Tri-DENT Press Releases
July 9th, 2011
On July 9, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team conducted a interview of Gregory E. Rowlee, Age 32 of 1117 Post St., Ottawa, IL after a LaSalle County Sheriff’s Dept Deputy had conducted a narcotic investigation in the parking lot of Norway Speedway, located at 3674 East 2603 Road, Sheridan, IL 60551. During the investigation a LaSalle County Sheriff’s Dept K-9 alerted to narcotics in the vehicle owned by ROWLEE. A search was then conducted on the vehicle and officers found approximately nineteen point five (19.5) grams of cocaine in the vehicle.
After the interview of the above-mentioned individual by Tri-Dent Rowlee was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Cocaine) (Class X) Felony.
Rowlee was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
July 9th, 2011
On July 9, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team conducted a interview of Jessica A. Friede, Age 22 and Thore R. Pastorik, Age 23 both of 1000 Bratton Ave., Marseilles, IL after a Marseilles Police Officer had conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle they were riding in at approximately 6:15 P.M. on 07/09/11. During the traffic stop a Ottawa Police Dept K-9 alerted to narcotics in the vehicle. A search was then conducted on the vehicle and the people mentioned above, during the searches twenty seven (27) items packaged with heroin were found during the searches.
After the interviews of the above-mentioned individuals by Tri-Dent, Friede and Pastorik were charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to deliver (Heroin) (Class X) Felony .
Friede and Pastorik were transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
July 6th, 2011
On July 6, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Shane M. Walters, Age 25 of 17767 2400 North Ave., Walnut, IL on the charges of Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia with the intent to manufacture Methamphetamine (Class 1 Felony) and Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia in a unauthorized container (Class 3 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Walter’s activity in the Walnut, IL area after a drinking style cooler containing Anhydrous Ammonia was opened by a Bureau County Deputy. The container had been thrown from a vehicle that was stopped by the Walnut Police Dept. After the Deputy opened the container the Deputy and one (1) other person were taken to the hospital for a checkup for exposure to Anhydrous Ammonia. Tri-Dent was contacted and after collecting information Tri-Dent was able to search a building at 17767 2400 North Ave., Walnut, IL where Walters was living. Tri-Dent Agents were able to locate items in the building that lead to the above-mentioned charges being filed against Walters. This case is still under investigation for possible other suspects in the production of Methamphetamine. Other items found during the search of a building where Walters was living are being sent to the Illinois State Police, Crime Lab for possible additional charges. The Deputy and the other person that were exposed to the Anhydrous Ammonia were not admitted to the hospital and later returned to the Walnut area to assist with the investigation at 17767 2400 North Ave., Walnut, IL.
The Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges on Walters.
Walters were transported to the Bureau County Jail.
June 29th, 2011
On June 29, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Amber M. Brittingham, age 24 of 622 S. Park Blvd., Granville, IL on charge of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance, (Heroin) (Class 2 Felony), also arrested of the same address was Amy N. Davis, age 23 on charge of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Heroin) (Class 2 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrests were the result of an investigation into their narcotic activity in the Illinois Valley Area. On 06/29/11 Amber M. Brittingham, delivered five (5) bags of heroin to a person working with Tri-Dent in the 600 Block of Peru St., Princeton, IL. After the delivery by Brittingham, she and a vehicle being driven by Davis, were stopped by police. At the stop Davis was found to be in possession of nine (9) bags of heroin .
The Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges on Brittingham and Davis.
Both were transported to the Bureau County Jail.
June 3, 2011
On June 3, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team was notified by the Ottawa Police Dept, that they had arrested Joshua Hollingsworth, Age 28 of 295 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL on a warrant that had been obtained by Tri-Dent for Hollingsworth on the charges of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 2 Felony) (Four Counts).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Hollingsworth’s narcotic activity in the Illinois Valley Area. During the investigation of Hollingsworth, Tri-Dent purchased heroin from Hollingsworth on a number of different dates.
