On Thursday, May 22^nd, 2025 at 1:01am, Newton County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence on CR 50S, west of US 41 in reference to a report of a person being shot.  Sheriff’s Deputies arrived to find Dennis Griede (37 years old) of Wheatfield, suffering from gunshot wounds.  Griede was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds.

 

After an extensive and thorough investigation, Matthew DeYoung, 40 years old of Morocco, was arrested and charged with: Murder, Criminal Recklessness, a Level 6 Felony, Obstruction of Justice, a Level 6 Felony, and Neglect of a Dependent, a Level 6 Felony.

 

Theresa DeYoung, 35 years old of Morocco, was arrested and charged with Criminal Recklessness, Neglect of a Dependent, Obstruction of Justice (all level 6 felonies), and False Informing, a Class A Misdemeanor.

 

Preliminary charges were approved by the Newton County Prosecutor. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mosley at 888-663-9866 ext 3107.

 

Matthew and Theresa DeYoung are both being held at the Newton County Jail with no bond.

 

All suspects are considered innocent unless/until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assisting agencies: Newton County 9-1-1 Communications, Newton County EMS, Morocco Fire, Newton County Prosecutor Investigators, Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, and the Indiana State Police.

On May 25th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dakota C. Hudspeth, age 32, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the Gilman Mini Mart for the report of a male subject sleeping in his vehicle. Deputies arrived and made contact with the male, who was identified as Hudspeth. During contact with Hudspeth, probable cause was obtained to search his vehicle. During the search deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine as well as controlled substances in the vehicle. Hudspeth was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine more than 15 grams and 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 19th 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Felicity Pelton, age 32, of Crescent City. According police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Pelton. A computer check revealed Pelton to have an outstanding LaSalle County warrant for forgery. Peiton was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later transferred to the custody of LaSalle County.

On May 19 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Connor Janssen, age 25, of Ashkum. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to Crescent City for someone actively damaging a vehicle. When deputies located the suspect vehicle, contact with Janssen was made. Janssen resisted deputies' attempts to arrest him. Janssen was finally taken into custody and charged with criminal damage to property over $500, resisting/obstructing a peace officer, and driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 20 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Taylor Jackson, age 36, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies were informed that Jackson was located at the Iroquois County Courthouse. He had two outstanding Iroquois County warrants, one for theft less that $500 and one for theft over $500. Jackson was taken into custody and escorted to the Iroquois County Jail where he awaits his next court date.

On May 21 st 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Brittany Merrill, age 34, of Momence. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to Crescent City in reference to a civil disturbance. Gathered information revealed that Merrill was suspected to be intoxicated. She had also been threatening and harassing the residents on scene. Merrill was taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct. She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 22nd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Andy Leppard, age 45, of Wellington. According to police reports, Leppard was escorted from the Iroquois County Courthouse to the Iroquois County Jail following his sentencing of three years for burglary. Leppard remains in custody where he awaits extradition to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On May 23 rd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Anthony Bolian-Brown, age 35, of Danville.

According to police reports, Bolian-Brown was being held at the Vermilion County Jail on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failing to appear on the original charge of driving while license revoked. Bolian-Brown was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he awaits his next court date.

On May 23 rd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Nathaniel Tjarks, age 50, of Paxton. According to police reports, Tjarks was being held at the Champaign County Jail on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failing to appear on the original charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol. Tjarks was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he awaits his next court date.

On May 23 rd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Joshua Sauberli, age 31, of Donovan. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Sauberli for traffic violations. A computer check revealed Sauberli to have an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failing to appear on the original charge of driving while license suspended. Sauberli was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he awaits his next court date.

Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers has announced that the 2024 payable in 2025 real estate tax statements have been released. The due date for the first installation will be July 7, 2025, with the due date for the second installation on September 8, 2025. After the due dates, per Illinois State Statute, a 1 ½% penalty must be added each month. The Treasurer’s office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office observes all federal holidays.

