SULLIVAN — An April jury trial has been set for a Mattoon man accused of attempted murder.
Alvan L. Booths, 33, is charged in Moultrie County Circuit Court with attempted first-degree murder, home invasion and attempted aggravated battery. The charges stem from a Feb. 4 incident in Sullivan during which authorities say Booths shot Otha Phillips in the neck with a handgun and attempted to shoot another occupant of the home.
Booths, who remains in custody at the Moultrie County Detention Facility, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.Â
During the preliminary hearing, Illinois Sate Police Special Agent Kyle Border testified that Holley Simmons answered a knock at the door and was greeted by a man asking if Phillips was home. Border said Simmons called to Phillips and, when he came around the corner, Booths shot him.
Border said the bullet hit Phillips in the neck, went through a bedroom door, through the exterior wall and lodged in a fence. Border said Booths then pointed the gun at Simmons, who pleaded with him not to shoot her and yelled for help.
Border said Booths fired the weapon, but an apparent malfunction prevented the bullet from being discharged. Border said a spent shell casing and live round were recovered at the home.
Border said Simmons gave a description of the shooter and information about which way he fled, but didn't know who he was.
Phillips was taken to Decatur Memorial Hospital for treatment of his wound. While there, Border said he told police the shooter was Booths.
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During questioning by State's Attorney Tracy Weaver, Border testified Phillips used to cut Booths hair and, more recently, was dating Booths' former girlfriend with whom he had two children. However, testimony presented Wednesday did not detail a motive.
Border testified that Booths, during questioning by authorities, said he was in Champaign with a man he knew from Charleston at the time of the shooting. Despite having limited information about the man, police were able to track him down and question him about their whereabouts. The man said he was with a woman that evening and denied having any recent contact with Booths.
Booths' attorney, Public Defender Marvin Hanson, focused his questioning on whether the shooter had forced his way into the residence and where he was standing at the time the shots were fired.
The attempted first-degree murder and home invasion charges accuse Booths of actions against Phillips. They are Class X felonies, punishable by 25 years to life in prison. The attempted aggravated battery count accuses Booths of pointing a weapon at Simmons and pulling the trigger, causing the firearm to jam. That charge is a Class 1 felony, carrying a possible prison sentence of four to 30 years.
After Booths' not guilty plea, Circuit Judge Jeremy Richey set a jury trial for April 29, with a pretrial date of April 11.
2019 mug shots from the JG-TC
Barnes, Shannon M.
Snannon M. Barnes, 18, is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and residential burglary in connection with the April 28 shooting in Charleston of 20-year-old Trevor R. Pinkstaff.
Jenkins, Alyssa
Alyssa A. Jenkins, 19, is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the April 28 shooting in Charleston of 20-year-old Trevor R. Pinkstaff.
McGrew III, Keith
Keith McGrew III has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the May 17 shooting death in Mattoon of 29-year-old Mark Currie.
Misti Campos
Misti L. Campos pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine delivery charge and was sentenced to six years in prison. That was part of an agreement that included dismissal of a trafficking charge that would have required at least 12 years in prison. Campos, 27, for whom court records list an address in Colorado Springs, Colo., was arrested in Mattoon on Oct. 16 along with the other suspects, according to records in the case. Campos and another woman, Amber B. Ixtepan, made arrangements to meet with a person cooperating with officers from the East Central Illinois Task Force drug investigation unit and were arrested at the meeting location, the records say. Methamphetamine was found in the women's possession and more was located in the room at the Hampton Inn in Mattoon where they were staying, according to the records. The third suspect, Gary L. Lovelace, was found in the motel room and he first told officers that he and Campos had traveled to Mattoon to pick up Ixtepan to take her back to Colorado, the records say. However, during a later police interview, Campos said she and Lovelace arranged to bring methamphetamine from Colorado to provide to Ixtepan for sale, the records also say. Also according to the case records, the methamphetamine located at the women's arrest location and the motel room totaled 58 grams, or about two ounces.
Sanders, Dillon B.
Dillon B. Sanders, 30, of Mattoon was arrested on preliminary charges of domestic battery and resisting a police officer at 2:47 p.m. Jan. 25 in the 100 block of South Fifth Street. He allegedly used his hands to grab a female around the throat during a domestic disturbance and then resisted arrest. He was taken to the Coles County jail
Gottman, Gunner D.
Gunner D. Gottman, 23, of Mattoon was arrested on a preliminary charge of criminal damage to property at 2:52 a.m. Jan. 28 in the 600 block of Marion Avenue. He allegedly smashed a glass window to a family member's residence there in an attempt to gain entry. Gottman was taken to the jail.
Grider, Brian R.
