Stolen Firearms (a Class X felony).

The residential burglary stems from the March 19 incident in which several firearms were taken from the College Road residence. Clore said that in all, five shotguns, one rifle and one handgun were stolen.

The weapons were reported stolen, and a tip from a water meter reader in the 'rado area, who was outside the residence in question when Hobbs was allegedly there, lead authorities to Hobbs. Mike Jones of the sheriff's department contacted Kentucky State Police regarding possible stolen weapons being sold in their state, and was told that a residence in Benton, Ky., had been searched and three handguns, meth making materials and drug paraphernalia had been turned up. While none of those handguns were any of the ones stolen from the 'rado residence, that discovery was connected with Hobbs, and local authorities went to work, with Kentucky handling the weapons/drugs end of it, and Illinois handling the weapons/theft end of it.

One of the photos submitted by Saline County Sheriff's Office, from which folks recognized the man as Hobbs

In the meantime, the second burglary occurred at Little Chapel, in which approximately $1,400 in cash was taken, as well as an iPad, a MacBook, a drawing device and a camera. Clore said the list of missing items is still being created. None of those items have been recovered. There was, Clore added, considerable damage done to the church, which Hobbs had attended at one point and was apparently familiar with. Clore said the damage was to several doors (which it's alleged that the perpetrator shouldered his way through), as well as two safes and a speaker system.

In this burglary, a gray Jeep Liberty with someone in it was observed at the residence; as it turned out, that person was waiting for Hobbs, who was allegedly inside the church at the time. Authorities this morning said the person in question is Christopher Dennis, who has showed addresses in both Eldorado and Harrisburg, and who is currently wanted on a probation violation warrant.

Christopher Dennis

Clore said that deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office followed up on several tips from the public. The tips were made to the sheriff's office, after the description of the male suspect was released from the surveillance video at Little Chapel. Clore said Deputies Mike Jones and Chuck Welge were instrumental in getting the case under control.

Hobbs is currently being held on a $4,000 cash bond. Saline County authorities have just advised that Dennis is in custody at Saline County Detention Center.

CLAY CO., Ill. - Failing to appear, domestic battery and warrant arrests are incidents handled by Sheriff Andy Myers' deputies in this Clay County Sheriff's report for March 21 through 28, 2018.

March 21, a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Shannon M. Lewis, 38, Louisville, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Unlawful Possession of Methemphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (2 counts) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond set at $100,000.00 (10 percent). She is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

March 22, the Clay County Sheriff's Office was notified of a motor vehicle accident at 6:30 p.m. north of the intersection of U.S. Route 45 and N. State Road. Apparently Josh Schnepper, 29, Louisville, operating a 1999 Chevrolet Tracker was traveling south on U.S. Rt. stopped in traffic to make a turn and was struck by another southbound vehicle operated by Gene Keller, 64, Louisville. Keller was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. Minor injuries reported.

Charles Hundley, Richland County mug

March 23, Charles Hundley, 25, Noble, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Residential Burglary. Bond set at $10,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He appeared in Clay County court and was released.

March 26, a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Jacob Frank, 32, Sailor Springs for Domestic Battery. He appeared in Clay County Court and bond was set in the amount of $12,000.00 (10 percent). He posted bond and was released.

March 26, a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Kelby Simmons, 29, Effingham, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Domestic Battery. Bond set at $25,000.00 (10 percent). Simmons posted bond and was released.

March 26, a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Layton Barnes, 23, Flora, for Violation of Probation on the original charge of Theft. Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent). He is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

March 28, a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Gayla Glowacki, 54, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Retail Theft. Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. She is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

March 28, a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Kenneth A. Mack, 45, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Violation of Order of Protection. Bond set at $20,000.00 (10 percent). Mack is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

JOHNSTON CITY, Ill. - The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an alleged Armed Robbery that occurred on a rural road north of Johnston City.

The victim stated he was walking in West Frankfort when he accepted a ride from a female acquaintance and three unknown males in a silver extended cab truck. They drove to a remote location north of Johnston City, where two of the males pointed handguns at the victim and the third male displayed a knife. The males demanded all of the victim’s property.

The victim was forced from the truck. The truck then left the area.

The victim described the truck as a silver extended cab 4x4. He could only describe the suspects as white males.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541.

Anyone with information concerning this alleged Armed Robbery may also contact Williamson County Crimestoppers.

