Court News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: October 20 – October 27, 2015. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
Brian K. Romanotto, Dawson, is suing Patrick H. Cray, Girard, for damages in excess of $50,000 for injuries the plaintiff allegedly sustained in a Nov. 14, 2014, traffic crash on Richie Road at Welton Cemetery Road in South Otter Township. According to the suit, Romanotto was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado east on Richie Road about 11:02 a.m. when a southbound Freightliner driven by Cray allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign, entered the intersection and collided with the Romanotto vehicle. The suit alleges Cray sustained severe and permanent injuries, pain and suffering and lost wages as a result of the crash. The complaint alleges Cray failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles, failed to apply the brakes to avoid the collison, drove too fast for conditions, failed to reduce his speed to avoid the accident and failed to yield the right-of-way to Romanotto’s vehicle.
John Karl, Livingston, is suing Lloyd Garde, Staunton for $15,000, plus court costs, alleging that Garde breached a written agreement for the purchase of property in the 300 block of Spring Street, Gillespie. The suit alleges Garde agreed to sell the property to Karl and entered into a written agreement on July 14 for the transaction. Karl claims to have paid Garde a $3,000 as a downpayment. The closing date on the contract was left blank, the suit says, pending the plaintiff securing a construction loan for a duplex he planned to build which would include the remainder of the purchase price. Relying upon the agreement, Karl claims to have hired an architect to design the duplex, taking three weeks off work to procure financing and blueprints for the project. In September, however, Karl claims to have learned the defendant had sold the property to a third party, allegedly breaching the contract between him and Garde.
Horcelia L. Bowen, Shipman, is suing Don Carol, Bunker Hill, for more than $10,000 the plaintiff claims is owed to her. The case originally was filed as a small claims case on June 29, but was transferred this week after it was determined the amount of damages claimed exceeds the $10,000 ceiling for small claims cases.
Douglas A. Daugherty, Modesto, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Brent and Nicole Drendel, Palmyra, seeking $1,677.78 in damages plus possession of residential premises located in the 200 block of South Main Street, Palmyra.
Jackie Evans, Staunton, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Henry Wilson, Staunton, seeking $1,050 in damages plus possession of a residential apartment located in the 300 block of East Mill Street, Staunton.
Daniel M. Kelley, Jr., has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Timothy and Jodi Compton seeking a judgment of $1,950 plus possession of residential premises located at Lake KaHo, Mount Olive.
SMALL CLAIMS
Discover Bank has filed notice of a foreign judgment for $9,8383.29 awarded in Madison County Circuit Court against Gary Donaldson, Bunker Hill.
LVNV Funding is suing Michael J. Weaver, Gillespie, for $9,857.13 allegedly owed on a credit card account originally issued through Springleaf Financial Services.
Brandonview, LLC, is suing Joshua Jordan Ramsey, Carlinville, for $9,210, plus interest, allegedly stemming from damages associated with Ramsey’s rental of an apartment in Alton.
Jean Kyle, Carlinville, is suing Roger Chapman, Carlinville, for $1,250, plus court costs, allegedly owed for back rent.
FELONIES
Jeremy K. Miller, 34, Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with an Oct. 16 incident in Virden during which he allegedly possessed less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.
Corey D. Williams, 19, Carlinville, is charged with possession of cannabis in connection with intent to deliver in connection with an incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly possessed 10 to 30 grams of a substance containing cannabis with the intent to deliver.
William S. Nix, 23, Carlinville, is charged with retail theft for allegedly shop lifting a 12-pack of beer from Walmart in Carlinville on Oct. 20. The charge was elevated to a felony due to previous convictions on Nix’s record for burglary and theft in Montgomery County.
James D. White, 31, Virden, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an Oct. 21 incident in Virden during which he allegedly struck his wife in her face with his fist. The charge was elevated to a felony due to previous convictions for violating an order of protection in 2009 and domestic battery in 2013, both in Macoupin County.
William R. Bolin, 24, Livingston, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery of a child in connection with a Jan. 3 incident in Gillespie during which he allegedly caused Ryder Vercoglio to suffer closed head trauma resulting in the child’s death.
