CHESTER – The Randolph County State’s Attorney’s Office has released the June case updates.
People v. Casey A. Matthews (2021-CF-93) – On May 26, 2022, Casey A. Matthews, 40 of Hillsboro, was sentenced to a term of probation for the offense of Theft Over $10,000 stemming from the theft of two UTVs from an equipment dealership near Steeleville on March 23, 2021 before the Honorable Judge Richard A. Brown. During the sentencing hearing, both parties requested the Defendant receive a term of probation. “Ms. Matthews did not actually take either of the UTVs in question. Ms. Matthews was nonetheless a participant in the events that led to the vehicles being stolen. Therefore, she was criminally responsible and convicted. However, due to the fact Ms. Matthews did not actually steal the UTVs, and she was cooperative in providing information which led to the prosecution, conviction and sentences to IDOC for the two men whom actually took the UTVs, I felt she deserved a shot at probation. I hope Casey takes her chance and makes the best of it,” stated Walker. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Randy W. Smith (2021-CF-277, 2021-CM-79 and 2021-CF-284) – On May 27, 2022, Randy W. Smith, 48 of Tilden, pled guilty to the offense of Theft by Deception before the Honorable Judge Gene Gross. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Smith was ordered to pay restitution and placed on probation. A charge of possession of firearm ammunition by a felon was dismissed to facility the plea, as well as a misdemeanor theft charge. During the plea, Mr. Smith admitted to obtaining monies from a person in Tilden to perform work for them, without ever completing the work, on or about November 23, 2021. “The Theft charge Mr. Smith pled to was initiated shortly before he was arrested on the ammunition charge. The ammunition case emanated from a search warrant being executed on Mr. Smith’s his residence on the outskirts of Tilden regarding a theft investigation. However, no evidence/items seized from the warrant execution could be matched to any thefts. Nonetheless, a trove of guns and ammunition were located. Mr. Smith was convicted of a felony in the 1990s, which would make his possession of guns or ammunition illegal. Mr. Smith’s son, on scene and after the arrest, stated the weapons were his and his father did not have access to the safe they were located. I am skeptical of that, but it was difficult evidence/facts to overcome. Balancing tall of these facts, I felt a probation disposition was appropriate. Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office will receive all but four (4) weapons for their use/benefit. The final misdemeanor we dismissed was another theft case, but was really a civil dispute which I tried to help the victim with, but could not get a favorable outcome for them,” explained Walker. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Sparta Police Department, handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Jacob W. Cowan (2022-CF-25) – On May 25, 2022, Jacob W. Cowan, 27 of Chester, pled guilty to the offense of Aggravated Battery before Judge Gene Gross. Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Mr. Cowan was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. A charge of Criminal Sexual Assault was dismissed to facilitate the plea. During the plea, Mr. Cowan admitted to making contact of an insulting/provoking nature while on public property with a female victim on January 15, 2022 near Chester. “I had met with and discussed a possible plea agreement with the parents of the victim and the victim herself. It was my opinion the only way to resolve this case was for Mr. Cowan, whom was a teacher of the victim, to go to prison. However, I also saw the registration requirement attached to the initial charge as a major impediment to resolve the case. After discussing all of that with the family, I extended an offer of five (5) years in IDOC on the Aggravated Battery charge. The Defendant would only agree to go to four (4) years, which I admit is under what the family wanted. However, it was my opinion that we were close enough, I did not want to make the young woman and several witnesses we had go through a trial. Therefore, I pulled the trigger on the four (4) year sentence. I have sent this conviction to the State of Illinois to revoke Mr. Cowan’s teaching credentials, DCFS has indicated an abuse investigation on the Defendant and he was fired from his employment with the Chester school district. When you add all of that together, with a person with no priors going to prison, I believe Mr. Cowan was punished and a message has been sent…if you have an inappropriate relationship with a student you will go to prison. I am confident people have opinions on this case and I respect all of them. I am also confident a lot of thought and consideration went into this prosecution and eventual sentence. People may not always agree with an outcome, but I will always let you know why we