St. Clair County Sheriff's Department

Sheriff: Cell-phone company slowed murder probe

By Kim Bell

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Tuesday, Jun. 22 2010

A leader of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has accused a cell-phone  provider of slowing last week's double-murder investigation in East St. Louis.

T-Mobile wouldn't hand over cell phone records of one of the victims for days  -- demanding a search warrant first, then a payment of $50, said Mearl J. 
Justus, the squad's chairman of the board and the longtime sheriff of St. Clair  County. A police captain in East St. Louis ended up paying the $50 by using his  personal credit card number on a Saturday before T-Mobile would give the records, Justus said.

"That's the first time I've ever seen anything like this," Justus said. "Most 
of the companies, Sprint, AT&T, they work with you. They don't work against  you. It seems T-Mobile worked against us."


Contacted Tuesday morning for comment, a woman who works in T-Mobile's media  relations office in Bellevue, Wash., said someone else would be handling the  Post-Dispatch's inquiry. She declined comment. No one from that office was  available to speak about Justus' comments. The company also did not reply to a  written request for comment.

Show of force: Roving patrols result in 48 arrests

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Posted on Sun, May. 30, 2010

Show of force: Roving patrols result in 48 arrests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY CAROLYN P. SMITH
News-Democrat

It was not business as usual in Washington Park on Friday night. Police officers from various agencies were in the village on roving patrols, setting up check points to look for people driving under the influence of alcohol and knocking on the doors of houses where they suspected drugs were being sold.

Washington Park Chief Dave Clark's colleagues want to help him clean up Washington Park, and they came out in big numbers Friday night. Some of them were donating their time.

Clark, a former St. Clair County Sheriff's Department deputy, was appointed chief May 4, about a month after the fatal shooting of the village's mayor, John Thornton.

St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl Justus said the only way to clean up Washington Park is with a show of force.

"There are approximately 5,400 residents in Washington Park, and 17 percent of them are wanted on our (St. Clair County) warrants. Ten years ago, it was 10 percent. There are less people living here today, yet you have a higher volume of them wanted on warrants," Justus said.

Justus said he and the other officers were there to make a statement to the street corner thugs and drug dealers.

"We want them to know that their illegal activities will not be tolerated," Justus said. "With Chief Dave Clark out here, somebody who we can work with, we are going to clean up Washington Park so that law abiding citizens can feel safe walking the streets at night."

As Justus watched the officers round up one person after another for different reasons, he said, "I wish we had more people. We can't pay any more overtime. We just juggle schedules, and some people out here are donating their time to help out. That's what a lot of agents think of Chief Clark and his assistant Edgar Ellis."

In all, 48 people were arrested. Six citations were issued for driving under the influence; 17 were issued for seat belt violations; three for child restraint violations. Moving violation citations were given to 33 motorists and 27 received non-moving violations. Seventeen individuals were cited for illegal transportation of alcohol, four were arrested for drugs. Fifty-three warrants were served.

Mayor Cynthia Stovall-Hollingsworth, who selected Clark as chief, said: "It's Christmas in Washington Park. The police strobe lights are everywhere, and they are rounding up the bad guys and cleaning up Washington Park. I am well pleased with those actions and very proud of our chief. The citizens deserve some protection and peace. And don't forget, I am one of those citizens. We need more of it."

Both Clark and Ellis were working these streets. Like the other officers, they were bringing suspects to the mobile command post that was set up on the parking lot of the Canteen Township.

The agents were from the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Illinois State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, the Metroeast Auto Theft Task Force, FBI, and other federal agencies. Also among the officers were some of the members of the special detail Working Against Violent Elements.

"We're out here to serve notice to those who didn't get our message that we mean business," Clark said. "We intend to save the town and bring safety back to the citizens. We want people to come out of their houses without fear. And, we want everyone, including visitors to know they can come to the village and be safe."

Clark said people are coming out and applauding their efforts.

He also said all of the shootings and robberies that have been occurring in the village are going to stop.

Contact reporter Carolyn P. Smith at 239-2503.

© 2007 Belleville News-Democrat and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.belleville.com

Cinco De Mayo: Help Get DUI Offenders Off the Streets

View the slideshow to see our Top Ten Most Wanted DUI offenders.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Needs Your Help

Help Get DUI Offenders Off the Streets

 Angela Roewe

 In 2008, 13,294 alcohol-related crash fatalities occurred within the United States, according to the DUI Fact Book, which is published annually. Sadly, 408 of those were in Illinois.

