According to a press release from MPD, Mattoon police arrested Phillip M. Vandiver, age 28 of Charleston, on April 24th at 11:00 a.m. The arrest occurred at the MPD. Vandiver was charged with Felony Theft.
The charge alleges that on April 24th, at approx. 6:10 a.m., Vandiver stole $1200.00 from another man during a drug transaction for methamphetamine. The victim initially reported the incident as an armed robbery by firearm.
A second defendant, Courtland M. Simpson, age 29 of Mattoon, was also arrested at the MPD at approx. 11:00 a.m.
He was also charged with Felony Theft. The charge against Simpson alleges that he acted as a “get away” driver after the theft occurred, and that he received $700.00 proceeds from the commission of the theft. All monies were recovered and are subject to seizure by law enforcement due to a violation of the controlled substances act.
Both suspects were taken to jail.