Head of predator hunter group indicted
Scott Cousins, scousins@thetelegraph.com
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Swanson
EDWARDSVILLE The leader of a “predator hunter” group targeting alleged sexual predators is himself facing several felony and misdemeanor charges relating to a Jan. 12 incident.
Kyle P. Swanson, 30, of Wood River, has been indicted on charges of unlawful restraint and obstructing justice, both Class 4 felonies, and assault, a Class C misdemeanor.
Swanson was indicted May 6, but the indictments were suppressed until May 20.
“The charges are ridiculous and my lawyer and I are not worried about the outcome because we know they have no lead to go on…,” he said.
Dave Tanzyus will be appointed Madison County administrator at a special board meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
A former aide to Republican Congressman Mike Bost, Tanzyus has been serving in Chairman Kurt Prenzler s administration since December when the board confirmed his appointment as community development administrator.
With 30 years of government experience, Tanzyus will fill the seat that had been occupied by administrator Doug Hulme, who was terminated by the county board last April.
Prenzler also will appoint Chris Bethel as IT director.
Bethel started working for IT in January 2017, under former director Rob Dorman, whom the county board also terminated last April. Bethel began as a project manager, then became manager of network services.
Alton man sentenced for punching cop
Ron DeBrock, ronald.debrock@thetelegraph.com
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Branch
ALTON An Alton man has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to punching a police officer.
Elsaventer Branch, 39, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony. Branch was sentenced to four years in prison by Associate Judge Ron Slemer.
On Nov. 20, Branch was identified in a surveillance video for reports of theft at a CVS store at 2422 College Ave. When Alton Police arrived at the defendant’s house, Branch began to flee but was captured. During his arrest, Branch punched the arresting officer in his face. The officer suffered no serious injuries.