do what we do,” commented Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Lemarcus Q. Simpson (2022-CF-50) – On June 2, 2022, Lemarcus Q. Simpson, 22 of Sparta, pled guilty to a reduced charge of Battery (Class A Misdemeanor) before Judge Brown. Mr. Simpson was fined and convicted of the offense. During the plea, Mr. Simpson admitted to making contact with an individual in Sparta on March 8, 2022. “Mr. Simpson had hit a nurse at the Sparta Emergency Room on March 8. I reached out to the nurse to get her input on the resolution. Due to the lack of significant injury and lack of a prior felony, the nurse and I shared the opinion that a felony was not warranted. However, we also both agreed if there is a next time, a felony would be in his future. Mr. Simpson got his break, I just hope he does not prove it was a poor decision for him to get one,” offered Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Tiffany P. Musielak (2021-CF-127) – On June 2, 2022, Tiffany P. Musielak, 35 of St. Libory, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Musielak was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Musielak admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Steeleville on May 18, 2021. “It is kind of surprising we had court for a few days and did not plea a meth case. Tiffany broke that streak for us. I have said it before…meth and related cases are overwhelming our system. I also do not see a quick resolution of this problem. Nonetheless, we trudge forward and do what we can to help. No matter the outcome, that is in the back of our minds, at least it is in mine,” commented Walker. The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Robert D. Donjon (2022-CF-43) – On June 2, 2022, Robert D. Donjon, 53 of Prairie du Rocher, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Donjon was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Donjon admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Red Bud on March 2, 2022. “We have another middle aged first offender in Mr. Donjon. Meth certainly does not discriminate on age, race or sex. It is pervasive. Let us all root for Mr. Donjon to get clean. Despite being a little jaded and hardened at times, I still love a good success story,” stated Walker. The Red Bud Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Michelle L. Martin (2021-CF-256) – On June 2, 2022, Michelle L. Martin, 45 of Rockwood, was sentenced to serve two (2) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. During the sentencing hearing, both the Defendant and the State requested the minimum term of two (2) years in IDOC. Mr. Martin had previously pled guilty to possessing firearm ammunition after being convicted of a felony while in Chester on November 21, 2021. “Ms. Martin had some ammunition in her possession after being convicted of a felony, which made this a mandatory IDOC sentence. That being said, I did not see this conduct as needing a lengthy sentence. Ms. Martin also, allegedly, had meth on her during her arrest and it appears she needs a controlled setting to get her life in order. I hope this helps move her in a positive direction,” commented Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Krysalyn R. Brown (2020-CF-90) – On June 2, 2022, Krysalyn R. Brown, 33 of Perryville, MO was sentenced to serve three (3) years in IDOC following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. During the sentencing hearing, both the Defendant and the State requested the term of three (3) years in IDOC. Ms. Brown was facing sentencing for the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine on March 24, 2020 while she was in Chester. “Ms. Brown pled guilty and then missed her sentencing hearing. We found her in the Missouri Department of Corrections and had her come over to Illinois to wrap up her case. Mr. Brown will spend several years in IDOC between Illinois and Missouri. I hope it is the kick start she needs to get her life going back in a positive direction,” offered Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Jermaine L. Willis (2022-CF-18) – On June 3, 2022, Jermaine L. Willis, 37 of East St. Louis, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Willis was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Willis admitted to possessing more than five (5) grams, but less than 15 grams, of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on January 28, 2022. “Mr. Willis had a little more meth than we usually see in a traffic stop, but not enough that it made this a possession with intent case, or any other indicators of sales (scales, multiple baggies, etc.). Therefore, Mr. Willis will have the opportunity to avoid the sting of a felony conviction like everyone else whom is caught the first time. I hope Mr. Willis gets clean, and stays clean,” commented Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Brandon M. Fetters (2022-CF-1) – On June 3, 2022, Brandon M. Fetters, 30 of Lemay, MO, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Fetters