CHESTER — Randolph County State’s Attorney Jeremy Walker has released his latest case updates:
People v. Misty J. Russell (2022-CF-118) – On September 19, 2022, Misty J. Russell, 42 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before the Honorable Judge Richard A. Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Russell was sentenced to serve first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Russell admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Steeleville on May 7, 2022. “We always to seem to pick up right where we left off…a meth case. Misty now has her chance to turn her life around. I only hope Misty will do her part in this to do so,” commented Walker.
People v. Leocadio Ignacio Hernandez (2022-CF-121) – On September 21, 2022, Leocadio Ignacio Hernandez, 39 of Tilden, pled guilty to the offense of Domestic Battery before the Honorable Judge Gene Gross. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Hernandez was placed on probation. During the plea, Mr. Hernandez admitted to causing bodily harm to his girlfriend near on Tilden on May 12, 2022. “We amended the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. Several reasons led to make that decision. First, we were able to fashion a sentence which required the Defendant to have no contact with the victim. Second, the defendant had no prior criminal history before this incident. Third, a domestic (even a misdemeanor) can led to immigration issues, which may lead to the Defendant being deported over this incident. Finally, neither the defendant, victim nor the witnesses spoke English, which was going to make a trial a very difficult proceeding to pull off. Certainly, we would have undertaken the work to do so if we had to, but the other factors led me to believe this was the proper sentence and disposition,” offered Walker. The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.
People v. Joseph S.D. Bixler (2022-CF-114) – On September 22, 2022, Joseph S.D. Bixler, 27 of Cape Girardeau, MO, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Bixler was sentenced to serve first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Bixler admitted to possessing less than 15 grams of psilocybin located during a traffic stop in Percy initiated by a Steeleville officer on May 7, 2022. “We have started to see more instances of mushrooms popping up in the area. While I do not condone the activity, and you run the risk of a felony conviction for possessing these things, one could certainly argue you are better off using these things as opposed to meth. Therefore, I typically offer a short term of probation in these cases, which I did here, due to the less toxic and addictive nature of the substance involved,” explained Walker.
People v. Tracy L. Jany (2022-CF-194) – On September 22, 2022, Tracy L. Jany, 52 of Chester, pled guilty to the offense of Escape before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Jany was sentenced to serve three (3) years in IDOC. During the plea, Ms. Jany admitted to not reporting to begin a sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections on July 25, 2022. “I was confident Mr. Jany would not report back when we gave her a furlough at the time of her plea. I hate to be that way, but most of the time when I agree to a furlough I am nearly certain a person will not come back. When we catch them, which we always do, it is a very easy charge to prove, and we get a few more years added on. If people are willing to be so stupid, we will be here to accommodate them,” commented Walker.
People v. Derk G. Trost (2022-CF-143) – On September 26, 2022, Derk G. Trost, 43 of Ellis Grove, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before the Honorable Chris Hitzemann. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Trost was sentenced to probation. During the plea, Mr. Trost admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop near Percy, initiated by a Steeleville officer. “Mr. Trost had a prior, but it was from several years ago. Therefore, Derk did not receive first offender probation. However, I did not see the court incarcerating Mr. Trost for a simple possession charge with his criminal history being in the past. However, I would not violate the terms of his probation if I were Mr. Trost,” cautioned Walker.
People v. John A. Denninger (2022-CF-40) – On October 3, 2022, John A. Denninger, 37 of Evansville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Gross. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Denninger was sentenced to probation with a condition to remain in the Randolph County Jail until a bed becomes available for him to complete residential treatment. During the plea, Mr. Denninger admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop initiated by a Randolph County Sherriff Deputy on February 25, 2022. Mr. Denninger was also terminated unsuccessfully from probation in another case. “John caught this charge not too long after he received probation for a meth charge. I wanted to give John a chance to get treatment and right his ship. However, John could not stay clean. Therefore, on October 3 I offered John a choice: go to IDOC or agree to stay in our jail until he is placed in a residential treatment center. John chose door number two for the jail stay and I hope this gives John the start he needs to get things right. As Mr. Trost above, if I were John, I would not be looking for any more chances from the State. John will get clean this time, or go to prison the next time,” stated Walker.
