Crimestoppers seeks tips to find two Jacksonville residents wanted on charges

Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties asked the public to help police find two Jacksonville residents wanted on active charges. The nonprofit listed Robert Branch, 52, and Ashley Bettis, 36, as part of its most wanted program.

Branch was wanted for retail theft in Jacksonville and also had a Sangamon County warrant. He was described as a Black male, 5-foot-9, 260 pounds, with brush-cut black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in the 300 block of East Lafayette in Jacksonville.

Bettis was wanted for aggravated battery, possession of methamphetamine and criminal trespass. She was described as a White female, 5-foot-4, 120 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Her last known address was in the 900 block of Beesley Avenue in Jacksonville.

The organization has served local communities for more than three decades. Its mission is to enhance community safety by engaging citizens in the fight against crime, and it works closely with police agencies in the two-county area.

Residents can submit tips by calling 217-243-7300, by text, online or through Facebook. Callers are never required to give their names, and tips remain anonymous. Cash rewards may be available when information leads to an arrest, the recovery of property or a drug seizure.