During the execution of the warrant, investigators seized evidence leading to the arrest of three individuals: Mary C. Bennett, 71, of Sterling; Dennis M. Ripley, 74, of Sterling; and Miley M. Whaley, 19, of Sterling.
Each individual was charged with the following offenses:
- Unlawful possession of a controlled substance (one count), a Class 4 felony.
- Unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (one count), a Class 1 felony.
- Unlawful possession of cannabis weighing more than 500 grams (one count), a Class 3 felony.
- Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (one count), a Class 2 felony.
- Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia (one count), a Class A misdemeanor.
In accordance with SAFE-T Act guidelines, all three individuals were released with notices to appear on pending court dates.
The investigation remains ongoing. No further information will be released by the Sterling Police Department at this time.
All charges listed above are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Detective Sgt. Maggie Ellmaker
(815) 632-6604
mellmaker@stelring-il.gov
By authority of Chief Edward Bartel
