Eight facing federal meth charges after two-week drug arrest and search operation

BENTON, Ill. – Following a two-week coordinated operation led by the FBI, eight individuals are facing federal charges for distributing meth or possession with intent to distribute in southern Illinois. 

A federal grand jury charged:

• Sarah L. Elverd, 35, of Centralia, with one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of meth,

• Alan D. Fleming, 41, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth,

• John A. Fowler, 49, of Mount Vernon, with eight counts of distribution of meth,

• James B. Lockwood, 43, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth,

• Cedric R. Long, 32, of Bluford, with two counts of distribution of meth,

• Christopher L. Webb, 38, of Mount Vernon, with one count of possession with intent to distribute meth,

• Scott T. Miller, 40, of Centralia, with two counts of distribution of meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth,

• and Damion D. Thrailkill, 39, of Mount Vernon, with one count of distribution of meth.

“Dealers know how addictive and destructive meth is for users but choose to infect communities and place profits above people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

The arrests are the result of a multi-agency investigation targeting crime throughout southern Illinois in late May and early June. The investigations were spearheaded by the FBI Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force, a task force composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers dedicated to dismantling violent criminal networks and safeguarding the communities they serve.

“These arrests send a clear message,” said Karen Marinos, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Springfield Division. “We’re taking a more aggressive posture toward violent crime. No matter how remote the area or how insulated the group thinks it is—if you threaten the safety of our communities, we will act swiftly and decisively. This operation was only possible because of the strong coordination among our law enforcement partners—a partnership that grows stronger every day. When we work together with a unified mission, there’s nowhere left for violent criminals to hide.”

In addition, the task force arrested three individuals on state charges in Jefferson County.

• Janay Branch, of Mount Vernon, was charged and pled guilty to charges. Branch was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment on one count of conspiracy to distribute.

• Anthony Smith, of Mount Vernon, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute meth.

• Adrian E. Carruth Jr., of Mount Vernon, was charged with one count of meth
  delivery 100-400 grams, possession of cocaine 15-100 grams and conspiracy to distribute meth.

Beyond making arrests, law enforcement executed a series of search warrants during this operational period and seized firearms, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cannabis and U.S. currency.

Indictments are merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

Agencies assisting in the investigation and arrests include the U.S. Marshals Service’s Benton and East St. Louis Office, Carlyle Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff Office, Bond County Sheriff Office, Centralia Police Department, and the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Charges for the federally arrested individuals were filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow.

IECC Receives Federal Grant To Continue TRIO

Olney, Illinois, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges— The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Illinois Eastern Community Colleges a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $361,922.00 to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.

This award marks the continuation of 32 years of TRIO SSS services on our campus. Since 1993, the program has served over 6000 students, helping them stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.

Through individualized services including academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling, and mentoring, TRIO SSS empowers students to overcome barriers to success. These comprehensive supports make it significantly more likely that students will complete their degree or successfully transfer, with the lowest possible debt.

“This grant allows Illinois Eastern Community Colleges to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally,” said Wain Davis, Director of IECC TRIO Student Support Services. “Student Support Services helps level the playing field and equips our students with the tools and confidence to graduate and lead.”

Nationally, the SSS program has a proven track record. According to a rigorous 2019 evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education, students in SSS at two-year institutions were 48% more likely to earn an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year school, and students at four-year institutions were 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not in the program.

“TRIO programs generally and TRIO SSS, in particular, transforms students from the least resourced backgrounds into college graduates,” said Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C. “This vital program makes all the difference for nearly a million students each year across the country.”

SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. Since its inception in 1968, SSS has helped millions of low-income, first-generation students graduate from college and contribute to their communities and the economy. Notable alumni of the TRIO Student Support Services program include Michael Cashman, Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh, NY; former NASA astronaut José Hernández; and Cheryl Johnson, 36th Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.

For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, visit https://iecc.edu/triosss or contact Wain Davis, SSS Director at davist@iecc.edu.

