RICHLAND CO.— An Olney woman behind bars on at least three drug-related charges is asking the court to grant her to be released on her own recognizance due to health concerns.

Shannon L. Cessna (Gorley), 27, of 5953 East Mt. Pleasant Lane, Olney, has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

Authorities say on March 11, at Wal-Mart located at 1001 North West Street, Olney, Cessna knowingly possessed less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine, not more than 2.5 grams of a substance containing cannabis and a one hitter pipe with the intent to use it for ingesting or otherwise introducing cannabis or a controlled substance into her body.

Police say on the same day, Cessna, knowingly remained upon the land of Wal-Mart Super Center, after receiving prior notice from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. by signing a Notification of Restriction from Property on January 17, 2014.

A motion to be released on her own recognizance was filed March 25.

The motion stated Cessna had resided in Richland County and Clay County all of her life and first left the state of Illinois by life-flight helicopter in the year 2012 following a roll-over of a vehicle in which she was a passenger.

If the motion were to be granted Cessna said she would reside with her mother, Sheryl Baker, at 5953 East Mt. Pleasant Lane, Olney.

The motion also argues she should be released because she has Graves Disease which can manifest itself with low blood pressure which causes Cessna to pass out without warning; and that the progression of the disease is life threatening.

The second medical condition mentioned in the motion was Chronic Pain Syndrome, as a result of having received a broken neck as a passenger in an automobile accident on June 25, 2012.

No ruling was made on the motion for a recognizance bond.

A cash bond has been set in the amount of $5,000 and an arraignment scheduled for April 17 at 1 p.m.

Hydrocodone

In an unrelated case, an Olney woman has been charged with three separate counts of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance.

Police say on Jan. 8, at 410 East Mack Avenue, Olney, Debra Ann Sucher, 55, of 902 North Walnut Apt. D, Olney, knowingly possessed hydrocodone.

In July 2002, Sucher was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.

She later pleaded guilty to an amended charge of Battery Causing Bodily Harm and was sentenced to 12 months probation, public service and $693 in fines and fees.

A first appearance in her most recent case was scheduled for April 22 at 9 a.m.

Meth and a pipe

Steven W. Patterson, 52, of 1103 West Mack, Olney, has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Police say on March 27 at 1:24 a.m., Patterson was driving a gray 2007 Buick, in the 700 block of West Mack Avenue, Olney, when he knowingly possessed less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and an item of drug paraphernalia, identified as a glass smoking pipe with the intent to use it for ingesting or otherwise introducing cannabis or a controlled substance into his body.

Patterson was released from custody March 28, after Robert Patterson, of 1306 W. Mack Ave., Olney, posted a $1,500 cash bond on his behalf.

A first appearance in court was scheduled for April 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Convicted felon charged with DUI again

A Sumner man has been charged with Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence of an Alcoholic Beverage and Unlawful Driving While License Revoked.

Authorities say on March 12, at 2:05 a.m., Roy A. Albertson, 44, of RR 2 Box 46 and P.O. Box 11, Sumner, was driving a red 2001 Chevrolet, half a mile North of County Road 300 North on Ill. Rte. 130, at a time when his license was revoked and his ability to drive was impaired by his consumption of alcohol, having previously committed two prior DUI violations in Edwards County on April 15, 2010 and on June 26, 1991.

Albertson was released from custody March 12, after Dana Albertson, of the same P.O. Box 11, Sumner, address posted a $300 cash bond on his behalf.

RICHLAND CO.—Two incidents reported carried out in Rusk County, Texas, may be in relation to the disappearance and death of Ed Hataway from Olney in September 2012, but authorities in Texas are remaining guarded about it, and those in Illinois have ignored requests for information as of press time.

Hataway was the 61-year-old man who disappeared from his apartment just off U.S. Highway 50 on the south side of Olney on Sept. 16 of that year. Despite desperate pleas from his brother John and John’s girlfriend Anita Scott, and multiple searches conducted by civilians (in the absence of interest from local and state law enforcement until more than a week later), no trace of Hataway could be found other than his shoes in the gravel parking lot of his apartment building and his truck, outside a locked apartment.

On November 7, 2012, however, Lawrence County officials, acting on a tip received by Richland County officials, found skeletal remains just off 50 in their county not far from Red Hill State Park. The case was turned over to Richland County, despite the general practice that when a body is found in a county, that county is the county of jurisdiction.

It was at that point that the investigation into Hataway’s death ground to a halt, in particular because of two things: Illinois State Police were in charge of the investigation, and Richland County state’s attorney David Hyde would presumably be tasked with prosecuting anything ISP might accidentally come up with.

ISP, in the form of investigator Tim Brown, overlooked several incidents in Hataway’s past with two of his brothers, William Robert (Bob) and Daniel, one of which, nearly a decade before, resulted in an Order of Protection being issued for Ed and John Hataway while their mother’s probate case was ongoing in Richland.

Disclosure, tipped by ISP sources who didn’t like the way Brown was handling the case, dug into the OP and probate cases, and learned that Ed Hataway disappeared a day before a pre-set hearing in the hotly-contested probate.

Now, Disclosure has learned that on April 10, authorities in Rusk County, Texas, had surrounded the home of Bob Hataway, a department of corrections employee in that state.

Unsuccessful at locating him, authorities came back the next day, Friday, April 11, and again surrounded the home. Only this time, sheriff’s deputies and department of wildlife (conservation) officers were joined by Illinois State Police.

On that day, when the house was approached, it was reported that Bob Hataway ran from the home and into a nearby woods. He was apprehended by the sheer manpower on scene, and was questioned for a reported four to five hours.

Rusk County authorities were unable to confirm exactly who from ISP was present in their state, nor the nature of the questioning (although local officials confirmed with those asking that ISP was present regarding a “death case in Illinois.”) On Saturday morning, Rusk County jail officials confirmed that Hataway had never been detained at their facility.

So whatever the issue, the situation with Ed Hataway’s death hasn’t gotten much further than where it had been, at least according to officials…meaning there’s just one more death originating out of Olney that remains unsolved.

Claremont-Bonpas Junior Firefighters Levi Woollard, left and Ben Dowty practice
rolling firehoses properly which is an essential skill in order to assure
there are no kinks when they are pressured up.

Members in one of the area’s embers in one of the area’s fire departments are looking to increase their ranks…not of active firefighters, but of young people who would be utilized in the operations in a support capacity.

The Claremont Junior Firefighter program was created by and kicked off in December 2012 by Ben Woollard, who is not only a Claremont firefighter, but is also a preacher at the Eureka Church south of Claremont. The program had started off with five children but now there are just two currently involved. They are looking for children, male or female, in an age range of 14 to 18 years who would be interested in learning skills to become a regular firefighter in any volunteer or career fire department. Those interested do not have to be in the Claremont fire district, as long as they can come to the department for the training.

The junior firefighters participate in a multitude of training procedures. All junior firefighters will be eligible to attend all regular meetings, in-house training sessions and any fire department activity. As well, they will be allowed to assist the firefighters with regular maintenance of station facilities and equipment, and will operate the pump apparatus. The junior firefighter is prohibited from responding directly to any incident scene, but he or she will be utilized as support personnel.

