Bethalto Police Department

08/26/2026

For Immediate Release:
Date: 08/26/2026
Contact: Chief Ryan Dugger, Bethalto Police Department
Bethalto Police Execute Search Warrant at Local Massage Business; Village Closes Establishment and Seeks License Revocation
BETHALTO, IL — On 08/25/2026, the Bethalto Police Department executed a search warrant at Sasa Massage, located at 408 W. Bethalto Drive in Bethalto, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The Department was assisted by the Illinois State Police and Madison County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team.
The warrant is the result of a long-term investigation into suspected criminal activity at the business, which opened in January 2025.
Following the ex*****on of the search warrant, the business license has been suspended by the Village of Bethalto. The Village is pursuing revocation of the establishment's business license based on the activity identified during the investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further information will be released at this time. Additional details will be provided as they become available and as the investigation allows.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Bethalto Police Department at (618) 377-5266.

07/22/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 22, 2026

The Bethalto Police Department announces that charges have been filed against Mark J. Schrader, 35, following an investigation into a series of threats directed at Bethalto schools and the Bethalto Police Department. The Madison County State's Attorney's Office has charged Schrader and issued he be remanded to Madison County Jail. The warrant was signed and issued by Honorable Judge Amy Maher.

According to the charging document, on or about July 10, 2026, Schrader is alleged to have communicated to employees of St. Anthony's Hospital in Alton referencing threats towards the Bethalto School District, as well as a threat that he would start a war with the Bethalto Police Department and that he knew how to obtain a firearm to harm himself and police officers.
The investigation further alleges that on or about July 20, 2026, Schrader made a statement to members of the Bethalto Police Department threatening violence to the Bethalto Police Department and that he conveyed threats to take the lives of two peace officers because of the performance of their public duties.

Schrader has been charged with the following offenses:
● Count I – Making a Terrorist Threat (Class X Felony)
● Count II – Making a Terrorist Threat (Class X Felony)
● Count III – Making a Terrorist Threat (Class X Felony)
● Count IV – Threatening a Public Official (Class 3 Felony)
● Count V – Threatening a Public Official (Class 3 Felony)

The swift and thorough response of Bethalto Police Department investigators led directly to the issuance of these charges. Upon learning of the threats directed at Bethalto schools, the Bethalto Police Department immediately notified the Bethalto Community Unit School District, ensuring that district officials were made aware of the threats. The Department worked in coordination with school leadership to help safeguard students and staff.

The Bethalto Police Department wants to make it clear to the public that any incident involving threats against our schools or our officers will be taken with the utmost seriousness. We will investigate these matters swiftly and pursue every appropriate charge to protect our community, our students, and those who serve it. The Bethalto Police Department remains committed to the safety of our schools and the community.

With the assistance of the United States Marshal Service, Schrader was taken into custody and remains in custody at the Madison Couty Sheriff’s Office.

Criminal charges are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/30/2026

We want to recognize the investigations division for their outstanding work, dedication and quick response to bring this case to a resolution.

HAINE ANNOUNCES 13-YEAR PRISON TERM FOR WOMAN CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a Bethalto woman has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for s*xual assault of a minor boy.

Amy L. Bryant, 44, received the sentence Monday after pleading guilty to criminal s*xual assault.

She admitted to having a s*xual relationship with a minor between Oct. 1, 2023, and April 15, 2025. The minor was 14 when it began, and was an acquaintance of Bryant’s family.

In addition to the prison term, the conviction means Bryant is subject to lifetime registration as a s*x offender.

The victim’s mother gave a victim-impact statement, saying the matter has profoundly affected her son.

“I want to begin by thanking the investigators, prosecutors and everyone involved in bringing this case to resolution,” the mother said. “I am grateful the system acting quickly on my son’s behalf, and that accountability is being imposed. But I need the Court to understand that while this case may be reaching its conclusion, my son’s sentence is not over.”

The victim also gave an impact statement, saying Bryant “took away my sense of safety and trust, but she did not take away who I am. I am rebuilding my life, finding my light again, and moving forward.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner. The investigation was conducted by Bethalto Police Department.

Charges against Bryant were filed May 4, 2026 – less than a week after an anonymous tip was received.

Haine said, “This perpetrator held a position of trust or supervision in relation to the victim, which makes the crime even more abhorrent. I commend Bethalto Police and our prosecution team for their swift action and resolution of this case, which we hope will allow the victim to continue to heal.”

Circuit Judge Tim Berkley presided.

06/15/2026

Today, Major Michael Hogan was officially sworn in as the newest member of the Bethalto Police Department, where he will serve as Deputy Chief of Police. Village Clerk Sue Lowrance administered the oath of office.
Major Hogan is a familiar face to the community. He is a graduate of Civic Memorial High School and began his law enforcement journey as a Bethalto Police Explorer. He went on to serve as a patrol officer for five years with Mascoutah Police Department before transferring to the Illinois State Police, where he dedicated 22 years of service and attained the rank of Sergeant.
Major Hogan brings a wealth of law enforcement experience, leadership, and commitment to public service. We are excited to welcome him back to Bethalto and look forward to the knowledge and professionalism he will bring to our department and community.
Congratulations, Deputy Chief Hogan, and welcome to the Bethalto Police Department!

06/03/2026

🚔 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 🚔

During the month of May, the Bethalto Police Department investigated 17 vehicle burglaries and 1 stolen vehicle within our community.

We would like to remind residents to take a few simple precautions to help protect themselves from becoming victims of these crimes:

🔹 Always lock your vehicle, even when parked at home.
🔹 Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
🔹 Never leave vehicle keys or key fobs inside your vehicle.
🔹 Secure fi****ms and other valuable property.

In one incident, a vehicle was stolen along with a firearm inside, highlighting the importance of securing both vehicles and valuables.

This morning, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force recovered the stolen vehicle. The Bethalto Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division responded to process the vehicle for evidence. Upon processing the vehicle, the firearm was recovered inside the vehicle.

Our Criminal Investigations Division is actively pursuing all leads related to these cases. If you have any information, witnessed suspicious activity or have security camera footage that may assist investigators, please contact us.

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

The Bethalto Police Department is now hiring both entry level and experienced police officers. Applications can be picked up at our police department or by emailing [email protected] and are due by July 10, 2026.

02/02/2026

The Bethalto Police Department would like to thank B-Town Restaurant for the generous donation from their fundraiser. We are fortunate to serve a community that supports their Police Department.

01/28/2026

***Subject has been identified. Thank you all for your help.***

The Bethalto Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying this subject. If you know this individual or you are this individual, please contact the Bethalto Police Department. Thank you.

12/30/2025

The Bethalto Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the pictured subject. Or if you know someone who wears the same kind of jacket/hooded sweatshirt. We would also ask the residents around the Metro Apartments to check their surveillance cameras from a few nights ago to see if this individual was on or near your property. If you have any information please call us and speak with an officer.