On December 14, 2024, at 3:08 a.m. Gibson County Deputies Michael Bates and Levi Sims observed a vehicle speeding on US 41 near County Road 600 South. Upon stopping the vehicle, a Silver 2024 Honda Civic Deputy Bates approached the vehicle and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver 23 year old Michael Smith of Bicknell. At that point Deputy Bates began a roadside DUI investigation. Once the investigation was completed Mr. Smith was placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Princeton man arrested on intimidation and gun charges
On December 12, 2024, the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of Intimidation of a juvenile by an adult male. Sgt. Roger Ballard spoke with the reporting party and began an investigation into the incident by collecting statements and evidence. During the investigation Sgt. Ballard applied for and received a search warrant of 19 year old Tommy C. Payne’s residence in the 600 block of North Race Street. Sgt. Ballard, with the assistance of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Police Department served the search warrant on Mr. Payne and continued their investigation. While serving the search warrant two handguns were found, one of which was modified with what is commonly referred to as a Glock Switch which makes the weapon fully automatic. Once the residence had been searched Mr. Payne was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with:
2 counts of Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun, a Class A Misdemeanor
2 counts of Unlawful Possession of a Handgun by a Dangerous Person, a Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Machine Gun, a Level 5 Felony
Intimidation- Threat of a Forcible Felony, a Level 6 Felony
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Evansville man arrested on DUI charge
On December 14, 2024, AT 10:56 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wes Baumgart observed a Black Toyota Rav Four run a stop sign at the intersection of County Road 1275 S and County Road 25 West. Upon stopping the vehicle on County Road 25 West Deputy Baumgart detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver 26 year old Sam Oliver of Evansville. At that point Deputy Baumgart began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of that investigation he placed Mr. Oliver into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Assisting Deputy Baumgart in his investigation was Deputies Wyatt Hunt and Michael Owens. Also assisting were sergeants John Fischer and Loren Barchett.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mount Carmel man arrested for OWI
On December 13, 2024, at 04:38 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates conducted a traffic stop in the Casey’s parking lot located at 810 E. Park Street in Fort Branch after observing the Blue Ford vehicle speeding on US 41 near County Road 650 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Bates detected the odor of Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. At that point Deputy Bates began a roadside investigation where standard field sobriety tests were administered. At the conclusion of his investigation he placed the driver 33 year old Joshua O’Daniel of Mount Carmel into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. O’Daniel was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Assisting Deputy Bates in his investigation was Deputy Levi Sims.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pre-Trial Hearing For Accused Sex Offender
A 23 year old Mt. Carmel charged with criminal sexual assault was back in Wabash County Circuit Court yesterday as preparations continue for his February jury trial. Michael Haase was arrested in July 2022 by Mt. Carmel Police after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The warrant was the result of a two and half month investigation that began when Wabash County Sheriff Derek Morgan’s office received a report alleging Haase committed criminal sexual assault. During a pre-trial yesterday, state’s attorney Kelli Storckman and defense attorney T. J. Matthes argued over motions ahead of the February 3rd trial. Judge Denton Aud set a final pre-trial hearing for January 9th at which time he will rule on motions filed by Storckman regarding potential testimony and evidence. Following his arrest, Haase posted $10,000 cash bond and has been free ever since.
Deputy's Preliminary Hearing Delayed Again
For the second straight month, the preliminary hearing for former Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy Chase Cheadle has been postponed. The latest delay stems from the continued health complications afflicting special prosecutor Brian Towne. In court yesterday, defense attorney Jonathan Turpin told Judge Denton Aud that Towne is still suffering from the same health issues that caused last month’s delay in the preliminary hearing. Yesterday, Cheadle waived his right to a prompt preliminary hearing and is now due back in court on January 23rd. Cheadle, who was the sheriff’s department’s canine handler, faces four charges of official misconduct, 1 count of Theft, 1 count of Cruelty to animals, and 2 counts of Animal owner duties. Five of the eight charges are felonies. Cheadle found Kiki unresponsive in July and was arrested following an investigation. He resigned from the sheriff’s department on August 8th.
Mt. Carmel Man Arrested Following Dispute With Casey's Employee
On 11/27/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Andrew J. Ross, age 29, of Mt. Carmel for Aggravated Assault and Disorderly Conduct following an incident at the Casey’s Convenience Store. Officers were called to the scene due to an allegation that Ross had caused a dispute with an employee while inside the store. Ross was asked to leave at which time he allegedly began striking the counter with his fists followed by an aggressive stance with the employee. The employee reported fear of harm from Ross during this time. A customer intervened and worked to escort Ross from the store. Once Ross exited the store, everyone worked to keep the door secured as he attempted to re-enter the building. It was also alleged that Ross made a cutting motion across his neck towards the involved parties which caused further fear of the threat of harm. One customer wished to pursue charges against Ross and was allowed to do so. Ross was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.
Mt. Carmel Man Picked Up On FTA Warrant
On 12/09/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Nicholas M. Irelan, age 38, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant. The arresting officer observed Irelan walking in the 900 block of Poplar Street and knew of the arrest warrant. Irelan was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.
Albion Man Arrested On FTA Warrant
On 12/10/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Francisco M. Gutierrez, age 39, of Albion on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant along with additional charges of Unlawful Use of Weapon and No Valid Driver’s License. Gutierrez’s arrest stemmed from a traffic stop on a 2004 maroon GMC in the 400 block of West 9th Street for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. During the stop, the arresting officer learned of Gutierrez’s warrant at which time he was taken into custody. Additionally, officers found brass knuckles in the vehicle and that he failed to possess a valid driver’s license. Gutierrez was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the above charges and warrant and held on a $200 cash bond as stated on the warrant.
Georgia man arrested for fleeing from officers
On December 12, 2024, at 0332 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates attempted to stop a white SUV for traveling 82 mph in a 60 mph zone on US 41 near County Road 400 South. Deputy Bates pulled in behind the northbound vehicle and activated his emergency lights when he pulled behind the vehicle. Deputy Bates radioed into central dispatch the registration number and that the vehicle had not stopped. Deputy Bates continued to follow the vehicle all the way to north of the US 41 and State Road 64 interchange when the vehicle finally pulled over after refusing to stop for over four miles. At that point Deputy Michael Bates and Princeton Sergeant Ben Kiesel conducted a Felony traffic stop. After removing the driver from the vehicle and placing him in custody Deputy Bates began an investigation into the incident. At the conclusion of his investigation he placed 32 year old Mohammed Shabaz of Smyrna, Georgia into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement- Fleeing in a Vehicle. Mr. Shabaz was also issued a citation for speeding.
Assisting Deputy Bates in his investigation was Princeton Sergant. Ben Kiesel and Gibson County Sergeant John Fischer.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