People v. Dominic E.J. Engelage (2022-CF-161) – On October 3, 2022, Dominic E.J. Engelage, 20, homeless, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Gross. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Engelage was sentenced to first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Engelage admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Steeleville on July 2, 2022. “A young kid getting caught with meth is becoming too common of an occurrence and I hope Dominic is beginning his road to recovery, instead of a descent into misery that is meth,” commented Walker.
People v. Yvonne A. Glander (2022-CF-159) – On October 3, 2022, Yvonne A. Glander, 32 of Pinckneyville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Glander was sentenced to first offender probation, During the plea, Ms. Glander admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Steeleville on July 2, 2022. “Another person who will be given a chance to get her life together. Let’s all root that Yvonne does just that,” offered Walker.
People v. John T. Lang (2022-CF-84) – On October 3, 2022, John T. Lang, 54 of Perryville, was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. During the sentencing hearing, both the State and the Defendant requested the three (3) year IDOC sentence. Mr. Lang was sentenced for a meth possession charge occurring in Chester on April 18, 2022. “People may wonder if the pre-sentence report we prepare in these sentencing hearings ever changes our minds. In this case, it certainly solidified what I wanted to do. My criminal history I received when the case started showed some issues in Missouri and that John was on probation for writing bad checks. Based on that, I wanted a pre-sentence report to make up my mind if prison or probation was the best course of action. The PSI showed numerous priors and made it an easy decision to argue for three years, which the Defendant ultimately agreed to serve. I will be the first to admit, without the PSI I requested, I would have agreed to probation. So, to answer the question…yes they do matter and there is a reason we do them in certain cases,” commended Walker.
People v. Michael J. Piechoinski (2022-CF-66) – On October 4, 2022, Michael J. Piechoinski, 52 of Tilden, pled guilty to the offense of Retail Theft before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Piechoinski was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Piechoinski admitted to stealing items from the Sparta Walmart on March 27, 2022. Pursuant to the plea, charges of Domestic Battery and Delivery of Methamphetamine (2022-CF-82 and 83) were dismissed. “Mike had a bad start to 2022. Mike was accused of this retail theft he pled to. While on bond for that, Mike was allegedly on camera with his girlfriend (who pled guilty to the delivery charge and is in prison) selling meth and then Mike was accused of a domestic charge involving the same girlfriend. A lot was going on. Mike was not on the video selling the meth and was for sure collateral damage from his girlfriend. Also, the girlfriend was not interested in us pursing the domestic charge. Therefore, we took the plea on the retail, but Mike needed to go to IDOC due to his prior record and actions he undertook to start off 2022,” explained Walker.
People v. Jeremy W. Richey (2022-CF-91) – On October 5, 2022, Jeremy W. Richey, 35 of Ruma, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance before Judge Gross. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Richey was sentenced to serve a term of first offender probation. During the plea, Mr. Richey admitted to possessing less than 15 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms) located during a traffic stop in Red Bud on April 8, 2022. “As I stated prior, we are seeing more mushroom cases. Furthermore, I also suspect you will see this substance legalized in this near future. I may be wrong, but I did a shorter term of probation for Jeremy. If he can stay out of trouble and clean, he will prove me right. If he can’t, we will get the chance to try a more robust sentence,” stated Walker.
People v. Jessie L. Robison (2022-CF-156) – On October 6, 2022, Jessie L. Robison, 37 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Resisting a Peace Office before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Robison was sentence to a term of second chance probation. During the plea, Mr. Robison admitted to arguing and making physical contact with a Sparta Police Officer during his arrest in Sparta on June 23, 2022, which caused an injury to the officer. A second charge of Aggravated Battery was dismissed to facilitate the plea. “Jessie appeared to have over consumed on alcohol and took umbrage with the manager of the facility he was drinking and playing slot in, as well as took umbrage with officers whom arrived to remove him. No one was seriously injured (the aggravated battery was due to age of victim, not injury) but Jessie was on video and did not have much of an excuse for his aggressive behavior. This probation will give Jessie a chance to avoid the sting of a felony conviction, if he can keep it together for two years,” offered Walker.
