PAXTON — A Roberts woman has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison for her role in what police called “a major drug distribution ring in Gibson City and surrounding towns.”
Angela K. Rutledge, 58, formerly of Hoopeston, was among four people arrested on felony methamphetamine charges last February following a controlled buy of about a quarter-pound of the drug at Gibson City’s North Park. Authorities later searched residences on North State Street and West Ninth Street in Gibson City and a residence in Loda, seizing about half a pound of methamphetamine as a result of the investigation.
Angela K. Rutledge
Judge Matt Fitton sentenced Rutledge on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Ford County Circuit Court. Rutledge pleaded guilty to one Class X felony count of methamphetamine delivery (15-100 grams) on July 14 — the day she was to stand trial. In exchange, State’s Attorney Andrew Killian agreed to dismiss an additional Class X felony count filed against her and to recommend a sentence of no more than 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with day-for-day credit to apply.
“In imposing a sentence of 11 years against Ms. Rutledge, the court was sending a strong message to those that traffic the poison that is methamphetamine in our communities that, when caught, they will be held accountable,” Killian said in an emailed statement. “The court also recognized that Ms. Rutledge was engaging in this conduct at the North Park in Gibson City at a time when, according to testimony provided by officer Austin Rosenbaum of the Gibson City Police Department during the sentencing hearing, children and families were present.”
Involved in the drug-trafficking investigation were the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office’s proactive unit, Ford County Sheriff’s Office and Gibson City, Paxton and Fairbury police departments.
“The joint nature of this operation demonstrates the recognition by law enforcement agencies that methamphetamine — and the troubles it brings to communities — does not stay local,” Killian said, “and in working together and sharing resources, agencies are able to amplify results to target dealers.”
Rutledge remained in custody at the Ford County Jail in Paxton as of Wednesday, Dec. 17, awaiting transfer to prison.
Besides Rutledge, also charged were Allen E. Burgin, 64, of Loda and Urbana, who faces three Class X felony counts of methamphetamine delivery and has a jury trial set for Tuesday, Jan. 20, and Kenneth C. Koltveit, 54, of Gibson City, who faces two Class 2 felony counts of methamphetamine delivery and is due back in court on Monday, Feb. 9, amid ongoing plea negotiations. A fourth person — Tara L. Kall, 46, of Gibson City — was arrested for possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor, but was not charged, according to online court records.