The following cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/24/2026’

This list is NOT exclusive.

Wyatt L. Cain - Charged with DUI resulting in a crash causing great bodily harm. Sentencing hearing was scheduled today to take place on 06/26/2026 admonishment on abstentia.

Gregory Lee Miller – Charged with aggravated DUI and this is now Miller’s third offense. Preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 06/11/2026.

David M. Droke – Charged with manufacturing and delivering cannabis (30-500 grams) Droke failed to appear to his previous court date of 03/10/26, Notice to appear in court today was sent out at that time. Droke appeared in court today and the matter has been reset for a plea hearing scheduled for 06/12/2026.

Carl L. Gray – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Gray present in court in custody. Statutory conditions for release, Status on preliminary hearing now scheduled for 05/29/2026.

Robert E. Gray - Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Gray was present in court today in custody. Admonished on rights and charges. Approved for conditional release. Status on preliminary hearing set for 05/15/2026.

Joseph A. Leckner – Charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.  Next appearance is 05/08/2026.

Daniel R. Martin – Charged with aggravated DUI and driving with no valid insurance. State dismisses the lack of insurance charge as Martin proved to have had active insurance at the time of the charge. Next hearing is set for 06/25/2026 for plea. Restitution’s have been ordered to be paid.

Katelyn A. Melvin – Charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon. Admonishment waived. Amended count. Preliminary hearing set for 05/26/2026.

Raymond T. Rogers – Charged with violating a domestic battery no contact order.  Discovery was answered. Matter reset for 06/08/2026

Tamara R. Stevens – Charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and obstruction of justice by destroying evidence. Matter reset for status on treatment. Next appearance is 05/28/2026 

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/23/2026

This list is NOT exclusive.

Austin W. Cox -Charged with driving on a revoked license. Cox waived preliminary hearing and formal arraignment. Cox plead not guilty and demands a trial by jury. Pretrial is set for 06/12/2026.

Robert A. Abberley – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Abberley appeared with his public defender and a pretrial was set for 06/16/2026.

Benton Beard IV – Charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Plea hearing is now scheduled for 05/29/2026.

Matthew G. Beck – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Appears with appointed public defender, waives formal arraignment, pleads not guilty, and demands trial by jury. An order for detention remains in effect and Pretrial will be on 05/07/2026

Joseph M. Besson – Charged with meth possession (more than 15 but less than 100 grams) Pretrial scheduled for 05/14/2026.

Noah C. Deweese – Charged with possession, manufacturing, or distribution of a schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance. Pretrial is set for 06/11/2026.

Jennie E. Easter – Charged with aggravated battery against a peace officer. Matter reset for 05/21/2026

Donald R. Felton – Charged with manufacturing and delivering between 1 and 15 grams of cocaine. Pretrial is scheduled for 06/11/2026.

Amanda D. Johanningmeier – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams) and Theft valuing between $500 and $10K. Johanningmeier will remain in detention for now. Pretrial is set for 05/14/2026

Aaron T. Kelsey – Charged with retail theft valuing over $300. Kelsey waived preliminary hearing and formal arraignment. Kelsey entered a plea of not guilty and demanded trial by jury. Pretrial is set for 06/18/2026.

Jason D. Lindsey – Charged with burglary and found guilty of theft of property valuing between $500 and $10K. Matter referred to Judge Paisley call for admission to drug court on 04/28/2026.

Leif D. Torres Jr. – Charged with mob action using force. (2+ persons) Torres showed up today with his appointed attorney, a motion to withdraw was granted and first appearance with council was scheduled for 04/23/2026.

Jordan J. Monroe – Charged with impersonating a police officer and also with committing unlawful restraint. Matter was continued to 06/18/2026
 

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/21/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Jason T. Wright – Charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated domestic battery. Wright is in custody, and an order for detention will remain in effect. Motion to continue is granted under no objection, and subpoenas continue. Court vacates 05/04/2026, and a trial by jury is scheduled for 07/06/2026 with a final pretrial set for 06/23/2026.

Shalee M. Bayne – Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams). The court granted Furlough to extend treatment time, and GPS monitoring was ordered to ensure Bayne remains residing at the treatment facility. Review is set for 05/28/2026.

