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Cottage Hills Residents Suffer Injuries In Dog Attack, Deputies Quickly Intervene

3 months 1 week ago
COTTAGE HILLS — Madison County Sheriff's deputies responded Monday afternoon, June 2, 2025, to a report of a dog biting individuals inside a home in the 200 block of S. Oak Street in Cottage Hills. Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido said officers were dispatched to the residence after receiving reports of a two-year-old pit bull actively biting someone inside the house. "As the first deputy arrived on scene, while inside the residence, he did observe the dog aggressively cornering one of the residents," Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido said. "The deputy was able to intervene and that resident was safely removed from that area. "It was revealed that an adult male and adult female were bitten by the dog while at this residence. The male suffered minor injuries to his thigh area and the female sustained lacerations to her left hand and left leg." Pulido said Madison County Animal Control took custody of the dog.

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Illegal Immigrant Sentenced To 12 Years For $400,000 In Elder Fraud

3 months 1 week ago
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — An illegal immigrant from India residing in the United States was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in a fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, defrauding them of more than $400,000. Nirav B. Patel, 44, was convicted in February by a federal jury on charges including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and illegal entry into the U.S. Evidence presented at trial showed Patel participated in an imposter scam in which fraudsters posed as government officials to deceive elderly victims into withdrawing life savings under false pretenses. The scheme involved sending text messages and emails warning victims that their Amazon accounts had been compromised. Victims who responded were directed to individuals impersonating federal agents who claimed the victims were targets of identity theft. They were urged to transfer funds to fraudulent U.S. Treasury or Federal

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Swansea Honors Officers For Life-Saving Stabbing Response

3 months 1 week ago
SWANSEA - At a Village Board meeting, the Swansea Police Department honored Sgt. Erin Huff and Officer Derek Schackmann for their lifesaving response to a stabbing victim on May 16, 2025. The incident stemmed from a domestic situation originating in another jurisdiction. Upon arrival, Sgt. Huff immediately administered critical medical care to stabilize the victim. Given the severity of the injuries, Sgt. Huff and Officer Schackmann continued providing care in the back of a squad car while a Belleville Police Department officer transported the victim to the hospital. The Swansea Police Department praised the officers for their professionalism, medical skill and composure under pressure. The department also acknowledged the assistance of Belleville Police in achieving a successful outcome.

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Madison County Homeowners Targeted By Burglars Posing As Utility Workers

3 months 1 week ago
MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a series of recent burglaries involving suspects impersonating Ameren employees. According to the sheriff’s office, a female suspect approaches homeowners, identifying herself as an Ameren employee who needs to inspect the backyard for limbs requiring trimming. While the homeowner is distracted, a male accomplice enters the residence and steals jewelry and other valuables. Officials advise residents to remain vigilant and not to allow unknown individuals onto their property or into their homes. Genuine Ameren employees will be in uniform, carry proper identification, and operate clearly marked utility vehicles. Residents who encounter similar situations are urged to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (618) 692-4433 or use the anonymous tip line at (618) 296-3000. Local police departments are also available for reporting

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