About the Federal TRIO Programs

TRIO programs (Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program) help students overcome academic, economic, and social barriers to higher education. TRIO services include assistance in choosing a college and tutoring; personal, financial, and career counseling; assistance in applying to college; workplace and college visits; special instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and mathematics; assistance in applying for financial aid; and academic assistance in high school or assistance to reenter high school or college.

Meet The Wabash County Fair Princess Contestants #3 Karlee Adams

My name is Karlee Adams.

I am 13. My parents are Kevin and Jenny Adams.

I am a member of Town and Country 4-H’ers.

My hobbies and interests include horseback riding, helping with my church food pantry, puzzles, reading and baking.

My current goal is to become    more skilled at horse shows and riding my horse.

My future goals are to go on church missions in other countries. To become an animal vet and train horses. 

I want to thank my sponsor Mason Kennard Farms. 

Meet The Wabash County Fair Princess Contestants #2 Reese Price

My name is Reese Price, and I am fifteen years old. I am a six-year member of the Allendale Twisters 4-H club. The Wabash County Fair has been a highlight of my summers over the years.I have learned a great deal, made lasting friendships, and grown as a person in numerous ways through my experiences at the fair. I am very grateful for my parents, Jared and Jodi Price, who have supported me each year and with every project. I realize it is a gift to have the experiences that 4-H and the Junior Fair offer, and I sincerely appreciate that my parents made it possible. 

I will be entering my sophomore year as a homeschool student this fall. I highly value the flexibility of studying from home. It has helped me to enjoy learning and has taught me to make wise choices with the investment of my time and energy. 

 This will be my ninth year playing volleyball and my fifth year playing for the Ambassador Christian Academy. I also enjoy playing club volleyball and have been with Evansville United Volleyball Academy for the past two years. This sport is a massive part of my life. The athletic and mental challenge of the game is invigorating, and the team aspect is like no other. I aspire to play in college one day. 

I love my church family at Allendale First Christian Church and feel very blessed to have been spiritually nourished there for the past five years. I officially committed my life to Christ this past January and proudly proclaim Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 

My 4-H projects this year include rabbits, hogs, and horses. I genuinely enjoy working with all three species, but horses are my true passion. My life has always been centered around these magnificent creatures, and their impact on my character has been significant. 

I decided to run for Wabash County Princess this year because it is an excellent opportunity to challenge my comfort zone, practice interviewing skills, and serve others. Our county fair is full of wonderful, hardworking people and families, and I would be honored to spend my time serving them. 

Thank you to my sponsor, Richard Gochenour Construction, for always supporting me and encouraging me in everything that I do.

Meet The Wabash County Fair Princess Contestants: #1 Stella Swanson

 My name is Stella Swanson. I am 14 years old. My parents are John and Tracy Swanson.  My father works for FS in Grayville and my mother owns Keys Hill Engineering.

My hobbies are baking, catching frogs, fishing, walking, drawing, writing, and playing sports. 

My goals for this year are to win a soccer tournament, win a Discovery Degree in my FFA chapter, and grow my baking business.

I would like to be the Fair Princess because I believe the experience would strengthen my leadership skills and allow me to meet many knowledgeable people.

If I am chosen, I will strive to be as helpful as I can be and to be a good role model for the younger kids, and I will represent Wabash County 4-H  well.

Thank you, Food for Thought, for your sponsorship.

Meet The Wabash County Fair Queen Contestants: #3 Zoie Ankenbrand

Hello! My name is Zoie Ankenbrand. I am the daughter of James and Jennifer Ankenbrand and have one brother, Zeb. Growing up in 4-H, I always looked up to the Wabash County Fair Queens. This year, I’m excited and honored to have the opportunity to compete for the chance to represent our county and be a role model for the next generation.

Some of my favorite things include attending local fairs during the summer, baking, cooking, and photography. I am a proud member of the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club in Edwards County and currently serve as a Senior Federation Member. I’ve been involved in 4-H since I was 8 years old, and this will be my final year. Through these organizations, I’ve had many opportunities to serve my community and live by the 4-H motto, “Make the best better.” If chosen as the 2025 Miss Wabash County Fair Queen, I plan to use my background in community service to help make a positive difference in our community.

