David D. Weatherall, Robbery & Gun Charges, Illinois 2015

A devastating crime spree has come to an end for a Mt. Vernon man, accused of robbing two businesses at gunpoint.

David D. Weatherall, 25, of Mt. Vernon, IL, was indicted on March 3, 2015, on robbery and gun-related charges. The indictment was returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, according to United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton.

According to court documents, Weatherall is accused of aiding and abetting another person in the robbery of Huck's Convenient Food Store, located at 540 Fairfield Road, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on December 8, 2014. The indictment charges that Weatherall and an accomplice took United States Currency and cigarettes from the store by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, while brandishing a firearm.

Weatherall is also accused of knowingly aiding and abetting another person who brandished a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, also on December 8, 2014.

The following day, December 9, 2014, Weatherall is accused of robbing Biggies Cafe and General Store, located at 3858 State Route 161, Centralia, Illinois. Weatherall allegedly took United States Currency and Hennessy Liquor from the store by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, while brandishing a firearm.

The indictment charges Weatherall with four counts, including robbery and gun-related charges. Weatherall faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for Counts 1 and 3. For Counts 2 and 4, Weatherall faces a minimum of 7 years in prison, up to life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence on Count 2 or Count 4 must run consecutive to any other Count of which Weatherall is convicted.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Mt. Vernon Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and the Centralia Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.

Weatherall is presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The charges against Weatherall are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of crime on our communities. The people of Mt. Vernon and Centralia deserve to feel safe, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/mt-vernon-man-indicted-robbery-and-gun-related-charges