The Firefighter program does require proof that the junior firefighter maintains a C average or better while attending school. The candidate must be able to follow strict orders, be in good health and be physically able to perform the duties of a fire cadet.

Some training subjects in the course include ropes and knots, rescue operations, first aid, forcible entry, ventilation, fire inspection and vehicle rescue.

If this is a career a child would be interested in then “the training they learn in this program will allow them to be able to jump right in when they are of age,” Woollard said.

A total of 22 people currently work for the Claremont-Bonpas Fire Department, with two people applying for a job. The junior firefighter program is looking to have anywhere from 12 to 15 children being the maximum.

Woollard said he would like to see more children get involved and believes it will prepare the child to be honest, prepared, calm and be people of character.

Anyone interested in participating in the Junior Firefighter Program can contact Ben Woollard at the Claremont-Bonpas Fire Department at (618)-869-2316.

Claremont-Bonpas firefighter Ben Woollard, left, discusses how well
the Junior Firefighter program is going with another firefighter.

Daughter is result of sex assault on 12-year-old

RICHLAND CO.— A Clay County native who is currently serving three years to life in the Illinois Department of Corrections is now asking for visitation with the child that was conceived when he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old Richland County girl.

Burt Wenzel, 26, entered into a plea agreement January 28, 2009, to one count of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault.

But that was only after state’s attorney David Hyde refused to do his job.

 Earned three felonies as a juvenile

Records show that Wenzel, whose family originated from south counties (specifically, the Hardin/Gallatin county area) has been in trouble with the law for the better part of his life.

Sources indicate that he was sentenced to 12 months court supervision in Clay County on November 23, 1998 at age 11 after he was found guilty of Knowingly Damaging Property greater that $300.

Records indicate that due to continuing violations of the terms of his release, Wenzel had his supervision revoked March 19, 2001 and was sentenced to 10 months probation.

On May 15, 2002, at age 15 he was convicted of Burglary which lead to another probation revocation which lead to another 24 month probation sentence and a total of $2,169 in fines and fees in the original property damage case.

On the Burglary charge, Wenzel was sentenced to 60 days home confinement and ordered to complete 100 hours of public service and pay $546.51 in fines and fees.

At one point Wenzel was serving a third period of probation for a second Burglary conviction costing someone another $113 in court costs.

In total, Wenzel had earned himself three felonies as a juvenile.

Richland convictions, Hyde inaction

In Richland County, Wenzel’s first conviction was October 2, 2008 when he was found guilty of growing 5-20 marijuana plants and, despite his history, was sentenced to 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay $585 in fines and fees.

However, Wenzel never paid the first penny in that case and was allowed to remain out on the street, free to molest little girls.

Then in June of 2008 Wenzel was charged with the Burglary that earned him a three-year prison sentence, which turned out to be not even 18 months.

By the time he was shipped to department of corrections, Wenzel had already sexually assaulted the 12-year-old and Hyde knew it.

According to sources, Hyde didn’t worry about the sexual assault because a) he said he had other things to do and b) he knew he could arrest Wenzel as he was getting out of prison, which he ultimately did in May 2009.

On May 1, Hyde had Wenzel arrested at Taylorville Correctional Center and transported directly to the Richland County Jail.

“That guy molested that little girl because David Hyde didn’t do his job,” said a friend of the family. “Now, he won’t even take the time to handle the case himself or really even talk to the family.”

Contact through third party

As part of his prison sentence Wenzel was forbidden from contacting his victim by any means, including a third party.

According to a March 26, 2014 petition for an Order of Protection, Wenzel’s victim (identified here as KS) claimed that she had been contacted.

“Burt sexually assaulted me when I was 12 years old. Burt was 21 and (name deleted, hereafter referred to as ND—ed.) was born from that. Burt was informed that he could have no contact with me or ND. He has sent letters before and the prison stopped the letters,” KS wrote in her petition. “Burt was in jail here in Richland County. He wrote a letter to Sara Farmer about me and asked Sara for her to help contact me. During the month of March he has sent three letters to (ND) at our address. He also wrote a letter in March to my boss, shortly after he got that letter I was fired.”

The Order of Protection (OP) was granted on the same day the petition was made.

Doesn’t believe he is a danger

In a hand-written response from prison, Wenzel claimed no abuse was presented during the OP hearing.

“KS claims abuse because I had written my daughter three letters,” Wenzel wrote. “Writing my daughter and telling her ‘Daddy loves you’ is not any form of abuse.”

Wenzel went on to say that since KS has identified him as the man who sexually abused her, and thus establishing by this his parentage that ND was his daughter, he demands to exercise his parental rights.

He asked that he be granted the right to contact the four-year-old, claiming the contact would in no way “harm my daughter’s mental, moral and emotional health.”

Wants 4-year-old brought to prison for visitation

Wenzel demands the court reverse its decision to deny him visitation and allow the following:

“That a 3rd partie (sic) bring my daughter up to see me twice a month here at the jail where there is no contact visits

“That two people my daughter is very comfortable with has agreed to be a 3rd partie (sic) during visits and bring and transport my daughter to me.”

Wenzel identified the two individuals as Katie Farmer and Sara Farmer.

He was being held at Pontiac Prison, approximately four hours from Richland County, and is currently being housed back in the Richland County jail pending further court hearings. The whole case is a highly unusual one, but just about par for the course in Richland County, where weird and bizarre cases rule the day, especially where OPs come into play. Should the judge in the case rule that Wenzel can have visitation, it’s a blow to those who are victims of sexual assault of the nature that Wenzel perpetrated. Should the judge rule that visitation can be denied on the basis of the no-contact order, however, it sets up a precedent for father’s rights throughout the state, and can have a chilling effect on those even in different circumstances other than an incarceration setting.

If Wenzel has indeed violated the no-contact order issued upon him for his victim as a part of sentencing, it’s incumbent upon Richland County prosecutor David Hyde to consider that violation in within the criminal realm and prosecute accordingly.

Whether that will take place or not remains to be seen; Wenzel is next in court for a status hearing May 8 in Richland.

The new issue of Disclosure—April-May 2014—is now on stands in all locations, and, as usual, it’s moving fast. Why? Content. And if you’re wondering if you should hurry out and get a copy before they sell out, as they have been in many locations in the 20-county coverage area, here’s a little bit of help: THIS MONTH’S PRINT HEADLINES. Print headlines have an added benefit: The headlines link right to the e-Edition article. And now, we’re also featuring the e-Edition Xtra, major news stories that broke on deadline and are presented here in full to our online subscribers only! If you’re not a subscriber to the e-Edition, all you have to do is follow the prompts when you click on any headline, and it’ll take you through the process so you can go right to it…and read all e-Edition articles since the inception of the e-Edition at no extra charge…go to it before we start archiving…and enjoy THIS MONTH’S PRINT HEADLINES.

PAGE 1

John Eibeck

WILLIAMSON CO.—Chief to retire: Marion chief of police John Eibeck announced his retirement March 24…then as soon as he showed his rear on topix and the city found themselves the recipient of a FOIA for internet logs, he announced that he was having heart surgery. City attorney Steve Green thinks his denial of the FOIAs is going to make it all go away. Wrong. Stay tuned.

Kim Yost Winningham

LAWRENCE CO.—Township funds missing: Notified of something wonky within Lawrence Township in Lawrenceville in early March, we dug into it. Here’s what we learned.