People v. Jacob M. Reeder (2022-CF-177) – On October 6, 2022, Jacob M. Reeder, 21 of Zeigler, pled guilty to the offense of Burglary before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Reeder was sentenced to serve five (5) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Reeder admitted to entering a building in rural Sparta/Eden on July 10, 2022, with the intent to commit therein a theft. Two additional charges of Aggravated Fleeing/Eluding were dismissed to facilitate the plea (2022-CF-97 and 167). The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation in this matter. “Jacob had no priors before this incident but was accused of running from the police not once, but twice in his aggravated fleeing and eluding charges, and then was accused and pled guilty to stealing from a small business owner in rural Sparta. That behavior warrants an attitude adjustment and a trip to corrections. I hope this will provide that spark needed to get Jacob moving in a different direction,” stated Walker.
People v. Jeremy R. Rettig (2021-CF-131) – On October 6, 2022, Jeremy R. Rettig, 41 of Ava, was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. During the sentencing hearing, both the State and the Defendant requested the three (3) year IDOC sentence. Mr. Rettig was sentenced for a meth possession charge occurring in Sparta on July 25, 2022. After the sentencing hearing, the State agreed to dismiss another meth charge pending (2020-CF-60). “Jeremy had a prior meth conviction in the federal system from several years ago. Jeremy then made his life more complicated by getting a new meth charge and then skipping out on us for a few years by missing court and having a warrant issued. With all those headwinds facing him, Jeremy agreed to take three years at the sentencing hearing, which led me to dismiss the other meth case pending against him. I firmly believe IDOC sentences are still appropriate dispositions for non-violent offenders, including meth users, if they continue to show they cannot follow the law,” commented Walker.
People v. Angela C. Britton (2022-CF-189) – On October 6, 2022, Angela C. Britton, 42 of Chester, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Britton was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Ms. Britton admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a warrant arrest on July 26, 2022, in Sparta. “Angela is a poster child of meth slowly ruining your life. Angela received first offender probation a few years ago in 2020-CF-35. Angela could not get clean, and we took her first offender way, convicted her on the felony and started her probation over. That did not work and now she is going to prison and we terminated 2020-CF-35 unsuccessfully. It took three years, but Angela proved what we tell people in court all of time time…. get clean or you will end up dead or in prison. I hope Angela’s journey ends with this prison sentence, and she uses this for the intended result…long term sobriety,” offered Walker.
People v. DeMarco Q. Robinson (2022-CF-135) – On October 6, 2022, DeMarco Q. Robison plead guilty to a reduced charge of Aggravated Assault before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Robinson was convicted of the offense. During the plea, Mr. Robinson admitted to driving his car in a matter which placed a person in reasonable apprehension of being struck by the car in Sparta on June 11, 2022. “I had victim problems in this case and needed to get a misdemeanor conviction, or I risked getting nothing at all. The victim in this case was not hurt and no contact was ever made between Mr. Robinson and her. I have a suspicion they are now back together and I was told directly by her she did not want to follow through with charges. That is not her decision to make, but I use that as a word of caution to back off a more onerous disposition, or I will not have a victim in the witness chair at trial,” explained Walker.
People v. Candace O. Jones (2022-CF-108) – On October 7, 2022, Candace O. Jones, 38 of Tilden, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Jones was sentenced to probation. During the plea, Ms. Jones admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on May 5, 2022. “Candace had a prior from a few years ago, but was not convicted as it was a deferred prosecution from another State. Candace will now have a felony…but avoided incarceration. I think this is her last chance for that,” concluded walker.
