Highland area police briefs for May 18-24

Editor’s note: The following incidents were listed among the official reports of local law enforcement agencies and court clerks. Readers are reminded that an arrest or charge does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination.

Pair from St. Jacob charged in connection with thefts near Troy

Special investigative efforts and stepped up patrols in rural parts of Madison County led to charges being filed last week against eight people, including two from St. Jacob, in connection with 10 different burglaries scattered over four townships, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Justin McClain, 32, of St. Jacob was charged on May 18 with four felonies — one count of residential burglary, two counts of burglary and one count of theft.

Police allege McClain broke into a home in the 1300 block of Antler Drive in Troy, entered an out building on Royal Lakes Drive in Troy, entered a vehicle on Lake Drive in Troy, and also took a portable generator. His bond was set at $100,000.

Police also charged Haley R. Severit, 24, of St. Jacob on May 18 with felony theft for allegedly taking a chainsaw from the home on Antler Drive.

The pair live at the same apartment complex in St. Jacob, according to court documents.

The county has experienced a rash of thefts in recent weeks in Foster, Jarvis, Wood River and Moro townships, according to the sheriff’s office.

Based upon the locations, descriptions of the possible suspects, and the methods of operations, investigators believed they were dealing with multiple groups of offenders. In most of the incidents, out buildings and sheds were targeted, but in some, residences were entered and committed thefts. Most of the items being taken by the offenders were power tools.

In response to the complaints, deputies increased patrols to the affected areas and forwarded every case to the investigative division for follow up.

In addition to the arrests made, deputies were also able to recover a stolen all-terrain vehicle (ATV), power tools, chain saws, scrap metals, weed eaters, leaf blowers and other property having an estimated value between $8,000 and $10,000.

HPD misdemeanor warrants arrests

▪ Joshua A. Turner, 28, of Mulberry Grove was arrested on May 20 on a warrant from Highland police for failure to appear in court on a domestic battery charge.

▪ Lynn A. Thacker, 30, of Staunton was arrested on May 23 on a warrant from issued in Macoupin County in a civil case. No other information was available.

HPD misdemeanors, citations

May 18

▪ Cheryl E. Straws, 26, of Highland was charged with driving while having a suspended/revoked license and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.

May 19

▪ Luna S. Pasdeck, 18, of Highland was charged with speeding.

May 20

▪ Adam M. Gergab, 27, of Highland was charged with failure to stop/yield at a sign.

▪ Richard D. Harper, 18, of Alhambra and Timothy E. Iberg, 18, of Pocahontas were both charged with retail theft in the same incident taking a wallet from Walmart.

May 21

▪ No tickets issued.

May 22

▪ Eric R. Gibson, 30, of Highland was charged with littering.

▪ A juvenile, 15, of Highland was charged with disorderly conduct and damage to property. No further information was available.

▪ Taylor G. Michael, 24, of Highland was charged with speeding.

▪ Gary A. Runge, 27, of Highland was charged with battery for allegedly grabbing a female victim around the waste, pulling her into his residence.

May 23

▪ A juvenile, 16, of Highland was charged with operation of an uninsured motor vehicle and having an expired vehicle registration.

▪ Melody A. Haller, 32, of Highland was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug equipment.

▪ Nathaniel W. Reiman, 29, of Marine was charged with operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.

▪ Jacob A. Wellen, 19, of Highland was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, unlawful use of an electronic device, improper lane usage and unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor.

May 24

▪ Jacob D. Lutes, 24, of Highland was charged with operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.

▪ Dillyn G. Riechmann, 24, of Highland was charged with operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.

This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Highland area police briefs for May 18-24."