The fair is more than just an event to me — it’s a chance to grow as a person and inspire others. I want to encourage the younger generation to keep going, no matter what challenges they face. I understand how powerful, encouragement can be. When I was a first-year showman, I looked up to others for help and guidance, and now I strive to be that support system for others.

Right now, I am the new owner of Café 82:3 and also run my cake business, Gray Cakes, which I started in 2023. Looking ahead at the future, I plan to continue running Café 82:3 and grow my photography on the side, while some day i hope to get married and start a family so my kids get the same opportunity of being in 4-H has I had. 

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent Wabash County and excited about what lies ahead. I see this pageant as a door to new opportunities and connections. When I was younger, I dreamed of one day becoming the Fair Queen. Now, I hope to be the same inspiration to others that past queens were to me.

A big thank you to RT Farms for sponsoring me. Your support means the world!

Meet The Wabash County Fair Queen Contestants #2 Ava Giese

My name is Ava Giese, and I am seventeen years old. I am proud to say that this year marks my ninth year as a member of 4-H. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents, Jared Giese and Danielle Peach. They have always encouraged me to pursue my passions, including my deep involvement in 4-H.

I am an upcoming senior at Mount Carmel High School, where I've had the opportunity to grow both academically and personally. During my high school years, I was a three-year varsity tennis player, a member of the MCHS band as part of the color guard, and actively participated in many of the school's musical productions. One of my proudest academic accomplishments was being inducted into the National Honor Society last year, recognizing my commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Looking ahead, I plan to attend Wabash Valley College for two years before transferring to a four-year university. My goal is to become an Occupational Therapist, a career path that allows me to help others

This year, l've decided to run for Wabash County Fair Queen because I believe in the power of strong relationships and leading by example. The Wabash County Fair has always been more than just an event—it's a time when our community comes together to celebrate shared values and hard work. I hope to be a positive influence and someone that younger 4-H members can look up to, just as l've looked up to others over the years.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my sponsor, John Haase Family Farms, for supporting me and continually showing dedication to all 4-H members. This support makes opportunities like this possible, and I am truly grateful.

Meet The Wabash County Fair Queen Contestants: Glenna McVaigh

Fair Queen Contestant #1 Glenna McVaigh

Hey y’all, I’m Glenna McVaigh daughter of Tracee McVaigh and the late Jim McVaigh. I'm 19 years old and a graduate of Mount Carmel High School. I’m getting ready to start my sophomore year at Wabash Valley College. There I am pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business and Production. I am currently interning for Wabash Valley Service Co. in Browns, IL. In high school, I was a member of the National Honor Society, and FFA. I am currently a member of the First Apostolic Church in Mount Carmel, National Technical Honor Society, PAS, Wabash County Farm Bureau, FFA alumni, and 4-H. I have been in 4-H since my cloverbud years and before that I assisted my sister during shows at the fair as well. 

     Through the years, I have shown every animal you see out at the county fair. My heart will always go to my horses and showing pigs! In the future, I plan on owning my own farm where I raise quarter horses, along with other farm animals, and work on expanding myself within the agricultural world. Outside of the family farm and work, you’ll find me at church or the gym. I wouldn’t have gotten where I am if it wasn’t for God being alongside me every step of the way! 

     The reason I am running for Wabash County Fair Queen is to show other girls younger than me that it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. At the end of the day,  you are the only one who can apply yourself and put yourself out there. I want to show the younger generations that being yourself is better than fitting into the crowd. I also want to shout out to my sponsor Wabash Valley Service Co. for helping me in my running for Wabash County Fair Queen! They have not only been an amazing sponsor, but amazing people to work with who support me and encourage me everyday.

Princeton Couple Sentenced to Combined 14 Years in Federal Prison for $2 Million Mail Theft Scheme and Firearms Offenses

EVANSVILLE- Michael Jerome Wright, 45, and Cortney Lashea Young, 36, of Princeton, Indiana, have been sentenced to 12 and 2 years in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a mail theft scheme.

Wright pleaded guilty to mail theft, unlawful possession of a mail key, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a felon, and possession of a machinegun. Young pleaded guilty to mail theft and possession of a firearm by a felon. Both will serve three years of supervised release following their prison sentence.

