McLean County Jail

State Police have seized an estimated $10 million worth of cocaine during a traffic stop in McLean County.

McLean County prosecutors reached a plea agreement with Samantha Beck, 22, of Bloomington. Beck was fired in June after what the sheriff's office described as a "possible inappropriate relationship" with an inmate at the McLean County Jail.

Eddie Perkins was previously a roving minister at McLean County Jail and ministers to the congregation of Bridge of Hope Church in Normal.

McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane says corrections officer Samantha Beck, 22, of Bloomington, was fired on Tuesday after the department investigated the matter.

Michelle Blessent, 35, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13 and one count of grooming. Blessent was subsequently sentenced to 87 years in prison.

A shortage of correctional staffers prompted the county to begin sending inmates to the LaSalle County Jail in Ottawa. Sheriff Matt Lane says 30 correctional staffers have been hired since March.

Staffing shortages have been plaguing the McLean County Jail for months, but once it's up to full staff another special needs unit could open for inmates with mental health concerns.

The McLean County sheriff said the population of the county jail will likely fall after the SAFE-T Act goes into effect in September.

The Jail Review Committee was founded in 1980 at the suggestion of then-Sheriff Steve Brienen. It is a free-standing volunteer body whose members are appointed by various community groups to serve as their representatives.

McLean County administrator Cassy Taylor said inmates who require 24-hour supervision are still getting the attention and treatment they need.