william-norton

MT. VERNON, IL — A 61-year-old man Bonnie once recognized on a local TV station as an ‘Unsung Hero” for his work with the Mt. Vernon Christian Outreach and Resale shop pleaded guilty Wednesday in Jefferson County Court to stealing from that business. William “Bill” Norton was arrested May of 2018 after detectives from the Mt. Vernon Police Department went to 330 W. Sledge Street in Bonnie to speak with him.

He pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge of theft after it was agreed with prosecutors the Class 3 felon against Norton would be dismissed and he was sentenced to 6 months conditional discharge. Norton, who was the manager of the Mt. Vernon Christian Outreach and Resale shop located at 238 Main Street in Mt. Vernon, was one of the primary focuses of the investigation, which involved ongoing thefts from the business. During a search of the residence property reported to be stolen from the business was recovered. After being interviewed by Detectives, Norton was taken into custody on the warrant charging him with felony theft. He was transported to the Jefferson County Jail with a bond set at $30,000.

Norton was able to post $3,000 bail and was released. His bail was applied to fines and fees charged in the case.