Jury convicts Cahokia Heights man of drug distribution, gun charges

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A southern Illinois jury convicted a Cahokia Heights man of possessing cocaine base with intent to distribute and a firearm to further the drug operation.

The jury found Demarkee D. Jimerson, 45, guilty of one count of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“Armed drug dealers belong in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Demarkee Jimerson was a gun toting felon pedaling crack cocaine and methamphetamine, and he’s heading to federal prison, where he belongs. I appreciate the work of our attorneys who tried the case and the law enforcement professionals who investigated the case. Their work has made our community safer.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement agents executed a warrant to search Jimerson’s house in Cahokia Heights in July 2021. Agents recovered approximately 88 grams of cocaine base, meth, MDMA, marijuana, nine firearms and ammunition.

“Drug traffickers rely on weapons, including firearms, to feel empowered,” Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said. “They inflict fear in communities while pushing poisonous products that destroy lives and hurt families. Demarkee Jimerson now faces several years in prison to reflect on his actions and the pain he has caused so many people around him.”

Jimerson had previously been convicted of felony drug distribution offenses and therefore unable to legally possess firearms.

The drug possession charge is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Felon in possession of a firearm convictions can earn up to 10 years’ imprisonment and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is a mandatory five years in federal prison. Jimerson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 27 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.

DEA led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karelia Rajagopal and Tom Leggans are prosecuting the case.

PROJECT UPDATE: Lane closures planned for U.S. 50 in Knox County

KNOX COUNTY Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces alternating lane closures for U.S. 50 in Knox County

Beginning on or around Monday, May 1, crews will begin alternating lane closures on U.S. 50 near Vincennes. These lane closures will occur over Fort Knox Drive.

Alternating lane closures will allow for bridge deck replacement to the eastbound bridge of U.S. 50. One lane of traffic will be open in both directions. Eastbound traffic will utilize a cross-over to use westbound lanes. Fort Knox Drive will be closed between Old Terre Haute Road and Fort Knox Drive.

Lane closures are part of Phase 2 of a bridge construction project on U.S. 50. This project will involve the replacement of both east and westbound bridge decks.

Lane closures planned for I-69 in Pike County

PIKE COUNTY Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces alternating lane closures of I-69 in Pike County.

Beginning on or around Friday, May 2, crews will begin alternating lane closures on I-69 in Pike County near Petersburg. These lane closures will occur between the 51-mile marker and the 53-mile marker on both north and southbound lanes of traffic.

Alternating lane closures will allow for a polymeric overlay project to both bridges. One lane of traffic will remain open in both directions. Work is expected to take a month to complete, depending on the weather. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

Updated Information: Suspect Arrested In Oakland City Murder Investigation

Gibson County – The suspect in the Oakland City murder investigation has been identified as Jonathan Fiscus, 24, of Oakland City.  Fiscus is the son of the victim.

A warrant was issued this afternoon for his arrest. Fiscus was incarcerated in the Edgar County Jail in Illinois for an unrelated incident. He is currently being detained in the Edgar County Jail and waiting extradition.

Arrested and Charge:

  • Jonathan Fiscus, 24, Oakland City, IN

  1. Murder


An autopsy is still scheduled for Saturday.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

Oakland City woman arrested for disorderly conduct & public indecency

On April 24, 2025, at 6:34 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wes Baumgart and Sgt. Loren Barchett were dispatched to the 2000 block of South 1200 East to investigate a dispute between neighbors.  Upon arriving, the deputies spoke with both parties and conducted an investigation.  During the investigation 44-year-old Heather Broshears of Oakland City became loud and disruptive, inhibiting the Deputies’ investigation.  Deputies placed Ms. Broshears into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail, where she was charged with disorderly conduct and public indecency. 
 
Alcohol was a factor in this investigation. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Juveniles Arrested For "Trashing" Allendale Residence 

On March 23rd, 2025 at approximately 0926 the Wabash County Sheriff's Office responded to 204 N 3rd. St. in Allendale reference a burglary. The tenant had been gone for a couple of days and advised that he was in the process of moving out. The tenant found the home to be completely trashed. "Trashed" as in garbage had been thrown throughout the residence. Other items within the home and on the outside of the home had been broken and some items were taken from the residence as well. The home incurred substantial damage due to the trash being strewn all over and for the amount of time, it sat within the house.

The responding deputy canvassed the neighborhood looking for any potential witness and/or surveillance footage of the area. During the investigation a number of suspects were developed. Deputies conducted interviews of the suspects that were identified.

On 04.24.25 Wabash County State's Attorney Kelli Storckman filed charges of Theft over $500, 2 counts of Criminal damage to property in excess of $10,000, against 3 juveniles. The juveniles have been summoned to court and notified of their charges. The investigation continues with the possibility of additional defendants.

Fort Branch Man Arrested In Connection To Stolen Laptop

On 4/23/25, Anthony Gehring, age 48, of Fort Branch, Indiana, was transported back to Wabash County by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office after being arrested on a Wabash County Warrant for Felony Theft in Vanderburgh County.  The arrest stemmed from an Mt. Carmel Police Department investigation into the theft of a laptop computer on 3/18/2025.  Due to a tip to Wabash County Crimestoppers, MCPD was able to identify Mr. Gehring as the suspect in question.  Gehring is being held at the Wabash County Jail pending further disposition by the court.


Murder Investigation underway in Oakland City

Gibson County – Indiana State Police detectives and crime scene units are currently investigating a homicide that occurred at 314 W. Dale Street in Oakland City.

Thursday afternoon, April 24, the Oakland City Police Department received a request to conduct a welfare check at the Dale Street address. When officers arrived, they discovered a deceased male, who was later identified a Brad Fiscus, 57. Fiscus resides at the residence.

A suspect has been detained by law enforcement. This is still an active investigation.

An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday.

More information will be released when it becomes available.

Fort Branch woman arrested on drug charges

On April 23, 2025, at 10:20 p.m., Deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 700 block of East Strain Street as part of an ongoing investigation.  Upon arriving at the residence, Deputy Eric Powell began a drug investigation that resulted in 41-year-old Britni Miller of Fort Branch being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail, Ms. Miller was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines. Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana.
 
Deputies Wes Baumgart and Wyatt Hunt assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation.  Fort Branch Officer Louis Jerrell also assisted in this investigation.
  
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.