Crimestoppers can be contacted by calling 1-800-414-TIPS (8477), by online message at www.williamsoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637).  If a text message is used, the tipster needs to begin the text with the word “quicktip_”.

Persons contacting Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name or telephone number.  They will remain completely anonymous, and receive a tip number for identification.

Information received that leads to an arrest may make the caller eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

WABASH CO., Ill. - The Wabash County Sheriff's Department activity report includes an incident in which a small dog was the victim of an aggressive guy who turned on the deputy present to arrest him after hurting the dog.

That incident is covered under those that occurred on March 22, in this report that features activity from March 16 through 28th, 2018, courtesy of Sheriff Derek Morgan.

March 16

Anthony Tucker

March 18

At 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, March 18, the Wabash County Sheriff's Office conducted a vehicle stop on Highway 1 in the area of Wabash 10 Ave. for speeding 75 in a 55 mph zone all the while weaving within its lane. Darren S. Phillips, 25 of Mt. Carmel, had the odor of alcohol emitting form his person. Following Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Phillips was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence. Phillips was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he later posted bond.

Also on the 18th the Wabash County Sheriff's Office conducted a vehicle stop at 9th and Market streets in Mt. Carmel for dragging its muffler down the roadway. Andrew J. Turner, 24, of Lawrenceville was found to have a suspended license and driving without insurance. Turner was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he later posted bond.

March 22

Danny S. Seals, alleged dog-kicker

On March 22 at 6:16 p.m. the Wabash County Sheriff's Office took a complaint of telephone harassment. The deputy went to a rural Wabash County address to speak with the alleged harassing party. When the deputy made contact with Danny Seals, 56 of Mt. Carmel, he became very verbally abusive towards the deputy.  Seals continued to escalate the situation and kicked a small dog on the property, causing it to whimper and scream. Seals then turned his aggression towards the deputy and struck the deputy. Seals did not comply with arrest and the deputy had to use a TASER to take him into custody. Seals threatened the deputy and the Sheriff by saying he would put a bullet in their heads as they were getting him medical attention. Seals is currently being held at the Wabash County Jail on charges of aggravated battery of a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance, resisting a peace officer, animal cruelty, and harassment by telephone. Seals' bond has been set at $10,000 cash. 

Jaymie Wilkinson

At 9:10 p.m. the Sheriff's Office conducted a vehicle stop on 9th Street in the Jumpin Jimmie's parking lot.  The driver of the vehicle, Jaymie Wilkinson, 33 of Allendale, was arrested for obstruction of Justice.  Wilkinson was observed to be destroying evidence in order to avoid arrest when K9 Roy and handler Deputy Bogard approached for a free air narcotics sniff. Wilkinson was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail.

Ricky Rush

CARMI, Ill. - A parolee who was just in trouble in White County is at the top of the docket again, this after a traffic stop that netted suspected meth.

That'd be Ricky R. Rush, 28, of Carmi, whom you can read about at this link from earlier this week.

The day after the incident featured in that report, (Wednesday, March 28) at approximately 7:49 p.m., Rush was the subject of a traffic stop on Shipley Street as he was reportedly driving a passenger car belonging to a Tiffany Downs, who was with him at the time.

Tiffany Downs

Rush was arrested and charged with No Valid Driver's License, Possession of Meth (after a pen shell was found in the vehicle with alleged meth residue in it), and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Downs, 28, of Grayville, was arrested and charged with an FTA Criminal Damage to Property warrant, according to police reports.

They were both transported to the city/county jail without incident.

Rush, as can be seen by the above Illinois Department of Corrections mugshot, is a parolee. Why he was out and about after the incident on the 27th is unknown; IDOC's website doesn't indicate Rush's whereabouts, either. White County doesn't show him on their website, so there's a lot going on with this that we just don't know right now.

In a separate case, Jason R. Rockett, 29, of Carmi, was also the subject of a traffic stop Wednesday, this one a little earlier in the day (1:13 p.m.).

Rockett was stopped on Tenth Street at Oak Street and arrested for Driving on a Suspended License.

He was able to post $150 cash bond to secure his release.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. – Friday, March 30, is upon us…and that means Felony Friday for Williamson County!

Our first subject happens to be Marcus J. Newsome, 43, last known address Evergreen Park, Illinois. Now don’t quit reading, because he was bonded out by a Marion woman for $2,000 cash.

Newsome has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Deliver. Files state Newsome knowingly possessed more than 15 grams but less than 100 grams of cocaine, a Class X felony.

