By: Diane Benjamin

The population of the McLean County jail has been higher that usual for about the last week. The increase wasn’t related to a long holiday weekend. This morning it shows 251 inmates, it had been closer to 120.

If you download the McLean County Sheriff’s Office App, you can see who is in jail and what they are charged with. It is not updated in real time, so changes might be delayed. Everyone arrested doesn’t end up being charged.

This is 22 year old Derek Riggs:

Riggs is in jail for 4 ordinance violations from the Normal Police Department:

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See this Town of Normal webpage: https://www.normalil.gov/m/faq?cat=19#question-91

It claims ordinance violations aren’t criminal. https://www.normalil.gov/m/faq?cat=19#question-91

Meanwhile, Riggs is in jail for violating Statute Z, Code ZZ. I have no idea what that is and with a cursory review of Town Code I didn’t find it. Feel free to look yourself and let me know.

The reason for this story is the history of Derek Riggs. He has been charged with other “ordinance violations” with outstanding fines. Only the speeding ticket has been sent to collections. Evidently the others are okay not to pay.

Are the 4 above going to added to the list of unpaid violations? The charges, if any, have not been entered in the County database yet.

Below are the previous violations and unpaid fines. He does have others that show zero due. You can look them up here: https://publicaccess.mcleancountyil.gov/PubAC_SearchCriminal.aspx

2025 – open alcohol carry – $375

2025 – ped in roadway – $200

2024 – speeding – $251

2024 – unlawful possession of alcohol – $375

Total $1,201

Are ordinance violation in Normal immaterial?

Bloomington has their own Administrative Court that handles ordinance violations. I guess this explains why they handle violators themselves instead of clogging the courts.

Looking at what inmates are charged with tells the story of what is happening in McLean County. Keep in mind inmates are innocent until proven guilty. They show lots of Domestic Violence, possession of drugs especially Meth, illegal gun possession, violation of Orders of Protection, and others.

No, the guy from yesterday isn’t one of the OP violators arrested: https://blnnews.com/2026/09/09/are-ironwood-citizens-forced-to-protect-themselves/