Illinois quick hits: Man gets 18 months in prison for mail scheme; Department of Agriculture set to distribute speciality crop grants

Man gets 18 months in prison for mail scheme

An Illinois man has received 18 months in prison from a federal judge for his reported work in an ongoing mail theft and bank fraud scheme based in Carbondale, and according to the United States Attorney's Office, Brian Nevils, 25, of South Holland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail theft. Court documents reportedly revealed Nevils obtained a master key to access mail boxes throughout Carbondale. He then altered payees and amounts of stolen checks, deposited the checks into bank accounts of others involved in the crime and transferred the money into his own accounts.

Department of Agriculture set to distribute speciality crop grants

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will distribute nearly $525,000 over a three-year period to support the state's specialty crop industry, thanks to the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The 2018 Federal Farm Bill authorized funding for this program. Specialty Crop Block Grant funding is limited to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The largest grant went to the Illinois Specialty Growers Association.

Newlyweds win $3 million lottery prize

A newlywed couple is celebrating their marriage and a huge lottery win. The couple, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought a winning scratch-off ticket worth $3 million in Cary. With the winnings, the couple said they plan to save for the kids' college funds and retirement and go on more family vacations.