MISDEMEANORS
Daniel M. Carrillo, 30, Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property in connection with an Oct. 18 incident during which he allegedly caused less than $300 in damage to a door belonging to the City of Carlinville.
Miguel A. Ochoa, 20, Chicago, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an Oct. 19 incident in Staunton during which he allegedly pushed his girlfriend in an insulting or provoking manner.
John J. Schaefer, 46, Hillsboro, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an Oct. 19 incident in Mount Olive during which he allegedly grabbed his girlfriend by her arm and pulled her into his vehicle.
Michelle R. Cantu, 45, Springfield, is charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing a check for $432 on June 30 to Harman Auction, Shipman, while knowing her depository would not honor the draft.
Suzanne L. Robbins, 32, Gillespie, is charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing a check for $41.50 on Aug. 12 to Animal Doctors, LLP, Staunton, while knowing her depository would not honor the draft.
Tiffany R. Vonburg, 33, Bunker Hill, is charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing checks totaling $276 between Aug. 6 and Aug. 8 to the Bunker Hill Short Stop while knowing her depository would not honor the drafts.
Derek W. Schaaf, 32, Dorsey, is charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing a check for $71.36 on Sept. 17 to the Bunker Hill Short Stop while knowing his depository would not honor the draft.
Sarah C. Brunetto, 34, Grafton, is charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing checks totaling $100 on June 30 to Whitlock Chief’s, Gillespie, while knowing her depository would not honor the draft.
Jaclyn R. Croll, 22, Virden, is charged with theft in connection with an Oct. 1 incident during which she allegedly took a Channel purse and a pair of Candies boots with a total value of less than $300 that belonged to another person.
James S. Reese, 41, Carlinville, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an Oct. 23 incident during which he allegedly shoved his girlfriend, causing her to sustain a cut to her lip.
Clark T. Couch, 20, Medora, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with incident at 3:39 a.m., Aug. 30, on Piasa Road during which he allegedly operating a 2000 Ford Excursion without the owner’s permission. In addition, Couch faces a traffic charge for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
TRAFFIC
Wayne A. Weller, 47, Palmyra, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an incident at 1:19 a.m., Oct. 18, on Richie Road at Duncan Road. In addition, Weller faces traffic charges for allegedly failing to wear a seatbelt and failing to reduce the speed of his vehicle to avoid an accident.
Denise M. Joiner, 55, Carlinville, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage in connection with an incident at 1:37 a.m., Oct. 18, on South Locust Street at West Second South Street in Carlinville.
Aaron W. Davis, 20, Brighton, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage and improper turn signal in connection with an incident at 2:50 a.m., Oct. 17, on Fosterburg Road at Miles Station Road.
Ronald A. Gilbert, 44, Litchfield is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an incident at 9:53 p.m., Oct. 20, on Sixth Street at Wood Street in Staunton.
Clark T. Couch, 20, Medora, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an incident at 3:39 a.m., Aug. 30, on Piasa Road. In addition, Couch faces a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with the same incident for allegedly operating a 2000 Ford Excursion without the owner’s permission.
Jeff A. Jones, 49, Brighton, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage in connection with an incident at 12:09 a.m., Oct. 22, on North Market Street at East Center Street in Brighton.
Raymond S. Harbaugh, 44, Hettick, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an incident at 8:16 a.m., Sept. 10, on Hettick Road.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- James E. White and Ruth A. Beerup, both of Brighton.
- Austin J. Fanning, Girard, and Courtney N. Leonard, Litchfield.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jarrett Norris, Maryville, vs. Amy Norris, Maryville. The case was transferred to Macoupin County this week after being filed originally on July 9, 2010, in Madison County Circuit Court.
- Lenora L. Canady, Auburn, vs. Ronald G. Canady, Girard.
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MISDEMEANORS
Joshua A. Damm, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/making physical contact in connection with a November 14 incident.
Blake R. Laskach, 25 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyle E. Devries, 36 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with a November 5 incident.
Haider K. Omran, 57 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 MPH over the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Michael F. Reeder, 73 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Keith S. Statler, 61 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 16 incident.
