Terry Payton going to the elevator after the verdict was over.

Payton was 16 at the time he was charged as an adult with murdering his mother, Kathie Payton, a chronic and violent alcoholic and drug user, in June of 2011. Payton claimed she was physically attacking him and was going for a knife kept in a cabinet when he grabbed a steak knife and delivered a series of six stabs, one of which punctured an artery near her lung and killed her within a matter of moments. His claim was self-defense; he was charged with First Degree Murder, but lesser charges were included for the jury, and they went with second Degree, which meant that the jury believed that Terry believed he was acting in self-defense, but there was no cause for self-defense.

Payton’s attorney, Bob McIntire of Danville, filed a motion in March asking for the court to grant Payton an acquittal, or short of that, a new trial, based on several reversible errors McIntire claimed occurred during the jury trial proceedings, which took up the better part of the end of February.

One of the most egregious errors was the presentation by Edgar County state’s attorney Mark Isaf of an autopsy photo late in the trial of Kathie Payton. It had been previously agreed upon not to display that particular photo, but Isaf did so during the state’s case, and McIntire actually called for a mistrial in a sidebar. Edgar County judge Steven Garst denied it, so McIntire used that, as well as six other points that occurred in the trial, as reversible error.

The sad fact is that the lower court judges don’t often reverse themselves, so this probably won’t be the case tomorrow; any reversal will likely have to go through an appeals court, and it’s unclear whether Payton—through his family—has the money to pursue that.

The relentlessly annoying Isaf, apparently seeking to capitalize on the fact that McIntire has the floor tomorrow, today filed a motion to “set cause for sentencing” of Terry. For whatever reason, the presentencing investigation isn’t done, as was promised would be the case by the end of April. Whether Isaf’s prodding will make it go a little faster is unknown….or, whether McIntire’s motion has slowed things down on it is ALSO unknown. So we’ll see what happens tomorrow…the girls are on it, and will be reporting as soon as they know something.

In the meantime, you can still donate to Terry’s defense fund by depositing any amount at First Bank and Trust, 101 South Central, Paris, Ill., account number 01-6007081…or, you can visit these lovely ladies at Terri’s Threads across the street on the east side of the courthouse, where they have these t-shirts that are fundraisers for Terry Payton.

Terry T-shirts

U.S. DISTRICT COURT, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS—Press release from the U.S. Attorney:

A federal grand jury in Benton, Illinois, has charged seven individuals with methamphetamine related offenses, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Those charged with various methamphetamine offenses are:

Daniel E. Pickens, 30, of Wheeler, Illinois; Rachel S. Priest, 37, of Wheeler, Illinois; Justin Pocrnich, 28, of Wheeler, Illinois; Deborah S. Rogers, 47, of Wheeler, Illinois; Kimberly A. Barker (Depositer), 32 of Watson, Illinois; Joshua R. Rodgers, 22, of Hidalgo, Illinois, and Savannah L. Ellis, 20, of Newton, Illinois.

The 26-count indictment charges all of the defendants with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. All of the defendants are also charged with possession of pseudoephedrine with intent that it bean used to manufacture methamphetamine. Defendant Pickens is also charged with maintaining a drug house with Rachel Priest and with several thefts of anhydrous ammonia.

Those charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine face 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Those charged with the other methamphetamine related offenses also face up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Illinois State Police, Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, United States Marshals Service, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office; the Effingham County States Attorney’s Office, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Jasper County States Attorney.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Leggans.

End press release

Note: many of you regular readers will recognize those names from previous issues, where the hard work of Jasper County sheriff’s authorities, under the leadership of Sheriff Ed Francis, brought these people to the forefront and ultimately got them federally charged. There are more in this issue of the print version, which article you can read here by getting an online membership for only $5.99 a month; get clicking!

Lifeline is en route to an area hospital (presumably Crawford Medical Hospital or Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign), which will then be taking the person straight to the landing pad. As far as who and where the person will be life-flighted to, keep checking back for updates.

