MAYWOOD - The Illinois State Police (ISP), announce the sentencing of Leslie Thurow, female age 61 of Mount Prospect, Illinois, in a drunken driving crash that critically injured ISP Trooper Michael Cokins. Thurow was sentenced to 13 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for causing the crash that sent Cokins and four others to the hospital.

Springfield, IL – On behalf of the men and women of the Illinois State Police (ISP), Director Leo P. Schmitz would like to thank veterans for their service to our country.

Litchfield, IL – On October 31, 2016, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18 sponsored a Trunk or Treat for the surrounding communities. Approximately 700 participants came out to ISP District 18 Headquarters to meet local first responders and receive candy.

Springfield, IL – Officials with the Illinois State Police (ISP) remind motorists and parents that children in many communities will be trick-or-treating during the upcoming Halloween weekend and on Halloween night. The ISP encourages motorists and parents to take special safety precautions during the Halloween festivities.

Springfield, IL – The Illinois State Police (ISP) announce the sentencing of two nurses who were convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. The convictions are a culmination of two separate drug diversion investigations conducted by the ISP Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau (MFCB).

COLLINSVILLE, IL -- Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 Interim Commander, Lieutenant Timothy Tyler, received the Public Servant Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on Sunday, October 9, 2016. Lieutenant Tyler was unanimously selected by the East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP to receive the award for his contributions to the Greater East St. Louis Community.

Springfield, IL –The Illinois State Police (ISP) announce the sentencing of a former personal assistant and the Medicaid recipient. On June 24, 2016, Misty Atwood, age 41 of Roodhouse, pled guilty to one count of Vendor Fraud, a class 1 felony in Greene County. On September 29, 2016, Alfred Holder, age 65 of Roodhouse, pled guilty to one count of Vendor Fraud, a class 1 felony in Greene County.

Springfield, IL – Officials with the Illinois State Police (ISP) announce the results of a joint hazardous materials enforcement detail that occurred September 28 – 29, 2016, in southern Illinois. The detail took place on I-24, I-64, and I-57 and was a collaborative effort with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Springfield, IL –The Illinois State Police (ISP) announce the sentencing of a former personal assistant. On September 27, 2016, Haydee Lopez, age 31 of Chicago, pled guilty to one count of Vendor Fraud, a class 1 felony, in Cook County.

Collinsville, IL – Officials with the Illinois State Police (ISP) announce the donation of 334 book bags to children in East St. Louis. The book bags were donated on August 18, 2016, at the Samuel Gompers housing complex in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Collinsville, IL – Officials from the Illinois State Police (ISP) announce the first female Trooper has received the Top Cop award from the TeamIllinois Youth Police Camp (TYPC). Trooper Omoayena Williams was chosen by the camp cadets as the Top Cop.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announced today the ISP was awarded with re-accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). CALEA accreditation is a highly prized recognition throughout the law enforcement community and ensures the agency continues to serve Illinois residents with professional excellence.

Springfield, IL – Officials from the Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the sentencing of a former nursing home Office Manager. Kristin Chaudoin, age 34 of Decatur, Illinois, plead guilty to Embezzlement, Use of an Unauthorized Access Device, and Wire Fraud, on August 5, 2015. The guilty plea stemmed from an eight month investigation by the ISP, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau (MFCB) and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG). The fraud and embezzlement occurred at the North Church Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, Illinois and the Lincoln Rehabilitation Center in Decatur, Illinois.

ELSAH - These camp counselors don’t care that the grass is wet or that the sun is barely above the trees. It’s 5:45 a.m. and you’re tired? Too bad. Drop and give them 20 push-ups.

SPRINGFIELD—Dozens of motorcycle riders and fun car drivers will gather on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at five sites throughout Illinois to participate in the 9th Annual ISP Memorial Park Motorcycle Ride and Fun Car Run. The Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation sponsors this event annually to raise funds to build the Illinois State Police Memorial Park. Last year, more than 350 riders participated.