Hollingsworth was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
June 2, 2011
On June 2, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team was notified by the LaSalle Police Dept, that they had arrested Scott A. Jurkas, Age 44 of 114 Wright St., LaSalle, IL on a warrant that had been obtained by Tri-Dent for Jurkas for the charge of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance (Oxtcodone) (Class 3 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Jurkas’ narcotic activity in the LaSalle Area. During the investigation of Jurkas, a Tri-Dent agent purchased oxycodone from Jurkas.
Jurkas was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
May 25th, 2011
On May 25, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team (Tri-Dent) was informed by the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office that they had charged Alejandro Arteaga, Age 33, of 205 W. Cleveland St., Spring Valley, IL with the charge of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance, (Cocaine) (Class X Felony).
The above-mentioned charge was the result of an investigation into Arteaga’s narcotic activity in the Illinois Valley Area. Arteaga delivered more than fifteen (15) grams of cocaine to a person working with Tri-Dent. The cocaine delivery took place in rural Bureau County. Arteaga bond has been set at ($1,000,000) in Bureau County.
April 28th, 2011
On April 28, 2010, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Johnathon E. Meusel, age 21 of 201 Sherman St., Depue, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession With to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Crack)(Cocaine) (Class 1 Felony) also arrested was Merri M. Cruz, age 19 same address on the charge of Unlawful Possession a Controlled Substance (Crack)(Cocaine) (Class 4 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrests were the result of a search conducted at the residence of Meusel and Cruz on 04/28/11. During the search Tri-Dent agents located a number of bags of crack cocaine packaged for sale.
The Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges against Meusel and Cruz.
Meusel and Cruz were transported to the Bureau County Jail.
April 28th, 2011
On April 28, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team (Tri-Dent) arrested Micah I.W. Morganflash, age 22, last known address of 216 W. Dakota St., Spring Valley, IL on the charge of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance, (Heroin) (Class 2 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Morganflash’s narcotic activity in the Illinois Valley Area. On 04/28/11, Morganflash delivered less than fifteen (15) grams of heroin to a person working with Tri-Dent. The heroin delivery took place in Ladd just south of the Ladd exit on Route 89. Tri-Dent had prior contact with Morganflash on 04/20/11 when they and the Illinois Valley Special Response Team executed a search warrant at 216 W. Dakota St., Spring Valley, IL. During the search Morganflash was charged with no Valid Firearms Identification Card (FOID) (Misdemeanor) (Class A) after he was found in possession of a handgun without a FOID card.
The Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance for Morganflash .
Morganflash was transported to the Bureau County Jail.
April 21st, 2011
On 04/20/11, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team and the Illinois Valley Special Response Team executed a search warrant at 216 W. Dakota St., Spring Valley, IL.
At the time of the search warrant there were a number of people and dogs in the residence. Tri-DENT arrested six (6) people that were in the residence at the time the search warrant was executed and filed the following charges against the six (6). Those charged with Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Felony) (Class 2) were Caitlin M. Panas, age 21, of 216 W. Dakota St., Spring Valley, IL and Matt A. Persich, age 23, of 118 E. Minnesota St., Spring Valley, IL. Those charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Felony) (Class 4) were Lindsey N. Roberts, age 26, of 1010 N. Maple St., Princeton, IL and Andres Mendez, JR, age 30, of 32658 Highway 29., Spring Valley, IL, charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (Crack Cocaine) (Felony) (Class 2) was JERMAL L. TURNER, Age 21, 216 W. Dakota St., Spring Valley, IL. The last person charged was Micah I.W. Morganflash, age 22, of 216 W. Dakota St., Spring Valley, IL he was charged with no Valid Firearms Identification Card (FOID) (Misdemeanor) (Class A) after he was found in possession of a handgun without a FOID card.
All subjects were transported to the Bureau County Jail.
April 8th, 2011
On April 8, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested James L. Merritte, age 54 of 609 Bellevue Ave., Ottawa, IL on the charge of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance, (Heroin and Cocaine) (Class 1 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Merrittt’s narcotic activity in the Marseilles/Ottawa Area. On 04/08/11, Merritte delivered less than fifteen (15) grams of heroin and Cocaine to a person working with Tri-DENT. The heroin/cocaine delivery took place in a parking lot of a restaurant at the intersection of Route 71 an I-80. Tri-DENT had made a number of purchases of controlled substance at different locations from Merritte before arresting him on the 04/08/11 delivery. The arrest of Merritte took place at the intersection of route 71 and Champlain St., in Ottawa. Tri-DENT was assisted in the investigation and arrest of Merritte by the Ottawa Police Dept and the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Delivery on Merritte .