Adonna Bennett, former Edgar County board chairperson, is a recent appointee to the Edgar County Airport advisory board, the beleaguered entity that seems on the verge of a civil rights violation lawsuit because of inexplicable action taken against one of its lesees, the Bogue family of RSB Aviation.

On May 8, Bennett attended the Edgar County board meeting and put in her two cents worth during a nine-minute presentation that provided no opportunity for anyone to give rebuttal, as she’d placed herself on the agenda—as a public official—in order to do it…and it seems that all she did was alienate the people who feel she should be representing their interests.

Further, folks believe she set a foul tone during the presentation, attacking a business owner (Rusty Bogue of RSB) who is doing all he can to keep his business local.

The fallout from this presentation has had repercussions across the county and is being said to reflect badly on the county board (who appointed Bennett), the county’s legal counsel (state’s attorney Mark Isaf, who is abdicating any authority he has in the matter; which is to say, final word, since he is the county’s legal counsel), and airport manager Jimmy Wells.

The Wells/Patrick/Bennett combine

Wells is the petulant old man who started the harassment of RSB months ago when he discovered Mrs. Bogue in the aviation business’s office, nursing her infant daughter. From that incident, it’s been one attempt after another to create as much havoc as possible for the Bogues, who have a reputation as excellent business people in the community and who have done nothing to violate airport policy or regulations…unlike Wells, whose continued infractions at hangars at the airport come to light the longer he fusses about the situation.

Bennett was said to have been appointed to the airport advisory board as a ‘ringer’ in order to ensure that the wills of Wells and Edgar County board chair Chris Patrick—who is said to be and have been, over the past several years, very close to Bennett—were carried out.

The nine-minute soliloquy that offended so many on May 8 was very obviously part of that “will”…but it’s being said to have backfired on those who prompted it. Bennett offended so many people in Edgar County (those in particular who have long memories) with her glorification of entities and programs that she was a part of (extolled by her in an effort to “lend credence” to the castigation she was giving RSB) that Wells and Patrick may just as well have opened the books on many of their antics they’ve been trying desperately to hide for years…because Bennett touched upon sore subjects for Edgar Countians, many of whom are still feeling the pain in the form of tax increases for years now.

Sore spot 1: Health department

The first sore spot was the healthcare business in Edgar. It appeared to those listening that Bennett took pride in the expansion of the county health department, which occurred under her watch on the county board.

However, the “expansion” did little to help private healthcare providers in the area, and in fact ran them off, reducing the options of qualified providers to the area.

Worse, the “health care” creation that occurred under Bennett’s watch was one of the first of many governmental entities to be exposed for theft of funds in Edgar County.

Sore spot 2: Ambulance

Bennett’s praise for the county ambulance service also was met with derision by those who knew better.

“What she’s talking about was the very ambulance that had more corruption than anything we have ever seen,” said Kirk Allen, Kansas resident who is one of the Edgar County Watchdogs, “to include the theft of funds through what they called ‘Administration Fees.’”

Allen said the county board itself stole thousands and thousands of dollars because the county was so broke, and finally, when there were limited funds left to steal, it was time to get rid of it because it was “costing money.”

Allen brought up a resignation letter from Dr. Haskell, who left the county’s ambulance board in September 1999, which reads in part:

“I was appointed to the original Ambulance Board and have continued to serve on it until today. Although I plan to continue serving the citizens of Edgar County and the surrounding area by continuing my service on the Edgar County Public Health Department, the Illinois Region Six Trauma committee, and the Illinois Region Six Ambulance Morbidity and Mortality Review committee, I find it necessary to resign my position on the Edgar County Special Services Ambulance Board. I now feel that the Ambulance board is being manipulated by a few politicians for their own reasons. Therefore, I can no longer in good conscience continue my association with the Edgar County Special Services Ambulance Board.”

This, Allen says, is exactly what’s going on currently with the airport authority amongst the representation of Bennett, Patrick and Mike Heltsley.

Sore spot 3: 911

Bennett also took credit for the 911 creation in Edgar County; those with long memories recall the mess that was, as well.

