We finally have some movement on a story that we brought you first months ago. A class 3 felony was formally filed against James Joiner yesterday, the man suspected of stealing thousands from the city of McLeansboro. Joiner is a former employee of the municipality. The charge alleges that Joiner knowingly obtained unauthorized control of city property including a plasma cutter, floor jack, compression tester, and more between December 27th of 2017 and January 25th of this year. The value of that stolen equipment was valued at more than $500 but less than $10,000.
Rumors had placed the value much higher at more than $120,000 and in response to the investigation, the city ceased all business dealings with 4 companies. It’s unclear at this point if more charges are expected, if the investigation is complete, or what those companies’ roles were with the alleged thefts.
Joiner was arrested and posted $1,500 bond Tuesday and will have his first appearance at 9am Thursday in Hamilton County Court. We do now know the Illinois State Police handled the investigation.
Two other arrests were made in Hamilton County Monday, according to states attorney Justin Hood. The Sheriff’s Department took in Damaris D. Shea of Neoga, arresting her for Obstructing Justice, a Class 4 felony. Authorities say she used a false name while she had an active arrest warrant.
In addition, a Stonefort individual, Adawnya D. Solomon was arrested by City Police on multiple charges. Solomon allegedly committed criminal trespassing, a class B misdemeanor, unlawful possession of Hypodermic needles, a class A misdemeanor, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.