More than 48,000 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests were made in Illinois that same year. Approximately 225 occurred in St. Clair County. Although the arrests were made, not all offenders have paid the price.

According to St. Clair County Maj. James Lay, countless individuals charged for DUIs either never show up for their court appearance or fail to return for sentencing, and remain on the streets, possibly behind the wheel repeating the offense, endangering the lives of innocent drivers. This is where the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department needs your help.           

This information was was originally published in the Belleville News Democrat on May 2, 2010 and is accurate as of that date. 

Currently, 2,022 St. Clair County arrest warrants are open for individuals charged with DUIs – 746 areIllinois residents; 700, Missouri residents; and the remaining live out of state. Despite the St. Clair County Department’s continuous efforts, it is near impossible to track down these alleged perpetrators who have chosen to live quietly, hoping not to be located by law enforcement.

Reminder: 'Tis the season to see motorcyclists

News-Democrat

With the warmer, sunnier weather, more of Illinois' roughly 625,000 motorcyclists are hitting the roads and the Illinois State Police are reminding motorists to watch for them.

The "Start Seeing Motorcycles" campaign reminds car drivers that motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the following tips for sharing the road with motorcycles:

* Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.

* Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.

* Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.

* Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle's blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

* Don't be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle - motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.

* Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.

* Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

The 30 foot motorcycle banner that declares "Start Seeing Motorcycles" will be moved around the metro-east throughout the motorcycle season. Any organization, business or community that wishes to display the banner can contact Trooper Mike Link at mike.link@isp.state.il.us.

Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2010/04/22/1226914/reminder-tis-the-season-to-see.html#ixzz0lrGN5KVq

Check smoke detectors with arrival of Daylight Saving Time

St. Clair County Sheriff, Mearl Justus urges residents to check their smoke alarms when changing their clock to Daylight Saving Time Sunday.

Checking your alarm includes testing it to be sure the battery is working, vacuuming the alarm to get rid of dust and cobwebs, and inspecting your alarm to determine if it is 10-years-old or older. If so, you should replace the entire alarm.

Long-life lithium batteries have a life span of up to 10 years and if your alarm has one of these batteries, it may not need replacing every time you change your clock. However, if your smoke alarms are ten years old or older you should replace them entirely.

Working smoke alarms provide an early warning to a fire, allowing you vital minutes to escape and increasing your chances of surviving a fire. Additional safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area

• Replace smoke alarms 10 years old or older

• Hard-wired  alarms (those wired directly into home electrical systems) should have battery back-ups

• Never disconnect or remove batteries from smoke alarms for other uses

• Make a home escape plan and practice it.

Why did the number of DUI cases drop in St. Clair, Madison counties?

BY BRIAN BRUEGGEMANN - News-Democrat

The number of DUI cases dropped in both St. Clair and Madison counties in 2009.

Though the decreases are relatively small, they do suggest a leveling-off in the number of DUI arrests in the metro-east.

St. Clair County had 1,747 DUI cases filed in 2009, compared with 1,804 in 2008 and 1,749 in 2007.

Madison County had 1,658 DUI cases filed in 2009, compared with 1,796 in 2008 and 1,689 in 2007.

Kristi Hosea, a victim-services specialist with Illinois Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said stepped-up efforts by police have been helpful, but there won't be a significant decrease in drunken driving until breath-alcohol ignition interlocks are more widely required in vehicles.

Self defense: A right with a responsibility?

Recent cases show possible dangers of confusion

Suburban Journals

By Scott Cousins
Sunday, January 10, 2010 12:36 AM CST

As the old adage about protecting one's property says, "A man's home is his castle."

What's not said is exactly how far he (or she) can go to safeguard a home - or even more vaguely, a car or family.
It's a complex question, as evidenced by two high-profile area cases in recent weeks.

The first, on Dec. 27, involved a St. Louis man who allegedly shot and killed an 18-year-old who was attempting to steal the man's truck.

The next day, two St. Louis police officers shot and killed a man who they said fired at them, but who may have believed he was shooting at an intruder.