This was the final reference she made before beginning the tongue-lashing over RSB.

Bennett opined, during her presentation, that not only should RSB Aviation not be allowed to run their business at the airport, but if they were to continue to do so, the county should “capture three to five percent of his gross revenues,” claiming it was commonplace with airports “because she talked to them.”

Bennett took a little tangent to point out all the accomplishments of her father, Russell Leon Magers (who died in 2005) as a businessman in the area (failing to point out that with all his accomplishments, he relied on some pretty hefty financial assistance from the various community coffers; $665,000 in one 13-month time frame, according to documentation the Watchdogs have in hand).

She then attacked RSB with claims of a business loss, and tried to point out all the reasons they should not be allowed to operate…failing to mention that, unlike her father, Mr. Bogue had not at any time asked for one thin dime of taxpayers’ money.

Not renting? Not applicable

Bennett next pointed out that RSB was not renting the office at the airport.

This is a fact; however, she neglected to mention that the office space was provided to RSB; no rental of it was ever mentioned to RSB by the airport manager or authority, as it was never intended to be rented: it’s no more than a 5-by-12-foot closet space overlooking the work area of RSB’s hangar.

Attendant to this was Bennett’s complaint about a video camera that Bogue has placed in his office overlooking the workspace of the hangar.

This, Bennett complained, should not be allowed.

Many believe it odd that the group at the airport advisory board wish to deny RSB the security that such a device provides as a “perk,” when Wells and his ilk continue to enjoy perks of their own that they would never permit others to have, such as:

Space Wells took up for years with his own personal plane, as well as an incredible amount of trash (featured in past issues of Disclosure Heartland) without even paying rent;

A truck that was in Wells’ hangar and later moved to the barn, also not paying rent;

The fact that in the same barn, straw and a hay wagon are still stored rent-free with no lease because the previous lease expired in April 2012;

The fact that the advisory board, as well as Patrick, failed to pay property taxes on the leased farm ground from the airport’s inception, which continued for more than 30 years (until the Watchdogs pointed it out last year);

The fact that the “Airport Booster Club” has been operating and accepting donations illegally since they had their registration revoked by the Secretary of State in 1989;

The claim Bennett made that she was on the Airport Advisory Board for the full eight years she was on the county board. This one was particularly onerous, as for those eight years, Bennett was the county board chairperson and the chair is not allowed to sit on the airport board by law…even though Patrick continues the tradition—illegally.

Made it to local media

The backlash continued beyond the county board meeting and even made its way into the pages of local media, which has been frightened to publish much about Chris Patrick’s illegal exploits, as back in mid-March, Patrick’s conflict of interest of serving on the county board (when serving on the board and voting himself concrete contracts) produced significant problems with the Department of Transportation was published, and “vandals” subsequently tore up the local newspaper’s boxes

In an article appearing three days after the county board meeting at which Bennett spoke, Jimmy Wells was trying to discredit RSB even further by laying waste to their claim that they had proper insurance.

Interestingly, at the same meeting where Bennett spoke, county board member Dan Bruner advised that he’d spoken with Wells following the airport advisory meeting the night before (May 7), and said Wells told him “RSB Aviation has provided all of the required insurance documentation and is current in every obligation to the airport.”

Wells, apparently in backwards-pissing mode, made sure he told the local paper that there was never such a conversation with Bruner.

He then made his own little effort to discredit RSB, stating that “Due to the complications of insurance, he (Rusty Bogue) could drop insurance, change companies or a company could drop him—it’s impossible for me to say he is compliant,” Wells told the paper.

Wells apparently wasn’t aware that RSB had added the county on their policy as a rider.

That means that any changes, including dismissal of insurance, would result in an automatic notification to the county.

Frighteningly, this is the type of person running the airport in Edgar County.

CRAWFORD/CLARK: Old York on the county line suffered massive flooding with water reaching into homes, the top of road signs, the bottom of mail boxes and over the axles of several vehicles which couldn’t be moved fast enough. Locals said the water sunk their tiny community almost overnight.