was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Donjon admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Chester on January 4, 2022. “Mr. Fetters had the privilege of being our first felony case of the new year, and not surprisingly it was a meth case,” stated Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Jennifer L. Cole (2022-CF-92) – On June 3, 2022, Jennifer L. Cole, 39 of Baldwin, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Cole was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Cole admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on April 6, 2022. “I wish Ms. Cole well in our journey to get clean and keep this off of her record,” stated Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Christopher D. Murray (2021-CF-53) – On June 3, 2022, Christopher D. Murray, 29 of Baldwin, was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Mr. Murray was sentenced for the offense of Child Endangerment Causing Death relating to conduct occurring in Sparta on February 21, 2020. During the sentencing hearing, the State requested a term of six (6) years in IDOC, while the Defendant requested a term of probation. “This was a tough case to prosecute. First of all, we had a very young victim (less than 2 years of age), which always makes for a tough set of facts. Secondly, while we were able to cobble together some medical testimony that this child died because of what is referred to as acute head trauma, no medical testimony was available to say exactly what caused the acute head trauma. Our medical experts opined typically this would be caused by a rotational head injury and/or a violent throw/slam. However, neither of our experts could say exactly what led to the young victim being injured to the extent he was. Third, we missed an opportunity to interview the Defendant after we obtained our medical experts opinion, as he was a positive Covid case when we went to his house to discuss the medical opinions with him. Finally, we had no cooperation from the mother of the victim and she actually testified on behalf of the defendant at the sentencing hearing that he should not go to prison. Despite these issues, we were able to obtain a conviction that the Defendant did not provide adequate medical care to the child, which led to the child’s death. This was based on the Defendant’s own admission that he noticed the child vomiting shortly after allegedly falling to the ground and hitting his head in the midst of a temper tantrum. Our medical doctors indicated such behavior was not medically possible to be the onset of the fatal injuries. However, despite our issues and working hard to present the evidence we could, we were able to get a prison sentence for a Defendant with no prior criminal history. Again, I am sure people have opinions on a case such as this. I do as well. If we could have proven more, we would have and we would have received more prison time. Nevertheless, I live in a world of what I can prove, not of what I think happened or think should happen. The father of the child was incredibly thankful for our work and the sentence. That by itself makes it all worth while,,” explained Walker. The Illinois State police, Department of Children and Family Services, Randolph County Coroner and the Sparta Police Department all assisted in the investigation.
People v. Heather Jo Stewart (2022-CF-22) – On June 3, 2022, Heather Jo Stewart, 33 of Steeleville, pled guilty to the offense of Retail Theft (Enhanced) before Judge Brown. No agreement was reached as to the sentence and this matter has been set for a sentencing hearing on August 1, 2022. During the plea, Ms. Stewart admitted to stealing items from a retail establishment in Steeleville on February 11, 2022, while she had a prior theft conviction. “An open plea is typically a code for I want an IDOC sentence and the Defendant wants probation. That is certainly the case here and we will see what Judge Brown fees is a fair and appropriate sentence after we obtain the presentence investigation and conduct our sentencing hearing on August 1,” offered Walker. The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Shannon L. Prest (2022-CF-4) – On June 7, 2022, Shannon L. Prest, 50 of Tilden, pled guilty to the offense of Residential Arson before Judge Brown. No agreement was reached as to the sentence and this matter has been set for a sentencing hearing on August 2, 2022. During the plea, Mr. Prest admitted to setting fire to a residence in Tilden on January 3, 2022. “Shannon has been in a lot of trouble over the years. There is no doubt in my mind I will be requesting a sentence to IDOC…it is just a matter of how long. However, there is no doubt in my mind Mr. Prest will request probation. While I would find a probation sentence to be an injustice, I can never guarantee an outcome in a sentencing hearing. You just never know,” commented Walker. The Sparta Police Department and Illinois State Fire Marshall investigation his matter.
