15 indicted in Ogle County drug investigation: Two fugitives remain at large
By VINDE WELLS
vwells@shawnews.com
Shaw News Service
OREGON – All but two of 15 Ogle County residents indicted earlier this month on felony drug charges have been arrested, Ogle County Sheriff Greg Beitel said.
That should put a damper on illegal drug activity in the area — at least temporarily, the sheriff said.
“I think it’s pretty significant. It will slow it down for a while,” Beitel said. “Unfortunately, there’s always someone willing to step in and fill the shoes of the people we’ve arrested.”
The indictment was handed down Thursday.
Edmon Kirksy Jr., 70, and Shalamar F. Sopys, 27, both of Rochelle, remain at large.
Kirksy is charged with selling crack cocaine, and selling it within 1,000 feet of a church. His bond is $50,000.
Sopys is charged with selling less than a gram, and selling it within 1,000 feet of a church. His bond is $150,000.
The indictments came after several months of investigation, Beitel said.
“We’ve been working on these since October or November. The arrests stem from tips we received and as a result of individuals selling drugs to undercover detectives.”
Since 2007, 32 people have been charged with 57 felonies related to selling drugs, he said.
The 13 recently arrested are:
Michael F. Peterson, 35, Polo: two counts of delivery of cocaine, more than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a park district; and two counts of delivery of cocaine, more than one gram. His bond is $200,000.
Nicholas E. Meinheit, 28, Forreston: delivery of cocaine, more than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a school; and delivery of cocaine, more than one gram. His bond is $75,000.
Derek W. Spratt, 44, Rochelle: delivery of cocaine, more than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a church; and delivery of cocaine, more than one gram. His bond is $150,000.
Joseph L. Cathina, 24, Rochelle: delivery of crack cocaine, less than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a senior center; and delivery of crack cocaine, less than one gram. His bond is $75,000.
Crystal R. Fillers, 61, Rochelle: delivery of crack cocaine, less than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a senior center; and delivery of crack cocaine, less than one gram. Her bond is $100,000.
Juan Casillas, 39, Rochelle: delivery of cocaine, more than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a park district; and delivery of cocaine more than one gram. His bond is $100,000, and his 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix was seized.
Omar Villalobos, 41, Rochelle: delivery of cocaine, more than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a park district; and delivery of cocaine, more than one gram. His bond is $100,000.
Gervase Roby, 38, Rochelle: delivery of crack cocaine, more than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a schoo; and delivery of crack cocaine, more than one gram. His bond is $300,000.
David G. Streitberger, 32, Rochelle: delivery of cocaine, more than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a church; and delivery of cocaine, more than one gram. His bond is $25,000.
Steve J. Wauters, 48, Rochelle: delivery of crack cocaine, less than one gram, within 1,000 feet of a senior center; and delivery of crack cocaine, less than one gram. His bond is $100,000.
Kyle N. Harper, 20, Mount Morris: delivery of cannabis, more than 30 grams, within 1000 feet of a school; and delivery of cannabis, more than 30 grams. He is free on a recognizance bond.
Cari K. Werner, 19, Mount Morris: delivery of cannabis, more than 30 grams within 1000 feet of a school; and delivery of cannabis, more than 30 grams. She is free on a recognizance bond.
Steven M. Letcher, 19, Mount Morris: delivery of cannabis, more than 30 grams, within 1,000 feet of a school; delivery of cannabis, more than 30 grams; delivery of cannabis, more than 10 grams, within 1,000 feet of a school; and delivery of cannabis, more than 10 grams. His bond is $10,000.