People v. Curtis L. Jones (2022-CF-78) – On October 6, 2022, Curtis L. Jones, 39 of Red Bud, was sentenced to serve two (2) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Mr. Jones was sentenced for the offense of Threatening a Public Official occurring in Red Bud on April 5, 2022. During the sentencing hearing, the State requested the two (2) years in corrections, while the Defendant requested probation. “Curtis was involved in a domestic disturbance and when he was arrested on those charges, he made is life infinitely more complicated by threatening to kill the police officer whom had arrested him. Curtis has prior felonies and has been to IDOC in the past. I felt the severity of his conduct, and his prior record, earned him a trip to prison. Luckily, the court agreed,” stated Walker.
People v. Bryson C. Moore (2022-CF-183) – On October 13, 2022, Bryson C. Moore, 20, homeless, pled guilty to the offense of Home Invasion before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Moore was sentenced to serve 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Charges of Residential Burglary and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle were dismissed to facilitate the plea. During the plea, Mr. Moore admitted to entering a residence near Sparta on July 23, 2022, and causing injury to the homeowner. “This was a very scary and dangerous situation on July 23. Mr. Moore, who appeared under the influence of some drug, broke into a home and awoke the home owners. Mr. Moore ran into the one of the homeowners, causing a minor injury to his shoulder. This homeowner in turn produced a weapon and held Mr. Moore at gunpoint until a Sparta officer and Sheriff’s Deputies were able to arrive and take Mr. Moore into custody. Luckily the homeowners were not significantly physically injured; however, I cannot begin to imagine the emotional injury this would cause. Waking up in the middle of the night to find a complete stranger in their home. It just does not get much worse than that. Mr. Moore had no record before this incident, but this was a serious incident and a decade in prison seemed appropriate given the facts. Mr. Moore allegedly drove a stolen vehicle from the St. Louis area and we dismissed that charge. I only hope the victims find some security in the fact this man will be in prison for the foreseeable future to allow them the chance to heal,” stated Walker.
People v. Velta M. Pfeiffer (2022-CF-164) – On October 13, 2022, Velta M. Pfeiffer, 46 of Chester, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Pfeiffer was sentenced to serve probation. During the plea, Ms. Pfeiffer admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Chester on July 10, 2022. “Mr. Pfeiffer had a first offender disposition in 2018, which makes her ineligible for first offender probation; however, I did not see the court, nor in my opinion was it necessary, to impose a more robust sentence. However, Ms. Pfeiffer is running through her opportunities to get clean in the community,” cautioned Walker.
People v. Franklin D. Brawdy (2022-CF-185) – On October 13, 2022, Franklin D. Brawdy, 39 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Brawdy was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Brawdy admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on May 10, 2022. “Mr. Brawdy had some priors in the past and I felt he needed to try to get a hold of his drug issues with a prolonged period of sobriety in IDOC. Mr. Brawdy will now have that chance and I can only hope he gets himself better and chooses to stay better when he is released,” commented Walker.
People v. Tommy J. Lawless (2017-CF-201 and 2022-CF-67) – On October 13, 2022, Tommy J. Lawless, 63 of Coulterville, was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Mr. Lawless was sentenced for a probation violation for the charge of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. During the sentencing hearing, the State requested five (5) years in IDOC, while the Defendant requested a term of probation. Mr. Lawless had previously admitted to driving a motor vehicle with a revoked drivers license, which was part of the accusations in 22-CF-67. “Tommy is accused of another DUI in the 2022-CF-67 case, while he was on probation for this Aggravated DUI. While Tommy did not admit to being intoxicated in the new case, there is no doubt he was driving. I then used that admission to violate his probation and successfully argued for a prison sentence. I wanted five years, but I am satisfied, and I will dismiss the new felony; provided, Mr. Lawless does not appeal this sentence. If he does, we will look for 4/5 more years on the pending charge,” stated Walker.
People v. Angela N. Weiser (2021-CF-275 and 2021-CF-212) – On October 14, 2022, Angela N. Weiser, 48 of Walsh, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Weiser was sentenced to first offender probation. During the plea, Ms. Weiser admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on December 21, 2021. A second charge of Possession of Methamphetamine was dismissed to facilitate the plea. “Angela is another victim of our meth epidemic. Ms. Weiser had no record at 48 years of age. Ms. Weiser caught these two charges in late 2021, and then missed court. When we located her, Ms. Weiser stayed in jail until we resolved the case. As I have explained before, I typically do not hold a second arrest against first offenders as they did not have any chance to get treatment. Therefore, Angela still has the chance to have the felony dismissed after two years of probation, and I truly hope that is the outcome,” offered Walker.