An officer from the Marion Police department observed Newsome heading east down a one-way, westbound street. The vehicle also did not make use of any turn signal. The observant officer recognizes the vehicle to be one that had been reported stolen. After several blocks of pursuit, Newsome pulls over and the officer approached the car and told him the reason for the stop, being the stolen vehicle. Newsome was immediately taken into custody. As Newsome exited, the officer noticed a scale with a powdery residue that appeared to be cocaine. A further search of the back seat by another officer located a backpack containing five bags with an approximate weight of 29.39 grams of white powder cocaine and another six bags with an approximate weight of 32.72 grams of crack cocaine. Both substances field-tested positive.

Other charges added were Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Trespass to a Motor Vehicle.

Come-to-Jesus moment

Lowell S. Brown, 55 of Herrin, has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine. An officer of Marion PD was stopped behind a vehicle in the northbound lane at Court and DeYoung. When the light turned green, Brown continued to sit at the light for approximately 10 seconds before making his turn and when he did, he swerved. The officer activated his lights and Brown was pulled over and asked to step out of the vehicle. Brown did as instructed and attempted to place his key on the bedrail of the truck. This did not go as planned and neither did the field sobriety test. Brown told the officer he had several beers in Herrin and had come to Marion to purchase the cocaine, which he retrieved from his pocket and handed the officer. Brown told the officer he hoped this was his come-to-Jesus moment. Brown was also charged with Impeding the Flow of Traffic and two counts of DUI.

Justin C. Ferrell, 39 of Marion, has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance in which he’s charged with knowingly having in his possession less than 15 grams of a substance containing Clonazapam, a controlled substance under the controlled substance act, and Possession of Cannabis between 30 and 100 grams. Two officers from Marion PD went to a local motel on an anonymous tip stating Ferrell had pills and cannabis in his motel room. Ferrell’s female companion allowed them to enter. Ferrell gave permission to search, which included under his side of the bed where he had been laying. Officers found a pill bottle with 39 Clonazapam tablets that Ferrell could not produce a prescription for, and a green leafy substance suspected of being cannabis.

Michael Maynard, 57 of Johnston City, is charged with one count of a Class 4 criminal felony of Disorderly Conduct in that he knowingly made a false 911 call that a domestic battery had taken place. Maynard also has suspected charges of Criminal Damage to Property over $500 (drilled out a deadbolt and damaged a couple of storm doors) and Criminal Trespass to Land. He was picked up on a warrant on Thursday night, March 29 and is in the Williamson County Jail on a $1,000 cash bond.

Possession of Methamphetamine, Manufacture/Delivery Of Cannabis/
Obstruction of Police Officer and Driving While License Suspended

Marion dispatch received a call that a male had parked a vehicle in the travel lane on West DeYoung. The caller stated the male had exited the vehicle with a backpack and was walking west on DeYoung, and thought the vehicle posed a danger as to where it was parked. Two officers from Marion PD responded and saw the subject traveling north on Halfway Road through the parking lot of Jimmy Johns. A tow truck was called to remove the vehicle from the roadway. When officers came in contact with the man (later discovered to be Jordan M. Kalinsky, 20, of West Frankfort) he refused to give his name or any information about the abandoned vehicle. The caller was sitting at Pilot watching police trail the suspect. He was contacted and verified Kalinsky as the same man he saw abandon the vehicle. Kalinsky was placed under arrest for obstructing a police officer and transported to the Williamson County Jail due to his behavior. Upon arrival at the jail, Kalinsky provided a name and date of birth. It was discovered his Illinois license was suspended. A search of the backpack resulted in locating a small bag with a white rocky substance that tested positive for methamphetamine weighing .6 grams. In another bag were five individual bags of cannabis weighing 1.1 grams to 1.5 grams. He is free on a $7,500 recog bond.

Donald D. Gaddis, 45 of Marion, is charged with one count Criminal Trespass to Residence and Disorderly Conduct. Charges state Gaddis knowingly and without authority entered a residence at a time when the defendant knew or had reason to believe no one was at home at the time. The arrest was made by the Williamson County Sheriff’s office.

