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Randolph County state's attorney case updates

Posted February 02, 2016 10:00 pm

By Staff Report

People v. Ashley L. Hediger:

On January 15, 32-year-old Ashley L. Hediger, of Swansea, pleaded guilty to the offense of obstructing justice before Judge Richard A. Brown and was sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

During the plea, Hediger admitted to providing a false name to a Randolph County Sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop on November 26, 2015, with the intent to prevent her arrest.

"Ms. Hediger had a warrant at the time of her arrest for pending felony charges in Monroe County and was on probation out of St. Clair County," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "I reached out to Monroe County and we came up with a 'package' deal which called for Ms. Hediger to receive two years in both counties, and the time would run concurrent.

"At first blush, it may seem a little severe to send someone to prison for lying about their name, but with a criminal history this defendant possessed, and the fact we worked out other pending charges, it seemed appropriate."

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office completed the investigation in this matter.

People v. Jason L. Brenning:

On January 15, 2016, 38-year-old Jason L. Brenning, of Coulterville, pleaded guilty to the offense of obstructing justice before Judge Brown.

No agreement was reached as to the sentence, and the matter is set for a sentencing hearing on February 25 at 1 p.m.

During the plea, Brenning admitted to providing a false name to a sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop on November 26, 2015, with the intent to prevent his arrest.

"Mr. Brenning was a co-defendant to Ms. Hediger," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "We offered the same 'package' deal, but he did not want to accept it. Therefore, we will seek a similar sentence as to Ms. Hediger, but the offense is eligible for probation."

Walker noted Brenning has pending felony charges and a warrant out of Monroe County, as well as two prior felony convictions that resulted in time served in the Department of Corrections.

"For those reasons, we are seeking a prison sentence as the disposition in this matter," Walker said.

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office investigated this matter.

People v. Alex B. Young:

On January 20, 26-year-old Alex B. Young, of Chester, was sentenced by Judge Gene Gross to two years of probation with a condition to seek alcohol and substance abuse counseling, fined $1,000 and to pay a $500 drug assessment fee for the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

Young previously pleaded guilty in October 2015 to possessing less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.

"We had no agreement on this sentence in this matter," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "However, after the plea, evidence was provided Young had successfully completed in-patient rehab for substance abuse issues.

"For that reason, I concurred with the defendant's request for probation."

The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Danny E. Johnson, Jr.:

On January 21, 27-year-old Danny E. Johnson, Jr., of Chester, pleaded guilty to the offense of residential burglary and was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with a recommendation to participate in the impact incarceration program (boot camp) before Judge Brown.

During the plea, Johnson admitted to entering a residence in Koeneman Acres with the intent to commit a theft on November 23, 2015.

"Mr. Johnson has been on probation several times in the past and this time it seemed appropriate to send the defendant to the Department of Corrections," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Stealing from a person's home is a serious crime and deserves a serious punishment.

"That being said, Danny will have the opportunity to significantly shorten his stay in Corrections by successfully completing the boot camp program."

The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Teresa J. Conway:

On January 21, 35-year-old Teresa J. Conway, of Coulterville, was sentenced to two years of probation with a condition to seek alcohol and substance abuse treatment by Judge Brown following a sentencing hearing.

Conway had previously pleaded guilty to possessing oxycodone without a prescription on April 13, 2015, located by a sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop.

"Ms. Conway was on bond for a similar charge when she committed this offense," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "I sought a sentence of DOC in the first case, was unsuccessful and was prepared to seek such a sentence again in this case.

"However, Ms. Conway checked herself into rehab and is set to go into treatment in early February. Based on that fact, and the fact she has not been in further trouble, I felt a probation sentence was appropriate and hope she can get the help she needs."

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office investigated this matter.

People v. Jessica D. Heath and People v. Derril L. Heath

On January 22, 38-year-old Jessica Heath, of Chester, and 46-year-old Derril Heath, of Chester, were found guilty of the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver before Judge Brown.

During the trial, evidence was presented to show the defendants possessed more than 15, but less than 100 grams, of a substance containing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver in Chester on August 6, 2014.

