Community News
Gillespie Police Report: June 17-23, 2018
SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018
Daniel R. Sawyer, 40, of Gillespie was arrested on two warrants out of Macoupin County for violation of the sex offender registration act.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue to do a well-being check on a suicidal subject.
An officer was called to the 300 block of Shelby Street to take a report of criminal trespass.
Skylar C. Vogel, 26, of Benld was issued a citation for speeding 47 mph in a 30 mph zone.
MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2018
An officer made contact with a 13-year-old juvenile walking on Lake Road. The officer provided the juvenile with a courtesy transport to a location in town and made contact with the parents and reported the incident DCFS for inadequate supervision.
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2018
Amber N. Heck, 33, of Moscow Mills, MO was arrested for driving while license is suspended.
Robert S. Raun, 37, of Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for retail theft. He was unable to post bond and was transported to the Macoupin County Jail.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018
William R. Werner, 44, of Mt. Olive was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine pending crime lab results.
Chance P. Trebing, 27, of Mt. Olive was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a control substance pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the parking lot at the Dollar General parking lot to take a report of a traffic crash.
Jane C. Ahasay, 60, of Bethalto was issued a citation for speeding 44 mph in 30 mph zone.
Tyler M. Hamilton, 23, of Bethalto was issued a citation for speeding 46 mph in 30 mph zone.
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
Jason C. Peace, 44, of Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for driving while license is revoked and was issued a citation for obstruction of identification. He was transported to the Macoupin County Jail.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue to do a well-being check on a suicidal subject.
Harold W. Kelley, 41, of Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Alton. He posted bond and was released with a new court date.
Roy E. Conlee Jr, 32, was issued citations for electronic communication device while driving, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, no valid driver’s license, and less than 2.5g of cannabis.
Gavin M. Bertoldi, 18, of Benld was issued a citation for a seat belt violation.
FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2018
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street to take a report of a hit and run.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue regarding a suspicious male in the area. An officer checked the area and was unable to locate.
Joy A. Fetter, 41, of Litchfield was issued a citation for speed 49 mph in a 30 mph zone.
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street Clinic to take a report of possible child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Police Department to take a report of an assault that took place in the 300 block of Park Avenue. Tina L. DeSherlia, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for assault.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
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The community is invited to participate in a family-friendly, drive-thru charity event aimed at keeping local students warm this winter. The “Warm Up Our Kids” drive-thru takes place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Karmak Campus, located at 1 Karmak Plaza, Carlinville, IL and is sponsored by Karmak and Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics.
Additional drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations to maximize participation and convenience:
- Sullivans in Carlinville, Gillespie, and Litchfield
- Pharmacy Plus in Girard
- Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Virden
- CAH&C Clinic sites in Gillespie, Girard, Carlinville, and Virden
- Briar Rose in Litchfield
- Brave Hazel in Carlinville
- Oh-So Cute Boutique in Virden
Drive through the event route and drop off much-needed supplies listed below. All donations will directly benefit students in the participating school districts, helping ensure every child has the warmth and essentials they need to face the winter season. Community support help bridge gaps and bring tangible, immediate relief to families in need.
Join us in spreading warmth and goodwill this December. The Ben Gil Post and community partners look forward to seeing you at the Karmak Campus drive-thru.
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A Macoupin County jury found Jeffrey D. Brown, 50, of Sawyerville guilty of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of Rodney Messerly, 42, also of Sawyerville, authorities said.
The verdict was delivered a little before 6 p.m. on November 4, 2025, after a days-long trial led by Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison. Brown now faces a mandatory prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years with the sentence to be served at 85 percent. The sentencing will take place on January 12, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the incident unfolded on September 17, 2024, when Brown called 911 claiming Messerly had entered his home. Responding deputies found Messerly deceased on the front stoop outside the residence. Brown testified that Messerly had forced his way into the home, and he fired in self-defense inside the residence.
Surveillance video played to the jury depicted portions of the confrontation: Messerly speaking with Brown at the door outside the residence before Messerly pushes inside—off-camera for a stretch—followed by four gunshots fired from within the home. Messerly is seen falling back onto the front steps.
A video interview of Brown with Lt. Ryan Dixon of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department revealed Brown stated he took three steps back inside the residence before firing the initial shots. Forensic pathologist Dr. Nathanial Patterson testified that the first four shots would have been fatal. Approximately seven seconds pass before Brown fires a final shot from inside the residence, striking Messerly in the chest as he yells an expletive.
Garrison offered condolences to Messerly’s family, calling the incident a “horrible situation” and noting that the healing process is just beginning for those affected. He described Messerly as having been experiencing delusions at the time of the incident and emphasized that the last shot was not in self-defense, characterizing it as an act of vengeance.
Brown faces additional charges in unrelated matters: Armed Violence (Class X felony) and Production of Cannabis Plants (Class 4) in 2024CF228, and Resisting Arrest Causing Injury to an Officer in 2024CF252.
Public sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Prosecutors cautioned readers that charges are not proof of guilt and that Brown is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