Joyce Holdiman, 28, was making a left turn off Highway 1 at Buckskin Legacy in Trimble that night at about 9 p.m. when a motorcycle, being operated by Walter Scriff, 49, of Indianapolis, ran head-on into the van’s passenger side.

The impact was enough to embed Scriff’s head into the metal of the van’s body.

Scriff was pronounced dead at the scene, which shut down traffic for about an hour (ultimately re-opening at about 10:15) in both directions as State Police and local authorities worked the accident.

Injured in the van was a passenger, Josh Tracy, also 28. He was air-evac’d to Carle Clinic in Champaign.

Holdiman was taken in on a preliminary charge of DUI-drugs. She was booked at the Crawford County jail but was immediately bonded out by her mother.

When it came time to formally charge Holdiman, the count was a mere DUI-drugs (which cannot be determined unless and until blood samples are taken and any substance which impairs driving can be detected in a higher-than-standard dosage amount, or any illicit substance is detected). As of press time it had not been determined whether or not Holdiman consented to a blood draw, and if she did not, whether she has lost her license on a summary suspension as a result.

She was also charged with Improper Left Turn into Oncoming Traffic, Failure to Wear Seatbelt, and Operating Uninsured, which had been dismissed just a few days after the incident.

Holdiman was set for a first appearance in the case on May 29.

In light of the issues that have plagued the ECIMTD in recent months with the investigations into theft of funds and equipment reaching well into the six-figure range by Kami Miller from Chrisman, Ill., the trustees have determined it is no longer feasible to operate the District. They have plans, contingent on the Edgar and Clark county boards approval, of “merging” with RMT. This will help create a massive mass transit district consisting of 18 counties. Coles County is not interested.

The Edgar County Watchdogs wrote several articles last year (2012) on the investigations (many of which were featured in initial issued of Disclosure Heartland, available by back issue as well as online), and on the illegal trustee appointments to the district board, where a former Edgar County board member, Kevin Trogdon, resigned from that position. It appears the financial turmoil, coupled with the freezing of a grant from DOT/IDOT, was too much for the current district to handle.

RMT has been around for 36 years and formed the first Rural Mass Transit District in Illinois.

The ECIMTD Facebook page has not been updated since June of 2012 when the first of the revealing articles about Miller were published online at the Edgar County Watchdog’s site.

Three individuals have been charged with Methamphetamine Conspiracy.

Police say on April 9, Clayton M. Beavers, 23; Autumn H. Wilson, 23 and Anthony W. Stephens, 39, all from unknown addresses, agreed with Megan C. Brown and each other to produce more than 15 grams but less than 100 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and committed an act of furtherance of the agreement, being one or more of the following: procured and possessed pseudoephedrine.

Beavers was said by police to have also participated in the manufacture of more than 15 grams but less than 100 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and caused bodily harm to sheriff Edward R. Francis, knowing Francis to be a peace officer, using his fist Beavers struck Francis in the side of the head which earned him not only a charge of Unlawful Participation in Methamphetamine Manufacture but of Aggravated Battery.

A cash bond has been set in the amount of $15,000 for Beavers, who pled not guilty on May 2.

On April 16, Wilson received a cash bond reduction from $1,500 to $750 with conditions of her bail including she reside with her mother, Susan Wilson, at 3 Meadows Drive, Teutopolis.

A pre-trial conference was set for May 23.

A cash bond was set in the amount of $1,500 for Stephens who pled guilty on April 30.

He has a pre-trial set for May 21.

Use of property to make meth

In what appears to be a connected case, Charles A. Beavers, 48, of 205 Stanley Ave., Newton, has been charged with Use of Property.

Police say on April 9, Beavers used or allowed to be used, a structure and real property within his control, being a mobile trailer located at 205 Stanley Avenue, Newton, to be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

A cash bond has been set in the amount of $7,500

Syringe, needle and meth charged

Also busted on April 9 was Cameron Matherly, 45, of address unknown, who was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Substance Containing Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of Hypodermic Syringe or Needle.

