SPRINGFIELD - State police confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation is underway concerning an alleged death threat made against state Sen. Gary Forby and Senate President Emil Jones that was apparently inspired by the lack of relief from recent electric rate increases.

Scott Compton, a spokesperson with the state police in Springfield, said nobody is in custody but said interviews are underway.

Compton said the investigation is "ongoing" and that some individuals have been interviewed more than once.

"Right now we're still in the process of trying to determine what, if anything, did take place," Compton said.

State police are working in cooperation with law enforcement officials in Franklin and Sangamon counties, Compton said. He said when the state police investigation is completed the information will then be forwarded to both state's attorneys and a decision will be made whether to file charges.

Compton would not say if there is a suspect in the case or how the alleged threat was made.

Forby, D-Benton, and Jones, D-Chicago, have emerged as two of the key lawmakers in the continuing effort by Springfield lawmakers to find a solution to skyrocketing electric costs. A 10-year rate freeze was lifted on Jan. 1 and some consumers throughout the state reported 200 to 300 percent increases. The southernmost part of the state covered by Ameren has been particularly hard hit.

The two lawmakers were at the forefront of a raucous Senate session last Friday when Jones quashed Forby's legislation to grant Commonwealth Edison customers a one-year rate freeze by using a rarely used parliamentary procedure that stalled the effort. Although Forby called Jones' effort "ridiculous," the two left the floor making high fives and slapping each other on the back.

Forby declined to comment while Jones spokeswoman Cindy Davidsmeyer said Tuesday she was unaware of the investigation.

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CORRECTION:

A Wednesday article about threats against state lawmakers included incorrect information added during editing, not by reporter Jim Muir. During a Friday legislative session over electric rates, statehouse reporters said state Senator Gary Forby walked to the desk of Senate President Emil Jones, where the two exchanged what looked like a friendly "high five." Forby, however, said his angry comments to Jones included several graphic and explicit words.