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
Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with a December 28, 2024 incident.
Donavon M. Holmes, 24 of Benld, is charged with felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 11 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of forgery/making/altering a document in connection with a February 10 incident.
Bradley S. Watters, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a March 12 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, is charged with unlawful possession of a knife in connection with a March 9 incident.
Tonya L. Pfeiler, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with theft control/intent (<$500) in connection with a March 1 incident.
Timothy A. Dugger, 23 of Palmyra, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 29 incident.
Dalton W. Branham, 27 of Springfield, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 23 and January 29 incident.
Crystal A. Holland, 50 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a January 18 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 59 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a February 13 incident.
Mark B. Bersch, 68 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with February 4 incident.
Robert D. Lindsey, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a March 3 incident.
Thomas W. Gray, 35 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a February 26 incident.
Ronnie E. Reyes, 40 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a March 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Bethany E. Robinson, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year, passing a school bus while loading/unloading, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with a February 27 incident.
Timothy R. Galston, 46 of Harvey, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 11-14 mph above the limit in connection with a March 2 incident.
Hector R. Herrera Pena, 39 of Guadalupe, NL, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with a March 4 incident.
Stephen L. Barrick, 50 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 2 incident.
Kyle L. Stiltz, 32 of Virden, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a February 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Angela M. Berndt versus Travis E. Berndt
- Melissa K. Porter versus Kevin W. Porter
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Bunker Hill – Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill is excited to announce a rummage sale taking place on Thursday, March 20, Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22. The sale will be held at the church located at 609 East Warren Street in Bunker Hill. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Illinois Valley Meals on Wheels in Macoupin County, a vital program that prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily to those in need across three counties.
Donations for the rummage sale are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off at the church’s north entrance starting Monday, March 17. Items of all kinds are appreciated, and your contributions will directly support the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensure that nutritious meals reach our community members.
The sale will run from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday and then 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday, making it convenient for everyone to stop by and find great deals while supporting a crucial service in our area.
For more information about the rummage sale or how to donate, please contact Jane Baker at 618-973-2666.
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FELONIES
Bryer D. Greff, 30 of Virden, is charged with retail theft (<$300) with a previous conviction in connection to a March 1 incident.
Michael J. Weaver, 34 of Carlinville, is charged with methamphetamine delivery (400<900 grams), possession of methamphetamine (400<900 grams), and felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 3 incident.
Patrick D. Greer, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with burglary and theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 23 and March 3 incident .
Brian H. Duff, 50 of Alton, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Allison S. Cisco, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 1 incident.
Andrew C. London, 19 of Wilsonville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with a March 5 incident.
Shelby L. Veach, 23 of Staunton, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee and criminal damage to property in connection with a December 16 and December 21 incident.
Robert J. Zumwalt, 43 of Livingston, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a December 21 incident.
TRAFFIC
Andrew J. McDaniel, 56 of Littleton, CO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 23 incident.
Connor E. O’Brien, 25 of Riverside, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 24 incident.
Anthony M. Reed, 29 of Fayette, MS, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a February 22 incident.
Patrick M. Nejmanowski, 58 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a February 25 incident.
Michael A. Coates, 49 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a February 16 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Palmyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 25 incident.
Jessica M. Jenkins, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 24 incident.
Jason L. Peter, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 22 incident.
Matthew D. Knick, 21 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on suspended license in connection with a February 27 incident.
Julia A. Schall, 68 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a February 27 incdient.
Amy N. Gomer, 39 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 4 incident.
Dalton C. Bunyard, 32 of Wood River, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 28 incident.
Edward Tumpach III, 33 of Hillsboro, is charged with reckless driving, improper traffic lane usage, and disregarding a traffic control device in connection with a March 5 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Neil Ringer versus Whitney Ringer
- Christina Essington versus John Essington
- Scott Huddleston versus Jessica Huddleston
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