Brian R. Grider, 44, of Mattoon, was arrested on a preliminary charge of possession of drug paraphernalia at 1:04 p.m. Jan. 26 in the 1200 block of Charleston Avenue. The charge alleges that when police made contact with Grider there, he had possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia. He was issued a notice to appear in court.
Harris, Antwaun D.
A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that Antwaun D. Harris, 21, of Chicago but residing in Charleston was taken into custody Jan. 26 on preliminary charges of theft. Harris allegedly took items from Wal-mart without first having purchased them on Jan. 7. He was issued a notice to appear in court.
Jones-Guthrie, Kendra K.
A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that Kendra K. Jones-Guthrie, 23, of Charleston was taken into custody Jan. 26 on preliminary charges of theft. Jones-Guthrie allegedly returned items belonging to Walmart, 101 Dettro Drive, for profit on Dec. 27 without having first paid for those items. She was issued a notice to appear in court.
Luis Reyes
A man was arrested in a farm field after fleeing from a traffic stop just west of Charleston on Jan. 23. Luis J. Reyes, 27, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation on Country Club Road just before noon Jan. 23, a news release from the Coles County Sheriff's Office said. After the vehicle stopped, Reyes exited and fled on foot, according to the release. The release said other police agencies were called to assist and a perimeter of the area was established before Reyes was located. He was then arrested without further incident, it said. Reyes was arrested on a warrant issued for what records show was a failure to appear in court for probation progress hearing in a drug case and a pending battery case. The release said he was also arrested on suspicion of fleeing or eluding police and obstructing justice. it said Charleston, Mattoon and Eastern Illinois University police assisted in the search and arrest.
Daniel Hall
CHARLESTON -- A man was sentenced to 12 years in prison when he admitted sexually assault a girl in Mattoon. Daniel R. Hall pleaded guilty to a charge of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child after a plea agreement was reached a week before his trial had been scheduled to begin. Hall, 31, for whom court records show an address in Allenville, was accused of having sexual contact with the girl at her Mattoon home in 2017. According to records in the case, the girl reported it to Mattoon police in September of last year and Hall admitted to the sexual conduct when he was questioned. The plea agreement reached resulted in the 12-year prison sentence for the conviction that required a prison term of six to 60 years.
Richard Coffey
CHARLESTON -- A woman identified a Mattoon man as the person she said bound her with duct tape and sexually assaulted her, according to a police officer's testimony in court Jan. 24. Also, duct tape with what appeared to be blood on it was found in a trash bag at the residence of Richard L. Coffey, who's accused of attacking the woman, the officer said. Coffey, 34, for whom court records show an address of an apartment at 1405 Lafayette Ave., Mattoon, is accused of attacking the woman while they were in a vehicle together on Jan. 16. The Jan. 24 account of the police investigation of the incident came from Detective Alex Hesse of the Mattoon Police Department, who was Coles County State's Attorney Jesse Danley's only witness for the hearing. Hesse's testimony about the woman's identification of Coffey and other details, including that her cellphone was found in his vehicle, led Circuit Judge James Glenn to order that the case continue and be scheduled for trial. Coffey's attorney, county Public Defender Anthony Ortega, then entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Glenn set a tentative trial date of April 30 and also scheduled a pretrial hearing for Feb. 21. Coffey is charged with sexual assault and unlawful restraint offenses and a prison sentence of at least 16 years would be required if he's convicted. He remains jailed with his bond set at a level requiring $20,000 to be posted for release.
Julia Williams
CHARLESTON -- Police say they used tracks in the snow to locate a man and arrest him for having drug items and being wanted in another state. Coles County sheriff's deputies first had contact with Steven D. Cannon after investigating a vehicle parked on a rural road, when they say he and a woman both lied to them about Cannon's identity. Cannon, 22, of West Siloam Springs, Okla., and Julia A. Williams, 31, of Charleston were located in the parked vehicle just north of Mattoon on Thursday, according to a news release from the Coles County Sheriff's Office. The deputy suspected the two provided false information about Cannon's identity but couldn't remain at the scene because of another call, the release said. On Jan. 26, officers went to the residence at 530 Reynolds Drive, Charleston, the two provided on Thursday, it also said. Williams was located there and admitted she and Cannon lied about his identity and, after she consented to a search, officers found marijuana plants, syringes and other drug-related items, the release said.
Singleton, Diamond S.
City police arrested a Mattoon woman after she allegedly stabbed a male subject Jan. 16, according to local law enforcement. Diamond S. Singleton, 24, was arrested with preliminary charges of aggravated domestic battery, according to Mattoon police. The charges allege Singleton spat on and stabbed the victim with a knife during a domestic disturbance at a residence on the 1800 block of South Ninth Street in Mattoon, police say. The male victim received medical treatment and was released, according to Mattoon police officials. Singleton was taken to the Coles County jail later that day.
