DNR, Police Arrest County Man On Poaching, Drug Charges

A rural Washington County  man was arrested on felony weapons and drug charges following a raid by Illinois by Department of Natural Resource Conservation Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputies earlier this month.

An anonymous tip to Conservation Police eventually resulted in the arrest of John Dillinger, 39, of 18489 Irvington Rd, Centralia.

According to Rachel Torbert of the IDNR, the tipster reported that Dillinger was allegedly in illegal possession of a ten-point buck. The CPO developed intelligence that resulted in probable cause for a search warrant.

Law enforcement found a total of five buck deer taken unlawfully, as well as a bobcat which officers believe was taken illegally.

In addition to the game animals, law enforcement seized a total of 63 items, including methamphetamine, meth pipes, firearms, ammunition, a crossbow, and trail cameras, among other items.

Read full details on the case in this week’s issue.