The Knox County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into several stolen vehicles, thefts, burglaries, and arsons in Knox and surrounding counties. The investigation resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of stolen property valued at more than $10,000 and vehicles reported stolen from Galesburg and Iowa areas.
On March 19, 2024, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant at 675 US Highway 150 East where over 10,000 dollars’ worth of stolen tools and equipment were recovered.
During the investigation, it was determined additional suspects were possibly hiding in the old Briggs factory in Abingdon, IL. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office along with US Marshals were able to locate other suspects within the old factory. Two suspects fled from the area and were taken into custody with the assistance of Knox County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. The suspects taken into custody were identified to have been involved in crimes committed throughout Knox, Fulton, and McDonough counties.
The following suspects were taken into custody and charged with:
David A. Hammack, 34, Bushnell, IL
– Criminal Trespass to Real Property
– Resisting Arrest
– Possession of a Vehicle with Defaced/Altered VIN
– McDonough and Fulton County Warrants
Jontae M. McCleery, 25, Bushnell, IL
– Criminal Trespass to Real Property
– Resisting Arrest
– Possession of a Vehicle with Defaced/Altered VIN
– Possession of Methamphetamine <5g
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
– Possession of Hypodermic Needles
*Both Hammack and McCleery were also reportedly involved in a theft at Dollar General in Abingdon, IL where a shopping cart full of items was pushed out the back door. Charges are pending the outcome of that investigation. *
Darin L. R. Koester, 29, Galesburg, IL
– Possession of Methamphetamine <5g
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
– Knox County FTA warrant
Dominque M Darlson, 35, Knoxville IL
– Possession of Stolen Property >10,000
The state did not seek petition to detain Hammack or McCleery in Knox County. Hammack is being held per McDonough County on their charges. Darlson was release on a Notice to Appear. The state filed Petition to Revoke on Koester and he was detained in the Knox County Jail.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is currently asking for assistance locating WANTED SUBJECT Jason Harrold, 38 of Knoxville, and Ashley Laney, 30 of Knoxville who is wanted for questioning. Anyone with information on Harrold’s or Laney’s whereabouts can contact Galesburg Area Crime Stoppers or the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
*ALL PERSONS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.*
***Courtesy of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page***
