Public Safety for Aug. 26:

Woman faces six drug counts

BLOOMINGTON - A 25-year-old Emden woman faces six drug-related charges following her arrest Saturday at a Bloomington hotel.

Holly Farrell is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of cocaine, marijuana and pills containing hydrocodone and oxycodone. Bond was set at $5,000.

Drug conspiracy - Four family members, including two from Streator, have been sentenced as part of a drug conspiracy.

Clarence Merritte, 24, of Streator, received a 12-year sentence. Paul Forbes, 20, also of Streator, received a 10-year sentence.

Their brother, Calvin Merritte, 23, of Chicago, who authorities identified as the ring leader of the gang, was given a 20-year sentence. Their mother, Joy Forbes, 44, of Chicago was given a nine-year term.

Seven others earlier pleaded guilty to less serious charges.

Prosecutors told LaSalle County Circuit Judge H. Chris Ryan said the gang bragged about using women to bring drugs to Streator and Ottawa from Chicago.

Cocaine - A 22-year-old Bloomington man is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, cocaine.

Luis M. Haro of Troy Court, must post $200 to be released from jail.

Unlawful restraint - A Bloomington man was held in lieu of $500 for unlawful restraint.

Michael Howard, 39, of the 900 block of North Center Street, is charged with restraining a woman.

Identity theft - A woman from Normal was released on a $3,000 personal recognizance bond on identity theft charges.

Laura Graham, 38, of the 1100 block of East Shelbourne Drive, is accused of using the bank account number of another person from July 3 through July 16.

Cocaine - A Chicago man must post $200 to be released on drug charges.

Cameron Blacher, 22, is charged with possession of cocaine.

Battery - A 35-year-old man from Normal faces battery and telephone harassment charges related to an Aug. 23 incident in the 400 block of North Allin Street.

Brian Kelley, of the 1500 block of Hancock Drive, must post $300 to be released. Kelly is accused of hitting a woman and threatening several people over the telephone.

Theft over $300 - A woman from Normal was released on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond for theft over $300.

Kelsey L. Hozie, 20, of the 200 block of West Willow Street, is accused of taking more than $300 from Bergner's between July 19 and Aug. 23.

Defacing firearm - A man from Normal faces charges of defacing the identification marks of a firearm.

Qunshawn Garner, 17, of the 600 block of North School Street, must post $500 to be released.