According to court documents, in 2023, law enforcement officials began receiving numerous complaints about mail theft and check forgery.

In March and April of 2024, Evansville Police Department officers surveilled local United States Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. On six different occasions, investigators saw Wright open collection boxes with an arrow key around 4:30 in the morning, sort through the mail, then drive off with stolen mail. On at least two of those occasions, investigators saw Young behind the wheel of the getaway car.

The USPS uses a unique type of lock known as an “arrow lock” to secure collection boxes, lockers, and apartment mailbox panels. These locks can only be opened with an arrow key. It is a crime for anyone not authorized by the Postal Service to knowingly have or use arrow keys.

On April 3, 2023, law enforcement officers stopped the pair just as they drove away from another mail theft. Officers searched the vehicle and uncovered an arrow key and stolen mail on the passenger floorboard.

Investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Wright and Young’s apartment in Princeton and located hundreds of checks and their corresponding envelopes, many of which had been previously reported as stolen.  The stolen checks had a total face value of $1,857,460.91.

Investigators also found two handguns under the mattress in Wright and Young’s bedroom. On Wright’s side of the bed was a partially 3D printed, privately made firearm with no serial number. This type of weapon is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” because it has no records related to its manufacture or sale. Investigators also recovered two, 30-round extended magazines. The ghost gun had a machinegun conversion device, also called a “Glock switch,” installed, allowing it to fire as a fully automatic weapon. Glock switches are themselves considered machine guns under federal law, whether they are installed in a firearm or not. On Young’s side of the bed was a Ruger pistol.

Wright has sustained multiple felony convictions including murder, dealing in a synthetic drug, operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Young has sustained a felony conviction for fraud. These prior felony convictions prohibit Wright and Young from ever legally possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Also in the bedroom of the apartment, law enforcement found two backpacks. In Wright’s backpack, investigators found 30 debit and credit cards bearing the names of other individuals, as well as a piece of notebook paper that had the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for three other individuals written on it.

“Americans rely on the U.S. Postal Service to securely deliver everything from birthday cards to critical financial documents,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This couple exploited that trust through a widespread mail theft and identity fraud scheme that caused two million dollars in losses, while arming themselves with very dangerous illegal weapons. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who target the public and abuse systems we all depend on.”

“This case highlights the distinguished partnership between the Indianapolis Field Office, the Evansville Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Secret Service has a duty to safeguard the nation’s financial infrastructure, but we protect far more than just the economic interest of the communities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge of the Indianapolis Field Office, Ike Barnes. “This case is a prime example of how those who look to victimize our communities will do so in numerous ways. Michael Wright and Cortney Young not only exploited our community of roughly $1.8 million in illicit funds but also brought dangerous weapons into our neighborhoods to carry out their depraved scheme.”   

“Protecting the U.S. mail and its customers is at the core of our mission as postal inspectors,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick of USPIS - Detroit Division.  “Thanks to incredible collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we were able to do just that by putting these individuals behind bars. This sentencing should be considered a warning to anyone else looking to prey on the Postal Service or its customers – we will bring you to justice.”

The U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew B. Miller and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

Search On For Wanted Fugitive

MT. CARMEL, IL – The Wabash County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking the public’s help in locating Donald “Scott” Baird, a 54-year-old white male, approximately 6’0” tall, weighing 210 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Baird is known to have lived at 327 N. Cherry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

Baird was re-sentenced on May 12, 2025, to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and was ordered to report to the Wabash County Jail by noon on May 14, 2025. He failed to turn himself in and is now wanted by law enforcement.

On May 15, 2025, a no-bond arrest warrant was issued for Baird out of Wabash County. Baird is considered a fugitive from justice and has a history of fleeing from law enforcement.

A $500 cash reward is being offered by Wabash County Crimestoppers for information that leads directly to Baird’s arrest.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Donald “Scott” Baird is urged to contact Wabash County Crimestoppers at 618-262-HALT (4258). Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Wabash County SheriffApp, available for free download on both Apple and Android devices.

Do not attempt to apprehend Baird. If you see him, contact law enforcement immediately.