Warrant sweep in Illinois leads to 14 arrests

Illinois State Police District 22 and the Alexander County Sheriff's Office arrested 14 people in a warrant sweep in Cairo and Thebes, Ill.

In cooperation with the Alexander County Housing Authority, the U.S. Marshall's Office and the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the sweep concentrated on alleged drug dealers and users, people known to be wanted in Alexander County and persons on the housing authority ban list who are not authorized to live in public housing, according to Alexander County Sheriff David Barkett.

Individuals were arrested for various violations including illegal possession of drugs, illegal firearm possession, illegal possession of alcohol by a minor, criminal trespass to state/federal supported property and serving of active warrants and pending violations for federal charges.

"These sweeps are a catalyst in a consolidated law enforcement effort to make the residents who live in these areas safer," said Lt. Michael Hooks, Illinois State Police District 22 operations officer, in a statement. "In working together, the Illinois State Police, in cooperation with the Alexander County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies, will aggressively apprehend violators of laws designed to protect these residents."

Arrested were:

• Henry J. Everett, 55, of Cairo, Ill., for possession of marijuana, 2.5 to 10 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Chazette S. Smith, 18, of Tamms, Ill., for felony unlawful use of a weapon, no firearm owner's identification card and possession with intent to deliver 10 to 30 grams of marijuana.
• Starlon D. Davis, 18, of Cairo for felony unlawful use of a weapon, no firearm identification card and possession with intent to deliver 10 to 30 grams of marijuana.
• Jermaine Kyles, 29, of Cairo for criminal trespass.
• Tyrance Hill, 31, of Cairo for trespass to state-supported property.
• Aris Gashin, 19, for possession of alcohol by a minor.
• Michael Johnson, 53, of Cairo for a warrant violation.
• Charles Jackson, 19, for possession of marijuana, more than 2.5 grams but less than 10 grams.
• Tyrone Watson, 27, of Cairo for obstructing a peace officer and criminal trespass.
• Marlon Hirsh, 27, of Joliet, Ill., for criminal trespass.
• Isaac Smelton, 23, for trespass.
• Devaunte Williams for possession of drugs.
• Marie Snow for a Pulaski County warrant violation.
• Jeremiah Morgan for trespass.

Sheriff Barkett said future sweeps are planned. He urged anyone who has information on criminal activities in Illinois to call the Alexander County Sheriff's Office at (618) 734-2141. All information is confidential.

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