Join us for Champaign County Crime Stoppers’ 40th Anniversary Celebration
July 27, 2026

Champaign County Crime Stoppers has proudly served the Champaign County community since 1986, and invites everyone to help us celebrate at our 40th Anniversary Celebration. This prestigious event will feature a delicious meal, live entertainment, and special guest speaker – and Champaign’s very own Olympic legend – Bonnie Blair. Crime Stoppers will also announce the 2026 Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award Winner and the 2026 Crime Stoppers Youth Scholarship recipient during the event.

The celebration will be held at Carmon’s in downtown Champaign on September 10, 2026. Doors will open at 5 pm and the dinner program starts at 6 pm. Tickets for this prestigious event are only $50/each and must be purchased in advance via Crime Stoppers’ website (373tips.com) or by contacting a Board Member (see website for details). Show your support for Crime Stoppers and help us celebrate four decades of work fighting crime in Champaign County! Tickets sales are limited and are expected to sell out quickly.

Learn more about the 40th Anniversary Celebration and buy your tickets today at 373tips.com.

About Bonnie Blair
Bonnie Blair grew up in Champaign, Illinois and is a graduate of Centennial High School. The youngest of six children, she rose to be one of the greatest Winter Olympians in history, winning six medals (5 gold, 1 bronze) in long track speedskating during her electrifying performances in the 1988, 1992, and 1994 Olympic Winter Games. She is the first American woman to win five Olympic gold medals and was named Sportswoman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 1994.  At the time of her induction into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, Blair was the most decorated female U.S. Winter Olympian of all time. Don’t miss her inspirational story about how her dedication and perseverance took her from Champaign’s ice rinks to become an Olympic legend!

About Champaign County Crime Stoppers
Champaign County Crime Stoppers is a local nonprofit group founded in May 1986 that has assisted local law enforcement agencies across Champaign County with solving more than 2,355 cases and the recovery of more than $2.6 million dollars of recovered property and narcotics since its inception. Crime Stoppers provides a method for local law enforcement to receive information about criminal activity directly from the public. Anonymous tips are relayed by Crime Stoppers to law enforcement. If the tip leads to an arrest, then the tipster is eligible for a cash reward. Learn more at 373tips.com.

Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award Nominations Due by August 31
June 09, 2026

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is now accepting nominations for the prestigious Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award. The Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award is an annual award established by Crime Stoppers of Champaign County in honor of former board member and WCIA-TV anchor Dave Benton. Each year this award recognizes the Champaign County resident who most exemplifies the crime-fighting spirit that Dave Benton exhibited during his award-winning newscasts and his tenure on the Crime Stoppers' Board of Directors.

Nominations are now being accepted to honor any resident in Champaign County.

The intent of the award is to recognize an individual who has made a difference in fighting crime in their community. The recipient must have been involved in an ongoing activity or program that helped to stop a crime, solve a case, or made a big difference in resolving a dangerous situation that made a neighborhood, community or the whole of Champaign County safer. Criteria for nominations are very general in order to avoid limiting the kinds of activities that would qualify and maintain a broad appeal to all citizens.

Nomination forms and instructions are available on Crime Stoppers website at 373tips.com. Nominations must be received by August 31, 2026.

Protect Your Identity! Crime Stoppers Shred Event and Drug Drop Off is May 9
April 17, 2026

Crime Stoppers Announces Winner of the 2025 Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award
July 24, 2025

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is proud to announce that Minnie Pearson has been recognized as this year’s recipient of the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award. The award was announced and presented to Pearson at Crime Stoppers’ Annual Meeting held July 24, 2025, at the Elks Lodge in Savoy.

Minnie Pearson was chosen by the Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award Committee for her years of service to the Champaign County area. Ms. Pearson has shaped the landscape of public service, equity and safety in Champaign County for more than five decades.  Her service to our communities over the years is without a doubt exactly what the Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award is designed to highlight and recognize. Her dedication to service is unmatched. Ms. Pearson has not only enhanced neighborhood safety, but has helped build a community where trust, hope and opportunity flourish for all. The Champaign County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors congratulates and thanks Minnie Pearson for her commitment to improving lives and community safety in Champaign County.