Harris, Antwaun D
A search warrant for an unrelated issue resulted in the arrest of Charleston man, who was allegedly found with 14 bags of cannabis and a set of digital scales on Jan. 18, according to city police. Antwaun D. Harris, 21, was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Jan. 18 with a preliminary charge of possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, law enforcement officials say. The arrest occurred in the 1400 block of Lafayette Avenue during the service of a search warrant at a residence "for an unrelated matter," Mattoon police report. Harris was present at the residence and allegedly found in possession of the small bags of cannabis "that were packaged for delivery." Both the cannabis and the set of digital scales were allegedly located in Harris’ pocket, according to police. Harris was sent to the Coles County jail later that day.
Raymondo Jones
A victim's reluctance to testify led to a guilty plea to a reduced charge in a home invasion case, according to a prosecutor. Raymondo C. Jones pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted home invasion in connection with the Sept. 16 incident at a residence on Jackson Avenue in Charleston. The charge was reduced from home invasion, which requires prison time with a conviction, and Jones was placed on probation for two years. Jones, 18, for whom court records show an address of 950 Edgar Drive, Apt. 31, Charleston, was accused of brandishing a gun during the incident. Shortly after the incident, Charleston police said it appeared the weapon was a BB gun. After the court case concluded, Coles County Assistant State's Attorney Rob Scales, who prosecuted the case, also said it was an air gun or BB gun. Scales said the man Jones was accused of threatening indicated that he preferred that an agreement be reached in the case rather than his having to testify against Jones during a trial. Evidence indicated that Jones and another man went to the residence looking for another person, not the resident, Scales said. The man who accompanied Jones had no involvement in the confrontation and wasn't charged in connection with the incident, he said. Jones also pleaded guilty to an unrelated misdemeanor domestic battery charge and received a concurrent two-year probation sentence. Terms of the sentences included evaluations for substance abuse treatment and other counseling, including specific treatment for domestic violence, and a requirement that Jones follow the evaluations' recommendations. Jones was also sentenced to jail time served in the home invasion case. Jail time for the domestic battery conviction was stayed, meaning he won't have to serve it unless there are violations of his probation requirements.
Nathan Kirkley
An area man was taken into federal custody after he and a woman were arrested on suspicion of methamphetamine distribution at a Mattoon motel. Nathan G. Kirkley was arrested on a warrant in connection with an earlier federal methamphetamine case accusing him of distributing the drug in Effingham County, according to court records. Kirkley, 25, for whom records show an address in Gays, and Stephanie J. Schiefelbein, 27, whose address on record is 340 N. Sixth St., Charleston, were arrested on Jan. 14. Methamphetamine and other materials were found in the room at Motel 6 on U.S. Route 45 south of Mattoon in which they were staying, the records state. The federal indictment issued in the U.S. District Court Southern Illinois District accuses of Kirkley of distributing methamphetamine in Effingham County between June 17 and October 2018. He also faces a pending methamphetamine delivery case in Coles County, in which he's accused of having the drug planned for sale in Charleston on April 6. Schiefelbein was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver after her arrest last week. There's no record of any charges yet on file against Kirkley in connection with that arrest.Officers with the East Central Illinois Task Force drug investigation apprehended the suspects on Jan. 14 because they were accused in a drug investigation, according to case records. After Kirkley was taken into custody on the federal warrant, task force agents accompanied Schiefelbein to the motel, where she consented to a search of the room, the records say. They say the search led to the discovery of a total of about 1 1/2 ounces of methamphetamine, which was divided into a variety of containers. There was also marijuana, a prescription medication and scales of the type of use with drug sales, according to the records. Schiefelbein denied possession of the drugs and materials, claiming they were Kirkley's, the records say. In Kirkley's earlier Coles County case, records say about three ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana and a large amount of cash were found in the vehicle he was driving following a traffic stop in Charleston. Kirkley made his first appearance in federal court the week of Jan. 14 and a pretrial hearing in that case was scheduled for March 13.
Phillips, James D
A call regarding an "unknown medical situation" led to the arrest of multiple area residents accused on drug-related charges, city police reported. The investigation into the call resulted in the arrest of Abby Robertson, 22, and James Phillips, 23, both of Marshall; Brooklyn Gilbert, 21, of Charleston; and Michael McCullough, 35, of Martinsville. At approximately 12:31 p.m. Jan. 18, Charleston officers responded to a purported medical situation in the 1200 block of 12th Street. Responding officers learned a witness observed occupants of a silver SUV appearing to be helping a semi-conscious person into the vehicle, according to law enforcement. Officers were able to catch up to, and eventually stop, the vehicle on Westfield Road near Illinois Route 130. After approaching the vehicle, officers observed one of the five occupants, McCullough, was slumped over and seemingly unconscious. Paramedics were called to the location, where they evaluated him prior to him signing a refusal to be treated, police reported. Another occupant of the vehicle allegedly admitted to possessing cannabis and paraphernalia, resulting in a probable cause search of the vehicle, police say. The search allegedly resulted in the seizure of drug paraphernalia, more than 13 grams of cannabis and approximately one gram of suspected methamphetamine. The 2005 Ford driven by Robertson was seized pending a vehicle seizure hearing. Robertson, Phillips, Gilbert, and McCullough were all placed in the Coles County jail on pending preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine.