 

To avoid waiting in line, you can make payments at any bank in Iroquois County, mail to the above address or make payments online. Taxpayers must include the entire page of the tax bill with payment, or a $2.00 fee will be charged. Upon payment, the stub of the tax bill will be removed and stamped and returned if paid in the office. If you mail your payments and would like to have a receipt, you must enclose the entire bill plus a self-address stamped envelope. Credit cards, Debit cards or E-check are also options. Please visit www.iroquoisil.devnetwedge.com and note that fees are charged and applied at the time of checkout.

 

Members of the United States Armed Forces Reserve Unit can defer their real estate tax payment until 180 days after they return from active duty. This option is available if called to active duty for deployment outside the continental United States and if on active duty on the due date of any installation of taxes. Please contact the Treasurer’s office to make arrangements.

 

Any questions regarding exemptions, assessed valuations or address changes, contact the Assessment office at 815-432-6978.

 

Any questions regarding tax rates or back taxes, contact the County Clerk office at 815-432-6960.

On May 2nd, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Cassie Stafford, 34, of Kankakee.

According to police reports, Stafford was being held in Livingston County on an Iroquois

County warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of driving while license suspended. Stafford was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released on a notice to appear.

On May 3 rd, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Timothy Felton, 24, of Champaign. According to police reports, Felton was being held in Champaign County on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of obstruction of identification. Felton was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released on a notice to appear.

On May 5 th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Luis Munoz, 29, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Munoz was the driver of a vehicle that deputies were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on for multiple traffic infractions. Munoz failed to pull over for two miles before eventually coming to a stop. Munoz was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding. Munoz was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

On May 5 th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Lamarcus Jarrett, 25, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Jarrett was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Deputies. A computer check revealed Jarrett had an active Kankakee County warrant for traffic offenses. Jarrett was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later extradited to Kankakee County.

On May 6th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Andrew Conrad, 46, of Cissna Park. According to police reports, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Conrad. A

computer check revealed Conrad has a revoked Illinois driver's license. Conrad was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

On May 8 th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Mario Gray, 28, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Deputies were called to a residence in the 400 block of E. Main St. in Sheldon for the report of a domestic battery. Gray was taken into custody after Deputies completed an investigation on scene. Gray was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released into the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On May 1 0th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Mark DePatis, age 53, of Watseka. According with police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations where DePatis was a passenger. A search of Depatis' person revealed suspected methamphetamine. Depatis was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Depatis was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 10th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Tiffany Wendel, age 45, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Wendel for traffic violations. A search of Wendel's person revealed drug paraphernalia. Wendel was arrested. Upon transport and admittance to the Iroquois

County Jail, Wendel was found to be in possession of more drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine. Wendel was charged with driving while license suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams, and bringing contraband into a penal institution. She was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 10th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Shaun Cooper, age 43, of Onarga. According to police reports, deputies made contact with Cooper. Deputies knew Cooper to have an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failing to appear on the original charge oftheft. Cooper was arrested, and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. He was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 1 I th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Garrett Coffey, age 40, of Thawville. According to police reports, deputies were called to a residence in Thawville where Coffey was reported to have trespassed. Once on scene at a different residence, deputies made contact with Coffey. Deputies later learned that Coffey had an outstanding Ford County warrant for aggravated battery. Coffey was arrested and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. He was later released into the custody of Ford County Corrections.

On May I I th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dawn Williams, age 48, of Thawville. According to police reports, deputies were called to a residence in Thawville where Williams was reported to have trespassed. Once on scene at a different residence, deputies made contact with Williams. Deputies later learned that Williams had an outstanding Kankakee County warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Williams was arrested and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. She was later released into the custody of Kankakee County Corrections.

On May 14th, 2025, Milford Police Department arrested Stephanie Hillard, age 35, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Hillard was located at a residence in Milford that she is prohibited from, under a current order of protection. A warrant search revealed Hillard to also have an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for domestic battery. Hillard was arrested for the wan-ant and also charged with violating an order of protection. Hillard was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she remains awaiting her next court date.