People v. Berrimand J. Breeden (2021-CF-90 and 2022-CF-140) – On October 14, 2022, Berrimand J. Breeden, 39 of Chester, was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Mr. Breeden was sentenced for violating his probation in 2021-CF-90. During the sentencing hearing, the State requested three (3) years in IDOC, while the Defendant requested a term of probation. “Berrimand is yet another person to experience the tragic descent meth will bring to one’s life. Berrimand was on probation in the 2021-CF-90 and then tested positive for meth and caught a new allegation. At that arrest, Mr. Breeden admitted to recent meth use and tested positive for meth. I used that allegation to quickly resolve a petition to revoke, which landed Mr. Breeden in prison. We tried with Berrimand and I can only hope he chooses not to appeal this sentence, as I will dismiss the new felony due to his incarceration. Meth ruins so many lives and Mr. Breeden is just another tragic example,” commented Walker.
People v. Amanda K. Burton (2021-CF-2210 _ On October 14, 2022, Amanda K. Burton, 43 of Smithton, was sentenced to a term of probation following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Ms. Burton was sentenced for the offense of Delivery of Methamphetamine occurring in Coulterville in June of 2021. During the plea, the State requested a term of four (4) years in IDOC, while the Defendant successfully argued for probation. “Not many people have been able to convince Judge Brown they deserve probation after a methamphetamine delivery. While I argued and still believe Amanda should have gone to prison, she did go to long term rehab and has moved from Randolph County after she pled guilty. Both of those factors are positives, and Judge Brown commented these steps tipped the scales to him giving probation during the hearing. Again, I disagree with the outcome due to the torment and tragedy meth causes so many; but I respect the decision,” stated Walker.
People v. Cheri R. Cross (2021-CF-67) – On October 14, 2022, the State moved to dismiss this matter. “Ms. Cross was accused of Unlawful Restraint regarding an allegation of taking her daughter when she did not have permission or legal authority to do so. Ms. Cross has significant mental health issues and after her arrest, almost 18 months ago, she spent approximately 6 months in the Department of Human Services as she was unfit to stand trial. After Cheri was stabilized with treatment, I frankly had doubts she understood what she did to get arrested to begin with. Therefore, there is a provision of the criminal code which allows us to put someone on probation before they plea or are found guilty. I have only done this one time, for Cheri, in 10 years as State’s Attorney. If one is given this opportunity and they complete it, the case is dismissed. Cheri held up her end of the bargain and we dismissed the case and now have Cheri in a much better place than she was before this case started. I consider that a win for all of us,” explained Walker.
People v. Lee C. Washington (2021-CF-219) – On October 14, 2022, Lee C. Washington, 31 of Belleville, was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Mr. Washington was sentenced for the offense of Delivery of Methamphetamine occurring in Sparta on June 13, 2021. During the hearing, the State requested the term of four (4) years in IDOC, while the Defendant requested probation. “Lee did not have any priors but did have two pending charges at the time of his sentencing hearing, a weapons charge in Jackson County and a meth charge in St. Clair. Therefore, I do not consider him a true first offender. None the less, Mr. Washington will pay the price for moving methamphetamine in this county. It may seem drastic to some, and certainly did to Mr. Washington and his family after the hearing based on their emotional reactions in court. The problem is, we see so much travesty meth brings, I do not possess much empathy for those who get caught dealing meth,” offered Walker.
People v. Donald G. Lively (2022-CF-134) – On October 17, 2022, Donald G. Lively, 58 of Carbondale, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Weapon by Felony before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Mr. Lively was sentenced to serve two (2) years in IDOC. During the plea, Mr. Lively admitted to possessing a set of brass knuckles located by the Steeleville Police Department during a disturbance call on June 5, 2022. “Mr. Lively was involved in a verbal altercation with another in Steeleville and allegedly brandished brass knuckles in the argument. When the police arrived, they located the brass knuckles in the possession of Mr. Lively. Due to the fact Mr. Lively was a convicted felon, he could not possess this item and it was mandatory he go to prison,” offered Walker.