A still from the video in question

Iesha Gladney, 26 of Marion, has been charged with Retail Theft under $300. Charges stem from an incident happening in December of 2017 in which Gladney is accuse of knowingly taking possession of certain merchandise including shirts and pants from a store in the Marion mall without paying full retail price of said merchandise, having been previously convicted of Retail Theft in 2017. Reports on file show that a store employee watched as the suspect concealed items in her purse and went past the last point of sale. The employee detained the female and took her to the back of the store. The other female with Gladney left the scene. At first Gladney stated that the purse actually belonged to the other unidentified female and she was holding it for her although her wallet and photo ID was in the purse. Gladney was taken into custody and admitted the purse was hers but that she had only concealed one of the several items located. Her first appearance is set for May 2018. (Regular readers will remember Iesha from this vid last summer).

Megan D. Hiller, 21 of Johnston City. is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Arresting agency Johnston City police. No other information available at this time.

Gregory E. Wicks, 57 of Herrin, has been charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery. Arresting agency Herrin Police. He is currently being held in the Williamson County Jail. No other information available at this time.

Kurt Richmond, 33 of DeSoto, has been charged with one count Theft/Unauthorized Control more than $10,000 but less than $100,000 and one count of Theft/Control more than $500 but less than $10,000. No other information available at this time.

Richard B. Davis, 38 of Herrin, is charged with Burglary. Arresting agency Marion Police. No other information available at this time.

Christina L. Wagoner, 47 of Herrin, has been charged with Theft Control Intent more than $500 but less than $10,000. Arresting agency Marion Police. No other information available at this time.

Felony Dispositions

Dalton Anthony Wagner, 28 of Marion, was found Not Guilty of Aggravated Battery of a Pregnant or Handicapped Person, Not Guilty of Criminal Damage to Property $500 to $10,000 and Not Guilty of Interfering with Report of Domestic Violence.

DUIs

Isaiah M. Barajas, 18 of Marion, charged with one count Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Arresting agency Herrin Police

Kestutis S. Lazdinis, 20 of Carterville, is charged with two counts DUI-Alcohol. Arresting agency Carterville police

Rodney L. Sanderson, 64 of Waterloo, two counts DUI-Alcohol. Arresting agency ISP

Robert D. Tellor, 42 of Murphysboro, one count DUI-Alcohol. Arresting agency Williamson County traffic

Richard K. James, 34 of Marion, one count DUI-Alcohol. Arresting agency Williamson County Traffic

HARRISBURG, Ill. - Those who will be inconvenienced when the traffic signals will go up on the Bill Franks Bypass this coming Monday undoubtedly will see it as minor.

That's how some Harrisburg residents are viewing it as of the recent Illinois Department of Transportation announcement that this Monday (April 2), traffic lanes at the intersection of the bypass (Route 13) and Old 13/West Poplar will close periodically so that signals (lights) can be installed and improvements made to the intersection.

There for awhile, particularly in 2014, the number of wrecks at the intersection was ridiculous.

Now, the situation looks like it might be rectified, although it's going to take three months to get it done.

Motorists are cautioned to take care when in the area, as lanes of travel will be reduced and flagmen will be present.

MARION CO., Ill. - A single-car vehicle crash in Marion County Sunday afternoon just happened to have been stolen, but out of where hasn't been addressed by authorities.

The accident occurred on Interstate 57 in Marion County, at 4:18 p.m. Sunday afternoon, April 1.

Illinois State Police in District 12 said that a red 2007 Kia passenger car being driven by Ryan D. Whigham, 36, of Hazel Crest, was southbound on 57 at milepost 129, six miles south of Farina at that time.

The vehicle, ISP said, left the roadway to the left and entered the center median, overcorrected, then re-entered the southbound lanes of traffic. It then exited the roadway to the right and struck a guardrail.

Whigham and a passenger, Ericka C. Kemple, 33, of Chicago, were transported to Salem Township Hospital, then later transported to St. Louis University Hospital for treatment.

Whigham has been charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Obstructing Justice, Obstructing Identification, Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, Improper Lane Usage, and Unsafe Equipment.

Kemple was charged with Obstructing Justice and Obstructing Identification.

CLAY CO., Ill. - Authorities have released information on the Saturday crash that took the lives of two Clay County men and sent a child to the local hospital.

Illinois State Police in District 12 said the accident occurred Saturday, March 31, at 4:38 p.m. on U.S. 50 in Clay County.

Preliminary investigation shows that a blue 1994 Ford Ranger being driven by Steven D. Hostettler, 36, of Clay City, was westbound on U.S. 50 at that time, just east of Heather Lane in Clay County.