William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Gary A. Parker, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kelly M. Lyons, 37 of Benld, is charged with reckless driving in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kyle E. Dotson, 59 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol/driving in connection with a November 16 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Joseph S. A. Evans versus Abby L. Evans
- George D. March versus Taylor R. Brown
- Elijah N. Powell versus Tori Lynn Loyd
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Caleb Brendan Owens and Kaitlyn Noelle Hargis, both of Mount Olive
- Justin Michael Hart and Sydney Annadale Gray, both of Carlinville
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Community News
Macoupin County Clerk, Recorder & Elections Office temporarily relocating due to courthouse renovations
The Macoupin County Clerk, Recorder, and Elections Office will temporarily relocate across the street to the Macoupin County Voting Center, located at 227 E. First South in Carlinville, beginning Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The move is necessary to accommodate HVAC system renovations in the Macoupin County Courthouse. The temporary relocation is expected to last until mid-January 2026.
During this time, all regular services — including vital records, recordings, elections, and general clerk functions — will continue to be available at the Voting Center. Office hours and contact information will remain the same.
However, due to limited space during the renovation, public searching and certain in-person services may be restricted. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the many online services offered through the Clerk’s website, including:
- Searching and ordering vital records
- Accessing property and land records
- Viewing election information and forms
- Checking registration and voter status
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make these necessary improvements to the Courthouse,” said Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan. “Our goal is to continue serving the public efficiently and safely, whether in person or online.”
Residents can visit www.macoupincountyclerk.com, call 217-854-3214, text 217-439-4499, or email elections@macoupincountyil.gov or recorder@macoupincountyil.gov for updates, online resources, and additional information.
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FELONIES
Christy M. Thornhill, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a December 14, 2024, incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew N. Gregory, 36 of Gillespie, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with a November 13 incident.
Jared E. Gibbs, 38 of Palmyra, is charged with aggravated DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and stopping/standing/parking/business in connection with a July 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an October 31 incident.
Juan F. Molina Fuentes, 43 of Glen Carbon, is charged with assault in connection with a November 12 incident.
Frederic J. Skinner. 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 11 incident.
Harold A. Wood, 79 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land with a November 11 incident.
William L. Hartman, 44 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with an October 4 incident.
William D. Friesland, 20 of Mount Olive, is charged with unlawful possession of blackjack/knife in connection with an October 27 incident.
Jakota M. Emery of Gillespie is charged with resisting/peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an October 22 incident.
Crystal J. Webb, 50 of Staunton, is charged with animal owner duties violation in connection with an October 21 incident.
James J. Hamilton, 18 of Brighton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
TRAFFIC
Frederick Devone Jones, 28 of Columbia, SC, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a November 8 incident.
Eileen M. Chavez, 19 of Mount Prospect, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 9 incident.
Carla R. Franklin, 54 of Florissant, MO, is charged with driving on a suspended license, headlight violation, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 1 incident.
Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 30 incident.
Jenna M. Forrest, 43 of Alton, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 11 incident.
Michael T. Chrystal, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 31 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 1 incident.
Tameka S. Turner, 35 of Waverly, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
Christian A. Darush, 25 of Hettick, is charged with expired registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
Cade W. Thoron, 19 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 12 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a November 1 incident.
Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 9 incident.
Carter R. Hood, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 12 incident.
Timothy C. Hokenson, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with reckless driving and failure to reduce speed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Angela M. Sparling, 60 of Litchfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, disregarding an official traffic control device, and no notice of address/name change in connection with an October 30 incident.
William K. Kampmann III, 37 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 4 incident.
Christopher L. Vesper, 50 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 28 incident.
Christopher L. Paul, 62 of Bunker Hill, is charged with improper use of registration/title and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a November 10 incident.
Payge L. Masters, 20 of Mechanicsburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 3 incident.
Matthew L. Hauter, 46 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ryan P. Williams versus Naomi N. Williams
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Joseph Edward Hinch and Brittany Allen, both of Wilsonville
- Steven Caleb Hunter Wise and Christina Ann Seals, both of Carlinville
- Andrew Michael Bounds and Tamara Ann Cunningham, both of Virden
- Steve Jameson and Troi Gibbs-Petrie, both of Girard
