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Randolph County State's Attorney Case Updates

Posted December 29, 2015 10:00 pm

By Staff Report

People v. Robin M. Engelage

On December 14, 2015, 53-year-old Robin L. Engelage, of Coulterville, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful use of a credit card (Class A misdemeanor) before the Honorable Richard A. Brown.

During the plea, Engelage admitted to using a credit card of the Village of Coulterville without authority during the months of November 2011 through February 2012.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Engelage was convicted of the charge, ordered to pay a $500 fine and restitution in the amount of $13,543.21 to the insurance carrier of the Village of Coulterville.

Additionally, three counts of official misconduct (felonies) were dismissed.

"This was an unusual case in many facets," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "First, the Village of Coulterville had initially entered into a civil contract with Ms. Engelage, which called for her to simply pay back funds to the Village of Coulterville.

"However, an audit revealed some monies were possibly missing from the water/sewer funds. I did not charge that conduct, as it was a stretch to prove any of those monies were taken by the defendant."

"Furthermore, the insurance carrier for the village then requested the Illinois State Police get involved to investigate this matter, which was then turned over to my office for prosecution," Walker continued. "Based on the information I had, the best figure we could obtain for the village/insurance carrier was approximately $5,900."

Walker said he felt it was best to get the alleged missing money and Engelage agreed to pay that amount, if charges were reduced to a misdemeanor.

"To protect the village, I felt that was the best course of action to take," Walker said. "I am confident we could have obtained a felony conviction, but due to the amount of money I could prove, I felt it would be a case where the defendant would get probation."

Walker admitted he left some money on the table, with the potential of another $7,000 for the village/insurance carrier.

"These are tough decisions we make in this office," he said. "I am sure some may disagree, but I try to do what is right and when you factor in the agreement initially made by the village with the defendant to simply pay back the money, and the difficulty in proving the larger sum we were able to obtain with a reduced charge, we arrived at this outcome."

The Illinois State Police handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Joshua Boyer

On December 14, 2015, 37-year-old Joshua W. Boyer, of Herrin, pleaded guilty to the felony offense of unlawful use of a credit card before Judge Brown and was sentenced to two years of probation, time served in jail (approximately 60 days) and will complete any alcohol/substance abuse treatment as recommended by the probation department.

During the plea, Boyer admitted to using a credit card of another without permission and obtaining goods in the amount of $1,027.74, while in Steeleville in August, 2015.

"The defendant had a prior felony conviction in 2008, so I did not see this as a case to reduce, but it also did not seem like the type of case to send someone to prison over," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "I suspect this matter had to do with drug problems and the probation will require treatment to be sought for those issues if my suspicions are true."

The Steeleville Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Gregory Partin

On December 14, 2015, 36-year-old Gregory Partin, of Chester, was sentenced by the Honorable Gene Gross to 180 days in the Randolph County Jail, probation for a period of four years, a $1,000 drug assessment fee, $750 fine, assessed court costs and as a condition of probation, must complete any alcohol/substance abuse counseling as directed by the probation, following a sentencing hearing.

Partin had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance occurring in Chester on June 16, 2015.

During the sentencing hearing, the State requested a sentence of five years in the Department of Corrections, and the defendant requested a term of probation.

"I generally do not agree with probation on transactional drug offenses (selling dope), especially methamphetamine," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "We did not give any concessions for the plea in this matter, as it was an open plea.

"The result would have been the same if we had a trial and won. I respect the decision of the court, but disagree with the outcome, mostly because of the drug involved."

The Chester Police Department led the investigation in this matter.

People v. Christopher B. Liter

On December 16, 2015 this case was dismissed (a charge of residential burglary) due to the death of the defendant, while in the county jail.

"I want to express my condolences to the family of Mr. Liter," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "It is always a tragedy to see a young person pass away, and I hope the family can make it through this difficult time."

People v. Anthony S. Henry:

On December 16, 2015, 34-year-old Anthony S. Henry, homeless, was sentenced to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by Judge Brown following a sentencing hearing

Henry had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful delivery of a controlled Substance (cocaine), occurring in Sparta on September 12, 2014.

During the plea, the State requested a sentence of 15 years in the Department of Corrections, and the defendant requested a sentence of four years in DOC.

"Any time you get a sentence over 10 years, it would be tough to say you are not satisfied with the outcome," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "It is never a joy to send someone to prison that long, but as I say to people, they earned it.

"This is not the first time Mr. Henry has been to prison."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Gregory N. Dudenbostel:

On December 17, 2015, Gregory N. Dudenbostel was sentenced by the Judge Gross to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and ordered to pay $14,938.77 in restitution to the Monroe-Randolph Transit District after a sentencing hearing.