Gilbert, Brooklyn S
A call regarding an "unknown medical situation" led to the arrest of multiple area residents accused on drug-related charges, city police reported. The investigation into the call resulted in the arrest of Abby Robertson, 22, and James Phillips, 23, both of Marshall; Brooklyn Gilbert, 21, of Charleston; and Michael McCullough, 35, of Martinsville. At approximately 12:31 p.m. Jan. 18, Charleston officers responded to a purported medical situation in the 1200 block of 12th Street. Responding officers learned a witness observed occupants of a silver SUV appearing to be helping a semi-conscious person into the vehicle, according to law enforcement. Officers were able to catch up to, and eventually stop, the vehicle on Westfield Road near Illinois Route 130. After approaching the vehicle, officers observed one of the five occupants, McCullough, was slumped over and seemingly unconscious. Paramedics were called to the location, where they evaluated him prior to him signing a refusal to be treated, police reported. Another occupant of the vehicle allegedly admitted to possessing cannabis and paraphernalia, resulting in a probable cause search of the vehicle, police say. The search allegedly resulted in the seizure of drug paraphernalia, more than 13 grams of cannabis and approximately one gram of suspected methamphetamine. The 2005 Ford driven by Robertson was seized pending a vehicle seizure hearing. Robertson, Phillips, Gilbert, and McCullough were all placed in the Coles County jail on pending preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine. The fifth occupant, Christopher E. Sanders, was arrested on a warrant out of Crawford County, Crawford County police officials say.
McCullough, Michael A
CHARLESTON -- A call regarding an "unknown medical situation" led to the arrest of multiple area residents accused on drug-related charges, city police reported. The investigation into the call resulted in the arrest of Abby Robertson, 22, and James Phillips, 23, both of Marshall; Brooklyn Gilbert, 21, of Charleston; and Michael McCullough, 35, of Martinsville. At approximately 12:31 p.m. Jan. 18, Charleston officers responded to a purported medical situation in the 1200 block of 12th Street. Responding officers learned a witness observed occupants of a silver SUV appearing to be helping a semi-conscious person into the vehicle, according to law enforcement. Officers were able to catch up to, and eventually stop, the vehicle on Westfield Road near Illinois Route 130. After approaching the vehicle, officers observed one of the five occupants, McCullough, was slumped over and seemingly unconscious. Paramedics were called to the location, where they evaluated him prior to him signing a refusal to be treated, police reported. Another occupant of the vehicle allegedly admitted to possessing cannabis and paraphernalia, resulting in a probable cause search of the vehicle, police say. The search allegedly resulted in the seizure of drug paraphernalia, more than 13 grams of cannabis and approximately one gram of suspected methamphetamine. The 2005 Ford driven by Robertson was seized pending a vehicle seizure hearing. Robertson, Phillips, Gilbert, and McCullough were all placed in the Coles County jail on pending preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine.
Hendrix, James M.
The Mattoon Police Department reported that Alyssa L. Shain, 26, of Mattoon and James M. Hendrix, 30, of Mattoon were arrested late Jan. 22. Their arrests occurred after the service of a search warrant in the 1400 block of Wabash Avenue. Both were charged with possession of methamphetamine. The police department reported that the search warrant was the result of the investigation involving the home invasion arrests earlier that morning. The department reported that both Castaneda and the 17-year-old juvenile are associates of Hendrix and Shain and that they were present within their apartment just prior to committing the home invasion. According to the charges, the search warrant led to the discovery of meth and drug paraphernalia, as well as evidence of heroin abuse. Both Shain and Hendrix were taken to jail.
Brown, Virgil B., Jr.
Police officers made five arrests in connection with a reported drug-related home invasion in Mattoon. A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that Michael A. Castaneda, 20, of Mattoon was arrested on preliminary charges of home invasion, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and obstructing justice at 2:35 a.m. Jan. 22 in the 700 block of East Rudy Avenue. The charges allege that Castaneda, a felon armed with a stolen handgun, broke into an apartment in East Rudy Place during the early morning hours of Tuesday and confronted the occupants who were asleep in a bedroom there. An altercation reportedly ensued between Castaneda and the occupants. According to the charges, the altercation ended when a 17-year-old male juvenile accompanying Castaneda pointed the stolen firearm at a victim within the residence. The juvenile was also arrested and charged with home invasion. A loaded handgun used in the incident was reportedly recovered later Tuesday morning. The charges allege that the incident stemmed from drug usage, as well as an argument over a woman. Additionally, apartment occupant Virgil B. Brown Jr., 24, of Mattoon, was also arrested. He was found to have an outstanding Coles County warrant of arrest for robbery.