Authorities say Matherly possessed less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and a hypodermic syringe or needle adapted for the use of subcutaneous injection for the use of controlled substances.

On April 30, he pled guilty to the meth charge and was sentenced to six years DOC, while the other charge was dismissed.

All the fixins for a cook

Judy J. Houser, 59, of 604 Arca, Lot #13, Newton has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material, Unlawful Possession of a Substance Containing Methamphetamine and Use of Property.

Authorities say on April 12, Houser possessed methamphetamine manufacturing materials being an HDL generator, plastic bottles, coffee filters, lye, ammonia nitrate and camping fuel with intent to use the materials for manufacturing meth and possessed less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.

Also on April 12, Houser used or allowed to be used, a structure and real property within her control, being a mobile trailer located at 604 Arca, Lot #13, Newton.

A cash bond was set in the amount of $10,000.

Menaces officer

In unrelated cases, Trevor L. Lindemann, 23, address unknown, has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Obstructing a Peace Officer.

Police say on April 15, Lindemann slammed his fist on a booking table, tore off his shirt and approached correctional officer Garrett Miller in a menacing manner.

On the same day, police say, he obstructed the performance of corporal Greg Coker being the investigation of unlawful consumption of alcohol by various individuals at and within a residence at 603 ½ Barton Street, Newton, when he would not obey the instruction of Coker to step aside from the front door.

A cash bond was set in the amount of $2,000.

Arson charged

Brandon T. Robinson, 30, address unknown, has been charged with two separate counts of Arson.

Police say on April 16, Robinson damaged real property belonging to Ameren Energy Generating Company (a corporation) and leased to Ruth A. Rauch without the consent of the corporation.

By means of fire, Robinson is alleged to have damaged personal property belonging to Rauch being a Krone disc mower, antique box wagon and 10-wheel truck wheels on rim, without the consent of Rauch and the value of personal property is $150 or more.

A cash bond has been set in the amount of $15,000.

Daddyo bonded by Olney punk

A Newton man has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Substance Containing Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of Hypodermic Syringe or Needle.

Authorities say on April 19, Larry J. Boyd, 45, of 503 E. Decatur St., Newton, possessed less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and a hypodermic syringe or needle adapted for the use of controlled substances by subcutaneous injection.

Boyd was released from custody April 25, after a $700 cash bond was posted on his behalf by Jessica Boyd, of 805 E. Locust, Olney.

Jessica Boyd is the better-looking (but not by much) half of the infamous Richland County duo, Lil Nate and Jessica, who, as hangers-on of the violent Earp/Trout bunch, beat up a car owned by Danny English in 2009 over a pot debt and got their stupid butts in the kind of trouble even Earp-supporter David Hyde (Richland’s prosecutor) couldn’t ignore.

Even this late in the game, Boyd is on pay-or-appear for what appears to be the rest of her life, as she’s been paying on her $1,636.94 Richland County fine since late 2009 and STILL owes well over $800 on it…which makes it too bad that someone in charge in Richland doesn’t have the gumption to wonder how the hell she was able to put her hands on $700 to bond daddy Boyd out of jail in that county when Richland can’t collect anything but pissant fines and fees on her case THERE in the past three years.

The Illinois state fire marshal’s office has confirmed one fire to be arson with the second awaiting a final report.

“Somebody knows something about these fires,” said sheriff Todd Listen. “We need that person to come forward before anybody gets hurt, that or the person responsible to turn themselves in.”

CRAWFORD CO.—A Robinson man has been charged with Aggravated Battery.

Police say on March 30, Mark Curtis Miller, 23, of 308 S. King, Robinson, made contact of an insulting nature to Gabe Lowrance and Daniel J. Strauch, both men being peace officers, when he pushed officer Strauch and pushed, swung at and hit officer Lowrance with a dog gate.

Miller was released from custody on April 1, after Staci Redmon, of 207 E. St. Petersburg St., Robinson posted a $3,500 cash bond on his behalf.

A preliminary hearing was set for May 17 at 10 a.m.