On May 16th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Mollie Clifton, age 35, of Woodland. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Clifton for traffic violations. A search of Clifton's belongings revealed drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine. Clifton was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Clifton was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 19th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Kylen O. Wells, age 25, of Beaverville. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to a rural Beaverville address for a reported burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Wells to be the suspect in the burglary and later located him at his residence. While taking Wells into custody, he actively fought with deputies, but he was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. Wells was charged with burglary, theft over $500, battery, and resisting arrest. Wells remains in custody at the time of this release pending a detention hearing.

 

On May 12th, 2025 the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a Homicide that occurred on the outskirts of Iroquois, Il.

 

A vehicle driven by Nicholas Gregory, age 38, of Milford, IL. was left parked on a railroad crossing located at 2150 N. 2750 E., just outside Iroquois, IL. Gregory proceeded to enter a nearby residence, he then exited the home and stole the homeowner’s vehicle from their driveway. Upon driving the stolen vehicle back to the vehicle, he previously parked on the railroad tracks, Angela Taylor, age 57, of Donovan, Il. was stopped in her vehicle in front of the truck blocking the railroad crossing.

 

Gregory exited the stolen vehicle and approached Angela’s vehicle. As Angela exited her vehicle to see what Gregory was doing, he fired one round from his pistol striking her. Gregory fled the scene in the truck he parked on the railroad tracks.

 

Angela Taylor was pronounced deceased at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Il.

 

After fleeing from the scene, Gregory arrived at a residence in Watseka, Il. He interacted with the

resident briefly before driving away and shouting that he was going to kill the resident. Watseka Police Department began to assist in the search at that time.

 

Gregory was located in Jasper County IN. A pursuit ensued that involved both Jasper County and Newton County Sheriff’s Department.

 

Gregory was taken into custody by Newton County Sheriff’s Deputies and later extradited to the

Iroquois County Jail. Nicholas Gregory has been charged with First Degree Murder.

 

The Investigation is ongoing

 

On the evening of May 12, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies were dispatched to the area of 2150N, West of Iroquois for a disturbance. ICOM later received calls via 911 indicating that a person had been shot and the suspect had fled the scene.

 

Iroquois County Deputies and Riverside Ambulance arrived on scene. One subject was transported from the scene to St. Mary’s Hospital.

 

Iroquois County Deputies were advised that Jasper, and later Newton County Indiana Deputies were involved in a pursuit with the suspect vehicle. The suspect was apprehended without incident following the pursuit in Northeastern Newton County Indiana. The suspect was later transported to the Newton County Indiana Jail without incident.

 

More details of the investigation will be released at a later time.

On May 8, at 10:35 pm Watseka Police were dispatched to the 700 block of W Iroquois Street for a battery. Two juveniles were placed under arrest. One for Battery and another for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. Also arrested was Anthony Varvell, 49 of Watseka, for Obstruction and Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer. All subjects were transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On May 10, at 3:45 pm Watseka Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of E Mulberry Street/S 5th Street. The passenger, Austin L. Freehill, 32 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Freehill was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On May 11, at 8:25 am Watseka Police were dispatched to the 100 block of W Herron Court for a trespasser. Brandon J. Wood, 41 of Watseka, was arrested for Aggravated Assault, Criminal Trespass to Land, and Possession of Drug Equipment. Wood was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On May 11, at approximately 3 p.m. Watseka Police conducted a warrant check at the intersection of E Oak Street/N 5th Street. Thomas M. Gray, 39 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Gray was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Garret Tammen and Abby Kraft of the Danforth Blue Ribbon 4-H Club Owen Pree and Clare Wagner of the Country Kickers 4-H Club Adaline Eisemann of the Fountain Creek Stitch ‘N Do 4-H Club Elizabeth Giroux and Calvin Rachiell of Seek and Discover 4-H Club Hannah Kollmann and Macray Price of the Woodworth Kountry Klovers 4-H Club Alivia Porter of the Ashkum Go-Getters 4-H Club Stephanie Sterrenberg of the Milford Sugar Creek 4-H Club Funds from our annual 4-H Auction held in November make these scholarships possible. Congratulations to these outstanding 4-H members. 

