A theft case against former Sunshine Industries Executive Director Verle John Strickler was dismissed on May 30.
A grand jury returned a “not true bill” for four counts of first-degree theft on May 23. Judge Daniel Murphy signed the dismissal on May 30.
Strickler was arrested on June 8, 2011 for aggravated first-degree theft following an investigation that began on Oct. 28, 2010, when he was removed from the director’s position at Sunshine Industries.
The case revolved around some $16,000 in misused funds at Sunshine.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, which means that it could be refiled if new evidence is presented.
Other recent Circuit Court proceedings involving local individuals have resulted in the following:
Kostanty Knurowski
Former Sweet Home High School Athletic Director, teacher and varsity basketball Coach Kostanty Knurowski, who had been charged with five counts of third-degree sexual abuse, was arraigned on an additional count of second-degree sexual abuse on May 2 in a grand jury indictment.
School District 55 dismissed Knurowski in May.
Sweet Home police arrested Knurowski on April 4 after an investigation beginning on March 25. The charges are in connection to activity involving a female high school junior during the 2009-10 school year.
Mitch Allen Fowler
Mitchell Allen Fowler, 20, was sentenced to 10 days in jail on May 4 in connection with a burglary at the Sweet Home Liquor Store on Feb. 19.
Fowler pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree theft. A charge of minor in possession of alcohol was dismissed.
Fowler was sentenced to 10 days in jail and 18 months probation. He must pay $400 in fines and fees.