RICHLAND CO.—Sex predator demands prison visits with child: Yes, a father needs to see his child, and a child needs her father. But…is that the case when the child was the result of sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl? That’s the debate here. And the idiot sex predator at the center of it has a South Counties connection; both north and south regions are going to want to read this one, as the decision in it may set caselaw.

PAGE 2

Chrissy Williams, found March 20, 2014

HARDIN CO.—Body found: Was there foul play? The wrap of the discovery of the body of Chrissy Williams on march 20…and what’s happened since then.

BACK PAGE

Phillip Lowery

WHITE CO.—Could mistrial in sex case be the result of rogue state police investigator? Rick White screws up another one. Will ISP hang on to this schleprock? We the people can only hope they see the error of their ways in assigning him important cases that, when it comes to nutcutting time, a jury doesn’t buy the state’s case…because of lil Pricky.

Thomas J. Fann

WILLIAMSON CO.—OP filed in wake of truck-motorcycle accident: A strange little story came to light in the wake of the accident we told you about in late March. This one has more twists & turns than an Illinois country road….you gotta read it to believe it, but it’s all documented.

PAGE 3

SALINE CO.—Five nabbed as major meth operation taken down: The search for Arnold Cornett brought the Harrisburg police department to accidentally stumble on a meth bust. Will wonders never cease.

EGYPT

CARRIER MILLS-STONEFORT—Teachers cut in recent move as state funding dips: It was a short school board meeting in tha Mills, but there’s nothing simple about it. School cuts are forcing problems onto kids, that is one thing for certain.

Bobby Downen Jr.

GALLATIN CO.—Sentenced for battery of family member: Allen Roe tried his damnedest to keep it under wraps, but the situation with Bobby Downen got out…and we have it.

HARDIN CO.—Suicide confirmed by autopsy, tox reports in E’town fireman’s death: Coverage of what really killed Tim Dillard, and how. And yes, the whole mess is tracing right back to Tara Wallace and her vendetta against Sheriff JT Fricker. Let the hate begin.

SALINE CO.—Rocky Branch Road issue to be resolved between county and Peabody April 15: The article that’s the lead-up to the e-Edition Xtra piece; you need to read this in order to get the full impact of just WHAT is going on with this mining venture…and what it’s doing to the area around it.

SALINE CO.—Unholy alliance: Peabody and Monsanto: Something we discovered in the process of researching the Saline County/Rocky Branch/Peabody issue. And this isn’t the end of it, either; the Edgar County Watchdogs are onto Peabody in the north part of the state, too. Watch for updates.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS—Smaller Southern Illinois schools suffer from cuts, where large northern schools hardly notice: A rundown by one of our new staff writers, outlining what’s going on in our downstate school districts…and how what’s happening is not exactly fair.

HARRISBURG—Tornado funds part 7: the breakdown of the grants: Where did that “magic” money that Pat Quinn found (after he dropped the ball in securing FEMA grants) go in Harrisburg? While Harrisburg personnel are busy ensuring information is hard to obtain or is secured, the granting entities aren’t being such a pain in the butt, and so we have this piece regarding the breakdown.

SALINE CO.—Off duty deputy witnesses domestic, leads to drug arrest: If yer gunna fight with yer significant other, don’t have yer drug of choice on hand when the popo show up.

Nathan Reeder, Saline County Detention Center mugshot

SALINE CO.—Harrisburg teen faces attempted murder charge in wake of stabbings: Remember the run of stabbings we had in town when the last issue was being delivered? Well here’s the FULL story on them…and they ARE related.

ILLINOIS—One step closer to bringing the benefit of medical marijuana to epileptics: The medicinal properties of a PLANT have been suppressed and, in later years, criminalized. Why? Because it WORKS. But Illinois is finally beginning to see the light; and now, epileptics could soon benefit from the miraculous properties of cannabidiols and other aspects of the hemp and cannabis plants.

CARRIER MILLS—Carrier Mills board approves bulletproof vests for officers, grants conditional mobile home permit: Rundown of an eventful Carrier Mills village board meeting.

SALINE CO.—Man charged with beating his mother because she wouldn’t give up her laptop: We’ve had some very strange crim activity in Saline County the last month. Here’s one of them.

SALINE CO.—SUV stolen while driver paying for gas and a man steals to feed his “child”: And the stupid criminal of the month award goes to…Mr. Pindell. With a close second by Brenton Reed.

Photo submitted by Saline County Sheriff’s Office

HARRISBURG—City addresses dangerous bypass: The city of Harrisburg, with a little prodding by IDOT, has acknowledged that the interchange at Poplar Street and the Bill Franks Bypass is a dangerous place…but it took several wrecks, injuries and even a death before someone said something. What’s the backstory? It has to do with E.T. Simonds…but anything more beyond that will have to wait til next issue!

GALLATIN CO.—Mob action goes uncharged in Shawneetown: Allen Roe, doing his usual…mediocre job.

WILLIAMSON CO.—Latest alleged Williamson crim activity contains a Raymondo relative, SIEG cases: Our Williamson crim correspondent wraps up a wild month of arrests in this report…one of them a relative of former Gallatin County sheriff Raymond Martin.

SALINE CO.—Suspect says she bought her xanax at McDonald’s: Talk about a “Happy Meal”!! Of course, this is all based on this gal’s report…and at this stage in the game, it’s alleged.

PAGE 16

WILLIAMSON CO.—Mother of accused murderer: If local police had done their job, we wouldn’t be here today: Exclusive interview with the mother of accused murderer Tamara Williams…and what she has to say is going to outrage many.

PAGE 17

CLAREMONT—Claremont-Bonpas Junior Firefighter Program focus of department this Spring: Awesome feature on an even more awesome program; time for sign-up!

HEARTLAND

EDGAR CO.—Burgin questioned over trespass to property for placement of questionable political signs: Has Deeboy finally crossed the line? The evidence is there…now, the authorities need to take action.

CRAWFORD CO.—Robinson pair charged with manufacturing methamphetamine: Making good meth busts in Robinson.

Justin DeRyke’s DOC profile mug

EFFINGHAM CO.—DeRyke enters plea, is sentenced: Willow Long’s murder solved, murderer already in DOC. That was fast, wasn’t it? Think those in E-ham are nervous about something with the Willow Long case? We’re about to find out.

CRAWFORD CO.—Annapolis man charged with sexual abuse: Sex abuse and violence roundup in this month’s crim report out of Crawford.

CRAWFORD CO.—Evidence shows lies used to obtain OP: What’s going on with the case of Josh Green? As usual, it’s not what the “official” story tells you. Read this to learn more…and watch out. There are some “tricks” those who abuse OPs will pull…and we’ve seen em all.

ROBINSON—Robinson wants to keep a clean town; concerns about temporary food vendors are addressed: Robinson City Council meeting coverage.

OBLONG—Reducing speed on Route 33 topic of Oblong city meeting: Coverage of the Oblong city council by our new north counties correspondent!

JASPER CO.—Drugs, DUI and violence focus of Jasper blotter: Jasper County crim roundup extraordinaire.

CRAWFORD CO.—Popsicle spells downfall for 2-day fugitive: Here’s a crossover that you don’t see too often…and a stupid crim deluxe that you only get about once a year.