On May 10, 2025 about 5:05am, Newton County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a two vehicle crash at the intersection of US 14 and SR 14 (Enos), with one vehicle reported to be on fire. The preliminary investigation by Deputy Byers indicates a 2010 Ford F150 (driven by a 20 year-old Illinois man) was traveling westbound on SR 14. A 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee (driven by a 66 year-old Indiana man) was traveling southbound on US 41.

The driver of the Ford failed to yield the right-of-way , vehicles collided in the southbound lanes of US 41.

The Jeep caught fire due to the impact, the two occupants were able to exit the vehicle without issue. They were transported to an area hospital with what was believed to be minor injuries. The driver of the Ford refused medical treatment at the scene.

Assisting agencies: Newton County 9-1-1 Communications, Morocco Fire, Newton County EMS, Tri-Creek Ambulance Service and Village Motors.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025 about 7:15pm, Newton County 9-1-1 Communications received a report of a motorcycle crash near the intersection of NO NAME ROAD and CR 500W in Morocco (south side of Willow Slough).

The preliminary investigation by Deputy Duncan indicated a motorcycle (driven by a 64 year old Morocco, IN man) was traveling east, ran off the road causing him to be ejected.  The man was transported to an area hospital.  His condition is not known at this time.

Assisting agencies:  Newton County 9-1-1, Newton County EMS, Morocco Fire and Morocco Police Dept.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, the Newton County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Newton County Drug Task Force, Kentland Police Department and the Indiana State Police, conducted a traffic blitz aimed at crash reduction. The initiative focused on reducing speed violations, unsafe lane movements, distracted driving, and other moving violations.

The enforcement operation took place from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, during which officers conducted a total of 139 traffic stops. These stops resulted in 61 tickets and 90 warnings being issued for various infractions.

In addition to traffic violations, the blitz led to three criminal arrests:

·         Felony Invasion of Privacy

·         Felony Drug Possession

·         Misdemeanor Drug Possession

Sheriff Cothran, alongside local and state law enforcement partners, emphasized that these proactive measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance roadway safety and reduce traffic-related incidents in Newton County.

The Newton County Sheriff's Office extends its appreciation to the Newton County Correction Officers for their extra efforts during this blitz.

 The Iroquois County Board approved and allocated $5,266,577.00 of the $5,266,577.00 American Rescue Plan Act funds as of December 10, 2024. Allocations for approved applicants in Iroquois County include administrative costs, business assistance, community outreach, county provided services, infrastructure,
parks & recreation, public health and public safety.

 

