Garth W. Coonce, founder and president of Marion-based Tri-State Christian Television Network died Monday. He was 86.
West Frankfort man sentenced to 48 years in prison for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child
January 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Staff Report
A 63-year-old West Frankfort man was sentenced in Franklin County Circuit Court on Thursday to 48 years in prison for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.
Steven D. Sneed
Steven D. Sneed was found guilty August 24, 2022 during a jury trial in Franklin County Circuit Court. Sneed was found guilty of committing an act of sexual contact with a 10-year-old child for the purposes of sexual gratification. The case was prosecuted by Franklin County State’s Attorney Abby Dinn and was investigated by the West Frankfort Police Department and the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center.
The charge against Sneed is a Class X felony, punishable by a sentencing range of 6 to 60 years. By statute, Sneed will be required to serve 85 percent of the sentence that was handed down by Judge Thomas Tedeschi. In issuing the 48-year sentence, Judge Tedeschi virtually handed down a life sentence, guaranteeing that the 63-year-old Sneed, who had been convicted of a prior charge of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, will never leave prison.
Also sentenced on Thursday by Judge Tedeschi in Franklin County Circuit Court:
William J. Franklin, 28, of Benton, was sentenced to six years in the IDOC for possession of a weapon by a felon.
Charles E. Williams, of West Frankfort, was sentenced to seven years in IDOC for possession of 15-100 grams of methamphetamine and two years in IDOC for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Roy B. Samel, 48, of West Frankfort, was sentenced to four years in IDOC for delivery of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine.
These cases were investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, West Frankfort Police Department and the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, and prosecuted by State’s Attorney Abby Dinn.
Watchdog seeks harsher penalties in wake of abuse at Illinois mental health center
January 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment
The watchdog for the Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking harsher penalties against health care workers who obstruct abuse and neglect investigations.
State OKs $20 million for influx of migrants to Chicago after warning that funding would end; amount less than half what Lightfoot wanted
January 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Chicago is poised to receive $20 million from the state of Illinois under an appropriation bill passed by legislators for migrants, but that’s less than half of what Mayor Lori Lightfoot requested to address a recent influx of asylum-seekers.
Illinois gun ban ruling expected Friday as eyes remain on other gun control measures
January 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – While eyes are on the courts with lawsuits challenging Illinois’ gun ban working through the state and federal judiciary, a gun-rights group says it’s important to keep an eye on the statehouse because more gun control measures are coming.
Illinois’ sweeping firearms ban faces first lawsuits, pushback from dozens of sheriffs
January 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Only a week old, Illinois’ sweeping ban on high-powered firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines is facing at least two legal challenges and pushback from dozens of county sheriffs who say they won’t uphold the law.
Pritzker on global stage: People don’t want bipartisanship, they want things to get done
January 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is in Switzerland for the 2023 World Economic Forum to tout his agenda. Some back home say the governor should be more focused on the state’s issues.
SNAP reductions coming; Secretary of State eyes modernization
January 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment
While about half the country already has reduced the amount of pandemic-era federal food assistance offered in their state, Illinois is preparing for the change to take effect in March.
Businesses coping with Illinois’ minimum wage increase
January 17, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – Illinois’ minimum wage increased to $13 at the beginning of the year and businesses are feeling it.
Legislation giving mandatory paid leave to all Illinois employees ready for governor
January 17, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – A bill headed to the governor’s desk that gives paid leave to all Illinois workers is being criticized for hurting small businesses around the state.
