A Riverton man has been sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the unlawful possession of a converted vehicle. 51 year old Richard Griffin of Riverton was sentenced on on November 12th, 2021 and Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke announced that the sentence range was probation to 7 years in IDOC. 

Griffin was arrested on July 2nd, 2021 after taking possession of a vehicle from the parking lot of Curtis’ Repair Shop on Route 16 in Tower Hill. According to Kroncke, employees followed the vehicle and blocked it at the Jehovah’s Witness Church parking lot on Route 16 in Shelby County preventing it from leaving. Sheriff’s Deputies arrived and Griffin backed up and rammed the pickup truck driven by the employees causing damage to the pick-up and the vehicle that Griffin stole. Employees removed Griffin from the stolen vehicle and restrained him until police arrived and took him into custody.

Griffin admitted that he stole the vehicle and stated that he turned into the church parking lot because he was going in the wrong direction. He said he was surprised that he was blocked by employees and tried to unsuccessfully escape. Griffin has remained in Shelby County Jail since his arrest.  This has been his eleventh prison sentence.

State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke commended the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for its immediate response to the case stating that “sheriff’s deputies responded without delay or hesitation and intervened in a situation that could have escalated.  The individuals who assisted law enforcement with their proactive involvement exhibited courage and exemplary citizenship, resulting in the apprehension and conviction of a career criminal.”