Castaneda, Michael A.
Police officers made five arrests in connection with a reported drug-related home invasion in Mattoon. A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that Michael A. Castaneda, 20, of Mattoon was arrested on preliminary charges of home invasion, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and obstructing justice at 2:35 a.m. Jan. 22 in the 700 block of East Rudy Avenue. The charges allege that Castaneda, a felon armed with a stolen handgun, broke into an apartment in East Rudy Place during the early morning hours of Tuesday and confronted the occupants who were asleep in a bedroom there. An altercation reportedly ensued between Castaneda and the occupants. According to the charges, the altercation ended when a 17-year-old male juvenile accompanying Castaneda pointed the stolen firearm at a victim within the residence. The juvenile was also arrested and charged with home invasion. A loaded handgun used in the incident was reportedly recovered later Tuesday morning. The charges allege that the incident stemmed from drug usage, as well as an argument over a woman. Additionally, apartment occupant Virgil B. Brown Jr., 24, of Mattoon, was also arrested. He was found to have an outstanding Coles County warrant of arrest for robbery. Both Castaneda and Brown were taken to the Coles County jail.
Shain, Alyssa L.
Police officers made five arrests in connection with a reported drug-related home invasion in Mattoon. A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that Michael A. Castaneda, 20, of Mattoon was arrested on preliminary charges of home invasion, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and obstructing justice at 2:35 a.m. Jan. 22 in the 700 block of East Rudy Avenue.The charges allege that Castaneda, a felon armed with a stolen handgun, broke into an apartment in East Rudy Place during the early morning hours of Tuesday and confronted the occupants who were asleep in a bedroom there. An altercation reportedly ensued between Castaneda and the occupants. According to the charges, the altercation ended when a 17-year-old male juvenile accompanying Castaneda pointed the stolen firearm at a victim within the residence. The juvenile was also arrested and charged with home invasion. A loaded handgun used in the incident was reportedly recovered later Tuesday morning. The charges allege that the incident stemmed from drug usage, as well as an argument over a woman. Additionally, apartment occupant Virgil B. Brown Jr., 24, of Mattoon, was also arrested. He was found to have an outstanding Coles County warrant of arrest for robbery. Both Castaneda and Brown were taken to the Coles County jail. The juvenile was placed in the custody of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice pending a court appearance.
The Mattoon Police Department reported that Alyssa L. Shain, 26, of Mattoon and James M. Hendrix, 30, of Mattoon were arrested late Jan. 22. Their arrests occurred after the service of a search warrant in the 1400 block of Wabash Avenue. Both were charged with possession of methamphetamine. The police department reported that the search warrant was the result of the investigation involving the home invasion arrests earlier that morning. The department reported that both Castaneda and the 17-year-old juvenile are associates of Hendrix and Shain and that they were present within their apartment just prior to committing the home invasion. According to the charges, the search warrant led to the discovery of meth and drug paraphernalia, as well as evidence of heroin abuse. Both Shain and Hendrix were taken to jail.
Richard Coffey
A man is jailed after police say he abducted a woman in Mattoon, beat her and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint. Richard L. Coffey, 34, of Mattoon was arrested Jan. 17 on suspicion of aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated unlawful restraint, according to a news release from the Mattoon Police Department. The release said Coffey is suspected of picking up the woman in his car in Mattoon on Jan. 16 evening and holding her against her will. He then bound her with duct tape, beat her and sexually assaulted her while holding her at knifepoint, the release said. The release also said the woman, who is in her 20s, was taken to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and kept overnight before being discharged. She's expected to recover, it said. Coles County jail records show Coffey is currently being held without bond pending a court appearance.
Nicholas Bennett
A local man is accused of producing child pornography this month in a case involving a 4-year-old girl, according to the Mattoon Police Department. Mattoon police arrested Nicholas J. Bennett, 22, of Mattoon at 10 a.m. Jan. 15 for the offense of producing child pornography. He was arrested at the Coles County jail in Charleston. The preliminary charge accuses Bennett of using a cellular device to take a lewd photograph of a 4-year-old juvenile female during the first week of January, police reported. Bennett was left at the Coles County jail.