Merritte was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
April 7th, 2011
On 04/07/2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Elijah C. Fields, age 18 of the 4230 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL on the charge of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 1 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Field’s narcotic activity in the Princeton/Ohio Area. On 04/07/11 Fields was arrested after delivering heroin to a person working with Tri-Dent in Princeton. Tri-DENT then conducted a search in Ohio, IL where agents located heroin in a apartment in Ohio where Fields had been hiding heroin for deliver in the Princeton Area.
Also arrested 04/07/2011 was Ansel K. Alm, age 32 of 15141 1950 N Ave., Princeton, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 4 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Alm’s narcotic activity in the Princeton Area.
On 03/18/2011 Tri-DENT arrested Brianna L. Olson, age 20 of 105 Heaton St., Walnut, IL on the charge of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 2 Felony).This arrest was the result of an investigation into Olson’s narcotic activity in the Princeton/Walnut Area. On 03/18/11 Olson was arrested after delivering heroin to a person working with Tri-Dent in Princeton.
The Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges on the three above mentioned individuals.
Field’s and ALM were transported to the Bureau County Jail. Olson is out on bond.
March 30th, 2011
On March 30, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Matthew R. Arrendondo, age 35 of 506 4TH Ave., Mendota, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance (Cocaine) (Class 1 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of a search conducted at Arrendondo’s residence on 03/30/11 by Tri-DENT and the Mendota Police Dept. During the search Tri-DENT Agents located cocaine in the residence. Before the search Tri-DENT and the Mendota Police Dept had developed information that Arrendondo was involved in narcotic activity from his residence.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance on Arrendondo.
Arrendondo was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
March 25th, 2011
On March 25, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Heather A. Graves, age 27 of 505 W. St. Paul St., IL on an outstanding arrest warrant on the charge of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 2 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Graves’ narcotic activity in the Spring Valley Area. During the investigation a person working with Tri-DENT made a controlled purchase of Heroin from Graves in Spring Valley.
The Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 2 Felony).
Graves was transported to the Bureau County Jail.
March 14th, 2011
On March 14, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team (Tri-DENT) arrested Wade E. Gingery, age 54 of 1509 Walnut ST., Streator, IL on charge of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver, (Class 2 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of a search conducted at the residence of Gingery on 03/14/11. During the search Tri-DENT Agents located cannabis packaged for sale. Tri-DENT was assisted by the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Dept and the Streator Police Dept in search of Gingery’s residence.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver on Gingery.
Gingery was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
March 11th, 2011
On March 11, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team arrested Janece L. Johnson, age 30 and Robert E. Swonke, age 36 both of 1007 Green Ridge Ave., #2, Earlville, IL on the charge of Unlawful Participation in Methamphetamine Production (Class X Felony).
Tri-DENT Agents, members of the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Dept Tactical Team, and the Earlville Police Dept executed a search warrant at an apartment complex on Green Ridge Ave at approximately 7:30 A.M. Officials found various Meth manufacturing materials and Methamphetamine. The Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team assisted in the removal and destruction of hazardous material from the apartment.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Participation in Methamphetamine Production on Johnson/Swonke. More charges are pending after a total review of evidence in the case.
Johnson and Swonke were transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
Febuary 25th, 2011
On February 25, 2010, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Andrew Hensley, Age 20, of 301 12TH St., Apt # 7 ½, Mendota, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver (Class 3 Felony). Also charged was Jason A. Henry, Age 21, of the same address on the charges of Possession of Cannabis (Class C Misdemeanor) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class A Misdemeanor)
The above-mentioned arrests were the result of a search conducted at the residence of Hensley/Henry on 02/25/11. During the search Tri-Dent agents located cannabis and other items used in the distribution of cannabis.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges on Hensley and Henry
Febuary 9th, 2011
On February 9, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Casey T. Rideout, age 23 of 801 N. Everett St., Streator, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 1 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of a search conducted at Rideout’s residence on 02/9/11. During the search Tri-DENT agents located heroin in the residence. Before the search Tri-DENT had developed information that Rideout was selling heroin from his residence.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance on Rideout.
