CHESTER — Randolph County States Attorney Jeremy Walker has released his latest case updates.
People v. Samuel L.D. Simpson (2022-CF-207) – On October 27, 2022, Samuel L.D. Simpson, 27 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before the Honorable Judge Richard A. Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Simpson was placed on first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Simpson admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop initiated by the Sparta Police Department on March 12, 2022. “We start where is seems we leave off, a first offender meth possession case. I can only hope Mr. Simpson uses the tools we are going to give to him to get better,” offered Walker
People v. Bradley A. Schneider (2022-CF-149) – On October 27, 2022, a charge of Escape was dismissed by the State in this matter. “Mr. Schneider had only one of two good excuses to miss his report date…he was locked up in a different county. Therefore, Mr. Schneider could not be prosecuted, but it sure would have been nice for him to send us a note or a call that he was locked up somewhere else as it would have saved some time and aggravation for us,” commented Walker.
People v. Ryan C. Rutter (2022-CF-243, 244 and 2022-DT-28 ) – On October 27, 2022, Ryan C. Rutter, 38 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Threatening a Public Official before Judge Brown. No agreement was reached, and the matter was set over for a sentencing hearing on December 1, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. A second felony charge of DUI and a misdemeanor DUI charge were dismissed to facilitate the plea. During the plea, Mr. Rutter admitted to driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol while in Sparta on June 25, 2022, at a time he had two prior DUIs. Mr. Rutter also admitted to threatening to kill a peace officer on September 23, 2022, after he was arrested on a new DUI allegation. “Ryan had a lot going on. Ryan was originally charged with a misdemeanor DUI regarding the June 25 arrest. However, on September 23, Ryan was arrested again by a State Trooper for DUI, and then threatened to kill a Sparta officer while assisting in the arrest. Ryan sat in jail for 30 days and pled to the June 25 DUI, which I enhanced to a felony. I dismissed the DUI from the September arrest. However, he pled to the offense of threating a public official. Ryan will have a chance at probation. How he behaves between now and the sentencing hearing will go a long way in determining if the chance becomes a reality, or if he earns himself a trip to corrections,” explained Walker.
People v. Joshua G. Cripps (2022-CF-265) – On October 27, 2022, Joshua G. Cripps, 34 of Murphysboro, pled guilty to the offense of Escape before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Cripps was sentenced to serve two (2) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Cripps admitted to failing to return to the Randolph County Jail to begin his sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections in another matter on October 14, 2022. “Josh and Mr. Williams (see below) provide this week’s edition of felony stupidity. They both failed to show up for their initial IDOC sentences and now will have to sit an extra two (2) years for their stupidity,” commented Walker.
People v. Isaiah L. Williams (2022-CF-266) – On October 27, 2022, Isaiah L. Williams, 31 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Escape before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Williams was sentenced to serve two (2) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Cripps admitted to failing to return to the Randolph County Jail to begin his sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections in another matter on October 7, 2022.
People v. Khristopher M. Diercks (2022-CF-20) – On October 28, 2022, Khristopher M. Diercks, 45 of Percy, was sentenced to serve a term of conditional discharge following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Mr. Diercks was previously found guilty following a bench trial on the offense of Stalking. During the hearing, both the State and the Defendant’s attorney requested the term of conditional discharge. “Judge Brown cautioned Khristopher after the guilty verdict to leave the victim alone. Khristopher did so and the victim consented to the disposition I requested. Hopefully Khristopher has had enough and will leave things alone for two (2) years and move on with his life,” stated Walker.
People v. Shamon D. Henry (2022-CF-119) – On October 31, 2022, Shamon D, Henry, 24 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Henry was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Henry admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a stop of his bicycle initiated by the Sparta Police Department on May 6, 2022. “Mr. Henry will now have the chance to get clean with this outcome. We are here to help, first and foremost, on meth possession cases. This sentence will provide him the opportunity to get help…let’s all hope he does,” stated Walker.