Dudenbostel had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of theft over $500 before Judge Gross.

During the sentencing hearing, the State offered evidence from the Transit District that Dudenbostel had charged over $50,000 of items without permission to the accounts of the Transit District from January 2014 to September 2014 at various parts stores in Randolph County.

Evidence also showed the transit district was able to return approximately $10,500 worth of items, kept $18,500 for their use and is trying to sell an additional $7,000 worth of items.

The remaining balance of $14,938.77 was never recovered by the Transit District.

During the sentencing hearing, the State requested a sentence of three years in DOC, and the defendant requested probation.

"When you are dealing with public money, we take those cases seriously," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Due to the large amount of money (almost $50,000), I felt a prison sentence was necessary to deter others and take a stand for taxpayers.

"When you compare this case to another recent disposition (Engelage), it is tough to determine when a figure is big enough someone needs to go to prison. The figure was high enough in the Dudenbostel prosecution we drew such a line."

People v. Michael W. Reed:

On December 17, 2015, 40-year-old Michael W. Reed, of Perryville, was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections by Judge Gene Gross following a sentencing hearing.

Additionally, Reed will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life upon release from DOC.

Reed had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse occurring in Chester between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008.

During the sentencing hearing, the State requested the maximum sentence of seven years in DOC and the defendant requested a term of probation.

"These are difficult cases in that you want to see someone who abused a child get the absolute top end of a sentence and penalty you can; however, you typically have no physical evidence to substantiate the charge," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Therefore, you have to resort to putting a young person on the stand to rehash the most difficult thing they have ever been through.

"Therefore, I let the victims decide what they want to see happen. The victim in this case decided to proceed on a lesser charge to avoid that process."

The Chester Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Robert L. Sommer:

On December 17, 2015, 52-year-old Robert L. Sommer, of Red Bud, was sentenced to 180 days in the Randolph County Jail by Judge Brown for the offense of driving while licensed revoked.

Sommer was granted release for medical appointments by Judge Brown during his incarceration and was found deceased on December 21, 2015 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Due to Mr. Sommer's recent death, I do not feel it is appropriate to comment on the specifics of the case,"said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "I certainly express my condolences to his family in this difficult time."

People v. Eric R. Bryant

On December 17, 2015, 34-year-old Eric R. Bryant, of Chester, pleaded guilty before Judge Brown to the offense of deceptive practice (amended to a Class A misdemeanor) and was sentenced to one year court supervision and must pay restitution to Rozier's in Chester in the amount of $472.88 and fined $277.12, pursuant to the terms of a negotiated plea.

During the plea, Bryant admitted to passing bad checks in Chester between June 7 and 12, 2015 to Rozier's Country Market.

The defendant had no prior history and the ultimate end game is to get the victim paid, which they will be in full by the bond posted in this matter," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker.

The Randolph County State's Attorney's Bad Check Program handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Elizabeth Baker:

On December 18, 2015, 32-year-old Elizabeth Baker, of Tilden, was sentenced to 18 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections by Judge Brown following a sentencing hearing.

Baker had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of retail theft occurring in Sparta (at Walmart) on March 19, 2015.

During the sentencing hearing, the State requested a maximum sentence of three years and the Defendant requested probation.

"Ms. Baker has been to DOC before involving a retail theft offense and has other felony convictions on her record," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Some may think taking items from Walmart does not warrant a sentence to DOC, but if you continue to violate the law, in my opinion, you have to draw the line and send people to DOC."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Dillon J.L. Thompson:

On December 21, 2015, 21-year-old Dillon J.L. Thompson, of Red Bud, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of theft under $500 (Class A misdemeanor) before Judge Brown and pursuant to the negotiated plea was sentenced to one-year probation, 15 days in jail and restitution to Casey's General Store in Red Bud in the amount of $672.33.

During the plea, Thompson admitted to taking cash and merchandise, while an employee of Casey's, during the month of October 2015.

"Due to the amount of money (being only $122 over the felony amount), I just did not feel it was necessary to hang a felony around the neck of the defendant," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Additionally, the age of the defendant certainly was a factor in my decision to reduce."

The Red Bud Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Ashley D. Conway:

On December 21, 2015, 26-year-old Ashley D. Conway, of Cutler, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of possession of cannabis (Class A misdemeanor) before Judge Brown and was sentenced to one year court supervision and must pay a $500 fine.

Conway was originally charged with possession with intent to deliver cannabis. During the plea, Conway admitted to possessing more than 10, but less than 30 grams of cannabis, located during a traffic stop conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office on October 14, 2015.

