Conservation police seek info about Halfway House break-in

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police are seeking information into a break-in discovered about 11 a.m. June 8 at the historic, state-run “halfway house” on Dee Bennett Road between Utica and Ottawa.

Capt. Mike Filipiak of the conservation police said investigators found signs of unlawful entry at the limestone structure. One of the doors secured with screws had its screws removed. Although investigators concluded that a trespasser entered the premises, there were no items taken and the building had no interior damage.

Nevertheless, the break-in remains under investigation, and conservation police are asking for the public’s help. People with knowledge of the case can call the agency’s tipline at 877-2DNRLAW.

Built in 1852 just east of Utica on Dee Bennett Road as a health resort, the Halfway House looms several stories high on prairie land along the north shore of the Illinois River. The building was named to the National Register of Historical Places in 1986.