Of this honor Minnie Pearson said, "I am so grateful to have been recognized and appreciative that people recognize my work in the community. Thank you to Champaign County Crime Stoppers for this wonderful award".  

John Hecker, President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers said, “Crime Stoppers congratulates Ms. Pearson for her dedication to making Champaign County a safer and more meaningful community for all residents. In light of such a continuing commitment to the betterment of our community, we are honored to present the 2025 Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award to Minnie Pearson.”

Ms. Pearson attended the Crime Stoppers Annual Meeting on July 24, 2025, and accepted her award in front of a packed house of local dignitaries, elected officials, law enforcement officers, and supporters. 

Champaign County Crime Stoppers has been proudly serving the Champaign County community for more than 39 years. Anonymous tips to our program have assisted local law enforcement in solving more than 2,300 cases, 2024 arrests, and recovering nearly $2.5 million dollars of stolen property and illegal narcotics.

To learn more about Champaign County Crime Stoppers please visit our website at 373tips.com.

Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award Nominations Due June 30
June 09, 2025

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is reminding the public that the deadline is quickly approaching to nominate outstanding citizens for the Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award. The Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award is an annual award established by Crime Stoppers of Champaign County in honor of former board member and WCIA-TV anchor Dave Benton. Each year this award recognizes the Champaign County citizen who most exemplifies the crime-fighting spirit that Dave Benton exhibited during his award-winning newscasts and his tenure on the Crime Stoppers' Board of Directors.

Nominations are being accepted for any resident of Champaign County.

The intent of the award is to recognize an individual who has made a difference in fighting crime in their community. The recipient must have been involved in an ongoing activity or program that helped to stop a crime, solve a case, or made a big difference in resolving a dangerous situation that made a neighborhood, community or the whole of Champaign County safer. Criteria for nominations are very general in order to avoid limiting the kinds of activities that would qualify and maintain a broad appeal to all citizens.

Nomination forms and instructions are available on Crime Stoppers’ website at 373tips.com. Nominations must be received by June 30, 2025.

Crime Stoppers Awards $11,100 for Anonymous Tips in May
June 02, 2025

Thanks to several anonymous tips last month, Champaign County Crime Stoppers is proud to announce it was able to assist local law enforcement in taking several illegally-possessed weapons and dangerous narcotics off the streets of Champaign County. Last month, Champaign County Crime Stoppers’ Board of Directors approved $11,100 in cash rewards for anonymous tips that led to recent arrests. This includes four $2,500 Illegal Gun Bounty cash rewards.

As a result of last month’s Crime Stoppers tips:

• Six individuals were arrested and charged with numerous felonies.
• Four illegally-possessed firearms and ammunition were recovered.
• Illegal narcotics, including cocaine, crack cocaine, and drug packaging materials were seized.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers President John Hecker said, “Once again the public came through to provide anonymous information that took dangerous felons and illegal weapons and drugs off the streets of Champaign County. Crime Stoppers works thanks to the trust and support of our community members, the local media, and law enforcement. Thank you to all those who submitted tips or otherwise help support our nonprofit organization.”

Crime Stoppers’ Popular Shred Event and Prescription Drug Drop Off Event is May 10
April 17, 2025

Champaign County Crime Stoppers, in partnership with Triad Shredding, will once again offer community members a one-stop opportunity to safely dispose of their personal documents, unwanted prescription drugs, and unused cell phones this spring. This is an important fundraiser for Crime Stoppers and participant donations will be used to pay cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve crimes across Champaign County. Crime Stoppers is pleased to welcome Keller Williams back as a sponsor of this spring event, and thanks them for their generous offer to match shred event donations up to a total of $2,000.