Court records indicate that David P. Benney will represent Miller.

Sex Offender charged w/Poss. Of Weapons

A Palestine man has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon By a Felon.

Authorities say on or about March 9, Gary G. Connely, 68, of 423 E. Grand Prairie, Palestine possessed on or about his person or in his own abode firearms, including a Chipmunk .22 caliber rifle, an Ithaca model 700 12 gauge shotgun and a Remington model 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge pump shotgun, after having been convicted of a felony.

In January 2005 Connely pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse/Family.

In return for that plea of guilty a second count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Victim under the age of 13 was dismissed and he was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC) and ordered to pay a total of $1,511 in fines and fees.

On his most recent arrest, Connely was released from custody on April 25, after Martha J. Connely, of 423 E. Grand Prairie, Palestine, posted a $2,000 cash bond on his behalf.

A preliminary hearing was set for May 16 at 1:30.

Pair charged with pills

Jeremie Bill Locklin, 25, of 510 East Market St., Palestine, and Magon H. Golish, 24, of 560 W. Co. Rd. 1100, Carlisle, Ind. has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Authorities say on or about March 30, Locklin and Golish knowingly and unlawfully had in their possession less than 15 grams of a substance containing Alprazolam.

Locklin faces an additional count of Child Endangerment after authorities say he knowingly caused the life or health of Riley N. Locklin, a child under the age of 18, to be endangered when he operated a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs while Riley N. Locklin was in the vehicle.

In November 2005 Locklin was found guilty of Unlawful Possession/Consumption of Liquor By a Minor and was sentenced to six months supervision and ordered to pay $382 in fines and fees.

The next year, April 10, 2006, he was found guilty of under age drinking again and was sentenced to six months probation and ordered to pay $402 in fines and fees.

In February 2008 Locklin was put on one year of supervision when he was convicted of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and was ordered to pay $1,429 in fines and fees.

On his latest charges, Locklin was released from custody on April 4, after Scott Clark, of 111 West Mechanic St., West Union posted a $2,500 cash bond on his behalf.

The following day, April 5, Golish was released from custody after Locklin posted a $2,000 cash bond on her behalf.

A preliminary hearing was set for May 22 in both cases.

Pair charged in theft

A pair of Robinson men has been charged with Theft.

Authorities say that on April 11, Harry W. Oliver, 34, of 602 W. Main Apt. 3, Robinson, and Nathaniel S. Cherry, 18, of 805 W. Walnut, Robinson, knowingly exerted unauthorized control over property of Tammy Cherry, being two air conditioner units and one 32 inch flat screen television, having a total value in excess of $500, intending to deprive Tammy Cherry permanently of the use of the property.

Cherry had just been arrested and charged in January with Burglary and pled to an amended charge of Theft March 20.

He was serving a sentence of 12 months probation in that case when he was busted with Oliver in April.

Oliver pled guilty May 1, and was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $772 in fines and fees, of which he’s paid nothing.

Cherry’s case is still pending.

Speedy trial leads to conviction

Christine Ann Alspach, 25, of 913 W. Mefford #4, Robinson, has been charged with four separate counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Police say on or about Feb. 20, Alspach knowingly possessed less than 15 grams of Alprazolam, Oxycodone, Lorazepam and Morphine Sulfate.

After asking for a speedy trial, Alspach was convicted of one count of controlled substance in exchange for the others to be dismissed and was sentenced to 24 months probation and ordered to pay a total of $1,417 in fines and fees, of which she’s paid none.

Stolen car

A Lawrenceville man has been charged with Burglary and Theft.

Authorities say on April 1, James P. Drummond, 31, of Lawrenceville knowingly and without authority entered and exerted control over a motor vehicle of Barbara Bailey, identified as a 1995 white Cadillac, having a value at greater than $500 but less than not $10,000.

A cash bond has been set in the amount of $3,500.

In Lawrence County in June 2005 Drummond was convicted of a Bad Check charge and sentenced to 12 months conditional discharge and was ordered to pay restitution and $1,141.29 in fines and fees.