Anthony M. Fisher
Initially reported as a stabbing at Smoky's House BBQ, an incident Jan. 15 actually involved an Effingham man now accused of hitting his brother with an empty box cutter, police said. Anthony M. Fisher, 23, faces preliminary charges of aggravated domestic battery following the incident at approximately 12:27 p.m. Jan. 15 in the parking lot between Smoky's and the BP gas station, according to police officials. Tony West, Charleston police detective, said the brothers were having an argument in a car in the parking lot. The incident escalated to the point when Fisher battered his brother with the empty box cutter before fleeing the scene, West said. The victim did not sustain any major injuries outside of some scrapes and scratches, West said. The victim refused medical treatment for his injuries. Eastern Illinois University Police and Coles County Sheriff's Office officers helped Charleston police in a search for Fisher shortly after the incident, and he was later found in the 800 block of 18th Street. Fisher was sent to the Coles County jail following his arrest.
Brooke D. Brown
The Mattoon Police Department reported in a press release that Brooke D. Brown, 22, of Charleston was arrested on preliminary charges of retail theft, meth possession, and aggravated battery to a police officer. The arrest occurred at 5:46 p.m. Jan. 13 in the parking lot of Walmart, 101 Dettro Drive. According to the release, the arrest occurred after police were called to Walmart regarding an alleged shoplifter that store employees had attempted to detain. Upon arrival, police located Brown in the parking lot. She allegedly refused to cooperate with the investigation. Brown was arrested, and numerous stolen items were allegedly located during a search of her person. Police reported that Brown was allegedly found in possession of meth at the time. Brown was taken to the police station, where she allegedly became combative and struck an officer in the face. She was later taken to the Coles County jail.
Tammy J. Carrico
Tammy J. Carrico, 44 and homeless, was arrested on preliminary charges of criminal trespass to property, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of meth at 12:23 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Holiday Inn Express, 121 Swords Drive, Mattoon. The charges allege that Carrico was asked, in the presence of police, to leave the Holiday Inn and to not return. Approximately an hour later, police received a call that Carrico had returned and they subsequently arrested her for criminal trespass. During the arrest, Carrico was allegedly found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and meth. She was taken to the Coles County jail.
Larry L. Edwards
Larry L. Edwards, 52, of Mattoon was arrested on a preliminary charge of domestic battery at 3:57 p.m. Jan. 13 at the police station. The charge alleges that Edwards pushed a female to the floor and struck her face multiple times during a domestic disturbance on Saturday in the 2400 block of Broadway Avenue. Edwards was taken to the jail.
Jesse A. Baird
Jesse A. Baird, 28, of Mattoon was arrested on a preliminary charge of meth possession. The arrest occurred when police made contact with Baird after he had just parked and exited a vehicle at 12:22 a.m. Jan. 13 in the 600 block of Illinois Avenue. Baird was arrested for allegedly operating the vehicle with a revoked driver’s license. During the arrest, Baird was also allegedly found to be in possession of meth. Baird was taken to the jail.
Jason Riddle
A man who admitted beating a dog with a broom handle was sentenced Jan. 15 to five years in prison. The sentence was twice what the prosecution had earlier agreed to recommend for Jason A. Riddle, but that deal was off the table when he failed to show up for his hearing Tuesday. Riddle, 44, pleaded guilty in November to an aggravated cruelty to animals charge that accused him of hitting the 11-year-old dog several times with a broom handle in Mattoon on March 31. At the time of his guilty plea, the prosecution went on record that it wouldn't ask for more than 2 1/2 years in prison. On Jan. 15, Coles County Circuit Judge Brien O'Brien said he considered the fact that Riddle "did not bother to show up today." The judge imposed the five-year sentence that Assistant State's Attorney Jenifer Schiavone recommended.Records in the case say local veterinarians diagnosed injuries in the dog that were consistent with it being beaten; the dog survived the incident. Riddle claimed the dog was aggressive.
Brian R. Grider
Police officers arrested a Mattoon man on a preliminary charge of possession of another’s debit card. A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that Brian R. Grider, 44, of Mattoon was arrested for this offense at 4:37 p.m. Jan. 14 at the police station. The charge alleges that Grider used the debit card of another without the card holder's knowledge or consent on Jan. 3 and 4. Grider was taken to the Coles County jail.
Troy A. Pearcy
A 46-year-old local resident was picked up after allegedly being found with methamphetamine at approximately 9:37 a.m. Jan. 17 in the 500 block of Seventh Street, according to city police officials. Troy A. Pearcy of Charleston was arrested following a traffic stop that morning on a felony preliminary charge of possession of meth. Charleston police report Pearcy was stopped for driving on an expired driver's license. During the stop, Pearcy reportedly gave consent to search his person and the vehicle. During the search, approximately 1.1 grams of suspected meth was allegedly found in Pearcy's pants pocket along with other items of paraphernalia, police report. Pearcy was sent to the Coles County jail. The 2012 Toyota Rav 4 Pearcy was driving at the traffic stop was seized pending a vehicle seizure hearing, police say.