This spring’s event will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. in University of Illinois parking Lot E14. This parking lot is at the corner of First Street and Kirby Avenue in Champaign – just west of the State Farm Center. Participants will enter the lot from First Street and follow the marked path to the collection site. Event workers will be on site to guide you.

Crime Stoppers is asking for a small $10 donation to shred up to two bankers boxes of personal documents, including: old income tax records, bank statements, pay stubs, medical records, cancelled checks, legal documents, utility bills, etc. Shredding these types of personal documents is an important way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. All documents that are collected will be transported to Triad Shredding’s secure off-site facility for destruction.

Crime Stoppers is also partnering with the DEA to accept and properly dispose of unneeded prescription medications. Proper disposal of unused prescription drugs helps to prevent pill abuse, overdoses, theft, and also helps protect the environment. Participants can drop off prescription pills and patches, which will be securely transported and incinerated. Liquids, needles, and sharps cannot be accepted. The prescription drug drop-off service is provided free of charge. A uniformed police officer will be on site to collect unwanted prescription medications. Crime Stoppers thanks the Champaign Police Department and the DEA for their continued support with this important collection.

Crime Stoppers and Triad Shredding are also offering to recycle unwanted cell phones for an additional $10 donation per phone. Collected phones will be shredded at Triad Shredding’s off-site facility and the components will be responsibly recycled.

Crime Stoppers Awards $10,000 for Anonymous Tips in March
April 02, 2025

Thanks to several anonymous tips last month, Champaign County Crime Stoppers is pleased to report we were able to assist local law enforcement in taking several illegally-possessed weapons and dangerous narcotics off the streets of Champaign County. Last month, Champaign County Crime Stoppers’ Board of Directors approved $10,000 in cash rewards for anonymous tips that led to recent arrests.

As a result of last month’s Crime Stoppers tips:

• Six illegally-possessed weapons were recovered, including:
    - Four handguns, one which had an extended magazine and had been modified for  
      automatic fire
    - Two rifles
    - Three of the recovered weapons had previously been reported as stolen.
• Dangerous narcotics, including fentanyl and crack cocaine were seized, along with drug packaging materials.
• Four individuals were arrested and charged with numerous felonies.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers President John Hecker said, “Crime Stoppers is proud to continue to be a trusted conduit to take anonymous tips from the public and to get that information in the hands of local law enforcement. Once again these successes continue to prove that Crime Stoppers works!”

Champaign County Crime Stoppers Tips Lead to Seven Arrests
February 06, 2025

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is pleased to inform Champaign County residents that thanks to anonymous tips, Crime Stoppers was able to assist local law enforcement in taking dangerous narcotics and illegal weapons off our neighborhood streets. During our January 2025 meeting, our Board of Directors approved $8,600 in cash rewards for several anonymous tips that led to arrests. As a result of recent tips to Crime Stoppers:

• Seven suspects were arrested
• Seven illegally-possessed weapons were seized, including four handguns and three assault rifles
• Deadly and dangerous narcotics, including hundreds of fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, as well as equipment to make and package illegal drugs were seized.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers President John Hecker said, “We’re extremely proud of these results and thank local law enforcement for acting on these anonymous tips and bringing these suspects into custody. Getting this large volume of dangerous narcotics and illegal weapons off the streets is proof that Crime Stoppers works!”

Crime Stoppers Welcomes New Law Enforcement Coordinator
October 07, 2024

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is pleased to welcome Lt. Greg Manzana as its new Law Enforcement Coordinator. Lt. Manzana has worked in law enforcement for more than 22 years and is currently the Investigations Lieutenant for the Champaign Police Department. As Crime Stoppers’ Coordinator, he ensures that Crime Stoppers tips are distributed to the appropriate law enforcement agency to investigate and notifies Crime Stoppers’ Board of Directors of tips that successfully lead to an arrest so a reward can be paid.