People v. Robert P. Henderson (2022-CF-222) – On October 17, 2022, Robert P. Henderson, 50 of Sparta, was pled guilty to the offense of Aggravated Battery. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Henderson was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Henderson admitted to choking his neighbor during an argument in Sparta on August 27, 2022. “Mr. Henderson was on probation for a methamphetamine charge when he committed this offense. Additionally, it was alleged Mr. Henderson was discharged from meth treatment over the summer for fighting in rehab. Based on his apparent anger and meth issues, which is not a good combo, it was apparent to me Mr. Henderson needed to go to IDOC before he seriously hurt someone. In this case, no significant injury occurred, the felony was based on the fact he obstructed the breathing of the victim,” explained Walker.
People v. Joshua A. Heath (2022-CF-216) – On October 17, 2022, Joshua A. Heath, 33, homeless, was pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Weapon by a Felon before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Heath was sentenced to serve three (3) years in IDOC. During the plea, Mr. Heath admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shot gun located during a trespassing investigation n Sparta on August 19, 2022 and being a convicted felon. “Josh was homeless and wandering around Sparta on August 19. When he was stopped for loitering and possibly theft of services, a gun was in his backpack, which Josh couldn’t possess due to his status as a felon” stated Walker.
People v. Roy E. Baker (2022-CF-79) – On October 17, 2022, Roy E. Baker, 53 of Lenzburg, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. No agreement was reached as to the sentence and this matter has been set for a sentencing hearing on November 28, 2022. During the plea, Mr. Baker admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Sparta on April 12, 2022. “Mr. Baker has several priors and does not seem to be taking any steps to get a hold of his drug issues. I have an idea on what can help, but we will see if the Court agrees the confined setting and forced sobriety of IDOC is the fair and appropriate punishment,” offered Walker.
People v. Jared L. Anders (2021-CF-11) – On October 17, 2022, Jared L. Anders, 26 of Sparta, pled guilty to the offense of Delivery of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Anders was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Correctios. During the plea, Mr. Anders admitted to delivering less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine to a confidential information in Sparta on August 7, 2020. “Jared has been to IDOC before and will go again for selling meth. Jared is young and will still be a very young man when he gets out. I can only hope this time Mr. Anders decides he has had enough of this and will get his life in order. If not, he is working on his way to being incarcerated most of his adult life. I hope it does not come to that,” commented Walker.
People v. Walter M. Eyman (2022-CF-181 and 217) – On October 17, 2022, Walter M. Eyman, 52 of Red Bud, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Wyman was sentenced to serve probation and serve a jail sentence of 360 days in the Randolph County Jail. Two charges of Driving While Revoked were dismissed to facilitate the plea. “Mr. Eyman was arrested twice for driving while license revoked. Each of those carried 180 days in jail, or IDOC. The last time Eyman was arrested he had meth on him as well. Walter is a worker in our jail and jail staff recommended I consider a jail sentence over IDOC. I listened and Eyman will spend the next solid year in our jail. That is real punishment and also real time to get sober,” offered Walker.
People v. Kate D. Wilson (2019-CF-220) – On October 20, 2022, Kate D. Wilson, 35 of Marissa, was sentenced to serve four (4) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing before Judge Brown. Ms. Wilson was sentenced of the offense of Delivery of Methamphetamine occurring in Tilden on July 20, 2018. Both parties suggested the four (4) year sentence to the court. “Kate is throwing her life away. Kate made it easy to send her to prison as she failed to attend her appointment to complete her pre-sentence investigation and failed to attend her original sentencing hearing in February. When we picked her up on her warrant, she agreed to just take four (4) years. Again, Kate will be young and have a lot of life ahead of her, if he chooses to use this time to get better,” offered Walker.