James Miller
CHARLESTON -- A man drank a half-pint of vodka less than two hours before causing an accident that killed a rural Mattoon woman last month. That was among the information a judge heard Jan. 7 in denying a request to reduce the bond for James W. Miller, who's accused of causing the accident that killed April L. Fisher, who was 38, on Dec. 11. Evidence presented to Coles County Circuit Judge James Glenn also indicated that Miller's pickup truck was traveling about 90 mph and he made no attempt to slow at the intersection of Illinois Route 316 and Loxa Road, where the accident took place. Miller, 56, of Terre Haute, Ind., is jailed facing a charge of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with the accident. He's accused of running the stop sign on Loxa Road and colliding with the driver's side of Fisher's vehicle, killing her at the scene. With Glenn's ruling Monday, Miller's bond remains at a level requiring $25,000 to be posted for release from jail. His attorney also entered a not guilty plea to the charge on his behalf during Monday's court appearance. The judge and attorneys agreed to delay scheduling a trial pending a hearing to review the status of the case, which Glenn scheduled for Jan. 31. The aggravated DUI charge against Miller is a felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of three to 14 years when there's a conviction.
Sean Creal
CHARLESTON -- A man was arrested on suspicion of heroin possession after police say they found the drug in his vehicle following a traffic stop in Charleston. Sean E. Creal, 39, of Charleston was arrested after the traffic stop just before 3 p.m. Jan. 2 near the intersection of Seventh Street and Monroe Avenue in Charleston, according to a news release from Charleston police. The release said Creal was stopped because it was known he was driving on a suspended license. During the stop, a police dog alerted on the vehicle, leading to the search and the location of just less than a half-gram of heroin, it said. The release also said the sport utility vehicle Creal was driving was seized pending possible forfeiture proceedings.
Eric Marcrum
OAKLAND -- Two men were arrested for reportedly attacking another man at a residence near Oakland on Jan. 6. James C. Arnold, 39, of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Eric N. Marcrum, 30, of Hume have been charged with aggravated battery in connection with the incident, according to Coles County court records. Lt. Tyler Heleine of the Coles County Sheriff's Office said what led to the altercation that injured Cameron L. Sowell, 28, of Charleston, hasn't been determined. The incident was reported about 10:40 p.m. Jan. 6 at a residence on Illinois Route 133 about two miles east of Oakland, according to the sheriff's office. The other suspects were located at the residence, he said. Tiffany M. Toothman, 34, at whose residence the incident occurred, is accused of lying about the location of Marcrum while he was hiding there, Heleine said.
Tiffany Toothman
OAKLAND -- Two men were arrested for reportedly attacking another man at a residence near Oakland on Jan. 6. James C. Arnold, 39, of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Eric N. Marcrum, 30, of Hume have been charged with aggravated battery in connection with the incident, according to Coles County court records. Tiffany M. Toothman, 34, at whose residence the incident occurred, is accused of lying about the location of Marcrum while he was hiding there, according to police.
James Arnold
OAKLAND -- Two men were arrested for reportedly attacking another man at a residence near Oakland on Jan. 6. James C. Arnold, 39, of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Eric N. Marcrum, 30, of Hume have been charged with aggravated battery in connection with the incident, according to Coles County court records. A woman was arrested for lying to investigating police officers and another was arrested on a failure to appear warrant in a traffic case, according to information from the Coles County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Tyler Heleine of the sheriff's office said what led to the altercation that injured Cameron L. Sowell, 28, of Charleston, hasn't been determined. The incident was reported about 10:40 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at a residence on Illinois Route 133 about two miles east of Oakland, according to the sheriff's office. Indications are that Sowell was cut in the hand by a knife and hit in the head by a baton or similar object, Heleine said. He was hospitalized after the incident but has since been released, according to Heleine. Edgar County authorities notified the sheriff's office of the incident after Sowell was taken to a hospital in Paris, Heleine said. Sowell was later transferred to Regional Hospital in Terre Haute before being released, he said. Arnold had left the residence by the time deputies arrived but was located and arrested later by Oakland police, who also found methamphetamine in his vehicle, Heleine said. The other suspects were located at the residence, he said.
