Executive Summary
- Champaign County Grand Jury indicted 13 individuals on February 2.
- Charges range from felony drug possession and tampering with evidence to assault and escape.
- Anthony E. Russell faces the highest number of counts with five charges of cocaine possession.
The Champaign County Grand Jury returned indictments against 13 individuals during its session on Monday, February 2, encompassing a variety of charges ranging from drug possession to obstruction of official business and assault.
According to court records released following the session, the charges include multiple felonies and misdemeanors. Among those indicted, Anthony E. Russell faces five counts of possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony. Similarly, Williams D. Sheets II was indicted for possession of cocaine and failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, a third-degree felony. Genayll N. Thompson was also indicted on two counts of possession of cocaine.
Several individuals face charges related to tampering and procedural violations. Gordon K. Wade was indicted for tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, possessing criminal tools, and failure to appear as required by recognizance. Andrew J. Gilbert faces similar charges for tampering with evidence and possessing criminal tools. Additionally, Brandon L. Cantrell was indicted for escape, a fifth-degree felony, along with failure to verify and provide notice of a change of address.
Violent or confrontational charges were also filed against specific defendants. Micah K. Younce was indicted for assault, a fourth-degree felony, and obstructing official business. Vincent A. Kirkmeyer faces charges of assault and possession of a deadly weapon while under detention. Other indictments include Ryan L.T. Pyles for failure to comply with a police order, Gregory S. Workman Jr. for obstructing official business, and Sharif R. Strother-Higginbotham for failure to appear. Michael P. Dillehay and David R. Taylor were both indicted for aggravated possession of drugs.
Procedural Next Steps
Following the grand jury’s return of indictments, the legal process moves toward the arraignment phase, where defendants will be formally read the charges against them and enter pleas. This stage initiates the prosecutorial timeline within the county’s common pleas court to determine the validity of the allegations. It is important to note that an indictment is solely an accusation, and all individuals named in these filings are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