People v. Kyle A. Foutch (2022-CF-157) – On October 20, 2022, Kyle A. Foutch, 34 of Cape Girardeau, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Foutch was sentenced to probation. During the plea, Mr. Foutch admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Chester on June 24, 2022. MO probation. “Kyle was on probation in Missouri when this happened and they violated his probation for this, but then gave him more probation. I was desirous to send Kyle to IDOC, but if his home state felt probation was appropriate, I felt I should not burden the State of Illinois to pay for him for the next few years. We have enough of our own to worry about,” explained Walker.
People v. Michael C. Pohrer (2022-CF-231) – On October 20. 2022, 35 of St. Charles, MO, Michael C. Pohrer pled guilty to the offense of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Pohrer was sentenced to serve three (3) years in IDOC. During the plea, Mr. Pohrer admitted to possessing a stolen vehicle located in Chester on September 10, 2022. “Mr. Pohrer had several priors in the past and was on probation in Missouri. I felt IDOC was the best course of action as he was involved in a theft of a motor vehicle, not a simple possession charge. Therefore, despite Mr. Pohrer not being from Illinois, I wanted to send him to prison, due to the nature of the charge,” stated Walker.
People v. James L. Loucks, Jr. (2022-CF-115 and 2022-CM-88) On October 20, 2022, James L. Loucks, Jr., 46 of Coulterville, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Loucks was sentenced to serve first offense probation and pay restitution for the allegation of misdemeanor theft, which was dismissed. During the plea, Mr. Loucks admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located during a traffic stop in Coulterville on May 8, 2022. “Mr. Loucks will have the chance to get sober and clean. Few take this opportunity and I hope Mr. Loucks is the exception to the rule and avoids a felony,” commented Walker.
People v. Amber N. Frazer (2022-CF-55) – On October 21, 2022, Amber N. Frazer, 32 of Chester, pled guilty to the offense of Endangering the Life and Safety of a Child. Pursuant to the plea, Ms. Frazer was convicted of the offense, which is a Class A Misdemeanor. The charge was reduced from a felony offense of Aggravated Battery. During the plea, Mr. Frazer admitted to endangering the life of her child during a disturbance in Chester on March 18, 2022. “Ms. Frazer was allegedly intoxicated and had a run in with her child. The Department of Children and Family Services became involved, the father of the child took Ms. Frazer to court and won custody of the child at issue. Therefore, I felt the child was adequately protected. Ms. Frazer has no record, and I did not feel a felony would be in the best interest of society, with the consideration the child is protected,” offered Walker.
People v. Matthew T. Moskop (2022-CF-26, 168 and 169 and 2022-CM-19) – On October 24, 2022, Matthew T. Moskop, 25 of Red Bud, pled guilty to the offense of Burglary before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Moskop was sentenced to serve five (5) years in IDOC. Pursuant to the plea, charges of Methamphetamine Possession (two charges) and a drug paraphernalia charge were dismissed. During the plea, Mr. Moskop admitted to entering a building in rural Baldwin with the intent to commit a theft on July 11, 2022. “Matt is another example of meth ruining a life. Matt was previously on probation for a meth charge in 2017 and it obviously could not get him or keep him on the right path. Matt was then arrested twice for meth possession before the Burglary charge was filed, all this year If it were not for the meth cases and the cases that result from people stealing and otherwise misbehaving due to meth, I really do not now how we would fill our days. Matt had a bad 2022. He will have all of 2023 and 2024 to think about it. I hope that time to reflect works,” stated Walker.
People v. Timothy L. Schultz (2022-CF-259) – On October 24, 2022, Timothy L. Schultz, 52 of Carbondale, pled guilty to the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine before Judge Brown. Pursuant to the plea, Mr. Schultz was sentenced to serve three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. During the plea, Mr. Schultz admitted to possessing less than five (5) grams of methamphetamine located by the Chester Police Department during a trespassing complaint in Chester on October 6, 2022. “Timothy had a long criminal history and probation was just not an option in my mind. I have no problems helping people (frankly I prefer it) or getting people into treatment for meth; however, that sentiment fades with each prior felony,” concluded Walker.