Court News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: March 15-21, 2016. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUIT
A Brighton woman is suing a Bunker Hill woman for damages in excess of $50,000 resulting from injuries she allegedly sustained in an April 10, 2014, traffic crash on Illinois Route 159 near its intersection with Robinson Drive in Bunker Hill Township. According to the suit, the plaintiff, Makayla R. Kessinger, was driving a southbound 2002 Chrysler Sebring LXI at about 8 p.m. when it was rear-ended by a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina driven by the defendant, Amanda L. Neuner. The suit alleges negligence on Neuner’s part in that she allegedly failed to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles, failed to keep her vehicle under proper control, operated her vehicle at a speed that was too fast for conditions, failed to decrease the speed of her vehicle to avoid the collision and followed the Kessinger vehicle too closely. Kessinger claims to have sustained injuries to her face, neck and back for which she was required to spend money for medical care and will be required to spend money for care in the future.
Kyra Mostago, Livingston, has filed a complaint in replevin against Jeffrey Stoops, Staunton, seeking a court order to take possession of personal property valued at $2,770 that she claims Stoops is unlawfully withholding from her.
Amanda and Barrett Miller are suing Mark and Joyce Lemons of East Alton, Security Title & Escrow of Alton, and Palm Tree Realty of Godfrey for less than $15,000 in damages, claiming they were defrauded when they purchased their current residence last year from the defendants. According to the suit, the plaintiffs purchased their property on Windy Hill Road, Staunton, from the Lemons on May 28, 2015 for $36,500. Palm Tree Realty handled the sale and Security Title & Escrow handled title work for the transaction, according to the suit. The suit further alleges that after closing on the property, the buyers had the property surveyed and found it to consist of 3.6 acres, rather than the five acres the sellers had represented to them. The suit alleges the sellers misrepresented the property to the buyers, and that Security Title & Escrow failed to discover and disclose the discrepancy.
SMALL CLAIMS
Larry Joe Morgan, Hodgenville, Ky., is suing Brock Campbell, Modesto, for $5,507.56, plus court costs, claiming Campbell defrauded him by failing to disclose latent defects when he sold a 1993 motor home to Morgan and failing to provide adequate documentation for the transfer of title.
St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, is suing Kyle and Jaime Montgomery, Gillespie, for $1,483.01, plus court costs, allegedly owed for medical services.
Consumer Collection Management Corp. is suing Richard W. and Rhonda D. Messerly for $5,605.90, plus court costs. The amount sought includes $501.08 allegedly owed for services provided by Macoupin Family Practice Centers and $5,104.82 allegedly owed to St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield.
Kyra Mostago, Livingston, is suing Jed Schlechte, Alhambra, for $775 she claims is owed to her.
Heights Finance Corp is suing Steven Clattenburg and Billie J. Crole, also known as Billie Croll, both of Girard, for $2,209.49, plus interest at a rate of 34.97 percent, attorney fees and court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $2,091.13 Federal Disclosure Statement loan executed on April 16, 2015.
Personal Finance Co., LLC, is suing Brian Johnson, Gillespie, for $1,830.91, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $1,981.10 retail installment contract executed on June 19, 2013.
CNB Bank and Trust, Carlinville, is suing Monica J. Carmel, Carlinville, $2,920, plus court costs, to recover an allegedly dishonored check the defendant presented to the plaintiff.
FELONIES
Roy E. Davis, 29, Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with a Feb. 2 incident during which he allegedly was in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine and a silver colored smoking device for ingesting cannabis. Davis is further accused of exerting unauthorized control over a metal pipe and barrel valued at less than $500 with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of the use of the property.
Ashley E. Davis, 26, Litchfield, is charged with burglary in connection with a March 11 incident during which she allegedly entered the Mount Olive Dollar General Store without authority and with the intent to commit a theft.
Donna K. Erlinger, 31, Granite City is charged with possession of methamphetamine and obstructing justice in connection with a Jan. 16 incident during which she allegedly was in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine and providing a false name to an arresting officer in an attempt to avoid prosecution.
MISDEMEANORS
Tyler Spangler, 23, Carlinville, is charged with theft in connection with a Feb. 10 incident during which he allegedly exercised unauthorized control over less than $300 in cash with the intent to permanently deprive the victim of the use of the property.
David A. Lahman, 37, is charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with a Dec. 1, 2015, incident during which he allegedly possessed less than 2.5 grams of a substance containing cannabis and a blue glass pipe for smoking marijuana.
Brandon S. Tate, 31, Dorsey, is charged with criminal trespass to a motor vehicle in connection with a March 2 incident during which he allegedly entered a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country without the permission of the owner.
Kevin R. Harmon, 52, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a March 13 incident during which he allegedly came within 1,000 feet of a female subject to a court order of protection against him when he entered upon land belonging to Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Toby A. Hughes, 48, Brighton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a March 14 incident during which he allegedly threw a glass at and yelled at another male in such an unreasonable manner as to alarm and disturb the victim and provoke a breach of the peace.
Michael R. Broersma, 30, Peoria, Ariz., is charged with reckless conduct in connection with an Aug. 6, 2014 incident during which he allegedly drove a 1980 Chevrolet Corvette at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour through traffic while eluding law enforcement. The case reportedly is exempt from statute of limitations rules because it was actively pending since Aug. 8, 2014.
Willie C. Jones, 35, Jacksonville, is charged with possession of less than 2.5 grams of a substance containing cannabis in connection with a Jan. 26 incident in Brighton.
TRAFFIC
Crystal M. Bersch, 34, Mount Olive is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 11 incident on Main Street at Lincoln Street in Mount Olive. In addition, she faces traffic charges for allegedly making an improper turn signal and operating a vehicle with a faulty tail light.
Brandon P. Bellm, 23, Hettick, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 16 incident on Hettick Road one-half mile west of Charity Church Road. Bellm also is charged with a traffic citation for allegedly failing to reduce the speed of his vehicle to avoid an accident.
Derek W. Murle, 26, Carlinville, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 13 incident on Route 66 one-half mile south of Illinois Route 138.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
Dustin Petroline, Staunton, vs. Sanna Petroline, Mount Olive.
Anna Hampton, Girard, vs. Asa Hampton, Virden.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE GRANTED
Anna Hampton, Girard, vs. Asa Hampton, Virden.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Jack L. Wofford and Denni J. Rhodes, both of Carlinville.
James R. Snider and Melissa D. Mihalek, both of Carlinville.
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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