CRAWFORD CO.—Crim charged with stealing vehicle and beef jerky: Mr. Chaput, and his goofily-grinning mug, back in the headlines again.

NEWTON—Newton approves $35,090 for 1100th St. sewer extension: Brisk business for Newton city council, but with a big price tag.

CENTRAL

Lawrence County prosecutor Chris Quick

LAWRENCE CO.—State’s attorney recovering from heart surgery: Chris Quick has a wicked scar but came through double bypass surgery nicely. Here’s the recap.

Sam Clark

WAYNE CO.—Crash takes life of St. F man: Tragic story of the death of Sam Clark…and some of the incidents leading up to it, as this isn’t Clark’s first time in Disclosure.

LAWRENCE CO.—Lawrenceville artist killed in head-on collision on U.S. 50: Lawrence County, as a community, was devastated to learn of the death of David Inskeep Dooley. Here’s the recap of that piece.

LAWRENCE CO.—The Compound Fitness: New MMA training facility in Lawrence County welcomes all fighters: Ethan McQueen, overcoming obstacles to open his own business. Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life…how well we know that sentiment!!

Ed Hataway

RICHLAND CO.—Texas officials neither confirm or deny ISP presence: Authorities in Rusk, Texas, are keeping very quiet about Illinois State Police traveling there to talk to a brother of the late Ed Hataway…but we got it, nevertheless. Is this a significant development? Maybe. Keep watching.

RICHLAND CO.—Meth suspect asking to be released for health reasons: The Richland County crim report wouldn’t be complete without whiners. Here’s one of those, for sure.

WABASH CO.—Drug felon on probation posts bond for drug felon: Which is a crime in and of itself. Let’s see if Cassandra catches it.

HAMILTON CO.—Sexual abuse against teen charged: It’s a disturbing trend, but it’s even happening in little Hamilton County.

CLAY CO.—Louisville man charged with battering a handicapped child; stolen Jeep recovered: Clay County crim report is an active one!

LAWRENCE CO.—Lawrenceville man charged with threatening to cut witness’ throat: Alleged brutality-threats in the LC.

WABASH CO.—Meth suspect charged with assaulting her daughters; man cheats on urine test: Well WabCo crims won’t let anyone outdo them this month!

CLAY CO.—Meth and pills continue to fill court docket in Clay: The dope report out of Clay.

WHITE CO.—Grayville couple convicted on meth charges: Some of the crim roundup coming out of White, with Grayville in the midst of it.

BRIDGEPORT—Class A liquor license ordinance approved at Bridgeport meeting: Did Bridgeport shoot itself in the foot by granting a liquor license to Casey’s? Some think it did. Read the meeting coverage here.

WAYNE CO.—Man charged with holding woman in a closet against her will: Wayne County crim roundup contains the usual suspects and usual antics…well, maybe not the closet thing, but, you know.

E-EDITION XTRA

Protest in the courtroom

SALINE CO.—Saline County board votes to close Rocky Branch Road; accepts agreement with Peabody Coal: The FULL coverage of what went on this past Tuesday with the county’s sellout of Cottage Township and Rocky Branch Road residents.

Ryan Trout

SALINE CO.—Baseball bat head bashing threatened: An untypical crim account from Harrisburg, with a guy who’s allegedly a special kind of violent.

WAYNE CO.—Four nabbed in meth cook operation: Big meth bust without a ‘faked’ “I smell ammonia; do you smell ammonia?” question as carried out by Wayne County sheriff’s department.

OP-ED

SURLY & UNCOOPERATIVE (Jack): HughesNet….what a freakin rip-off!
NOT JADED (Jade): Police officers: the good, the bad and the ugly
ICY (Ang): Agents of change want to affect the truth
MINKUS INK (Bubba): Is Hillary the next on the road to dictatorship?
REDHEAD RAMPAGE: The cursed blinker…& the rainbow farting unicorns

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (letters to the editor): Hungry inmates in Greenville FBOP; writer upset with Saline County sheriff’s department; another writer takes Eric Gregg to task over his pathetic comments to Lyndi; griping about electric bills in Marion; info about Franklin County’s interstate interchange; incensed over firefighters in Harrisburg

BACK OVER YOUR TALES: From the April 2009 issue…
Tyler Wolf sentenced in child molestation; child killer moves to Olney and is made unwelcome; Phentanyl patch overdose death brings into play accountability law; Bridgeport re-elects Max Schauf to a third term despite warnings from Disclosure that he was dipping into city coffers to fund his friends and family; Lawrence County rewrites June 2008 flood history; Sam Holstein is sentenced in drunk driving accident death in Edwards County; Jeffery Smith is in DOC over the shaking death of his infant son; Codi Busby arrested in beating death of a Xenia man; illegal causes problems for Wayne County authorities; Freddie Jackson set for sentencing in beating of pregnant woman; Randall Ashby, sex offender, finally put away, another White County sex offender, James L. Davis, has his case rolled out; Kevin Kakac is clueless about an Open Meetings Act violation in Wayne; Seth (Seff) Hahn busted at drinking party; June Bailey’s trailers are a focus of a big article out of Wayne County.

Remember…click any link to get to the e-Edition…click this link for vendors or to subscribe…and the next issue is set to hit the stands May 16, so don’t miss this one before they’re all gone!

Here, have some flowers.

From the yard at the Harrisburg house…

And from the office at the farm in Calhoun.

Thank you for your support, readers! You know we love you.

Among the unsolved murders in Olney, Illinois (which now include Jaimee Rupe in 2004 and Joe Galyean just this year) is the 2012 case of Ed Hataway.

Hataway, age 61 at the time of his disappearance in mid-September 2012, went missing (and was later found dead, of what authorities considered homicide) under very strange circumstances….to the outside observer. However, to those who know what had been going on in Hataway’s life since the death of his mother in 2003, and the onset of a bitter probate case, things weren’t quite as mysterious. The biggest problem, as it’s turned out, was getting Illinois State Police investigators, including the questionable Tim Brown, to actually investigate: instead of doing that, however, ISP has been busy pointing fingers at different people, accusing them of “leaking” information to Disclosure when all along, this news organization has merely done what ISP should have been doing: looking at what the record, including probate and a set of Orders of Protection, shows…and extrapolating from there.

As part of the investigation into the court cases dating back to 2004, Disclosure has made contact with law enforcement across the states of Illinois and Texas, in the locales where Hataway’s surviving relatives reside. Through these sources, Disclosure learned the material that appears in this Read the Lead offering, Texas officials neither confirm or deny ISP presence, presented in pertinent part, as the initial lead-in explains the background of the case:

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

Ed Hataway

Disclosure has learned that on April 10, authorities in Rusk County, Texas, had surrounded the home of Bob Hataway, a department of corrections employee in that state.

Unsuccessful at locating him, authorities came back the next day, Friday, April 11, and again surrounded the home. Only this time, sheriff’s deputies and department of wildlife (conservation) officers were joined by Illinois State Police.

On that day, when the house was approached, it was reported that Bob Hataway ran from the home and into a nearby woods. He was apprehended by the sheer manpower on scene, and was questioned for a reported four to five hours.