Do you text while you drive? It'll cost you when new state law takes effect this week

News-Democrat

A new law that goes into effect Friday will crack down on motorists who text or peruse the Web while driving.

The distracted driving law, House Bill 72, was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn in August.

Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, supported the legislation.

• Poll:

  Do you text or surf the Web while driving?

  Yes. It's no worse than talking on the phone or eating in the car.

  No. People who do this are crazy, and a danger to the rest of us.

"Drivers have a responsibility to themselves and to other motorists to limit distractions and focus on the road," Hoffman said. "Engaging in any behavior that reduces your concentration while driving is dangerous and irresponsible. Too many people are senselessly killed or injured because another person is careless behind the wheel."

Distracted driving accounts for a quarter of all reported traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The new law makes it illegal to compose, send, or read an electronic message, such as an e-mail, instant message or text, while driving. The ban also prohibits drivers from accessing the Web or using a personal digital assistant or computer while on the road, but does not apply to global positioning systems, navigational systems, or electronic devices that are integrated into the vehicle.

Exceptions to the law include a law enforcement officer performing work-related duties or a driver reporting an emergency situation. The law does not apply to drivers who are parked on the shoulder of the road or stopped due to normal t

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Driving in the snow:
If you find yourself driving in the snow, stay alert, slow down and stay in control. These are the three key elements to safe driving in the snow.
Here are a few other tips for driving in the snow:

• If you think you may be heading into snow or there is a possibility of driving in the snow, make sure you do a maintenance check on your vehicle before making the trip. Check the vehicle battery, belts and hoses, anti-freeze, oil, lights, brakes, heater and defroster and check the exhaust system for leaks which may allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
• Plan your route ahead of time and give yourself extra travel time. Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
• Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing available for when you exit the vehicle.
• Always clear any snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof before driving. After starting the vehicle wait for the interior windows to clear of fog so you will have appropriate visibility.
• Make sure there is sufficient windshield washer fluid in the vehicle reservoir and that it is rated for freezing temperatures.
• It takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces, so add additional time to the three-second rule.
• Know the proper handling procedures for a skidding vehicle.
• Slow down in snow and icy conditions, make turns slowly, and make all starts slow and smooth.
• Remember that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the regular travel lanes of a roadway. Watch out for black ice, areas of the roadway that appear black and shiny and where your vehicle can suddenly lose traction. Slow down in these areas and keep your foot off the brakes.
• If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you have a cell phone and are in an area with cell phone service, try calling for help. Try to always know your exact locations while driving.
• Keep your clothing dry. Wet clothing can lead to dangerous loss of body heat.

Winter Driving Survival Kit:
It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you might be traveling into an area where you could encounter snow. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers. The following items are recommended for your winter driving survival kit:

• Ice scraper/snowbrush
• Shovel
• Sand or other type of traction aid
• Tow rope or chain
• Booster cables
• Road flares or warning lights
• Gas line antifreeze
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Small tool kit
• Extra clothing and foot wear
• Non-perishable energy foods, like chocolate or granola bars, juice, instant coffee, tea, soup, and bottled water
• Candles and a small tin can to hold the candle
• Water proof matches

Winter driving can be safe with planning and extra caution.
Resource: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/winter/winter2.html

Families of the fallen reflect on BackStoppers' legacy, 50 years

 

Angela Martin reflects back on the day that her husband, Derek Martin, died fighting a fire in St. Louis in 2002. She was sitting with her daughter, Kayla, 11. A photo of Derek is at left. (J.B. Forbes/P-D)

BY CHRISTINE BYERS

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

11/25/2009

ST. LOUIS — Anne Sebold remembers only two things from the day she learned her husband, city police officer Louis Sebold, 45, had been killed in the line of duty:
The looks on her six children's faces, and the visit from two men who called themselves the BackStoppers.
At the time, she didn't fully realize all that they would do for her. But now, 34 years later, she doesn't know what she would have done without them.
"You felt like you had support," Sebold said. "Like you could do this."

For 50 years this year, the St. Louis-area agency — the only one like it in the country — has filled the financial gap left by fallen heroes.
Because of it, widows have been able to remain in their homes.
Children have achieved college dreams.
Families have stayed together.
In all, 119 St. Louis-area public safety workers have died in the line of duty since BackStoppers' founding in 1959.