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Sheriff reports uptick in arrests, meth-lab response and warns residents about court-related scams
Summary
The sheriff reported 29 arrests in January and the identification of a possible meth lab; the department brought in an Illinois State Police meth-response team. County staff also warned residents about scammers claiming to be court personnel and noted upcoming opioid-settlement funds.
At the Feb. 13 Richland County Board meeting, the sheriff reported a busy month with 29 arrests and said the department believed it had located a methamphetamine lab—prompting assistance from an Illinois State Police meth response team to process the scene.
The sheriff and court staff also warned residents about an increase in scam calls and mailings that falsely claim to be official court summonses. The clerk noted that genuine court notices "should have a seal and it should have my signature" and advised that the circuit clerk's office does not take payment over the phone. Staff said they planned a joint press release and asked the board to help publicize guidance to the public about recognizing scams.
Separately, a county representative said another opioid-settlement distribution from pharmaceutical litigation is expected to bring about $5,800 into county coffers in the coming 30 days; members asked whether the settlement carried the same stipulations as prior disbursements.
Court administrative items were also presented: the clerk described grants and reimbursements for court software and operations, interpreter expenses since July (about $1,870 pending state reimbursement), and a local court fund balance estimated at $72,914.63 as of Feb. 11.
