PITTSFIELD, Ill. (WAND) A man whom police say stole a vehicle and was released under the pre-trial fairness act is now accused of immediately stealing another vehicle just outside of the jail.
Last Friday morning at 9:30, Pittsfield Police officers were alerted to a possible intoxicated driver in a red Chevrolet Camero. The vehicle was found at Casey’s on East Washington St.
It had been reported stolen from Jacksonville the same day at 8 a.m.
Police said the driver, identified as 25-year-old Jesse Austin of Herrick, resisted arrest but was taken into custody.
It was learned Austin had been arrested by the Jacksonville Police Department for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle the night before.
As per the Safe T Act requirements, officers took him to the Morgan County Jail, processed him, issued him a citation, and released him.
Once released, police said Austin allegedly stole the Camero from near the Morgan County Jail.
Officers again arrested Austin.
The Pike County State’s Attorney has filed a petition with the court to deny pretrial release.