Springfield, Illinois – Officials from the Illinois State Police (ISP) announce the arrest of two Chicago physicians and a healthcare worker on charges related to Medicaid Fraud. Dr. Hector L. Flores-Arroyo, age 56 of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Mohan C. Rao, age 82 of Lemont, Illinois, and Susana Araujo, age 61 of Cicero, Illinois, were arrested by Special Agents with the ISP Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau (MFCB) on May 18, 2016. The arrests stem from a nearly three-year investigation by the ISP MFCB.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announced today the agency will join a 20-state National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NTHSA) initiative known as the “Click It or Ticket, Border to Border Operation,” an initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities on our nation’s highways.

EDDYVILLE, Illinois – On Saturday, May 7, 2016, at approximately 10:45 P.M., a Mahomet police officer stopped Dracy “Clint” Pendleton for a traffic violation in front of his home in Mahomet, Champaign County Illinois. During the stop, a physical altercation occurred where the Mahomet officer attempted to tase Pendleton. Pendleton pulled a handgun, shooting the Mahomet officer in the right arm. Pendleton retreated to his home where he obtained an assault rifle. He then fled the scene in his truck to a local rock quarry. A nearby witness, heard gunshots coming from the area of the quarry and a perimeter was set up around it. Before the perimeter was completely secured, Pendleton obtained the keys and stole one of the quarry’s company trucks and fled the scene to Southern Illinois.

Springfield, IL – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is warning the public of a phone scam that is currently circulating throughout the state. An individual will call and claim to be associated with the ISP or the “Illinois Police.” The caller will then ask for a donation or advise you there is a warrant out for your arrest and you need to send money.

DRACY C. PENDLETON ***ARMED AND DANGEROUS*** On May 7, 2016 at approximately 10:45 p.m., a Mahomet Police Officer was involved in a shooting with Dracy “Clint” Pendleton, 35. The Officer and Pendleton exchanged gunfire and Pendleton fled the scene. The officer was shot in the arm and it is believed Pendleton received wounds (possibly a gunshot) during the confrontation, but it is unknown to what degree. Pendleton may seek treatment for his injuries at a medical facility. Pendleton is believed to be armed with an AK-47.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is committed to supporting courageous family members battling tough circumstances. There are many within Illinois communities who have family members suffering from various forms of Leukemia. The Illinois State Police, in a cooperative effort with the National Marrow Donor organization - Be the Match, is initiating several donor drives across the state.

Springfield– Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today that ISP districts throughout the state will enforce road safety with a special enforcement memorial operation dedicated to fallen Trooper James Sauter, who was killed in the line of duty on March 28, 2013, when his ISP squad was struck by a truck tractor semi-trailer at I-294 southbound at Willow Road. This will be the third consecutive year of this safety operation honoring Trooper Sauter’s memory.

Collinsville, IL – Along with our commitment to keeping Illinois’ roadways and communities safe, officials with the Illinois State Police (ISP) continue to work on ensuring we maintain a trusted and positive relationship with the citizens of Illinois. From sports and youth camps, to safety presentations and book readings, officers with the ISP continue to foster a strong, positive relationship with the communities we serve.

Springfield – Officials with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the American Legion announce plans for the 44th Annual American Legion Youth Police Camp (ALYPC). The camp will again be held at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield, Illinois, and will run from June 26 through July 1, 2016.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Police (ISP) will undergo its 8th reaccreditation assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) beginning on April 11. For four days, a team of CALEA assessors will examine all aspects of ISP policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services to ensure the ISP complies with 369 CALEA standards required to maintain an accredited status.

Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announce the beginning of the Chicago Expressway Anti-violence Surge (CEASe). The goal of CEASe is to stop expressway violence and ensure public safety. Starting today, the ISP will use aircraft, video cameras, covert vehicles, and undercover officers to help combat expressway shootings. In addition, there will be extra uniformed troopers on the expressways to assist with CEASe.

Illinois State Police (ISP) officials welcomed the appointment of Cindy Barbera-Brelle as the first Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator beginning February 8, 2016.

Fairview Heights, IL- Police leaders in the Metro East have formed a new youth organization called Metro East Cadets Of Policing (MECOP). The program just completed it’s first of 10 weeks on Saturday January 9th.

Olive Branch, IL -- The Illinois Incident Management Team (IMT) and Illinois State Police (ISP) District 13 Lieutenant Sons presented the members of the Horseshoe Lake Fire Department with a small gift and thanked them for their assistance and hospitality during the flood incident.