Patton, Lorenzo
CHARLESTON -- A local 44-year-old was arrested following a stabbing reported Jan. 4, according to city police. Lorenzo Patton of Charleston was detained at approximately 12:10 p.m. Jan. 7 following an investigation into the reported stabbing. According to Charleston police, the victim, who police did not name, was stabbed in the back by an initially unknown suspect in the alleyway of the 300 block of Madison Avenue. Tony West, Charleston police detective, said the blade used in the stabbing struck a rib, which West said may have prevented further injury. The victim fled to nearby residence and called 911, West said. The report states Charleston emergency personnel responded to 116 Fourth St. The victim was sent to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where he or she was treated and later released. The kind of knife involved in the incident has not been determined. Police report officers investigated over the course of the weekend until the suspect, Patton, was identified. Patton turned himself into the Coles County jail after a warrant for his arrest was issued. Patton was arrested on a preliminary charge of aggravated battery with a weapon. West said Patton declined to make a statement to officers, but West noted police suspect that the stabbing was "drug-related."
Anthony Hensley
CHARLESTON -- A Mattoon man was sentenced to prison when he admitted stealing from a storage building while on parole from an earlier burglary conviction sentence. Anthony S.T. Hensley pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge that accused him of stealing items from a storage unit at Jake's Storage, 1109 S. 19th St., Mattoon, between March and May of last year. Hensley, 37, for whom records show addresses on Richmond Avenue and South 17th Street, was sentenced to three years in prison with the agreement reached in his case. The agreement also included dismissal of burglary charges that would have required at least six years in prison with a conviction. One of the dismissed burglary charges was in connection with the theft from the storage unit, while another accused Hensley of stealing from a shed at a Mattoon residence while doing remodeling work there on May 6. Hensley was paroled from prison in September 2017 after serving about two years of the four-year prison sentence he received in 2015 for burglary and drug possession convictions, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records. Because he was on parole at the time of the more recent offenses, he could be required to serve the rest of his earlier sentence as well as the new prison term.
Coney, Victor B.
Victor B. Coney, 45, of Mattoon was arrested on a preliminary charge of possession of a controlled substance at 10:44 p.m. Dec. 28 in the 1300 block of Charleston Avenue after his vehicle was stopped for traffic violations. Coney was in possession of cocaine at the time, authorities said. Coney was taken to the jail.
Shirley, Eric D.
Eric D. Shirley, 36, of Mattoon was arrested on a preliminary charge of meth possession at 5:41 a.m. Wednesday in the 3000 block of Oak Avenue. The arrest occurred after police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and found that Shirley, a passenger, was in possession of meth at the time, officials reported. Shirley was taken to the jail.
Foote, David D.
A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that David D. Foote, 42, of Mattoon was arrested Dec. 31 on preliminary charges of possession of meth and drug paraphernalia at 4 p.m. at the Quality Inn & Suites, 4922 Paradise Road. The arrest occurred after police were called to the hotel to assist in removing an unwanted guest. While standing by with hotel management, police identified the unwanted guest as Foote and found that he had an active Coles County warrant for his arrest. During the time of Foote’s arrest, police observed him to have been in possession of meth and drug paraphernalia at the time, authorities reported. Foote was taken to the Coles County jail.
Anderson, Erika L.
Charleston residents Dustin M. Hellman, 32, and Erika L. Anderson, 38, were arrested on preliminary charges of domestic battery after 12:45 a.m. Dec. 31 at 100 Miller Road. They were accused of traveling in a vehicle when their arguing turned into a physical fight and they began to strike each other about the face. Both had minor visible injuries. They were taken to the Coles County jail.
Lovett, Joan M.
Joan M. Lovett, 41, of Mattoon was arrested on a preliminary charge of theft at 9:24 p.m. Jan. 3 in the 3000 block of Shelby Avenue. The charge accuses Lovett of entering Jackpot Joe’s, 1919 Western Ave., on Dec. 24 and sealing a jacket and cellphone from another patron there. The theft was considered a felony due to Lovett having prior theft convictions. She was taken to the Coles County jail.
Lauter, Gregory D.
A Mattoon Police Department press release reported that a man riding a motorized bicycle was arrested after allegedly fleeing from Mattoon police Sunday evening, Dec. 30. Gregory D. Lauter, 38, of Mattoon was arrested on preliminary charges of aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer at 11:50 p.m. near County Road 900N at 620E, just north of Mattoon. The charges alleges that the pursuit began when police attempted to stop a motorized bicycle that Lauter was traveling on in the 700 block of South Sixth Street for speed violations. After police activated emergency lights to stop Lauter, he is accused of speeding up and disregarding a stop light and three stop signs in an attempt to flee. Upon exiting the city limits, Lauter allegedly attempted to hide in a tree row in a field. He was subsequently located and arrested by police. Lauter was taken to the Coles County jail.
Hellman, Dustin M.
Charleston residents Dustin M. Hellman, 32, and Erika L. Anderson, 38, were arrested on preliminary charges of domestic battery after 12:45 a.m. Dec. 31 at 100 Miller Road. They were accused of traveling in a vehicle when their arguing turned into a physical fight and they began to strike each other about the face. Both had minor visible injuries. They were taken to the Coles County jail.
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