A maroon 2005 GMC Sierra being driven by Jimmie D. Vaughn Jr., 44, of Flora, was eastbound at the same location. With Vaughn was a juvenile female, age 8, also of Flora (sources advise that this is Vaughn's daughter).

A witness on scene told state police that Hostettler's vehicle left the westbound lane and entered into the eastbound lane, directly in the path of Vaughn's truck.

Vaughn was unable to avoid a head-on collision, and both units subsequently collided and came to rest in the eastbound lane of traffic.

Both drivers were pronounced deceased on scene by the Clay County Coroner.

The 8-year-old was transported to Clay County Hospital in Flora.

ISP said there were no charges issued, but didn't indicate what the possible cause of the head-on would have been, nor did they indicate why information on the crash took so long to be released. If we learn more, we'll post.

Surge part of Administration’s focus on combatting the opioid epidemic

WASHINGTON – For 45 days in February and March, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration surged its enforcement and administrative resources to identify and investigate prescribers and pharmacies that dispensed disproportionately large amounts of drugs. The ultimate goal of the surge was remediating or removing those whose actions perpetuate the controlled prescription drug crisis in America, particularly opioid drugs.

During that period, the DEA surged the efforts of special agents, diversion investigators, and intelligence research specialists to analyze 80 million transaction reports from DEA-registered manufacturers and distributors, as well as reports submitted on suspicious orders and drug thefts and information shared by federal partners, such as the Department of Health and Human Services. This resulted in the development of 366 leads to DEA field offices, 188 of which (51 percent) resulted in active investigations by DEA’s 22 field divisions.

“DEA will use every criminal, civil, and regulatory tool possible to target, prosecute and shut down individuals and organizations responsible for the illegal distribution of addictive and potentially deadly pharmaceutical controlled substances,” said Acting DEA Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “This surge effort has demonstrated an effective roadmap to proactively target illicit diversion of dangerous pharmaceuticals. DEA will continue to aggressively use this targeting playbook in continuing operations. Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice have provided tremendous leadership and support in this critical mission. We must stop the loss of our loved ones to these drugs.”

The culmination of those investigations was 28 arrests, 54 other enforcement actions including search warrants and administrative inspection warrants, and 283 administrative actions of other types. These additional actions included scheduled inspections, letters of admonition, memoranda of agreement/understanding, surrenders for cause of DEA registrations, orders to show cause, and immediate suspension orders (the immediate revocation of registrations).

DEA works with various federal and state partners on data sharing agreements to enhance its ability to identify individuals and companies who are contributing to the prescription opioid crisis, including a coalition of 41 state attorneys general and the Department of Justice’s Opioid Fraud and Detection Unit, an initiative of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. It is also dedicating additional resources to its domestic divisions to carry out investigations.

Andrew Page

CARMI, Ill. - There were a couple of abruptions of the peace this weekend in the city of Carmi, making for a busy holiday for the local police department, the outcome of which is covered in this report provided by Carmi Chief Jason Carter.

The report's events reported today all took place on Friday, March 30, when at 11:15 a.m., Emily Madden, 27, of North Fifth Street in Carmi, called police to report that her security camera was stolen from her front porch between 9:30 p.m. on the previous night, March 29th, and 3:30 a.m. on Friday morning.

Stephanie Egbert

A report was taken; there were no suspects listed.

Just a few minutes later, at approximately 11:23 a.m., one Stephanie R. Egbert, 31, of North Summit Street in Carmi, was stopped at Fifth Street Market while driving and arrested on a warrant for Domestic Battery.

Upon the stop, she was also cited for possession of cannabis less than 10 grams after approximately two grams were reported to have been found in her purse.

She was able to post $750 cash bond to secure her release.

Scott A. Denbo

At 6:26 p.m. that evening, White County was able to serve a 2016 misdemeanor warrant on a man from Enfield who came to the Carmi Police Department lobby, apparently to turn himself in.

Scott A. Denbo, 54, of Enfield, was processed on the charge, which is a Failure to Appear warrant on a count of Battery, stemming from an incident in which Denbo was accused of throwing a bag of presents at a juvenile.

And lastly, a man showing an address in Kansas City, Missouri, was arrested Friday evening on an Edwards County warrant for Failure to Appear on an Operating Uninsured Vehicle count.

Andrew B. Page, 25, (shown above) was able to post the requisite $100 bond, along with a $20 booking fee and $75 FTA fee, to secure his release.