Community News
Judge Kenneth Deihl explain Drug Court in Macoupin County
Saves taxpayers $3.36 for each dollar invested
During a regular luncheon meeting, presiding Judge Kenneth Deihl explained the newly formed drug court in Macoupin County. With him was probation officer Dave Wicker who is the manager of the newly formed program. The pair explained that the they were mandated to start this program by January of 2012.
Deihl started off saying the court is seeing many family issues that affect the court in many ways. “Thankfully, we don’t have that much crime,” Deihl started. “We were averaging 65-70 people in the jail five years ago and now we are around 30.” This is a big savings for the taxpayers.
According to Deihl, their goal is to have occupants in the jail as long as they have to and no longer. “We want to place them on probation or send them to the Department of Corrections,” Deihl explained. Probation is much more difficult than serving a sentence because the rigid standards make it really tough to live. Deihl even said that he has had requests from people to serve time in jail over being placed on probation.
In addition to the family issues, the court had many collection issues for a while during the home mortgage crisis. “A lot of this pertains to the poor economy,” Deihl noted, “Sociologists will tell you than 20% of society is affected by crime. Those records go way back to the 1600’s overseas. The economy spikes crime.” Not so much crime, but domestic household problems and people just giving up and walking away from their families.
Recently, counties were required by law to start a drug court. “The State of Illinois mandated all counties to have a drug court by January 1,” Deihl explained. “We are in compliance and we can tell you that we only have one person in the program right now.”
Some people would think drug court is an easy way out for people that have used or abused or sold drugs, according to Deihl. He went on to say that is not the case at all. “It is a program for rehabilitation, but you have to meet a very strict set of criteria to have a chance to be in the program.”
David Wicker, probation officer and drug court manager, explained what drug court is and what drug court is not. Wicker has been with the probation office for over eleven years and has honchoed this program voluntarily for Macoupin County. “I volunteered for this program because I believe in it,” Dave started, “I know it can work if you have a chance to review the statistics.”
Compared to probation or time in the Department of Corrections, it has a significant better success rate. Drug Court is used in two different types. The first type is victims present themselves in drug court to prevent having a felony conviction charge on their record. The second type is a post-conviction drug court. Predominately used in Macoupin County, victims are enrolled in the second type of drug court after they are already convicted of the crime.
Basically, drug court is a last case scenario for clients. “These clients have committed several crimes throughout their life and have even been to Department of Corrections or are looking at going there,” Dave explained. At that time, this program could be offered to them.
The person first has to admit they have a drug problem to be admitted to drug court. “Without that, there is no use.” Their crime has to be related to drug use such as burglary or theft to get money for drugs. Violent crime history victims will not be admitted into the program as they have to demonstrate a willingness to abide by all the rules of the program.
Dave went on to explain that they, of course, have to a resident of Macoupin County and cannot have participated in drug court in any other jurisdiction. “It is a one-time chance,” Dave noted. The States Attorney also has to give the approval for the client to be in the program. Once the Attorney has approved the client, the probation office gets the referral and they engage in a screening.
The screening checks their background and makes sure they have not had any violent background. After the screening, an evaluation is conducted by TASK out of Springfield. Once all that is completed, they will come before the drug court team. Macoupin County’s drug court team consists of Judge Deihl, Dave Wicker, States Attorney representative, Public Defender representative, substance abuse representative, TASK representative, law enforcement official, and a concerned public citizen.
“Any decisions made for drug court are made by this one team while the judge has the final say,” Dave explained. Once the person is qualified and admitted, the victim goes into a plea and follows strict guidelines to stay in the program. According to Dave, it is much stricter than probation.
Once the client gets out of rehab, they have to see Dave at least once a week. Usually it is up to three times a week because they are required to take drug tests twice a week. The client also goes to any support groups the team feels necessary to give. “They also have to attend court any time we direct them to,” Dave noted.
The Drug Court can apply any sanctions or incentives at any time in the program. Incentives could be awarded if they are doing everything they are asked to do. “Incentives could be anything from a candy bar or a praise to a gas card,” Dave explained. If the client is partaking in any action the drug court does not see fit, they can apply sanctions. According to Dave, sanctions can be extra drug testing or more probation visits to a week in jail.
The clients start out in the intensive program and phase out. It is designed to get easier and easier as they move through the program. It contains four different phases. Once they graduate a phase, the restrictions get easier as they might not have to report as many times per week or take less drug tests. They have to pass a drug test to graduate the program, according to Dave. The program usually lasts nearly 18 months to 24 months.
“Our goal is to enhance the quality of life in Macoupin County,” Dave closed, “by helping reduce criminal activity through certain individuals with drug issues.” Not only does the drug court help the people with a problem, it also helps society because it is so cost effective. According to the National Drug Court Association, tax payers save as much as $3.36 for every dollar invested in drug court and avoid court, criminal justice costs, and prison. “It is cost effective, plus it works!”
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Jaylen M. Ronald, 22 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Shelby Street in reference to animal neglect.
Walter L. Vester, 30 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a home security check.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to telephone harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was speaking with a female in the 200 block of North Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Western Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 200 block of Park Avenue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to spam callers.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie bike trail in reference to a suspicious person on a motorized bike.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of Maple Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property. Joseph F. Frew, 49 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for littering prohibited.
An officer was dispatched to the 111 South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil stand by.
An officer was dispatched to the 10000 Friese Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare with a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024
Juan A. Cortez, 40 of Danville, was arrested on multiple warrants. Cortez had warrants out of Collinsville for possession of methamphetamine, Sangamon County for failure to appear for drugs, and Coles County for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference o a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer met with a female at Gillespie Police Department to collect an item that she found.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Heritage Health in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld in reference to recovered stolen property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Jersey Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Oregon Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious female in a vehicle. Kourtney K. Claro, 33 of Benld, was issued citation for no valid driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding,
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
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FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
