Sheriff’s Office Seeks Second Suspect in Sandbar Burglary

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a second suspect in a July burglary at Mama Lee’s Sandbar that resulted in more than $40,000 in damage to gaming machines.

Troy W. Rathbone, 46, of Riverton, is wanted on charges of burglary and criminal damage to property following an investigation into the July 9 break-in at the business in the 6000 block of Mechanicsburg Road.

Deputies responded to the business around 3 a.m. and discovered that the front door had been forced open and two gaming machines had been burglarized. Deputies searched the building but did not locate any suspects.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division used Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, surveillance footage provided by J & J Ventures and other evidence to identify a suspect vehicle. J & J Ventures, which owns the gaming machines, reported damage exceeding $40,000.

The investigation initially led detectives to Phillip J. Smith, 46, of rural Rochester. Smith was arrested August 13 on charges of burglary, criminal damage to property and theft. He was released the following day under Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act.

On October 7, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Rathbone after receiving additional information in the case.

“Our detectives have worked hard to identify the individuals responsible for this burglary, and we are now asking for the public’s help locating the second suspect,” said Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch. “Anyone who knows where Mr. Rathbone is should contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers.”

Rathbone is also wanted on a separate arrest warrant for non-consensual dissemination of private images and harassment with an electronic device. Those charges stem from an unrelated Sheriff’s Office investigation.

Anyone with information about Rathbone’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Sangamon and Menard Counties at 217-788-8427 or cashfortips.us. Information can also be provided directly to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office at 217-753-6666.