People v. Arley L. Sellers (2022-CF-44) – On June 9, 2022, Arley L. Sellers, 58 of Evansville, pled guilty to a reduced charge of Criminal Trespass to a Residence before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Sellers was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. To facilitate the plea, the state dismissed two counts of Home Invasion. During the plea, Mr. Sellers admitted to entering a residence in Chester without permission on March 2, 2022, at a time he knew one or more persons were present. “Both of the alleged victims in this matter were on board and agreed to this resolution. One of the victims was the girlfriend of Mr. Sellers and the other victim was a friend of the girlfriend. When Mr. Sellers arrived at the residence the night in question, he found the parties engaged in an activity (not checkers) that he did not approve of. This appears to have angered Mr. Sellers and Mr. Sellers allegedly struck both his girlfriend and her friend. While not a legally recognized defense, it is one you can understand may make your upset and act out,” commented Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Tabitha N. Sturgill (2021-CF-188) – On June 13, 2022, Tabitha N. Sturgill, 40 of Pinckneyville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Sturgill was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Sturgill admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Percy on August 11, 2021. “Another day and another meth plea. We sure do a lot of it,” stated Walker. The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Joseph M. Johnson (2022-CF-110) – On June 13, 2022, Joseph M. Johnson, 45 of Steeleville, pled guilty to the offense of Threatening a Public Official before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Johnson was sentenced to a term of probation. During the plea, Mr. Johnson admitted to verbally threatening an officer whom had detained him in Steeleville on May 3, 2022. “Mr. Johnson is this week’s winner of making a mountain out of mole hill. Mr. Johnson was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant and took umbrage with the officer whom had arrested him. Mr. Johnson in his agitated state then threatened to kill the officer and his children. You could certainly say that escalated things quickly. Mr. Johnson will be offered mental health, anger management and substance abuse counseling. I would venture to guess one or more of those issues led to his behavior on May 3. I hope this probation will help get one or more of those issues under control,” offered Walker. The Steeleville Police Department handed the investigation in this matter.
People v. Austin R. Davis (2021-CF-258) – On June 13, 2022, Austin R. Davis, 25 of Steeleville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Davis was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Davis admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on November 17, 2021. “Mr. Davis had a first offender disposition a few years back and successfully completed it. Therefore, pursuant to our new sentencing laws, he will get another chance to do the same thing and avoid a felony. However, Mr. Davis is using up his chances and will not have the proverbial nine lives to get his meth issues under control. From my perspective, this is it,” cautioned Walker. The Sparta Police Department handed the investigation in this matter.
People v. James D. Summers (2022-CF-39) – On June 13, 2022, James D. Summers, 56 of Steeleville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Summers was sentenced to serve a term of probation. During the plea, Mr. Summers admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Steeleville on February 27, 2022. “This case was a close case for me as Mr. Summers had some priors, and had been to IDOC in the past. However, that was in 2014. Up until we were in court that morning, I was going to ask for a IDOC sentence. Right before we took the plea, Mr. Summers provided proof he had full time employment and I just could not pull the trigger to send him to IDOC for a small amount of meth, when a man has a full time job and appeared to be sober. Maybe I made the wrong decision. If I did, I will have two years to get a change to correct my poor decision. If Mr. Summers does his part, he has two years to prove to me I did make a good call that morning. I hope that is the case,” offered Walker. The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Cory L. Parkis (2020-CF-213) – On June 15, 2022, Cory L. Parkis, 41 of Marion, was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Mr. Parkis was facing sentencing for the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine occurring in Chester on August 2, 2020. “Mr. Parkis missed his sentencing hearing about a year ago and was picked up on a warrant. Nonetheless, he still wanted a term of probation and I am pleased the court did not give him the same. Someone that cannot bother to even come to court for their sentencing hearing is not a good candidate for probation. This case stands in stark contrast to the gentleman above who got into counseling and got a job while his case was pending. A defendant’s behavior while the case is pending can persuade me to a different outcome. Both positively and negatively,” offered Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Alisa J. Skurat (2022-CF-54 and 2021-CF-117) – On June 16, 2022, Alisa J. Skurat, 39 of Ava, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Gross. Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Ms. Skurat was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Ms. Skurat admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Percy on March 16, 2022. The State agreed to dismiss a second charge of the same offense in 2021-CF-117. “Ms. Skurat just could not stay away from meth as she was placed on probation in Perry County and then picked up our charges in Randolph County. It was obvious by her actions she was a candidate to be forced to get sober in a secure setting. I do not advocate sending people like Alisa to prison to be mean, or to simply punish. I truly do believe a year or so of sobriety and the uncomfortable lifestyle I presume prison to be will get some off the dope. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not. IDOC remains a valuable tool in our arsenal of dispositions to help people,” commented Walker. The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Evan R. Doty (2022-CF-29) – On June 17, 2022, Evan R. Doty, 29 of Campbell Hill, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Doty was sentence to first offender probation. A count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon was dismissed to facilitate the plea. During the plea, Mr. Doty admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on March 3, 2022. “Mr. Doty had no priors and while a gun was located in the vehicle, it was not in his direct possession. Therefore, I dismissed that charge, which carried a mandatory sentence to IDOC. Mr. Doty got a break. I hope he rewards me in my thinking of him deserving of a second chance,” offered Walker. The Illinois State Police handled the investigation.
