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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FELONIES
Rusty S. Menge, 54 of Hettick, is charged with reckless discharging of a firearm in connection with an April 12 incident.
Brandon L. Allen, 41 of Port Orange, FL, is charged with two counts of unlawful commercial use of game ($500+), two counts of outfitting service without a permit, hunting on others land without permission, five counts of obtain license/revoked in a another state, using license issued to another, and loan/transfer license in connection to an April 16 incident.
Michelle D. Heaton, 51 of East Alton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 14, 2025 incident.
Tanner L. Wolff, 24 of Litchfield, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 13, 2025 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mount Clare, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an April 11 incident.
Kenneth W. Bennett, 69 of Carlinville, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with an April 14 incident.
Gregory A. Swift, 43 of Virden, is charged with heft of lost/mislaid property (<$500) in connection with an October 18, 2025 incident.
Brandon P. Bellm, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 18 incident.
Joseph S. Augustine, 50 of Staunton, is charged with tossing/throwing a jackrock on property in connection with an April 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Casey C. Trebing, 28 of Worden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
Ayman Y. Omar, 51 of Lake Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
John M. Steward, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Kylie T. Hunter, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Diana C. Hardison, 60 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 12 incident.
Jimmy Monroe, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and improper traffic lane usage.
Richard A. Stuckey, 70 of Brighton, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with an April 9 incident.
Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 14 incident.
Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver and driving 1-10 mph above the limit.
Keith M. Steele, 27 of Auburn, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 11 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Marshall Emery versus Maurissa Emery
- Coltan Milton versus Chelsea Milton
- Micah Gotter versus Pamela Gotter
- Katie Ritter versus Thomas Ritter
- James A. Donaldson versus Cheryl A. Donaldson
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Cristopher C. Miller and Yvonne M. Rendon, both of Carlinville.
- Earl W. Tiepelman and Maria J. Goth, both of Mount Olive
- Phillip L. Randazzo and Trisden M. Haggett, both of Gillespie.
- Christopher T. Bertolis and Jordan R. Ryan, both of Mount Olive.
- Robert A. Lee and Dawn M. Hilderbrand, both of Maryville.
- Jason T. Daube and Jamie M. Goble, both of Brighton.
- Gabriel E. Bliss and Grace A. Hobson, both of Virden.
- Matthew G. Weidner of Bunker Hill and Claire A. Wilton of Carlinville
- Michelle L. Dettwiler of Litchfield and Heather N. Geary of Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Hunter Gl. Niemann of Litchfield and Hannah M. Ward of Pawnee
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