The items which led to the prosecution and guilty verdict were located during the execution of a search warrant at the home of the defendants' in Chester, following a joint investigation of the Chester and Sparta Police departments.

Both of the charges carry a mandatory prison sentence of at least six years, with a maximum sentence of 30 years.

Sentencing has been set for March 18 at 9 a.m. before Judge Brown.

"This is an example of good police work and working together," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The flow of information and cooperation is key in law enforcement, and this is an example of what can come from that flow of information.

"The case took a while to dispose of, but that was due in part to a Motion to Suppress filed by the defendants that had to be heard and ruled on (which was denied) and then a switch in attorneys in the middle of the case drew it out even longer."

The Chester and Sparta Police Departments investigated this matter.

People v. Brandy J. Cavanaugh:

On January 22, 39-year-old Brandy J. Cavanaugh, of Tilden, was sentenced to two years of probation with a condition to seek alcohol and substance abuse treatment by Judge Gross following a sentencing hearing.

Cavanaugh was sentenced for the offense of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) occurring in Sparta on September 25, 2014.

"We originally had Brandy charged with possession with intent to deliver, but reduced the charge and wanted a probation disposition," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The cocaine was located during a search warrant being executed on the paramour of the defendant and I would consider her 'collateral damage' as she was not the target of the investigation.

"Her paramour was sentenced to corrections for his role in this; however, Brandy wanted to try to get a shorter term of probation so we had to go through the open plea process and argue to the court what the sentence should be."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation.

People v. Patricia K. Eairhart:

On January 22, 47-year-old Patricia K. Eairhart, of Steeleville, pleaded guilty to the offense of theft over $10,000, but less than $100,000 before Judge Brown and was sentenced to two years of probation with a condition to pay restitution to the victim.

During the plea, Eairhart admitted to stealing over $10,000 from a business located in Steeleville during the months of December 2014 and January 2015.

Additionally, the matter is set for a hearing regarding additional restitution on April 1.

"The victim was consulted and just wanted a conviction with the restitution to be paid," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The defendant agreed to pay a figure, but we will present documents to show what we believe to be additional monies that were taken.

"It does not appear the defendant had any significant criminal history and probation seemed the appropriate sentence, with the input of the victim."

The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Klayton Coop:

On January 22, 21-year-old Klayton C. Coop, of Walsh, was found guilty of the offense of sexual exploitation of a child before Judge Brown.

During a bench trial before Judge Brown, evidence was presented by the State that Coop exposed his penis to a child under 13 years of age for the sexual arousal of the defendant during the month of December 2014.

After the finding of guilt, the defendant was sentenced to two years of probation with a condition to seek mental health/sex offender evaluation for any possible treatment needed by the defendant. A consequence of the plea will require the defendant to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

"I worked with the victim and his family extensively regarding the disposition," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The number one issue for the family was the registration requirement, which really is the main punishment in a case like this.

"We had absolutely no claims or evidence there was ever any actual sexual contact between the defendant and the victim, which is a good thing. Based on the lack of any criminal history of the defendant, the victim's family, and myself, never expected anything more than a probation outcome."

The Sparta Police Department completed the investigation in this matter.

People v. Kevin L. Fajardo:

On January 26, 42-year-old Kevin L. Fajardo, of Sparta, pleaded guilty to the offense of criminal trespass to a residence and was sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by Judge Brown.

During the plea, Fajardo admitted to entering a residence in Sparta on November 29, 2015, knowing someone present.

"Mr. Fajardo had a previous stint in DOC and based on his record, I did not feel probation was appropriate," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The victim was consulted regarding the sentence and we are happy to move forward."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Wade S. Reeves:

On January 28, 22-year-old Wade S. Reeves, of Steeelville, pleaded guilty to the offenses of residential burglary and possession of contraband in a penal institution before Judge Brown.

Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Reeves was placed on probation under what is referred to as TASC probation for a period of two years with a condition to seek alcohol and substance abuse treatment.

During the plea, Reeves admitted to entering a residence in Evansville with the intent to commit a theft on September 11, 2015 and possessing Xanax pills while in the Randolph County Jail on November 28, 2015.