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

To read the article in full, simply click the headline link above, or click here to get started on your online access to the e-Edition, where you can read every article we’ve produced about the stalled Hataway case as well as every article in this current edition. Or if you prefer to hold the hard copy in your hands to read, you can pick up the April-May 2014 editions now at Richland County vendors MotoMart in Olney, Marilyn’s Liquor Cabinet in Olney, or Bottle Hut of Noble; Clay County vendors The Price is Right in Clay City, Discount Tobacco Warehouse in Flora, and Needmore Store in Louisville; Lawrence County vendors Jim’s Guns outside of Lawrenceville and Lou’s Restaurant in Bridgeport; and pertinent to some of the players in the Hataway story, Gallatin County vendors Patton’s in Junction and Davis Enterprises in Omaha….but hurry out; this one is on stands only two more weeks, and they are moving FAST.

Leave it to Richland County to be the home of some of the weirdest court goings-on in the readership area…and maybe even in the country.

Richland is the home of Brian James O’Neill, city pest in the town of Olney, whose frivolous lawsuits filed in 2006 cost the county a bundle (via representation through the Attorney General’s office). It’s also the home of former state’s attorney Chuck Roberts, whose inexplicable case of the ass against us at Disclosure prompted him to encourage a client, the late Dan Howser, file a frivolous Order of Protection against this writer, and when he claimed it was violated, the entire thing was turned on its ear.

But now, a totally different issue has arisen, and it involves one of the most vile of humanity: A man who was convicted of the rape of a child.

Burt Wenzel, a convicted cannabis grower who hails from Clay County but whose roots are actually in Hardin County (the infamous “Wenzel Weed” was named after members of his family, according to Hardin natives), made headlines years ago when his case went through the court system and he was convicted of having sex with a 12-year-old girl at age 20 (in 2008). Adding to the trauma caused the victim was the fact that she ended up pregnant as the result of his actions, and had a daughter at age 13.

A no-contact order was put into place in order to keep Wenzel, who was housed in Richland County for a lengthy period of time despite his pot conviction that should have kept him in DOC, from contacting his victim in any way. But now, he wants special dispensation in order to lift this restriction and allow him to “get to know his daughter.”

The entire thing is precedent-setting, just like our OP or O’Neill’s nonsensical, but time-consuming, court filings. And you can read about it here if you have an online subscription to the e-Edition, in the article that’s on the front page this month, Sex predator demands prison visits with child:

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

RICHLAND CO.— A Clay County native who is currently serving three years to life in the Illinois Department of Corrections is now asking for visitation with the child that was conceived when he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old Richland County girl.

Burt Wenzel, 26, entered into a plea agreement January 28, 2009, to one count of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault.

But that was only after state’s attorney David Hyde refused to do his job.

Records show that Wenzel, whose family originated from south counties (specifically, the Hardin/Gallatin county area) has been in trouble with the law for the better part of his life.

Sources indicate that he was sentenced to 12 months court supervision in Clay County on November 23, 1998 at age 11 after he was found guilty of Knowingly Damaging Property greater that $300.

(excerpt)

In a hand-written response from prison, Wenzel claimed no abuse was presented during the OP hearing.

“KS claims abuse because I had written my daughter three letters,” Wenzel wrote. “Writing my daughter and telling her ‘Daddy loves you’ is not any form of abuse.”

Wenzel went on to say that since KS has identified him as the man who sexually abused her, and thus establishing by this his parentage that ND was his daughter, he demands to exercise his parental rights.

He asked that he be granted the right to contact the four-year-old, claiming the contact would in no way “harm my daughter’s mental, moral and emotional health.”

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

To read the full story, simply click the headline above to take you right to it if you have an e-Edition subscription; or if you don’t have one, click this link to get started, so you won’t miss out on a thing that goes on in Disclosure. Or, if you prefer to hold the paper in your hands, check our vendors list for the locations nearest you where you can pick up a copy; in Richland County, you can get yours in Olney at MotoMart and at Marilyn’s Liquor Cabinet; and in Noble at Bottle Hut.

See what others are saying about this subject on Facebook; and be sure you check your “get notifications” selection under the “like” button on our page; recent Facebook upgrades have booted many of our followers off from seeing our posts.

Being a volunteer firefighter is a difficult job. A fire, explosion, or other disaster can wake you up out of a deep slumber to attend to what might be a horrific scene, or just someone’s hot water heater blowing out because it’s old.

In other words, you just never know what you’re going to face if you’re one of the many people in our downstate communities who gives of their time and effort to ensure that if a home or business catches fire, you’re the front line.

It’s hard to get that across to even an adult. But try getting it through to a kid. They may have preconceived notions of what it is a volunteer firefighter does, and those notions may not be accurate.

So how does a young person learn of the difficulties as well as rewards in giving of their time and effort?

Youth programs like the one Claremont-Bonpas Fire Protection District offers.

Here is your noontime Read the Lead about the article that appears in the current issue, on stands, featuring that fire district, and what they have to offer interested youth, Claremont-Bonpas Junior Firefighter Program focus of department this Spring:

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

Members in one of the area’s fire departments are looking to increase their ranks…not of active firefighters, but of young people who would be utilized in the operations in a support capacity.

The Claremont Junior Firefighter program was created by and kicked off in December 2012 by Ben Woollard, who is not only a Claremont firefighter, but is also a preacher at the Eureka Church south of Claremont. The program had started off with five children but now there are just two currently involved. They are looking for children, male or female, in an age range of 14 to 18 years who would be interested in learning skills to become a regular firefighter in any volunteer or career fire department. Those interested do not have to be in the Claremont fire district, as long as they can come to the department for the training.

The junior firefighters participate in a multitude of training procedures. All junior firefighters will be eligible to attend all regular meetings, in-house training sessions and any fire department activity. As well, they will be allowed to assist the firefighters with regular maintenance of station facilities and equipment, and will operate the pump apparatus. The junior firefighter is prohibited from responding directly to…

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

To read the rest of this article, simply click the link at the headline above the excerpt if you have an online subscription to the e-Edition, or, if you don’t have one yet, click this link to get started. Or if you prefer to hold a newspaper in your hands, there are still some left on the shelves in Richland County at MotoMart in Olney, Marilyn’s Liquor Cabinet in Olney and Bottle Hut of Noble. Hurry out and get one…this is the last week they’re there; new issue hits May 15-16!

Brian James O’Neill II

RICHLAND CO.–At the May 8 Richland County board meeting Brian James O’Neill II gives his regular speech at the meeting and proceeds to make remarks about how Richland County sheriff Andy Hires is better than Ron Kruger, who is running for Richland County sheriff, because Hires is more “fit” than Kruger. Here is a video of O’Neill telling about WHY he made the statements he made.

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

Hit our Facebook page (yes we still have one), and this post on it if you’d like to discuss this subject on Facebook; and be sure you check your “get notifications” selection under the ‘like’ button on our page; recent Facebook upgrades have booted many of our followers off from getting our posts. Also, check us on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Tumblr!

Here’s our Jade covering for Lyndi while she’s out for a couple of days, bringing you the Nightly NewsCap roundup for the evening of Friday, May 9, 2014!

Topics covered include: ISP reports on Clay County accident on U.S. 45 North; Brian James O’Neill puts on a shocking display at Richland County board meeting; driver hospitalized after U.S. 50 accident in Clay County; and benefit to be held for beating victim in Lawrence

RICHLAND CO.—An incident in rural Richland County was the subject of much speculation in March, but the investigation into the case has revealed that there was no foul play involved when an area teen was run over by his buddies in a truck.