Jacob M. Charles – Charged with 2 counts of retail theft valuing over $300. The court conducted a hearing to revoke. The court takes judicial notice of its own file. Court finds that defendant was on pretrial release at the time of the alleged new offenses. Charles was sworn in and testified. Court finds that Charles has completed inpatient treatment and was given a treatment plan. Charles currently resides in a sober living Unity House and is taking weekly drug tests. The court declined to revoke pretrial conditions but modified those conditions to include GPS monitoring. Charles is to continue to reside at the sober living facility and may not change residences without court approval. Pretrial is now set for 05/22/2026.

Aaron C. Davis – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams), also charged with failure to return from furlough, and plead guilty of theft valuing between $500 and $10K. Davis was denied for treatment court, A hearing on a petition to revoke is set for 05/21/2026. Court advised Davis that this will be a trial in absentia.

George P. Dees – Charged with theft and displacement of merchandise valuing less than $300. Final pretrial will be on 06/23/2026 and a Jury trial is set for 07/06/2026.

Brian K. Durbin – In violation of the sex offender register. First appearance and a preliminary hearing are set for 06/08/2026.

Nicholas D. Harris – Charged with Robbery. The court was requested to conduct a 402 conference after admonishments. The 402 conference is scheduled to take place on 05/21/2026, followed by pretrial on the same date.

Lisa G. Katcher – Charged with retail theft valuing less than $300. Matter reset for pretrial on 05/14/2026.

Craig S. Schleyhan – Charged with theft and burglary. Theft valuing between $500 and $10K. Pretrial is set for 06/11/2026.

Adrian A. Thompson – Charged with fleeing the police at 21 MPH over the speed limit, Driving 11-14 MPH above the speed limit, attempt to flee a police officer, and theft by deception with intent to permanently obtain property valuing between $10K and $100K. Thompson pleads not guilty and demanded trial by jury. Pretrial is set for 06/18/2026.

Geoffery G. Glass – Pleads guilty of driving on a revoked or suspended license. A conditional discharge of 1 year was ordered. Judgment of conviction was entered. Sentenced to 35 days in Christian County Jail. Credit 35 days served.

Michael J. Gonzales – Charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Motion to continue was granted over objection. Parole hold remains in effect, Court vacates 05/04/2026 and a trial by jury is set for 06/01/2026. Subpoenas continue

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Harley N. Logue – Charged with burglary without causing damage and theft valuing between $500 and $10K. Motion to continue is granted with no objection. Court Vacate 05/04/2026 and a plea deal is currently planned to take place on 05/22/2026.

Timothy L. Myer – Charged with aggravated fleeing a police officer over 21MPH and receiving or possessing a stolen vehicle. Myer is in custody, a motion to continue is granted and court vacates on 05/04/2026. Order for detention remains in place. Subpoenas continue. Trial by jury is set for 06/01/2026.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/20/2026

This list is NOT exclusive.

Justin L. Huddlestun – Charged with committing predatory criminal sexual assault against a minor. A preliminary and detention hearing happened this morning just after 10AM. Court found probable cause to move the case forward. The results of the detention hearing keep Huddlestun in detention throughout the duration of this case.  Huddlestun has waived the first appearance and demanded motion to a jury trial. Pretrial without council will take place on 04/27/2026.

Joseph A. Leckner – Charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. Leckner was in custody during his court case today. Leckner was released on pre-trial conditions showing that he is to have no contact with ANY companion animals, and is under an order of protection against the one who called the abuse in to authorities. Video evidence was discussed. Leckner has multiple prior violent offenses, and allegedly committed this current offense while on a currently active pretrial release. The next court date is 04/24/2026

Marco A. Anderson – Charged with aggravated driving under the influence with a revoked or suspended license. Anderson failed to appear in court today. Despite the State’s objection, the court has chosen to issue a notice to appear in person rather than a warrant. A new court date has been scheduled for 05/08/2026.

Don D. Humprhey – Charged with DUI and Driving on a suspended or revoked license. Plea hearing will be set for 5/21/26.

Kevin R. Durham – Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams). The preliminary hearing was postponed, and both sides agreed to the delay. Durham also had the appointment of Public Defender Sloan removed, and the appointment of a private attorney. A first appearance with counsel and a preliminary hearing are now both set for 05/21/2026.

Shane D. Farris – Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams). A police officer was sworn in and testified. The judge decided there’s enough evidence to proceed,and the defendant pleaded not guilty. A jury trial was requested and approved. The next step is a pretrial hearing on 06/15/2026..

Eric J. Fleharty – Charged with aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm. Plea hearing is set for 05/08/2026

Jimmy L. Gorsuch – Charged with document forgery, issue, and delivery. A plea hearing is set for 05/15/2026
 

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/17/26.