People v. Bethany N. Myers (2022-CF-226) – On October 31, 2022, Bethany N. Myers, 32 of Steeleville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Myers was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Myers admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop initiated by the Steeleville Police Department on September 6, 2022. “Bethany has a meth problem and was arrested for a new meth charge while this case was pending. However, I did not file the new charge, but used the new allegation to keep her incarcerated until we could get a plea agreement. Bethany has now been given the chance to get things right…we shall see if she does,” offered Walker.
People v. Alana R. Kuhnert (2022-CF-104) – On October 31, 2022, Alana R. Kuhnert, 37 of Steeleville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Kuhnert was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Kuhnert admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop initiated by the Steeleville Police Department on April 23, 2022. “Methamphetamine keeps us busy, but we have to keep grinding it out to help people try to get control of their addiction,” commented Walker.
People v. Samantha K. Harbison (2022-CF-96) – On October 31, 2022, Samantha K. Harbison, 31 of Sparta, was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. During the sentencing hearing, both parties requested the term of three years in IDOC. Ms. Harbison was sentenced for the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine she had previously pled guilty to occurring in Sparta on April 2, 2022. “This case demonstrates my belief that eventually, regardless of the fact the case is a non-violent drug offense, that a person must face a consequence for their actions. Ms. Harbison was on probation in the State of Missouri and Madison County, Illinois when this offense occurred. I do not know what those jurisdictions will do to her, but in Randolph County we do our best to force sobriety and use IDOC as a therapeutic tool for our repeat offenders,” explained Walker.
People v. Patrick C. Dasch (2021-CF-37 and 2022-CF-261) – On November 2, 2022, Patrick C. Dasch, 28 of Percy, admitted to a probation violation in 2021-CF-47 and was sentenced to serve two (2) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. A Possession of Methamphetamine charge in 2022-CF-261 was dismissed pursuant to that admission and sentence to IDOC. “Patrick had a bad run of thing of late. Patrick was placed on probation in 2021 for a meth case, and was accused of possessing more meth in 2022-CF-261. We kept Patrick in jail after his arrest in the 2022 case until he went to rehab. However, after three (3) days in rehab, Patrick walked out. That led me to get a warrant, have him arrested and we sent him to IDOC on a probation violation. I hope Patrick gets better, but I have a diminished expectation of that based on his track record,” offered Walker.
People v. Tyrone Charles (2022-CF-173) – On November 3, 2022, Tyrone Charles, 33 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Charles was sentenced to a term of probation. During the plea, Mr. Charles admitted to possessing less than 15 grams of cocaine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on June 18, 2022. “Mr. Charles and Ms. Cole (see below) apparently were out for a good time on June 18 with some cocaine and ecstasy in the car. Mr. Charles had a prior felony several years ago, but I did not feel needed to be incarnated for less than 15 grams of cocaine. Ms. Cole is a first offender and I hope takes this chance to reconsider some of her life decisions,” stated Walker.
People v Ollnecia R. Cole (2022-CF-172) – On November 3, 2022, Ollnecia R. Cole, 22 of DuQuoin, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Cole was sentenced to a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Cole admitted to possessing less than 15 grams of MDMA (ecstasy) located during a traffic stop in Sparta on June 18, 2022.
People v. Taylor E. Collins (2022-CF-176 and 211) – On November 3, 2022, Taylor E. Collins, 48 of Coulterville, pled guilty to the offense of Burglary before the Honorable Judge Gene Gross. Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Mr. Collins was sentenced to serve six (6) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Collins admitted to entering a building of another in rural Sparta/Eden with the intent to commit a theft on July 10, 2022. A charge of Aggravated Fleeing/Eluding was dismissed to facilitate the plea. “Taylor is one of those who had a criminal history that was longer than the discovery in his case. In Randolph County I believe our citizens deserve and expect property crimes to be taken seriously, especially when the defendant has a record. Mr. Collins received what I would call a firm sentence, but he earned it by stealing from a hard-working small business owner,” commented Walker.
