East Central Reporter

“In December 2023, the State’s Attorney determined he was not going to seek an additional term. In fairness to all criminal defendants, the State’s Attorney impaneled a grand jury, shifting ultimate charging decisions from the State’s Attorney to a group of citizens allowed by law to endeavor to make those decisions. This injects a check and balances upon the decisions of the State’s Attorney. Those citizens, chosen randomly, are now empowered with the statutory powers to investigate and charge criminal cases. The Grand Jury was selected. On 1/25/2024 met for the first time returning Bills of Indictment on 50 charges. The public is reminded that an indictment is merely an allegation that a crime was committed and met the probable cause standard. Each defendant is presumed to be innocent and enjoys that presumption unless and until convicted.” Rob Hanlon, Shelby County State’s Attorney

Below is a list of names we were able to confirm from Judici, however, that list only accounts for 39 counts so there are 11 other charges we have been unable to link to a name on Judici.

• Kristopher Karcher – Eight Counts – CRIM SEX ASLT/SUPER VIC 13-17
• Thomas Wheeler – Five Counts – Terrorism Threat, Murder/Intent to Kill/Injure, Agreivated Battery to peace officer, Burglary, Aggravated Batter/Judge/EMT
• Brenden T. Barger – Three Counts – UNLWFL POSS>3VEH/PARTS/STOLEN, 2x -FORGERY/ISSUE/DELIVER DOCUMENT
• Christopher Elliott – Four Counts – AGG CRIM SX AB/VIC<18/TRUST, CRIM SEX ASLT/FAMILY MEMBER<18, PRED CRIM SEX ASLT/VICTIM <13
• Teresa Boehm – Two Counts – Hold Simultaneous Office, Unlawful Participation
• Jonathan A. Reider – One Count, AGG DUI/LIC SUSP OR REVOKED
• Kenny Watson – Four Counts – FLS ALARM/COMPLAINT TO 911, RESIST/PC OFF/FRFTR/CORR EMP, AGG BATTERY/PEACE OFFICER,
• Kenneth Masset – One Count – POSSESSION OF METH< 5 GRAMS
• Daniel Lankford – Four Counts – AGG DOMESTIC BATTERY/STRANGLE, CRIM TRES TO RES/PERS PRESENT, RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
• Jeffrey Pettyjohn – Two Counts – BURGLARY, CRIM DMG TO PROP $500-10K
• Nick Wilson – Two Counts – BURGLARY, CRIM DMG TO PROP $500-10K
• Jennifer Culumber – One Count -POSS AMT CON SUB EXCEPT(A)/(D)
• Daniel Langhem – One Count -AID/ABET/POSS/SELL STOLEN VEH
• Coady Daniels – One Count – POSSESSION OF METH< 5 GRAMS
• Matthew Van Scyoc – One Count – AGG BATTERY?PEACE OFFICER

Contrary to allegations floating on local propaganda social media that the Grand Jury was empaneled just for County Board member Teresa Boehm; the truth is more than 15 separate cases were heard in which citizens determined if a True Bill of Indictment was appropriate.

The last time a Grand Jury was empaneled in Shelby County was in 2015 which led to the indictments and convictions of former Illinois State Police officer Richard Largen and Windsor council member Jeremy Voris. Largen was charged with official misconduct. It was alleged that between June 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, Largen used the law enforcement LEADS network to obtain information on certain females in Shelby County. Largen was still working as a state trooper at the time, although he retired as of July 31, 2015. Voris was charged with official misconduct for theft of gasoline for use in her personal vehicle and charged it to the City of Windsor, and doing nothing to stop the theft. (Reported by 97.9 fm)

Both public officials referenced above avoided the felony conviction with a guilty plea to a reduced charge of a Class A Misdemeanor. We understand Largen is currently a deputy coroner in Shelby County.

We will update this article with any additional names once we obtain them.

This story was originally published by Edgar County Watchdogs. Read the original HERE.