People v. Caleb A. Lee (2022-CF-26) – On June 17, 2022, Caleb A. Lee, 25 of Pinckneyville, pled guilty to the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol before Judge Brown. A charge of Unlawful Use of a Weapon was dismissed to facilitate the plea. During the plea, Mr. Lee admitted to driving an automobile under the influence of alcohol in rural Randolph County on January 29, 2022. Mr. Lee was sentenced to a term of court supervision for the offense. “Mr. Lee was passed out behind the wheel when he was approached by a Sheriff’s Deputy. Mr. Lee was very cooperative, but obviously intoxicated. A handgun was located in the vehicle during his arrest and was the basis for the charge we dismissed. Mr. Lee had no record and I did not feel it was appropriate to give him a felony for having a gun in the car. I hope Mr. Lee realizes the break he got, and makes the most of it,” commented Walker. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. George D. Cheek, Jr. (2022-CF-94) – On June 17, 2022, George D. Cheek, Jr., 40 of Sparta, pled guilty to an amended charge of Driving While License Revoked (Class A Misdemeanor) before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Cheek was placed on probation and sentenced to 30 days in jail. During the plea, Mr. Cheek admitted to driving a vehicle at a time his license was revoked due to a prior DUI conviction on March 19, 2022 in Sparta. “Mr. Cheek had some prior revoked charges, all misdemeanor, and one pending when this case started. That irritated me a bit and and I filed a felony to hopefully put some fear into Mr. Cheek that he needs to quit driving until he gets his license back. Between that and the 30 days in jail, I hope Mr. Cheek has received the message. If not, he will get a felony the next time, which I hate to do someone,” explained Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Pattsy A. Pelate (2022-CF-37) – On June 21, 2022, Pattsy A. Pelate, 36 of Willisville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Pelate was sentenced to serve a term of probation. During the plea, Ms. Pelate admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in rural Steeleville on February 25, 2022. “Ms. Pelate had a prior meth related case a few years ago, but was not on active probation at the time of her arrest. From experience, in simple meth possession cases, the courts do not seem likely to send meth users to prison, unless they are on probation and violate that probation. Armed with that knowledge, and the small amount of meth involved, it seemed the best use of resources was to give probation another chance. If Ms. Pelate does not do her part and stay out of trouble, I see a more robust sentence in her future,” cautioned Walker. The Randolph County Sheriff’ office handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Brittany A. Griggs (2021-CF-152) – On June 23, 2022, Brittany A. Griggs, 26 of Chester, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Ms. Griggs was sentenced to serve three (3) years in IDOC. During the plea, Ms. Griggs admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine in Chester on June 26, 2021. “Ms. Griggs had recently been terminated unsuccessful from probation in Jackson and Williamson counties. Based on her poor performance in the past, I felt a trip to IDOC was necessary to demonstrate there are consequences for not completing probation successfully. Furthermore, notwithstanding some attitudes about sending non-violent offenders, I feel most Randolph County citizens share my belief people should go to prison if they continue to violate the law,” stated Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Skylar D. Brawdy (2022-CF-36) – On June 23, 2022, Skylar D. Brawdy, 22 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Delivery of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Brawdy was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The State also agreed to dismiss two pending charges in 2022-CF-5 (Retail Theft) and 2021-CM-163 (Retail Theft). During the plea, Ms. Brawdy admitted to selling less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Sparta on August 30, 2021. “Mr. Brawdy is young and this is her first felony conviction. Nonetheless, dealing meth is a serious crime and I am proud that persons convicted of dealing methamphetamine, almost without exception, go to prison. If these sentences deter one or two persons from dealing, I think it is worth it. In addition, if it deters those whom go to prison from dealing again, it is worth it. If it deters no one, I feel it is still worth it as we are uniquely qualified to see the devastation and misery meth causes the people whom purchase it from these dealers, large or small,” commented Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Brittny D. Kueker (a/k/a Dunning) (2021-CF-231) – On June 23, 2022, Brittany D. Kueker (a//k/a Dunning), plead guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Kueker was sentenced to serve a term of probation. During the plea, Ms. Kueker admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on August 29, 2021. “Ms. Kueker had a prior several years ago, but as noted above, unless there has been recent probation violations or a person is on active probation, it is very difficult to get an IDOC outcome