Prosecutors said Brandon Simonson killed Matthew Phillips, a Jewish inmate, to become a member of a white supremacist antisemitic prison gang.

A Sterling man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to fatally stabbing a man found severely injured last August in a vehicle that crashed in the hospital parking lot.

Investigating deputies have determined that a 2013 GMC Acadia was traveling east on Route 2 at a high rate of speed when it struck an eastbound 2014 Ford Fusion. The Acadia then crossed the median and collided with a westbound 2012 Dodge Charger.

Ronald Coleman admitted earlier this year that he was driving a semi-truck and trailer carrying over 91 kilograms of cocaine on I-88 in Whiteside County in 2023 while on his way to a warehouse in Chicago, where he was to exchange the cocaine for cash.

Kristophur Johnson was charged June 4, 2024, with sex assault as well as one count of aggravated battery accusing him of pushing a woman to the ground in the 18000 block of Blue Goose Road in rural Morrison and one count of unlawful restraint.

Kyle Cooper, 36, is accused of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery in connection with the Feb. 14 stabbing death of Daniel Gordon, 27, outside of a Rock Falls residence.

Matthew Herpstreith is accused of running over 18-year-old Jackson Kradle on state Route 78 in July 2024 and then trying to cover up any involvement he had in causing the death.

Whiteside County Judge James Heuerman then went one step further by ordering 22-year-old LeAndrew Adams to serve the 15 years consecutively to a 3-year sentence he was given for throwing toilet water at officers in November 2023 while being held in jail for the sex assault case.

A Sterling woman has been fined a combined $3,400 in two separate animal neglect cases in which she was charged with hoarding and neglecting cats.