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Walker updates from Randolph County court

Posted March 18, 2017 11:00 pm

By Staff Report

Tramayne A. Street

On March 1, 19-year-old Tramayne A. Street, of St. Peters, Mo., pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (Class 2 felony) before Associate Circuit Court Judge Gene Gross.

Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Street was sentenced to a term of two years of probation, fined $1,000 and ordered to complete alcohol/substance abuse counseling as a condition of his probation.

During the plea, Mr. Street admitted to possessing a stolen handgun in Sparta on May 27, 2016.

"Mr. Street had no prior criminal history and is young; however, possessing a stolen firearm is a serious charge and it did not seem an appropriate case to reduce to a misdemeanor," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "It is a tough decision to make a felon out of a 19-year-old, but when the facts merit such a disposition, it is the right thing to do."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Jarred R. McClaine:

On March 1, 25-year-old Jarred R. McClaine, of Willisville, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 gelony) before Circuit Court Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the negotiated plea, McClaine was sentenced to two years of probation, with a condition to seek alcohol/substance abuse counseling, fined $750 plus an additional $500 drug assessment fee.

During the plea, McClaine admitted to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine located in a traffic stop in Sparta on September 22, 2016.

"Mr. McClaine was sentenced to first offender status probation, meaning if he does his drug treatment, stays clean for two years and stays out of trouble, the felony will be dismissed and wiped off of his record," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker.

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Tori Hern:

On March 2, 18-year-old Tori L. Hern, of Baldwin, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown and was sentenced to two years of probation, fined $1,000, ordered to pay a $500 drug assessment fee and pay $1,000 to the Sparta Police Department Drug Fund.

During the plea, Hern admitted to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine located in a search of a residence in Sparta on December 30, 2016.

Pursuant to the plea, a charge of unlawful procurement of methamphetamine precursors (Class 2 felony) was dismissed.

"The charge we dismissed was not eligible for first offender probation," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Due to the age and lack of any criminal history as it related to Ms. Hern, I felt a first offender probation disposition was appropriate so she would have the chance to come out of this without a felony conviction."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Heather L. Koch:

On March 2, 41-year-old Heather L. Koch, of St. Libory, pleaded guilty to the offense of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (Class 4 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the plea, Koch was sentenced to five consecutive weekends in the Randolph County Jail, placed on probation for two years and required to complete alcohol/substance abuse treatment.

During the plea, Koch admitted to driving a vehicle near Eden while under the influence of alcohol, with a child in the vehicle, on October 8, 2016. A charge of driving while license revoked was dismissed pursuant to the plea.

"Koch had no prior felony convictions, but did have a prior DUI," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Based on the fact she was revoked for DUI at the time of the offense, and had a child with her, I felt a felony conviction was warranted."

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

William J. Welmon:

On March 2, 38-year-old William J. Welmon, of Collinsville, was sentenced to 180 days in Randolph County Jail and two years of probation following a sentencing hearing before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Welmon had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (heroin, a Class 1 felony) occurring in Sparta on March 31, 2016.

During the sentencing hearing, the State requested a sentence of four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, while the defendant requested a term of probation.

"Mr. Welmon had no prior criminal history and the weight involved was right at one gram of heroin," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Based on those factors, I anticipated a tough sell on a prison sentence."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Kyle Moore:

On March 6, 18-year-old Kyle A. Moore, of Sparta, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Moore was sentenced to two years of probation - with a condition to remain in the Randolph County Jail for placement in a residential drug treatment facility - fined $1,000, plus an additional $500 drug assessment fee.

During the plea, Moore admitted to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Steeleville on January 23.

The State agreed to dismiss a misdemeanor offense of possession of hypodermic syringe located in the same stop, pursuant to the plea. Additionally, the State agreed to dismiss a charge of aggravated assault pursuant to the plea.

"Mr. Moore had previously been accused in 16-CF-170 of driving his car towards a family member," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The victim in that case only wanted Kyle to get help for his drug problem and was satisfied that would happen with the disposition in the methamphetamine case."

The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Crystal L. Martin:

On March 6, 32-year-old Crystal L. Martin, no address given, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the plea, Martin was sentenced to first offender probation for a period of two years, with requirements to obtain substance abuse counseling as directed by the probation department.

Additionally, Martin was ordered to pay the court costs and a mandatory $500 drug assessment fee.

During the plea, Martin admitted to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on February 16.

"Ms. Martin had no prior history before the incident and was a perfect candidate for first offender probation," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "I hope she runs with her opportunity to get healthy and stay out of trouble."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Juilien A. Harris-Bentley:

On March 6, 23-year-old Juilien Q. Harris-Bentley, of Sparta, pleaded guilty to the offense of violation of Sex Offender Registration Act (Class 4 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the plea, Harris-Bentley was sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Harris-Bentley admitted to having a minor child living in his residence, and failing to report that fact on his sex offender registration in Sparta on January 15.

"Mr. Harris-Bentley was required to register as a sex offender as a result of a conviction in Rock Island County," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "While Mr. Harris-Bentley did register with the local authorities, sex offenders are not allowed to live with a child, not their own, under 18, without reporting that fact.

"The defendant simply failed to do so. Mr. Harris-Bentley also had a prior commitment to DOC from Rock Island County."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Michael J. Schneider:

On March 10, 32-year-old Michael J. Schneider, of Waterloo, was found guilty of a reduced charge of criminal damage to property (Class A misdemeanor).

During a stipulated bench trial before Judge Richard A. Brown, the charging document was amended to allege less than $500 worth of damage to a business in Red Bud.

The defendant was found guilty of the offense and ordered to pay a $500 fine, $500 to the victim of the offense and $500 to the insurance company whom paid for the damages.

During the trial, evidence showed the defendant damaged the windows of a business in Red Bud on June 11, 2016.