Crime Stoppers Continues to Help Protect Our Community and Your Identity - Shred Event 10/5/2024
September 23, 2024

Popular Paper Shredding and Prescription Drug Drop Off Event is October 5

Champaign County Crime Stoppers will once again offer community members a way to safely dispose of their personal documents, unwanted prescription drugs, and unused cell phones at our fall Shred Event on October 5, 2024. This popular event will be held from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. in the State Farm Center Parking Lot E14, located at the southwest corner of First and Kirby in Champaign. Participants will enter the lot from First Street and follow the marked path to the collection site, where on-site volunteers will guide you.

For a suggested $10 donation, Crime Stoppers will shred up to two bankers’ boxes of your private documents. As a local nonprofit, Crime Stoppers uses this fundraiser to collect money so it can continue to pay out cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve crimes across Champaign County.

Shredding personal documents is an important way to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft and fraud. This includes personal and financial documents like old income tax records, bank statements, pay stubs, medical records, credit card statements, cancelled checks, legal documents, utility bills, etc. Champaign County Crime Stoppers is thankful to our partner Triad Shredding, who once again has supported us by donating their shredding services. All documents collected at this event will be transported to Triad Shredding’s secure off-site facility for destruction.

Crime Stoppers is also partnering with law enforcement to accept and properly dispose of unneeded or expired prescription medications. Getting unneeded prescription drugs out of your home can help prevent pill abuse, overdoses, home invasions, and also helps protect the environment. Participants can drop off prescription pills and patches, which will be incinerated at an offsite location by the DEA. Liquids, needles, and sharps will not be accepted. The prescription drug drop-off service is provided free of charge. A uniformed police officer will be on site to collect all prescription medications. Crime Stoppers thanks the Champaign Police Department for their continued support with this important collection.

Have an unwanted cell phone with personal data that you don’t want falling into the wrong hands? For a suggested $10 donation we will also shred and recycle unwanted cell phones. No other electronic devices will be collected at this event.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Coordinator Earns National Award
September 18, 2024

Crime Stoppers Announces Winner of the 2024 Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award
July 25, 2024

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is proud to announce that Peter McFarland has been recognized as this year’s recipient of the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award. The award was announced and presented to McFarland at Crime Stoppers’ Annual Meeting held today at the Elks Lodge in Savoy.

A lifelong resident of Champaign County, Peter McFarland was recognized for his more than 35 years of service to youth development across Champaign County and for his commitment to promoting community safety. Those who nominated McFarland said he has been actively engaged in youth development for more that 30 years at First String, “a community team,” Inc., and Champaign’s Douglass Park. In total, McFarland has had a positive impact in shaping the lives of more than 6,000 individuals in Champaign-Urbana. McFarland has also been involved in providing free health clinics, trips to major league baseball games, skill camps featuring former NBA players, Boy Scouts, refereeing, and countless other outreach programs. His nomination form stated “Thanks to Peter and his capacity to exemplify leadership in programs like First String, families in the Champaign community come out to Douglass Park and feel good about doing good.” The Champaign County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors congratulates and thanks Peter McFarland for his lifetime commitment to improving lives and community safety in Champaign County.

Of this honor Peter McFarland said, “Giving thanks to God for the vision and mission that he has trusted me with. He has been ordering my steps for over 30 years now. For that I say thanks. I worked and got to know Dave at WCIA Channel 3. Having known the kind of person Dave was makes me very grateful to receive the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award in his honor. I’m very grateful and humbled for this award, which could have been given to any number of individuals in Champaign-Urbana who do good work in the community. Thanks to my wife Debarah and my children for allowing me to do this work, and thank you to all who played a part in this great honor.”

McFarland attended the Crime Stoppers Annual Meeting on July 25, 2024, and accepted his award in front of a packed house of local dignitaries, elected officials, law enforcement officers, and supporters. 

John Hecker, President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers said, “Our program congratulates and thanks Peter for his hard work and dedication to the youth of Champaign County. Through his tireless work and dedication, he has helped shape the lives of the thousands of individuals and enhanced the safety of our community. For his continuing efforts in these areas, Peter is most deserving of this year’s Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award.”