in a possession of meth case. Brittny is going to get a chance, perhaps her last, to get clean before IDOC comes a realistic possibility,” offered Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Matthew C. Penford (2022-CF-128) – On June 23, 2022, Matthew C. Penford, 44 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Aggravated Driving under the Influence of Alcohol before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Penford was sentenced to county jail time and a term of probation. During the plea, Mr. Penford admitted to driving a vehicle in Sparta on May 23, 2022 while under the influence of alcohol, at a time he had two (2) prior DUI dispositions. “Mr. Penford has an obvious alcohol problem. The probation terms call for Matt to get counseling and treatment, including residential treatment, as well as prohibit him from consuming any alcohol while on probation. This was Matt’s first felony, but I did not feel any reduction to a misdemeanor was appropriate given his dangerous behavior in continually to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Any probation violations will be met with severe consequences. I hope the severity of a felony and the treatment modalities provided by probation get Matt the help he needs,” stated Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Brandi L. Throop (2022-CF-49) – On June 24, 2022, Brandi L. Throop, 31 of Chester, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Throop was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, the Defendant admitted to possessing more than five (5), but less than 15 grams of methamphetamine located in Chester on March 8, 2022. The State amended the charge from Possession with Intent to Deliver to facilitate the plea. “We had no direct evidence Ms. Throop was going to deliver the methamphetamine, it was based on the amount (being more than five (5) grams) and the fact the methamphetamine was in six different packages when it was located during the stop. I also wanted to file the enhanced of intent to deliver based on my desire to get a higher bond to try to keep Brandi locked up to get treatment. Despite my efforts, Brandi made bond quickly. However, Brandi, after posting bond, did get herself into and completed some treatment while the case was pending. Brandi is back working and appears to be clean. Due to that, we dropped the intent to deliver allegation and made this a first offender eligible charge. I hope Brandi’s recent positive strides continue,” explained Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Samatha L. Delay (2022-CF-57) – On June 27, 2022, Samatha L. Delay, 27 of Modoc, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Delay was sentenced to a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Delay admitted to possessing less than 15 grams of Alprozalam located in Chester on March 12, 2022. “Ms. Delay had no priors and is perfect candidate for first offender probation. Typically we see people whom use meth take Alprozalam to help them come down from the stimulant effects of methamphetamine. I am not saying that is the case here, but just a general observation. Regardless of the reasons why Samatha possessed this, we are here to help her and I hope she takes this opportunity to better herself,” commented Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Matthew P. Kirkland (2022-CF-122) – On June 27, 2022, Matthew P. Kirkland, 29 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Aggravated Battery before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Kirkland was sentenced to 30 days in jail and probation. During the plea, Mr. Kirkland admitted to pushing his pregnant wife in Sparta on May 13, 2022. The State agreed to dismiss a Possession of a Weapon without a Valid FOID Card to facilitate the plea. “Mr. Kirkland had no prior felony convictions before this incident. Pursuant to the terms of his probation, Mr. Kirkland was ordered to have to have no contact with his wife and receive mental health, anger management and substance abuse evaluations and treatment. Luckily no one was seriously hurt, the aggravating factor making this a felony was the fact his wife was pregnant. In addition, the gun was not used in the commission of the offense, nor was anyone threatened with the gun, it was just in the house when he was arrested and Mr. Kirkland could not legally possess it due to the fact he did not have a FOID card. Matt stayed in jail from his arrest to plea, which I hope provided him some necessary time to reflect on his poor choice on May 13, and what can happen in he re-offends in the future,” stated Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Charles D. Dobbyns (2022-CF-72) – On June 27, 2022, Charles D. Dobbyns, 32 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Deliver before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Dobbyns was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Dobbyns admitted to possessing more than five (5) grams, but less than 15 grams, of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver the same, located in Chester on April 2, 2022. The State amended the charge from more than 15 grams, but less than 100 grams, to facilitate the plea. “Mr. Dobbyns had a fairly significant quantity of methamphetamine on him, approximately 70 