Court News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: April 4-10, 2017. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
Ambrosia Smith is suing Kaitlin Hancock, Wilsonville, and Paul Roberson, Staunton, for damages in excess of $50,000 for injuries she allegedly sustained in a Sept. 29, 2016, traffic accident on Old Route 66 at Lake KaHo Road near Mount Olive. According to the suit, Smith, who was pregnant at the time, was driving north on Old Route 66 when she slowed her vehicle to make a right turn onto Lake KaHo Road. As she slowed, the suit alleges, her vehicle was rear-ended by a northbound vehicle driven by Hancock. The impact allegedly cause the Smith vehicle to spin into the southbound lane, where it was struck by a southbound vehicle driven by Roberson. Smith sustained serious injuries as a result of the second impact, according to the suit, requiring her to be transported to a hospital for medical treatment. The suit alleges Hancock was negligent in failing to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles, operating her vehicle in a reckless manner, driving too fast for conditions, failing to sound her vehicle’s horn and following the Smith vehicle too closely. The suit alleges Roberson also failed to keep a proper lookout, operated his vehicle in a reckless manner, drove too fast for conditions and failed to sound his vehicle’s horn, and that he failed to reduce the speed of his vehicle to avoid the accident. Smith seeks a monetary judgement in excess of $50,000 in each of the suit’s two counts for alleged pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages and impaired earning ability.
Survival Flights, Inc., headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., is suing L. Aaron Moore, Brighton, for $20,058.20, plus court costs, claiming Moore unjustly enriched himself by cashing an insurance check and failing to use the proceeds of the settlement to pay the provider. According to the suit, the plaintiff provided emergency medical transport on Nov. 25, 2015, for Moore’s son, Corey Moore, now deceased. Billing for the service amounted to $31,236, the suit claims. Cigna Healthcare, Moore’s insurer, mailed a check to Moore in the amount of $20,058.20 to be applied to the plaintiff’s bill, the suit claims. Moore allegedly cashed the check on March 8, 2016, but failed to pay the plaintiff. The plaintiff claims the defendant has made no payment toward satisfying the $31,236 bill. The suit seeks a judgment in the amount of $20,058.20, along with court costs, attorney fees and interest calculated to the date of judgment.
Macoupin County Housing Authority has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Elizabeth Hart, Staunton, seeking possession of an MCHA-owned residence in the 700 block of Kay Lane in Staunton. The complaint alleges that the plaintiff terminated Hart’s lease after Hart allegedly violated terms of her lease by being charged and convicted on a criminal charge of drug paraphernalia possession. In addition to possession of the property, the complaint seeks reimbursement for the plaintiff’s court costs and attorney fees.
Sabre Investments, LLC, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Charlie and Melissa Conlee, Bunker Hill, seeking possession of property located in the 4000 block of Shipman Cut-off Road, Bunker Hill. The suit alleges the couple entered into a quit claim deed arrangement in September 2013 but has since defaulted on payments to the plaintiff for the property. The suit indicates that the complaint does not meet requirements for a foreclosure action. Sabre Investments seeks possession of the property, along with court costs and attorney fees.
Sabre Investments, LLC, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against JT Homes, and Jeff and Teresa Wells, seeking possession of property located in the 200 block of East Fifth North Street in Mount Olive. The suit alleges JT Homes, along with the Wells, entered into a quit claim deed arrangement in October 2013 but has since defaulted on payments to the plaintiff for the property. The suit indicates that the complaint does not meet requirements for a foreclosure action. Sabre Investments seeks possession of the property, along with court costs and attorney fees.
SMALL CLAIM
Consumer Collection Management, LLC, Maryland Heights, Mo., is suing Teresa Marie Thomas, Girard, for $6,072.28, plus court costs, allegedly owed for medical services. The amount sought includes $4,649.63 allegedly owed for services provided by Carlinville Area Hospital, and $1,422.65 allegedly owed for services provided by St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.
Consumer Collection Management, LLC, Maryland Heights, Mo., is suing Anna Marie Key, Carlinville, for $3,220.08, plus court costs, allegedly owed for medical services. The amount sought includes $1,255.33 allegedly owed for services provided by Carlinville Area Hospital, and $1,964.75 allegedly owed for services provided by St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.
FELONIES
Andrew E. Erwin, 33, Staunton, is charged with delivery of methamphetamine in connection with an Oct. 16, 2018, incident during which he allegedly delivered less than five grams of methamphetamine to an Illinois State Police operative.
MISDEMEANORS
Jim W. Wallace, 57, Staunton, is charged with domestic battery and assault in connection with an April 2 incident in Staunton. Wallace is accused of causing bodily harm to his sister by striking her above her right eye with his closed fist and brandishing an open pocket knife at her.
Anthony T. Tate, 24, East St. Louis, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with an April 4 incident during which he allegedly provided a false name to an Illinois State Police trooper who had lawfully detained him.
Anissa M. Dequasie, 41, Staunton, is charged with violating the Animal Control Act in connection with a March 25 incident during which she allegedly allowed a dog, previously deemed dangerous, to leave her property and bite another individual.
Jacob T. Laughlin, 36, Gillespie, is charged with unlawful interference with visitation or parenting time in connection with a March 31 incident in Gillespie.
Alex G. Stein, 22, Springfield, Mo., is charged with possession of cannabis in connection with a March 10 incident during which he allegedly possessed 30 to 100 grams of a substance containing cannabis.
TRAFFIC
James V. Carter, 47, Grafton, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 30 incident at about 10:12 a.m. on Illinois Route 16 about four-tenths of a mile east of Illinois Route 111. In addition, Carter faces a traffic charge for allegedly failing to reduce the speed of his vehicle to avoid an accident.
John B. Simons, 51, Alton, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an April 3 incident at about 8:15 p.m. on North Hickory Street in Palmyra. Simons also faces traffic charges for alleged illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.
Brock A. Emery, 23, Palmyra, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an April 2 incident at about 8:17 p.m. on Emmerson Airline at Terry Park Road east of Palmyra. Additionally, Emery faces traffic charges for alleged illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver, speeding 21 to 25 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit and improper lane usage.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Arman D. Volner, Staunton, vs. Jimmie D. Volner, Bethalto.
- Michael R. Stephens, Brighton, vs. Gail E. Stephens, Jerseyville.
- Lisa R. Bone, Staunton, vs. Jay E. Bone, Staunton.
- Carolyn Noel Sawyer, Mount Olive, vs. Nathaniel David Sawyer, Staunton.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE GRANTED
- Michael R. Stephens, Brighton, vs. Gail E. Stephens, Jerseyville.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Lucas Delmar Melm, and Nichole Marie Senaldi, both of Staunton.
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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
