WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (NewsFirst) —
Underage Consumption of Alcohol and Controlled Substance Occurs at Unlicensed Liquor Establishment
Williamson County, Illinois – On January 7, 2024, at 0354 hours, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the report of an unconscious male at 1615 Landing Drive, Crainville.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered an 18 year old unconscious male just outside the doorway of the unlicensed liquor establishment operated by John D. Thomas doing business as “The Smokin Hookah”.
Multiple doses of Narcan were successfully administered to the unconscious male.
Deputies encountered a large intoxicated crowd both inside and outside of the business including several underage patrons.
Upon further investigation, Deputies discovered the unconscious male purchased controlled substance, believed to be Fentanyl, while inside the establishment and had purchased approximately $200 of alcoholic beverage from the unlicensed liquor establishment.
The male was transported to an area hospital for further treatment.
Sheriff Jeff Diederich stated, “Unlicensed liquor establishments which continue to defy the legal obligations of licensing, inspections, and operating hour limitations will be lawfully shut down. Guns, drugs, and underage consumption of alcohol have become way too common of an occurrence at these unlicensed establishments”.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s office would like to thank the Carterville Police Department, Crainville Police Department, Energy Police Department, the Illinois Liquor Commission, and the Illinois State Police for their assistance in this matter.
This remains an ongoing criminal investigation.
If you have any information concerning this or any other investigation, please contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618.997.6541 or “Submit A Tip” on the Williamson County Sheriff’s App.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s App is a great way to keep informed and can be downloaded at the App Store (Apple/Iphone) or on Google Play (Android).
Your information is important, and those who “Submit a Tip” by using the Sheriff’s App may choose to remain anonymous.