Coliseum Drainage Project-Ashkum 88,370.00 Sewer Project-Gilman 100,000.00 The Breadbasket-Watseka 2,359.92 Water Main Project-Ashkum 20,000.00 Concord Building Roof Project-Iroquois 19,800.00 The Learning Tree Daycare-Watseka 5,000.00 Township Building-Beaverville 125,249.62 Area Food Pantry-Martinton 2,000.00 4-H Foundation-Wellington 18,600.00 American Legion-Buckley 22,504.46 Township Building Project-Martinton 71,058.00 Equipment Purchase-Woodland 49,995.00 Christ Lutheran School-Buckley 46,500.00 Affordable Arts-Milford 28,000.00 Water Meter Project-Woodland 13,779.61 Drainage Project-Buckley 87,785.00 Crossroads Youth Center-Milford 30,340.00 St. Paul’s Lutheran School-Woodworth 21,590.00 Light Pole Project-Buckley 15,000.00 Park and Pool-Milford 9,000.00 Iroquois County Administration 46,690.84 Community Building Project-Chebanse 49,999.00 Fire Hydrant Project-Onarga 20,000.00 Iroquois County Animal Control Building 65,000.00 Civic Center Project-Chebanse 47,875.00 Sewer Project-Onarga 49,125.00 Iroquois County Assessment CAMA Software 65,000.00 American Legion-Cissna Park 31,000.00 Sidewalk Project-Onarga 40,000.00 Iroquois County Assessment GIS Flyover 297,238.40 Area Food Pantry-Cissna Park 2,000.00 Township Building Project-Papineau 90,000.00 Iroquois County Assessment REACH Software 11,000.00 Country Theatre Workshop-Cissna Park 57,143.00 Area Food Pantry-Sheldon 2,000.00 Iroquois County Board AV Project 8,067.88 Fountain Creek Drainage-Cissna Park 70,000.00 ABRA-Sheldon 11,160.80 Iroquois County Clerk Election Equipment 517,858.08 Whiskey Creek Drainage-Cissna Park 126,000.00 Township Building Project-Thawville 106,169.00 Iroquois County Clerk Microfilm 176,413.37 Eastern IL Mutual Aid Fire Assoc.-Crescent City 350,000.00 A Natural High-Watseka 5,360.00 Iroquois County Coroner Morgue 194,247.47 Area Food Pantry-Clifton 2,000.00 Area Food Pantry-Watseka 2,000.00 Iroquois County Essential Worker Pay 76,000.00 Pool Liner Project-Clifton 89,710.00 Health-Chek Coaching Inc.-Watseka 7,150.00 Iroquois County Highway Security Project 27,068.00 Water Meter Project-Danforth 40,000.00 Iroquois Historical Society-Watseka 166,000.00 Iroquois County Highway Sign Replacement 240,564.04 Prairieview Lutheran Home-Danforth 42,580.88 Iroquois Memorial Hospital-Watseka 568,000.00 Iroquois County Maintenance Elevator 148,630.00 Pump House Project-Donovan 50,000.00 Iroquois Youth Center-Watseka 6,000.00 Iroquois County Sheriff Body Scanner 136,698.12 Well House Project-Donovan 48,500.00 Laurie L. Lenz Rentals-Watseka 7,000.00 Iroquois County Sheriff CAD Project 219,991.51 G.O.D.’s Food Pantry-Gilman 2,000.00 Park District Vehicle-Watseka 46,525.00 Iroquois County Sheriff Investigation Room 4,500.00 Family Foods-Gilman 19,248.00 Prairie Dell Steeple Project-Watseka 6,200.00 Iroquois County Sheriff Telecourt/Telehealth 20,500.00 The Garage HVAC Project-Gilman 35,610.00 Rapid Assembly Inc.-Watseka 28,000.00 Iroquois County Zoning Map Layer 9,822.00

On April 30th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Christopher Gregory, 51, of Milford. According to police reports, Deputies located Gregory in the 100 block of N. Pearl in Milford. Deputies knew Gregory to have an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of driving while license revoked. Gregory was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On April 30th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested a juvenile. According to police reports, Deputies were called to an address in Crescent City for the report of a domestic battery. Deputies attempted to place the juvenile under arrest for domestic battery. The juvenile then struck a deputy in the face with a closed fist. The juvenile was placed into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. The juvenile was later transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Danville.

 

On May 1 st, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Isahih Hill, 26, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Hill had an active Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of driving while license suspended. Deputies located Hill in the Iroquois County Courthouse. Hill was taken into custody and walked to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On May 1 st, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Eric Bell, 40, of Rankin. According to police reports, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Bell. A computer check revealed Bell had a revoked Illinois license. Bell was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On May 1 st, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested William Lyons, 41, of Milford. According to police reports, Deputies knew Lyons to have an active Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of domestic battery. Deputies located Lyons in the 100 block of N. Grove St. in Milford. Lyons was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.