MATTOON — Vernon Howell, the central figure in a growing car theft investigation, reportedly confessed to Sheriff William C. Timm of Vermilion County on Saturday night. Howell allegedly admitted to stealing and handling 35 stolen vehicles in as many towns and cities, contributing to a widespread theft operation across the region.
CHICAGO — In another major development, authorities uncovered a well-organized extortion ring linked to the Tori-Patton-Al Brown group, which allegedly sold illegal alcohol by manipulating a few Prohibition agents. The investigation led to the arrest of Victor Burgner, a Prohibition agent from Charleston, charged with violating prohibition laws, obstructing justice, and suppressing evidence. Burgner, a member of a prominent local family, was taken into custody and brought to the federal building on Saturday.
CHARLESTON — Meanwhile, two young men, Ivan Coleman and Ralph Barnes, are in county jail awaiting U.S. officers following their arrest on charges of mail theft. The pair allegedly stole two automobile tires left at a rural mailbox and hid them in bushes. The theft was discovered by the owner, who hid nearby to catch the culprits in the act. Coleman and Barnes were arrested shortly after arriving to collect the stolen items.