According to Richland County Sheriff Andy Hires, on March 16, a group of boys were “goofing off” while on their way home when the accident occurred.

Hires said the three boys decided to chase down some raccoons when, at some point in time, one of the boys, who was 16 years old, was standing outside of the truck, while another boy was backing the truck up. The 16-year-old was run completely over by the truck.

At approximately 4:36 a.m., a phone call was made by one of the boy’s parents, who advised dispatch of the situation.

Police arrived on scene at North Sugar Creek Road, between Calhoun and Parkersburg.

The truck was already removed from on top of the 16-year-old when officers from the Richland County sheriff’s department arrived.

The 16-year-old sustained severe injuries and had to be transported to a hospital in Evansville, Ind., where he spent several days recovering.

RICHLAND CO.— An Albion man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on a methamphetamine delivery conviction.

According to court documents, Floyd W. Carter, 40, of 110 Walnut St., Albion, was arrested on or about March 29 and charged with Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon at 6231 North Wood River Rd., Claremont.

Authorities say that Carter delivered less than five grams of meth and had in his possession eight rifles and one shotgun.

Carter pled guilty to the delivery charge May 1 in exchange for the weapons charge being dismissed.

In addition to the 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Carter was sentenced to two years mandatory supervised release and ordered to pay $1,532 in fines and fees of which he still owes $1,457.

Claremont connection?

It is unclear if the two cases are connected or not, but James R. Wilson, 39, of 195 West North St., Claremont, was also arrested on March 29 and charged with Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine less than five grams.

Wilson is no stranger to drug charges.

He was arrested April 3, 2008 and charged with Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine 400-900 grams and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine less than five grams.

He was convicted on the possession charge and sentenced in March 2009 to two years probation and ordered to pay $1,137 in fines and fees.

Cash bond in his most recent case has been set at $4,000.

Precursors

In an unrelated case, Heather C. Tanner, 18, of 718 East Chestnut, Olney has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Precursors after authorities say on March 20, while at Wal-Mart, she knowingly possessed pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture meth.

Tanner has two separate pending cases in Richland including Retail Theft and Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.

Cash bond in the case has been set at $4,000.

Stolen ATV

Robert R. Smith, 18, of 517 North Mill, Olney, has been charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

Authorities say that on April 9, at 805 West Ste. John Street, Olney, Smith possessed a Hensim Mini All Terrain Vehicle knowing that it was stolen.

Cash bond in the case has been set at $1,500.

Stolen guns

Gary L. Wyatt, 43, of 6231 North Woodriver Rd., Claremont, has been charged with Theft and Obstruction of Justice.

According to information filed in the case, on April 14, Wyatt knowingly obtained unauthorized control over property he reasonably should have known was stolen identified as various guns including a Harrington & Richland shotgun, a Remington model 597, a .22 caliber with scope, a Terni .22 caliber bolt action rifle with sling and a Savage model 10, .243 caliber with scope and sling, all valued in excess of $500.

Wyatt was released from custody after a $3,000 cash bond was posted on his behalf by Sandra Hahn of 6207 North Memphis Rd., Claremont.

RICHLAND CO.— A pair of Richland County men face sexual assault charges in separate cases.

Michael Troy Neil, 53, of 315 Larch Drive, Olney, was charged April 4 with a single count of Predatory Criminal sexual Assault after authorities say in or about October 2013 Neil knowingly committed an act of sexual penetration against a victim under the age of 13 years when he placed his finger in the vagina of the victim.

Originally from 2238 State St., Granite City, Neil was released from custody after a $15,000 cash bond was posted on his behalf by Frances Stoll of 3007 North Oaktree Rd., Claremont.

Noble

In an unrelated case, Michael J. Ehrhardt, 61, of 3753 North Glenwood Rd., Noble, has also been charged with Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault.

Information filed in the case alleges that on or about 2002 thru 2005 Ehrhardt knowingly committed an act of sexual penetration in that he placed his penis in the vagina of the victim.

Cash bond has been set in that case at $25,000.

Domestic battery

Vincent G. Moody, 32, of 606 East York St., Olney, has been charged with one count of Domestic Battery.

According to court documents, on April 23 Moody knowingly caused bodily harm to Caley L. Ginther, a household member, when he pushed her causing her to fall into a kitchen table and struck her on the left side of her face with an open hand.

Cash bond in the case has been set at $1,500.

Conditions of bond include having no contact with Ginther and two other individuals believed to be minors.

RICHLAND/LAWRENCE COs.—The saga of a 29-year-old Olney man, a purported teenage babymomma, numerous Orders of Protection and allegations of sexual misconduct and weapons violations runs across two counties this month following the arrest of Zachary Leaf.

Leaf was arrested in Richland County in late April after an April 25 set of charges was filed against him in two separate filings.

The first accuses Leaf of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon in that on April 15 of this year, in Richland County, Leaf was in possession of a Colt Huntsman .22-cal pistol and had previously been convicted of a felony in Illinois.

That same day, Leaf was also charged in a separate count in Richland with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a victim under the age of 13, this alleged sex act (stated as Leaf intentionally touching the sex organs of a minor, H.S. for the purpose of Leaf’s sexual gratification; court documents do not state whether H.S. is male or female) occurring according to documents at a residence on North Monroe in Dundas on or about the years 2011-2012.

A third count, this one a Class X felony punishable by no less than 6 and no more than 60 years in DOC, was also filed: Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, the alleged act occurring with the same victim, H.S. (this time identified as a female via the description of actual sexual intercourse between the two) during the same time frame but not specified as limited to the village of Dundas….just “in Richland County.”

In Illinois legal parlance, the “predatory” added to the charge is significant: This would explain a pattern of behavior on the part of the perpetrator that warrants a lifetime status on the state’s sex offender registry if convicted.

False accusations: they happen

However, sources close to the situation advise that Leaf may have been falsely accused.

According to these sources, the alleged victim in the case herself may not be the one pursuing the charge, nor her mother…but the charge may have come about as the result of a complaint issued to Richland County authorities by the girl’s father—who is now deceased.

Nevertheless, there exists the weapons charge…which plays into a recent Order of Protection petition that was granted on an emergency basis in neighboring Lawrence County back in March.

There, Leaf’s current girlfriend Kynlee York, the mother of his one-year-old daughter, who, sources advise, is only 18 years old and would therefore have been 16 when impregnated by Leaf in June of 2011 (when Leaf was almost 27), took out the complaint March 21 in Lawrence County.

Sources advise the complaint iterates threats made against York and the couple’s daughter, who was born March 2013; stalking; and a statement that Leaf allegedly made that he’d “tie bricks to their (York’s and the baby’s) feet and throw them in the river.”

York happens to be a daughter of on-leave Lawrence County deputy Dennis York, who remains suspended following the late March 2013 incident in which he’s alleged to have slammed Lawrence County prosecutor Chris Quick’s hand in an office door in a fit of rage, resulting in felony battery charges a year later and York’s suspension.

Official accounts of the incident have it that York was being questioned by Quick at the time over York’s absence in court the day before, where York was to have assisted in testimony during a preliminary hearing for a defendant.