"Our case was not the strongest against the defendant and we agreed to proceed on a misdemeanor at trial, and the defendant did not present a defense to the charge," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The sentence restitutes the victim for out-of-pocket expenses and pays some of the damages back to the insurance company."

The Red Bud Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Shannon L. Prest:

On March 13, 45-year-old Shannon L. Prest, of Tilden, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of possession of cannabis (Class A misdemeanor) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Prest was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $3,500 to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office Drug Fund.

During the plea, Prest admitted to possessing more than 30 grams, but less than 100 grams, of cannabis located in a grain bin near Tilden on September 25, 2016.

An additional charge of aggravated battery was dismissed at the request of the complaining witness.

"On September 25, 2016, officers were called in reference to a family dispute," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "During the call, a family member alerted the deputy on scene to some cannabis in a grain bin.

"During the course of the case, the family member did not appear to want to cooperate and provide testimony. Regarding the aggravated battery charge, the victim was a family member and did not sustain any real injury."

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

Danielle S. Kelley:

On March 13, 33-year-old Danielle S. Kelley, of Tilden, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the plea, Kelley was placed on first offender probation for a period of two years, ordered to complete substance abuse treatment, fined $1,000, and ordered to pay a mandatory $500 drug assessment fee.

During the plea, Kelley admitted to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on October 2, 2016.

"I can't add much more than what I have said in several other first offender dispositions you see this month," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "It is unfortunate methamphetamine is becoming such a prevalent drug in this area."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Dalton G. Rensing:

On March 13, 19-year-old Dalton G. Rensing, of Red Bud, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Rensing was sentenced to two years of first offender probation, substance abuse treatment, ordered to pay the court costs and a mandatory $500 drug assessment fee.

During the plea, Rensing admitted to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Red Bud on January 14.

"We will continue to prosecute those possessing and selling, with an emphasis on trying to lock up drug dealers and helping those who are simply possessing," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker.

The Red Bud Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Jason E. Dodson:

On March 13, 20-year-old Jason E. Dodson, of Steeleville, was sentenced to 180 days in Randolph County Jail and placed on probation for a period of two years following a sentencing hearing before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Dodson had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 2 felony) regarding an incident occurring in Steeleville on September 10, 2016.

During the sentencing hearing, the State requested a term of three years in DOC, while the defendant requested a term of probation.

"Mr. Dodson had a prior battery conviction from the summer of 2016 as the only criminal history on his record," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker, who added that the victim wished to avoid trial. "Furthermore, he underwent an examination by a clinical psychologist to determine his likelihood of re-offending, which revealed a low to moderate risk.

"Nonetheless, Mr. Dodson placed his finger in the vagina of a woman whom could not consent to the act. Therefore, I felt a sentence to DOC was warranted and still feel that way."

The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Lewis D. Higgins:

On March 13, 52-year-old Lewis D. Higgins, of Sparta, was sentenced to two years of probation, court costs and ordered to pay $1,237.66 in restitution following a sentencing hearing before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Higgins had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of another's credit card (Class 4 felony) regarding conduct occurring in Sparta in late July and August 2016.

During the sentencing hearing, the State requested a term of one year in DOC and restitution, with the defendant requesting probation and restitution.

"Mr. Higgins had used an ex-girlfriend's credit card on several occasions in the Sparta area, to the tune of $1,237.66," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "While not a drastic crime in and of itself, the pre-sentence report indicated Mr. Higgins committed the offense while on probation in Richland County.

"Due to that fact, I felt DOC was an appropriate sentence as probation did not seem appropriate - since he could not successfully complete his first probation by committing this offense."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Lewis P. Price:

On March 14, 53-year-old Lewis P. Price, of Sparta, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver (Class 1 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

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

During the plea, Price admitted to possessing more than five, but less than 15, grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver in Sparta on December 2, 2016.

The methamphetamine was located during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Sparta.

"We had to adjust the weight of the methamphetamine from the original charge (over 15 grams) due to the lab from the Illinois State Police showing a weight under 15 grams," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "I anticipate seeking a sentence to the Department of Corrections based on the amount of meth and the fact it was possessed with the intent to deliver."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

April D. Inman:

On March 14, 32-year-old April D. Inman, of Rockwood, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine (Class 2 felony) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Pursuant to the plea, Inman was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and recommended for placement in the Impact Incarceration (boot camp) Program.

During the plea, Inman admitted to selling less than one gram of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Chester on November 16, 2016.

A charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver was dismissed per the plea.

"Ms. Inman had no significant criminal history before this matter," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "We had the buy on Ms. Inman, which we were waiting to charge her on, when she was arrested on the possession with intent charge.

"I do not believe in offering probation to drug dealers and I hope this experience shows to Ms. Inman, and others, that selling drugs in this county comes with risk."

The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Jeffrey R. Pautler:

On March 15, this matter was dismissed on motion of the State due to the federal sentence imposed by the federal authorities in the Southern District of Illinois.

Pautler received a 46-month prison sentence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Gregory S. Albaugh:

On March 15, 34-year-old Gregory S. Albaugh, of Chester, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) before Judge Gene Gross.

No agreement was reached as to the sentence and the matter has been set for a sentencing hearing on April 20 at 1 p.m.

During the plea, Albaugh admitted to possessing less than five grams of methamphetamine located during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in rural Steeleville on January 30.

"Mr. Albaugh is currently on parole (mandatory supervised release) from the Department of Corrections and I will be seeking a further prison sentence due to that fact," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker.

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Steeleville Police Department, handled the investigation in this matter.

NOTE:

"Methamphetamine is really reaching an epidemic level right now," Walker said. "If you suspect drug activity, or see anything suspicions, please contact your local police agency or the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at 618-826-5484."

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