Champaign County Crime Stoppers has been proudly serving the Champaign County community for more than 38 years. Anonymous tips to our program have assisted local law enforcement in solving more than 2,248 cases, making 1,907 arrests, and recovering more than $2.25 million dollars of property and illegal narcotics.

Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award nominations due June 20th
May 21, 2024

Crime Stoppers’ Popular Paper Shredding and Prescription Drug Drop Off Event is April 20
April 04, 2024

Take Control of your Identity Safety with Crime Stoppers Shred Event on October 28
October 23, 2023

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Champaign County Crime Stoppers will partner with Champaign Police and Triad Shredding to host another event for the public to safely get rid of old documents (like bank and tax statements), cell phones, and medications. The items will be safely and legally destroyed off-site, reducing the risk of identity theft, drug abuse, and medications entering the water supply. The event will be held in lot E14 at First Street and Kirby Avenue in Champaign from 9-11 a.m.

“Champaign County Crime Stoppers has very little overhead costs, but as a volunteer nonprofit, we have no paid fundraising staff,” said John Hecker, Crime Stoppers President. “So, money raised from events like this is key to our mission of fighting crime. Around 92 cents of every dollar donated goes toward cash rewards to anonymous tipsters.”

Anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers continue to make an impact in Champaign County. Since Crime Stoppers increased the reward for gun crimes in 2019, tips have resulted in 76 arrests and 91 firearms recovered. Just last month, Crime Stoppers learned of a tip that led to a so-called ghost gun – a gun designed not to be traced – taken off the streets. And since March 2022, tips have led to the arrest of two murder suspects.
 

Frequently asked questions about the shred event:

• Can I get in line early? Yes, but expect a short wait no matter what time you arrive as this has become a popular event. Please approach the lot from the east and follow Crime Stoppers staff instructions to get in line. Please do not stop on the street while you wait. Follow Crime Stoppers on Twitter and Facebook for wait time updates.

• How much can I bring? The only limit is two bankers boxes of documents. We suggest a $10 donation for documents and a $10 donation for cell phones.

• Are there separate lines for each category? No, there is one line.

• What drugs are accepted? Prescription and non-prescription pills, patches, capsules, tablets, powders, sealed insulin vials, vitamins, ointments and patches. Pet medications of these types are also accepted. Please have the items in some sort of container, like a pill bottle or plastic bag.

• What drugs are not accepted? Needles and other sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions, liquids and hydrogen peroxide. Ask your local pharmacy or police department about disposal of these items.

• What if a loved one passes away and I find illegal drugs in their home? Can I bring them to this event? We recommend you contact your local police department.

• Do I need to remove my name or personal information from any items? No, this service is anonymous, and all items will be safely and legally destroyed off-site.

Click here for more information on identity theft from the Crime Stoppers website.

Letter to the Editor Regarding Cessation of Court Funding
October 15, 2023

For more than 37 years, Champaign County Crime Stoppers has served as an effective way for area residents to anonymously share information about criminal activity with law enforcement. To encourage people to step forward, Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $5,000 for tips which lead to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property. Since our inception, Crime Stoppers tips have led to 1,907 arrests and the recovery of more than $2.1 million of stolen property and narcotics in Champaign County. To operate, our nonprofit has relied upon funding through an anti-crime fee levied by the judiciary on many defendants found guilty of committing crime. Our organization was informed last month that this funding source has ceased due to changes related to the Safe-T Act that recently went into effect across Illinois. The unexpected loss of this funding, which we have relied upon for more than three decades, was a financial blow to our organization. So that we can continue to serve our community long into the future we are turning to Champaign County’s residents and businesses to help support our nonprofit program that has a long and successful history of helping take criminals off our streets. Credit card donations can be made through our website (373tips.com) and checks can be mailed to Champaign County Crime Stoppers, PO Box 814, Champaign, IL 61820. All donations are tax deductible. We thank everyone in Champaign County for your continued support.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers

Take control of your identity safety with Crime Stoppers
June 14, 2023

On Saturday, June 17, 2023, Champaign County Crime Stoppers, Champaign Police, and Triad Shredding will host another event for the public to safely get rid of old documents (like bank and tax statements), cell phones, and medications. The items will be destroyed off-site, reducing the risk of identity theft and drug abuse. The event will be held in lot E14 at First Street and Kirby Avenue in Champaign from 9-11 a.m.