York had taken the day off without clearing it with anyone…because of the birth of his first granddaughter, Kynlee’s and Zachary’s kid.

Court records show that Kynlee York didn’t show up for the plenary (two-year) OP hearing on April 10, and the two reconciled and are happily announcing on their Facebook pages that they are residing together in Bridgeport (presumably for ease of Kynlee’s graduating from Red Hill High School in that town), despite the current charges.

Seizures get him released

But the story gets more strange from there.

Leaf, who claims to work for Air Evac as an EMT, upon being jailed on the Richland County charge, was almost immediately released on a temporary basis when he was taken to the hospital in Olney with seizures and was subsequently transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment.

The same sources close to the case advise that the seizures are a pre-existing condition and that authorities were erring on the side of caution by releasing Leaf (as Richland County would have had to pay for his medical if he were “in custody” while in the hospital, and they can ill afford that), but that the seizures may or may not be real.

“These are ‘pseudo-seizures,’” the source said, “meaning they are psychological. He can cause them/bring them on himself, just as (Kynlee) can. They are real seizures but are controllable and can be triggered by stress or anxiety, much like anxiety attacks, hyperventilating, etc.”

The source advised Leaf was at a Good Samaritan location both Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3 after a May 2 hearing on the sex charges, but it’s unclear where he was between those dates and his next court appearance, May 9.

At that time, Leaf’s retained attorney, David Benney of Newton, heard a motion to reduce bail put forth on April 30.

At the May 2 hearing, the bond was reduced to $7,000 cash under the additional conditions that Leaf have no contact with the alleged sex abuse victim; that he sign a pretrial waiver of extradition; and that he shall have no unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 18 (must have another adult present).

Interestingly, also on that date Judge Larry Dunn was asked by the state to take judicial notice of a felony case against Leaf in 2002 which was not available to Disclosure as of press time…and might be the case that garnered Leaf the “felon” status that prompted the possession of weapons by a felon charge.

It’s unclear whether or not that’s a sex charge, but Leaf is NOT on the state’s sex offender registry.

Kynlee York was reported as telling people that the sex charges were going to be dismissed on May 9 because “there’s no one to give testimony” against her errant babydaddy.

That, however, turned out to not be the case, and both the weapons charge and the sex charges were set for pretrial on July 25, and a status hearing on October 21, so despite the best efforts of one of the most noted criminal defense attorneys in downstate, both cases are going forward in Richland.

Richland County jail confirmed on Saturday, May 10, that Leaf was not being held at the facility on the charges, so the OR bond is still in effect

RICHLAND CO.—A brief Richland County board meeting on May 8 began with the board discussing matters involving the sale of public building commission bonds and a proposed lease between the County of Richland and the public building commission of Richland County…but soon was disrupted due to Olney’s town pest.

Under open comments, Brian James O’Neill II was on the agenda with the topic ‘Hires and Krueger-Sheriff’s Department Issues. Ect.’ It would appear the “ect.” part came in when O’Neill opined, saying, “Andy Hires (Richland County sheriff), as sheriff will not kill you when he falls on you, but Ron Krueger (running for Richland County sheriff) WILL kill you when he falls on you.”

He at this point was told by chairman Greg Amerman that that was enough and that O’Neill needed to sit down.

O’Neill, instead, continued to tell the board and the audience, “Ron is not fit to be sheriff and Andy is.”

Krueger is O’Neill’s latest target of ire, as Krueger defeated O’Neill in the March Primary election in O’Neill’s bid for Democrat candidate for sheriff in Richland County.

Sheriff Hires at this point started escorting O’Neill out of the room, and essentially the building itself, and while O’Neill was walking out he yelled out, “Fatso!” in response to which everyone in the room was heard gasping in shock.

After all was said and done the meeting wrapped up quickly, without much further discussion of county business, but was still being disrupted by O’Neill who could be seen pacing outside the boardroom on the sidewalk.

O’Neill then spoke to Disclosure staff about WHY he said what he said, and his reply was shocking, needless to say.

He didn’t care that he called Krueger “fatso,” because he says everyone calls him fat so therefore he felt it was alright to say so, in a public meeting.

To check out the next, potentially interesting, Richland County board meeting, attend on June 12, at the board room adjacent to the Richland County jail.

Hopefully it will not be interrupted, and serious, informative conversations can take place.

Did one dope cook turn on the other?

RICHLAND CO.— Two of the biggest methamphetamine cooks and dealers in the Disclosure readership area have been busted in Richland County.

Nathan W. Headley, 39, of 620 East South St., Olney and Joshua Eugene Millman, 36, of 4389 Michael Lane, Olney are well known in the drug community for being major suppliers/cooks of methamphetamine and are rumored to move any kind of illegal drugs they can get their hands on, including cocaine, heroine and prescription drugs just to name a few.

Witnesses have advised Disclosure that both Millman and Headley are said to sponsor numerous drug parties in rural locations, handing out their addictive products to adults and young teens alike.

Both men have been accused of getting countless teens addicted to methamphetamine in order to create a market for their drugs.

Tangled web woven

Headley was charged with Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine after authorities say on March 12 he delivered less than five grams of meth.

He was taken into custody and a $7,500 cash bond was set in the case.

On or about April 12 Millman was busted and charged with Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver a Look-Alike Substance (allegedly methamphetamine).

He faces a second count, in a separate case, of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine after authorities say on April 14 he had less than five grams of meth on his person.

But apparently Millman wasn’t alone.

Carrie Ann Murray, 36, of 932 East Chestnut, Olney, has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine after authorities say on April 14, she knowingly possessed less than five grams of meth while at Millman’s residence at 4389 Michael Lane.

Millman was released from custody April 16 after a $5,500 cash bond was posted on his behalf by Shasta K. Atwood, of 1008 Parker St., Olney.

The credit card used to bond Millman out was that of Donna J. Millman, of 213 Seminary St., West Salem.

As of press time Carrie Murray remained behind bars with a cash bond set at $500.

On the same day his buddy Millman was bonding out, April 16, Nathan Headley was arrested at his home on a tip to police.

The amount of methamphetamine Headley was busted with is larger than the usual meth bust and just how authorities knew it was there is up for speculation, although sources indicate Millman would have known or at least had a pretty good idea.

Cops back at Headley’s the same day Millman bonds

Headley was so furious when police arrived at his house that he allegedly threw a bag of more than 32 grams of methamphetamine, with a street value of more than $1,600, into nearby bushes then began fighting with officer Daron Harmon as Harmon tried to take Headley into custody.

At one point Headley had Harmon taken to the ground and Headley had the officer’s right hand pinned beneath him and in the scuffle, slid around, injuring Harmon’s hand on the concrete causing a series of lacerations.

Headley was charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine 15-100 grams with Intent to Deliver, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine 15-100 grams, Obstruction of Justice and Aggravated Battery on a Police Officer.

Headley history

In 1994 Headley was charged in Richland County with two counts of Criminal Drug Conspiracy and one count each of Unlawful Possession of Cocaine 15-100 grams, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis 2.5-10 grams and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (non-narcotic prescription medication).

Found guilty on all charges except the cannabis charge, Headley was sentenced to 12 years, four months in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and ordered to pay $2,356 in fines and fees.