"Typically a residential burglary charge is not eligible for probation; however, there is one exception which is this TASC probation," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "If a Defendant elects for TASC probation, they have to undergo a screening for drug and alcohol issues. If they have issues, there is then a second screening which determines if those issues led to the criminal behavior."

Walker added that if both conditions are met, defendants can avoid the mandatory prison sentence on the charge.

"Documents presented by the defendant showed both of these requirements were met and the TASC probation was appropriate," Walker said. "Additionally, the residential burglary charge was the home of a family member of the defendant."

Regarding the Xanax, Walker said Reeves took it from a fellow inmate and since he did not have a prescription for the pills, it made it contraband.

"This happened before the defendant made bail on the residential burglary charge," Walker said. "Prior to these offenses, the defendant did not have any felony convictions."

Walker noted that if Reeves gets into trouble while on TASC probation, he will automatically receive a Department of Corrections sentence for a minimum of four years.

"Certainly some incentive for Mr. Reeves to complete rehab and get the help being offered to him," Walker said.

People v. Michael S. Recard:

On January 28, 50-year-old Michael S. Recard, of Baldwin, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful participation in methamphetamine production before Judge Brown.

No agreement was reached as to the sentence and a sentencing hearing has been set for March 17 at 1 p.m.

During the plea, Recard admitted to participating in the manufacture of more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, but less than 400 grams on October 2, 2015.

On that date, the Randolph County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on the residence of Recard - with assistance from the Illinois State Police - which led to the prosecution in this matter. "The minimum sentence the defendant can receive is nine years in DOC," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "It is my belief the defendant has several prior convictions and I anticipate asking for a lot more than the minimum, but we will see what the pre-sentence reports show."

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office completed the investigation in this matter.

People v. Cody Lewis:

On January 29, 24-year-old Cody Lewis, of Chester, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of battery before Judge Brown.

During the plea, Lewis admitted to placing his hands on the chest of a part-time police officer of the Chester Police Department on November 26, 2015.

Pursuant to the terms of the negotiated plea, Lewis was fined $1,500 and placed on court supervision for a period of one year.

The charge was amended from a Class 2 felony to a Class A misdemeanor to facilitate the plea. "Mr. Lewis had no prior criminal history and is a Veteran," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Furthermore, the officer involved experienced no injury.

"Based on these mitigation factors, I did not feel a felony disposition was warranted."

The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Walter M. Eymann:

On February 1, 45-year-old Walter M. Eyman, of Chester, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution before Judge Brown and was sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

During the plea, Eymann admitted to possessing Xanax in the Randolph County Jail on November 28, 2015.

"Mr. Eymann was serving time at the jail on a charge and took some Xanax, which he did not have a prescription for," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Mr. Eymann has been in some trouble in the past, and I felt a sentence to corrections was appropriate for the conduct."

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office investigated this matter.

People v. James N. Cunningham:

On February 1, 29-year-old James N. Cunningham, of Tilden, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of criminal trespass to a motor vehicle (Class A Misdemeanor) and was fined $880 and placed on court supervision for a period of one year before Judge Brown.

Cunningham was originally charged with possession of a stolen vehicle (Class 2 felony), but the charge was amended at the request of the complaining witness.

Cunningham admitted to entering a motor vehicle without permission on October 7, 2015 in Tilden.

"The complaining witness asked us to drop the charges; however, the officers went looking for the vehicle, we had to go to St. Clair County to get the defendant and I was not going to dismiss just because she felt bad for him," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "That being said, we made it a misdemeanor and the court supervision will keep a conviction off of his record.

"I will also remember the victim's lack of cooperation in the future if she desires another prosecution."

The Tilden Police Department investigated this matter.

People v. Jessie J. Sheridan:

On February 2, a charge of unlawful procurement of methamphetamine precursor was dismissed against Jessie J. Sheridan.

Sheridan was transferred to federal authorities and received a 60 month-prison sentence in the federal system.

"Another example of our local authorities doing a good job investigation and turning a product over to the feds for prosecution," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "While it will show a dismissal locally, this was a job well done by our sheriff's office."

The Randolph County Sheriff's office led the investigation in this matter.

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