"The defendant had no prior criminal history before this event and it seemed like this was the type of case to give a young lady a break," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "The cannabis was located in small bags, which is indicative of those selling. However, I hope a night in jail and the possibility of a felony has opened her eyes to the problems of getting involved in possessing, or possibly selling cannabis."

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office handled the investigation.

People v. Joshua D. Ponder:

On December 21, 2015, 31-year-old Joshua D. Ponder, of Red Bud, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal trespass to a residence (Class A misdemeanor) before Judge Brown and pursuant to the negotiated plea, was sentenced to one year of probation with a condition to stay away from the victims, continue to seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and restitution to the victim.

During the plea, Ponder admitted to entering a residence without permission in Red Bud on August 25, 2015.

"We struck language in the charging document about knowing someone was home, which reduced the charge from a Class 4 felony to a misdemeanor," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "I was provided information from the defendant he was a veteran and suffered post-traumatic stress issues due to his service.

"Based on those factors, the victim was agreeable with a reduction in this charge, but we still have a conviction and the ability to increase the punishment if there are additional problems."

The Red Bud Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Sean A. Korves:

On December 21, 2015, 27-year-old Sean A. Korves, of Baldwin, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal trespass to a residence (Class A misdemeanor) before Judge Brown and pursuant to the negotiated plea was sentenced to one year of conditional discharge with a condition to stay away from the victim.

During the plea, Korves admitted to entering a residence without permission in Tilden on May 22, 2015.

"We struck language in the charging document about knowing someone was home, which reduced the charge from a Class 4 felony to a misdemeanor," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "This seemed to be an ongoing squabble between some people in Tilden and after the charges were filed, it stopped."

The Tilden Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Scott Rowell:

On December 21, 2015, 47-year-old Scott A. Rowell, of Sparta, pleaded guilty to the offense of domestic battery (Class 4 Felony) before Judge Brown and was sentenced to two years of probation with conditions to seek alcohol/substance abuse treatment as well as anger management/domestic violence counseling and have no contact with the victim.

During the plea, Rowell admitted to causing bodily harm to a family/household member in Sparta on September 18, and having been previously convicted of domestic battery.

"This is the first felony conviction for the defendant, so we agreed to a term of probation that will hopefully help the defendant get a handle on whatever issues are causing him to act out," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "He will also have to stay away from the victim involved in the case, which was her main concern as far as a punishment/resolution was concerned."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

People v. Paul O. Green:

On December 21, 2015, 44-year-old Paul O. Green, of Sparta, pleaded guilty to the offense of failure to report change of address as a sex offender before Judge Brown.

Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Green was ordered to serve seven days in jail and placed on probation for a period of one year.

During the plea, Green admitted to not changing his address as required by the Sex Offender Registration Act within three days of changing his address, while living in Sparta in May, 2015. "This is a unique set of facts in that Mr. Green was apparently living across the street from where he was registered," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Paul has had problems keeping up with his registration in this past, and has even been to the Department of Corrections for problems in registering in the past.

"However, he was registered this time, just across the street from where he was actually living. Based on that mitigating factor, I decided probation was an appropriate punishment."

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office led the investigation in this matter.

People v. Jason G. Burgdorf:

On December 23, 2015, 28-year-old Jason G. Burgdorf, of Red Bud, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal damage to property under $300 before Judge Gross and was sentenced to two years of probation with a condition to seek alcohol/substance abuse treatment, and pay restitution of $323.25 to the victim, pursuant to the negotiated plea.

During the plea, Burgdorf admitted to damaging property of another under $300 in rural Baldwin on October 21, 2015.

"Mr. Burgdorf had a felony reduced about a year ago, but the damage in this matter was only $23 over the amount which made it a felony," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Additionally, the property owner (victim) did not want a felony to be on the record of the defendant over this conduct.

"Therefore, we reduced the case down and hope this is it for the defendant."

People v. Steven Mikel:

On December 28, 2015, 31-year-old Steven L. Mikel, of Campbell Hill, pleaded guilty to the offense of unlawful possession of methamphetamine before Judge Brown and was sentenced, pursuant to the negotiated plea, to first offender probation for a period of two years, with a condition to seek alcohol/substance abuse counseling.

During the plea, Mikel admitted to possessing less than 5 grams of methamphetamine located during the execution of a search warrant on another person's property in Percy on May 28, 2015.

"This was the first felony offense for the defendant, which made him eligible for the first offender status," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Under the first offender probation act, if you complete probation successfully, the felony never goes on your record and you are never convicted of the offense.

"However, a defendant has to stay out of trouble and stay clean for two years to accomplish this outcome."

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