People v. Ariana K. Kroniger (2022-CF-239) – On November 7, 2022, Ariana K. Kroniger, 23 of Jackson, MO, pled guilty to the offense of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Kroniger was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Kroniger admitted to possessing less than 15 grams of alprazolam located by the Chester Police Department during a traffic stop on September 18, 2022. “Mr. Kroniger is a young lady who I hope can use this probation to get her life moving in a more positive direction,” stated Walker.
People v. Scott A. Schifferdecker (2022-CF-158) – On November 7, 2022, the state dismissed charges against the Defendant due to his recent death.
People v. Daniel P. Seyferth (2022-CF-196) – On November 7, 2022, Daniel P. Seyferth, 55 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Seyferth was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Seyferth admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop initiated by the Steeleville Police Department on August 4, 2022. “It took Daniel 55 years to have a felony case, but meth can and will get anyone at any age if you let it. I hope Daniel can make it another 55 years before we meet again,” offered Walker.
People v. Bonnie L. Wahl (2022-CF-29) – On November 7, 2022, Bonnie L. Wahl, 56 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Gross. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Wahl was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Ms. Wahl admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located by the Sparta Police Department during a traffic stop on February 16, 2022. The charge was amended by the State from more than 100 gram, but less than 400 grams of meth. “Bonnie will take the prize for making a mountain out of mole hill this week. Bonnie was pulled over by the Sparta Police Department and during her detention, she took her bag of meth and but in in a cup of tea she had in the car. The problem with that was the whole cup of tea tested positive for the presence of meth, which is why the initial charge was a large weight. However, the case really a simple possession of less than five (5) grams, which is why we reduced it. None the less, Bonnie was on probation for a meth case, and I felt she needed to try IDOC to get sober. We shall see if it works,” explained Walker.
People v. Clayton R. Morrison (2022-CF-212) – On November 7, 2022, Clayton R. Morrison, 28 of Percy, pled guilty to the offense of Aggravated Battery before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Morrison was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Morrison admitted to causing harm to an individual by striking them with his vehicle in Percy on August 14, 2022. “Clayton has been involved in some domestic disputes this year and then was accused of hitting a person with his car in Percy. While the person did receive an injury to their shoulder, it was not life threatening. None the less, based on the explosive actions of Clayton, I felt his actions warranted a trip to IDOC. I hope this time away will provide some perspective and/or insight in the need to think through is tendency to overreact to a situation,” commented Walker.
People v. Grey M. Howell (2022-CF-199) – On November 7. 2022, Grey M. Howell, 28 of Millstadt, pled guilty to the offense of Burglary before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Howell was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Howell admitted to entering a building in Tilden with the intent to commit therein a theft on August 5, 2022. A second charge of Possession of Methamphetamine was dismissed to facilitate the plea. “Mr. Howell was on probation in St. Clair County for a Burglary charge when this offense occurred and as I stated before, property crimes should be treated seriously. Grey was accused of having meth on him when he was arrested, so I do not think we need to speculate too much as to why he was stealing in Tilden. Meth has ruined many lives and Grey is another sad example,” offered Walker.
People v. Howard W. Howell (2020-CF-301) – On November 10, 2022, Howard W. Howell, 52 of Centralia, pled guilty to an amended charge of Theft Under $500 before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Howell was convicted of the offense and ordered to pay restitution. During the plea, Mr. Howell admitted to taking a frozen pizza from the Sparta Walmart on November 7, 2020, without paying for the same. “Howard was with another individual who was alleged to have taken a more significant amount of items from Walmart, which is the reason for the initial felony charge. However, during the case the other individual took the blame for the full cart of items. None the less, Howard was on tape taking a single pizza right behind the other individual. Therefore, we had Howard plea to a reduced charge for the single item and pay restitution to Walmart,” stated Walker.