Benton Police arrest two in separate incidents

STAFF REPORT

On Dec. 28, Benton Police were called to a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of McFall Street. Charles Payton, 19, of Benton was charged with domestic battery.

On Dec. 29, Benton Police arrested Nicolle A. Poteete, 27, of Benton. She is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, illegal transportation of alcohol, and driving an uninsured vehicle.

Woman sentenced to prison in fatal DUI crash

STAFF REPORT

A 21-year-old Cambria woman has pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated DUI of drugs during a hearing in Franklin County Court.

Samantha A. Seiler was sentenced to five years in prison for her role in the accident that claimed the life of Sue Ramsey, 49, of Mulkeytown.

The fatal crash took place on Jan. 5, 2012 when Seiler was traveling west on Park Street Road and failed to stop at an intersection of Route 148 striking the vehicle driven by Ramsey broadside, who was southbound on 148.  Seiler had her 10-month-old daughter in the car when the accident took place.  The intersection has been the site of several serious accidents through the years.  As part of a negotiated plea agreement additional charges including endangering the life of a child were dropped.

Seiler will be required to serve at least 85 percent of the five-year sentence meaning that she will spend at least 51 months in prison.

Benton woman arrested at traffic stop

STAFF REPORT

Benton Police arrested a woman Tuesday after a traffic stop at Huck’s convenience store, 105 E. Main St.

Crystal L. Bennett, 26, of Benton was charged with driving under the influence, illegal transportation of alcohol and driving while license suspended.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News