Headley was convicted of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine 15-100 grams in 2009 and sentenced to two years probation and ordered to undergo drug treatment.

He also forked over $4,353 in fines and fees.

Later that same year he was convicted of Driving Revoked and was sentenced to another year in prison and ordered to pay $245 in fines and fees.

Shot in Edwards

Headley was shot by Edwards County police in January 2005 as he ran from officers who were at his grandfather’s property to arrest him for cooking methamphetamine.

Because he was running away and not a threat in any way, the county lost a civil lawsuit which put more than $100,000 into Headley’s pockets and in all likelihood funded the success of his future drug operations.

Headley was ultimately charged in Edwards County with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (prescription medication), Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Chemicals, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Tampering with Anhydrous Ammonia, Possession of a Deadly Substance, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Explosive.

Convicted on the controlled substance and the meth chemicals charges, Headley was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $679 in fines and fees.

The light sentence is believed to have been part of the agreement in the civil lawsuit.

Many who supported Headley in the beginning in 2005 because he was fired upon by lawmen while he was running away, now believe there would be a lot less addicted teens and young adults in the area if the bullet would have taken his head off.

Millman history

Joshua Eugene Millman earned his first felony arrest in Edwards County in 2001 for Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine.

The case dragged on for three years until he was finally convicted and sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $1,702 in fines and fees in 2003.

That was also the same year he was convicted in Richland County of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (prescription medication) and sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $2,179 in fines and fees.

Yet another drug connection

Both Millman and Headley are said to be “good buddies” with another well-known doper in the area, Jay Dwight Sechrest, 57.

Sechrest, also known to provide meth and other assorted drugs to teens and young adults was arrested in February 2013 and convicted April 18, 2013 for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine for which he was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $3,347 in fines and fees of which he still owes $1,847.

Sechrest was convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Other Drugs or Intoxicating Compounds on July 11, 2013 and sentenced to 18 months probation and ordered to pay $2,088 in fines and fees of which he has paid nothing.

It remains to be seen if the Richland County legal system can finally get these men off the streets for an extended period of time or not, or if they will continue to be handed light sentences and be allowed to cook their dope and sponsor their parties.

What’s going to happen to Illinois State Police investigator Rick White is anyone’s guess.

But if certain authorities have their way, the next step might be a very intense one indeed.

On deadline for this current issue (May-June 2014), we came upon information that indicated White was going around at least three counties in the coverage area stating he was “under investigation for perjury.” This wasn’t a stretch to believe, as it’s been alleged in many different cases—and proven in a couple—that White will deliberately tell falsehoods in order to prop up “his” version of events in cases he’s working.

But that, as it’s turned out, wasn’t exactly the situation with the instant case.

Without giving any more of it away, now’s your chance to read the lead of this issue so you can find out more about this ever-developing story, which tells just how bad things have gotten for the state police. Here now is ‘Under investigation for perjury in OP‘ for your first Read the Lead of the day.

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

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS—The Illinois State Police investigator whose name is becoming synonymous with botched cases is telling people in three counties that he’s under investigation for perjury.

This information comes on the heels of what White is apparently perceiving as a ‘victory’ over one of the two men who have taken him to the federal court venue over alleged civil rights violations.

But it also comes on the heels of what amounts to White’s losses in the state court system in two White County cases, both of them ending in mistrial, with one defendant suffering White’s bad temper so badly it resulted in loss of his medical license after White encouraged women to lie in order to get that license removed.

Add to this the fact that a young Wayne County man is still locked up over assertions that White obtained a sex assault confession from him when he didn’t; that White will probably be the investigator in charge of a case in Fairfield that was breaking on deadline; and that the Illinois State Police can be said to have their hands full with the guy who manages to get others in his field in trouble for talking to the media, but he himself skirts such trouble at every turn…and a full-fledged war of opinion has broken out over whether Rick White is worth the liability he’s apparently turning in to.

Sources in Wayne, White and Richland counties have all advised Disclosure that White is griping about…

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

To read the rest of the article, which is very lengthy and encompasses several of our counties in the coverage area, simply click the headline above the excerpt if you have an online membership to the e-Edition, or this link to get started. Or, if you prefer to hold a paper in your hands, visit one of our many vendors in your area; just look for the one in your county.

That headline to this Read the Lead is what Richland County residents who are in the know are asking each other after the arrest of the two pictured here.

A lot of people are familiar with both of these guys, Josh Millman and Nathan Headley. Millman has been known for years, between Edwards and Richland counties, as a kind of “ladies’ man” and spoiled brat kid, who bred with a well-known banker’s daughter while being alleged, at that time (2002-03) to have been heavily involved in the county’s drug trade. One of his cohorts in the venture actually approached me, prior to developing the newspaper in early 2003, to “pull surveillance” on a dope-cooking location outside of Browns, for $500 a night. Naturally I refused, and turned the information over to then-sheriff Rick Snyder, all to no avail. The dope cooking went on, all around us, with then-state’s attorney Brian Shinkle ignoring the BIG cooks/mules/precursor suppliers, and hitting all the penny-ante users instead…which is in part what prompted us to start the paper to begin with.

And of course, everyone in north Edwards County knows who Nathan Headley is…West Salem, in particular, is painfully aware of his identity, since they had to pay out an untold sum of money after the early 2005 incident in which their “police chief,” Jerry Joe McVaigh, policing outside of his jurisdiction (city limits), ordered Headley shot while he was running from a meth-making location in Bennington. The ensuing lawsuit cost not only West Salem, but the county, and gave Headley a considerable amount of “protection” afterwards, because he was being represented by one of the best law firms in downstate, McGlynn and McGlynn in the Metro-East area, in the federal civil lawsuit.

But now…things are different.

Here now is a shift in the way dope is being dealt with in Richland, and State’s Attorney David Hyde, about whom we’ve been considerably critical in the past, deserves props for these cases. Here’s Two of the area’s biggest meth cooks/dealers busted in Richland for your Read the Lead:

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

Nathan Headley, Josh Millman

RICHLAND CO.— Two of the biggest methamphetamine cooks and dealers in the Disclosure readership area have been busted in Richland County.

Nathan W. Headley, 39, of 620 East South St., Olney and Joshua Eugene Millman, 36, of 4389 Michael Lane, Olney are well known in the drug community for being major suppliers/cooks of methamphetamine and are rumored to move any kind of illegal drugs they can get their hands on, including cocaine, heroine and prescription drugs just to name a few.

Witnesses have advised Disclosure that both Millman and Headley are said to sponsor numerous drug parties in rural locations, handing out their addictive products to adults and young teens alike.

Both men have been accused of getting countless teens addicted to methamphetamine in order to create a market for their drugs.

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

To read the rest of this article, simply click on the headline above if you have an online subscription to the e-Edition, or this link here to get started; or, pick up your copy at one of our many area vendors, including Marilyn’s Liquor Cabinet and MotoMart in Olney, Bruce Lee’s in Albion, Grayville Shell Mart or Liquor Barn in Grayville, and the rest of the vendors listed here!

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

Hit our Facebook page (yes we still have one), and this post on it if you’d like to discuss this subject on Facebook; and be sure you check your “get notifications” selection under the ‘like’ button on our page; recent Facebook upgrades have booted many of our followers off from getting our posts. Also, check us on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Tumblr!