Franklin County Sheriff's blotter
The following incidents were obtained from Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones. Note that arrests, charges and citations are allegations only, not findings of guilt.
February 14
• Deputies responded at 8:13 p.m. to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of April D. Plemons, 36, of Benton on a charge of domestic battery.
• Deputies arrested Devin A. O'Daniel, 25, of Royalton on a warrant for failure to appear on drug charges.
February 15
• Deputies arrested Cody J. Yard, 25, of West Frankfort for failure to appear for resisting a peace officer.
February 16
• Deputies responded at 6:26 a.m. to a single-vehicle crash on Park Street Road west of Rt. 148. The investigation concluded that a 1995 Toyota Avalon driven by Courtney D. Smith, 20, of Valier was eastbound when the driver lost control and ran off the roadway into a ditch. There were no injuries. The driver was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.
February 17
• Deputies responded at 2:59 a.m. to a single-vehicle traffic crash on Rt. 14 at Sam Pyle Bridge Road. The investigation concluded that a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up driven by Andrew J. Reece, 21, of Mulkeytown was west bound Rt. 14 when the pick-up ran off the roadway on the north side, first striking a power line box. The pick-up then continued through the yard of a residence and struck a tree on the driver's side. The driver and sole occupant appeared to have been killed on impact. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by Franklin County Coroner Marty Leffler. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor.
• Deputies responded at 11:43 a.m. to a single-vehicle crash on Crocker Road at Quail northwest of Sesser. The investigation concluded that a 2014 Ford driven by Emily L. Haycraft, 19, of Tamaroa was westbound on Crocker Road and lost control due to slick road conditions. The vehicle left the roadway on the south side and struck a tree. The driver and sole occupant sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Sesser Fire first responders also responded and assisted at the scene.
• Deputies arrested Ashlee N. Austill, 22, of Du Quoin on a warrant for failure to appear on traffic charges.
February 18
• Deputies responded at 5:12 a.m. to a single-vehicle crash on Rt. 37 1/2 mile south of Rend Lake College Road. The investigation concluded that a 2007 Dodge Ram pick-up driven by Brock E. Scoggins, 27, of Mt. Vernon was northbound on Rt. 37 and failed to negotiate a curve, traveling off the roadway on the west side, through a ditch, overturning and rolling several times. The driver was unbelted and was ejected. He was located 82.5 feet north of the pick-up. A deputy at the scene attempted CPR, but the driver later was pronounced dead at a local hospital after being transported by Abbott EMS. Alcohol was a factor in the crash.
• Deputies responded at 6:07 p.m. to a domestic dispute at a residence in Valier. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Andrea L. Avalos, 26, of Valier on a charge of domestic battery.
February 20
• A traffic stop at 1:18 p.m. in Benton resulted in the arrest of Loren J. Owens, 38, of Benton on a charge of driving while license suspended.
• Deputies arrested Jennifer M. Smith, 46, of West Frankfort on a warrant for violation of probation.
February 22
• The investigation at 11:25 p.m. of a minor traffic crash on Park Street Road in rural Mulkeytown resulted in the arrest of Cori M. Siefert, 26, of Sesser on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.