Six Charged In Calhoun County Vandalism Case Plead Guilty
The six defendants received two years of court supervision, 100 hours of community service and restitution orders after entering guilty pleas to amended misdemeanor charges.
HARDIN - An investigation into damage to about 18 mailboxes and multiple road signs in rural Golden Eagle, Ill., has concluded with charges against six men, according to Calhoun County Sheriff Zach Hardin.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Jan. 10, 2026, after receiving reports of vandalism and property damage. Investigators found mailboxes that had been damaged, stolen or destroyed and road signs that had been uprooted or otherwise damaged.
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Deputies processed the individual crime scenes, collected evidence and conducted field interviews. Investigators identified several vehicles while reviewing surveillance footage, and Hardin traveled to Madison County to conduct additional interviews and identify suspects.
On Jan. 23, 2026, Hardin obtained a court-authorized search warrant for additional digital evidence. The warrant was executed electronically, and investigators collected more evidence.
The case was forwarded to the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution. On April 20, 2026, State’s Attorney Lucas Fanning issued arrest warrants for six suspects identified during the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
All six appeared as directed before Judge Charles H.W. Burch in the 8th Circuit Court of Calhoun County to answer the charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
On April 20th 2026, Calhoun County State’s Attorney Lucas Fanning issued Warrants of Arrest for six suspects identified pursuant to the investigation:
- Dylan J. Cato, aged 19, of Brighton, was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by Minor, and Felony Mob Action. Cato was arrested on April 25, 2026 by the Glen Carbon Police Department.
- Tyler C. Eyanson, aged 19, of Bethalto, was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by Minor, Criminal Damage to Property, and Felony Mob Action. Eyanson was arrested on April 25, 2026 by the Jerseyville Police Department.
- Benito E. Biciocchi, aged 19, of Alton, was charged with the offenses of Felony Mob Action and Criminal Damage to Property. Biciocchi was arrested on April 28, 2026 by the Alton Police Department.
- Mason D. Groves, aged 19, of Brighton, was charged with the offense of Felony Mob Action. Groves was arrested on Aug. 26, 2026 by the Wood River Police Department.
- Gabe F. Rawlings, aged 19, of Medora, was charged with the offenses of Felony Mob Action and Criminal Damage to Property. Rawlings was arrested on August 26, 2026 by the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department.
- Bryant J. Stormer, aged 20, of Bunker Hill, was charged with the offenses of Mob Action and Criminal Damage to Property. On May 20th 2026, Stormer turned himself into the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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