Rideout was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
January 31st, 2011
On January 31, 2011 the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team arrested Jason E. Watson, age 35 of 104 W. French St., Streator, IL on charges of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Felony Class 4) .
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of an investigation into Watson’s involvement in illegal drug activity at his residence.
On 01/31/11 Members of Tri-dent Narcotic Team searched Watson’s residence. During the search of the residence Agents found heroin in the residence.
The above-mentioned individual was taken into custody and transported to the LaSalle County jail.
January 29th, 2011
On 1/29/2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team (Tri-DENT) was called to a Marseilles Police Department traffic stop which resulted in the arrest of Michael Maddox (3/14/77), of Marseilles, for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Cocaine) (Class 1 Felony).
A search of Maddox’s person uncovered a heroin pill in his jacket. Maddox was then taken into custody and transported to the Marseilles Police Department where a later search uncovered a tied plastic baggie containing 11.5 grams of cocaine in a hidden compartment in his coat.
Tri-DENT was assisted by the Marseilles and Seneca Police Departments during the arrest.
January 13th, 2011
On January 13, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team conducted a interview of William L. Zawacki, Age 40 of 1214 Walnut St., Peru, IL and Jacob A. Patty, age 33 of 420 5th St., LaSalle, IL after a LaSalle County Sheriff’s Dept Deputy had conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at approximately 2:03 A.M. on 01/13/11. During the traffic stop a Peru Police Dept K-9 alerted to narcotics in the vehicle. A search was then conducted on the vehicle and officers found twenty five bags of Heroin in the vehicle.
After the interview of the above-mentioned individuals by Tri-DENT the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Class 4) against both individuals.
Zawacki and Patty were transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
January 12th, 2011
On January 12, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested Debra A. Rodriguez, age 48 of 601 W. Grant St., Streator, IL on an outstanding warrant for the charge of Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance (Class 1 Felony) and a new charge of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Class 1 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest on the outstanding warrant was the result of Rodriguez delivering cocaine to a person working with Tri-DENT on a number of occasions. The new charge is the result of Tri-DENT conducting a search at the residence of Rodriguez on 01/12/11. During the search, Tri-DENT Agents located cocaine in the residence.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the new charge of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to Deliver (Class 1 Felony). Bond on the outstanding warrant is set at $75,000.
Rodriguez was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.
January 12th, 2011
The Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team filed the following charges against three people in Granville, IL on 01/12/10. Charles L. Rexroad, age 38, of 222 ½ S. McCoy St., Apt #1, Granville, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, (Misdemeanor) (Class A) and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, (Misdemeanor) (Class C) and Heather B. Shoupp, age 21, of 205 S. Hawthorne, Apt C-1., Granville, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, (Misdemeanor) (Class B). Also arrested at the same address of Shoupp was Skyeler A. Haas, age 19, on the charge of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, (Misdemeanor) (Class A) and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, (Misdemeanor (Class B)
The above-mentioned arrests were the result of searches conducted by Tri-DENT and Tri-DENT’s K-9 on the above-mentioned addresses after Tri-DENT had received information about the possible drug activity of the above-mentioned people.
The Putnam County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges of against the three people.
January 4th, 2011
On January 4, 2011, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotic Team arrested William M. Ohst, age 53 of 400 13th Ave., Mendota, IL on the charge of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver (Class 3 Felony).
The above-mentioned arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by Tri-DENT on a vehicle driven by Ohst. During the traffic stop Tri-DENT Agents located approximately thirty two (32) grams of cannabis in Ohst’s vehicle after Tri-DENT’s narcotic dog alerted to narcotics in his vehicle.
After Ohst’s arrest during the traffic stop Tri-DENT conducted a search at Ohst’s residence. During the search agents found approximately one hundred ten (110) grams of cannabis in the residence.
The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver against Ohst.