Zachary Russel, Saline County mug
HARRISBURG, Ill. - On February 27 in an article entitled “Sonic Cook Busted After Leaving Suspected Drug House,” we reported arrests on February 1 by Harrisburg police of two individuals, Zachary Allen Russel and Samuel Goben, for drug trafficking activities.
In that article, we identified Zachary Russel as being employed as a cook at the Harrisburg Sonic. This was based upon Russel’s declaration (affidavit of assets and liabilities) filed with the Saline County Circuit Court in which he claimed employment at Sonic.
This week, in response to contacts from ownership of the Harrisburg Sonic, we further investigated Russel’s declarations to the court.
Following up with Harrisburg Sonic officials, we learned that Russel’s declaration was false.
Samuel Goben, Saline County mug
The owners and operators of the Harrisburg Sonic have confirmed that Russel was not employed by Sonic when arrested by Harrisburg police. Although he had been employed very briefly by Sonic, his employment with the Harrisburg Sonic ended months before the arrest. Likewise, Samuel Goben (whose picture led the original article) was never employed by Sonic.
We are pleased to publish this clarification and demonstrate our continuing dedication to thorough investigation and “getting the story right.”
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