Frequently asked questions about the event:

• Can I get in line early? Yes, but expect a short wait no matter what time you arrive as this has become a popular event. Please approach the lot from the east and follow Crime Stoppers staff instructions to get in line. Please do not stop on the street while you wait. Follow Crime Stoppers on Facebook and Twitter for wait time updates.

• How much can I bring? The only limit is two bankers boxes of documents. We suggest a $10 donation for documents and a $10 donation for cell phones.

• Are there separate lines for each category? No, there is one line.

• What drugs are accepted? Prescription and non-prescription pills, patches, capsules, tablets, powders, sealed insulin vials, vitamins, ointments and patches. Pet medications of these types are also accepted. Please have the items in some sort of container, like a pill bottle or plastic bag.

• What drugs are not accepted? Needles and other sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions, liquids and hydrogen peroxide. Ask your local pharmacy or police department about disposal of these items.

• What if a loved one passes away and I find illegal drugs in their home? Can I bring them to this event? We recommend you contact your local police department.

• Do I need to remove my name or personal information from any items? No, this service is anonymous, and all items will be safely and legally destroyed off-site.

“This event has become popular in Champaign-Urbana, and Crime Stoppers is pleased to organize it,” said John Hecker, Crime Stoppers president. “It’s a win-win situation. The public can get rid of unwanted items, reducing the risk for identity theft and drug abuse. And with their donations, the community can support Crime Stoppers’ efforts to reduce every type of crime. We have no office or paid staff, so every dollar goes toward our mission.”

Click here for more information on identity theft.

Honor a Citizen Crime-fighter in Champaign County
May 09, 2023

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is reminding the public that the deadline is approaching to nominate outstanding citizens for two of the group’s initiatives: the Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award and the Youth Scholarship Award.

The Benton award is named for the late Dave Benton, a WCIA anchor and Crime Stoppers Board Member. It recognizes a Champaign County resident or organization who has made their community a better place through citizen crime-fighting efforts. Examples include neighborhood groups that promote safety or someone who mentors kids to keep them on the right track.

The deadline to nominate for the Benton award is June 15, 2023. The winner, as chosen by the Crime Stoppers Board, will receive $500, a framed certificate, and their name will be engraved on a plaque of past winners.

Crime Stoppers is also taking applications for its youth scholarship. High school seniors in Champaign County who are planning a career in criminal justice are encouraged to apply. Applicants must provide information about their high school life, extracurriculars, etc. and write a short essay on why they are pursuing a career in criminal justice.

The winner, chosen by the Crime Stoppers Board, will receive $500. The money will go directly into the student’s account at the college or university they are attending. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is June 15, 2023.

“It takes everyone working together to create safe and thriving communities,” said Crime Stoppers President John Hecker. “We want to recognize the people and groups who are doing their part.”

Winners of the Benton award and youth scholarship will be recognized at Crime Stoppers’ annual luncheon in July.

Crime Stoppers shred event postponed
April 20, 2023

Due to the possibility of poor weather, including high winds, Champaign County Crime Stoppers has postponed Saturday’s (4/22/2023) shred event and drug take back.

“The main concern is documents with sensitive information getting blown away in the wind,” said Crime Stoppers President John Hecker. “We know this is a popular event, and we will work to reschedule as soon as possible.”

Residents can contact their local police department or pharmacy about disposing of medication.

Crime Stoppers will let the community and media know of a reschedule date.