A Galesburg man and a man from East Galesburg are both jailed on charges accusing them in taking part in at least two burglaries to homes in East Galesburg.
32-year-olds Adam Fowler and Luke Simkins both appeared in Knox County Circuit Court Thursday afternoon — each on two cases charging both of them with multiple felony counts of burglary and theft, along with some misdemeanor theft charges.
Knox County Assistant State’s Attorney Sabrina Stroops told a judge that break-ins happened earlier this month to a home on South State Street in East Galesburg, and in January to a home on Mattison Street, also in East Galesburg.
Searches of Fowler’s home on North Farnham in Galesburg, and of Simkins’ East Galesburg home allegedly turned up items including tools, Harley Davidson items, lights, antique signs, and others — totaling close to $10,000 in value.
Simkins claims, according to Stroops, that he only took part in a burglary to a Knoxville home he’s so far not being charged with, and that Fowler often gave him items to sell.
The two are both being held in the Knox County Jail — Fowler on $20,000 bond, Simkins on $10,000 bond. Simkins was cited for being more cooperative with investigators. Both will be back in court July 16th.
UPDATE 6/29:
New details have been released in the arrest of Luke Simkins and Adam Fowler – two area men who were in Knox County Circuit Court Thursday on burglary charges.
According to a press release from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the department requested assistance from the Knoxville Police Department on Wednesday with a search warrant of 101 East Fourth Street in East Galesburg.
During the search several stolen items were identified from burglaries that the sheriff’s department was investigating. A second search warrant was granted, and over $5,000 worth of property was recovered.
The sole occupant and property owner, Simkins, was arrested.
Knoxville and Galesburg police departments executed a search warrant later in the day at 115 North Farnham Street in Galesburg where Fowler was arrested.
Knox County Investigators responded to the Farnham Street property and identified numerous stolen items from burglaries the department had been investigating.
A second search warrant yielded approximately $10,000 worth of stolen property.
The investigation is ongoing and more charges or arrests are pending.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the Knoxville, Galesburg, and East Galesburg Police Departments as well as BNSF Police. Other agencies could be assisting in the case as the investigation continues.
WGIL will have more as this story develops.