grams. That is certainly much more than one can use themselves. Based on the weight, I did view this as an intent to deliver situation and was able to send Mr. Dobbyns to IDOC or his actions. If I had left the charge at more than 15 grams, it was a mandatory 6 years in IDOC, which seemed a little much. Mr. Dobbyns will have a few years to get some treatment and also reflect on his life choices to date. So far, they have not been too good,” offered Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Richard R. Feldt (2022-CF-86) – On June 27, 2022, Richard R. Feldt, 52 of Evansville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Deliver before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Feldt was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Feldt admitted to possessing more than five (5) grams, but less than 15 grams, of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver the same, located in Red Bud on April 18, 2022. The State amended the charge from more than 15 grams, but less than 100 grams, to facilitate the plea. “Similar set of facts to Mr. Dobbyns above. Mr. Feldt possessed more than any user could use (over 20 grams) and I viewed him as more than just a user of meth. Again, the mandatory minimum over 15 grams was six years, which I think is a little much. I certainly believe in sending non-violent offenders to IDOC. However, it is not lost on me the cost of such incarceration, and the diminishing utility one receives after a couple years in prison. I think Mr. Feldt was treated fairly and the citizens of Randolph County see another person involved in the drug trade to IDOC,” commented Walker. The Red Bud Police Department handed the investigation in this matter.
People v. Lewis R. Litton (2022-CF-124) – On June 27, 2022, Lewis R. Litton, 23 of St. Genevieve, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Litton was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Litton admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Chester on May 21, 2022. “Mr. Litton had a quick disposition and has already begun treatment for his meth addiction. It is a good start. I hope Mr. Litton sees it all the way through,” stated Walker. The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Skylar B. Danaha (2021-CF-190) –On June 27, 2022, Skylar B. Danaha, 27 of Sparta, was sentenced to serve a term of two (2) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. During the sentencing hearing, Mr. Danaha and the State both recommended a two (2) year sentence to IDOC. Mr. Danaha was sentenced for the offense of Aggravated Fleeing/Eluding occurring in Sparta on August 18, 2021. “Skylar has been in trouble for a while now. I have defended and prosecuted him, which means he has been around a while now. I have never taken particular joy in seeing people go to IDOC, especially for the first time. However, people earn that trip to IDOC. While I am sure it is not a fun experience going to IDOC, I truly do believe there can be therapeutic value in it. I hope Skylar gets something out of this, as to date he has done nothing but cause himself problems in his life,” commented Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Joel S. Kunz (2022-CF-63) – On June 30, 2022, Joel S. Kunz, 18 of Percy, pled guilty to a reduced charge of Fleeing/Eluding a Peace Office (Class A Misdemeanor) before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Kunz was sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay restitution to the insurance carrier for the Village of Percy. During the plea, Mr. Kunz admitted to failing to stop for a Steeleville Officer attempting to effectuate a traffic stop on his vehicle in Percy on March 27, 2022. “Joel will have 30 days in jail to consider how his stupidity on March 27 could have affected the lives of innocent people and the officers involved. A strong argument could be made this type of charge should not be reduced from a felony. However, I just could not see the value convicting a young and dumb (at least in his actions) 18 year old of a felony. I spoke with the officers involved and they both agreed to a reduction in the charge, with a jail sentence. We all share skepticism if Joel will learn his lesson. If Joes does not, we will have another opportunity to take a more arduous course of action. I hope I do not get that opportunity, but we shall see,” cautioned Walker. The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Heather N. Lynn (2021-CF-209) – On June 30, 2022, Heather N. Lynn, 32 of Steeleville, plead guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Lynn was sentenced to serve a term of probation. During the plea, Ms. Lynn admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on September 3, 2021. “Ms. Lynn had a prior meth case four (4) years ago and I was on the fence about what to do with her. Ms. Lynn made a poor decision in missing court back in March and was arrested on her warrant in May. Mr. Lynn was not able to make bond and then sat in jail for almost two months. With that time to get sober, it made my decision easier to give her probation and see if she can make a go of it with probation, avoiding the need to go to IDOC. We will have two years to see if it was the right choice,” offered Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.