This list is NOT exclusive

Joseph M. Besson - Charged with meth possession (Between 15 and 100 grams). Matter reset for 04/23/2026.

Brian M. Grove - Charged with possession and distribution of child sex abuse materials (CSAM). In the last hearing on 04/10/26, a petition to deny pretrial release was granted. In today's hearing, Grove was ordered to remain in detention until his next appearance. A pretrial is now set for 4/28/2026.

Justin L. Huddleston -  Charged with predatory criminal sexual assault. Huddleston allegedly committed acts of sexual assault on a 13-year-old minor. Huddleston is currently not being detained and has been released from custody. A no-contact order with the alleged victim and the family has been ordered. A detention/preliminary hearing is set for 04/20/2026. Huddleston, if found guilty, is facing a possible 6 to 60-year sentence. 

Isaiah T. Jackson - Charged with retail theft valued over $300. Pretrial Release was approved, and pretrial conditions were ordered. A preliminary hearing is set for 05/22/2026.

Joseph A. Leckner - Charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. An order to deny pretrial release was filed. Probable cause to deny pretrial release was found. Detention issues were set over Leckner being non-compliant with jail. A detention/preliminary hearing is set for 04/20/2026. 

Leif D Torres Sr. - Charged with violating an order of protection. Pretrial conditions were agreed upon. First appearance with counsel is set for 05/21/2026. 

Bryant J Klee -  Charged with assault resulting in great bodily harm. The victim was an infant. On 04/13/26, Klee was seen in court and assigned 4 new court appearances. The 4 new court appearances are a pretrial for 05/26/26, a FINAL Pretrial for 06/23/26, followed by a jury trial set for 07/06/26. On today's date of 04/17/26 a notice of hearing was filed by the state. This hearing is set for 05/26/26.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/16/2026

This list is NOT exclusive.

Shalee M. Bayne – Charged with meth possession. Bayne is under court ordered furlough due to complete program this week on a motion to change release to another treatment facility. Case reset for 04/21/2026.
 

The following cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/14/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Nicholas A. Millman - Guilty of the production and distribution of child pornography, sexual assault of a minor under the age of 18, false personation, and aggravated sexual abuse of a child younger than 5. Sentenced to 20 years in prison with 424 days of credit time served on March 31st of last year. Currently, Millman remains in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Today's hearing resulted in a status hearing set for 06/23/2026

Angela L. Peters - Charged with meth possession. The court ruled to reschedule the court date to 05/29/2026.  A pretrial council to discuss plea deals and next steps will happen right before the hearing.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/13/2026
This list is NOT exclusive.

Peggy Loyd - Charged with Burglary. $400 in monthly payments has been ordered to be paid to the court beginning on 05/15/2026.

Bryant J. Klee – Charged with aggravated battery of a child under 13, causing permanent bodily harm. Pretrial release was denied, and the court has found probable cause to believe that Klee did, in fact, commit the felony he has been charged with. The next court appearance is scheduled for 06/26/2026. Klee will remain in detention.

Christine D. Peck – Charged with obstruction of justice by destroying evidence. Peck failed to appear in court today. A notice to appear was issued with a deadline of 05/21/2026. If Peck fails to appear on the new court date, a warrant will be issued against them.

Demarcus L. Richardson – Charged with Theft of $10k - $100k. Status hearing set for 05/07/2026.

The following cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/10/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Brian M. Grove - charged with 2 counts of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Groves waived a formal arraignment and pleaded not guilty. Ordered to remain in detention was approved. Groves will remain detained pending his upcoming trial with counsel set to be held on 04/17/2026. FOR A FULL BREAKDOWN OF GROVE’S CASE HEARING, CLICK HERE.

Stephanie Bailey – Charged with meth delivery. Pretrial and motion hearing is set for 05/12/2026.

Jennifer L. Beck – Charged with meth delivery. Beck appeared today via ZOOM call and a retrial status hearing is set for 05/11/2026.

Michael W. Emery – Charged with aggravated battery against a police officer. Status hearing set for 05/26/2026.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 04/09/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Justin M. Bright – Charged with possession of meth (Less than five grams). Bright appeared via ZOOM Call today. A pretrial is set for 05/22/26.

Gerald A. Brown – Charged with domestic battery and driving on a revoked or suspended license. A Motion to suppress is set for 05/19/2026.

Ryan E. Clay – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams).  Clay will have a pretrial hearing set for 05/15/2026. Clay also agreed to a 402 conference set to take place prior to pretrial on that same date.

Carter L. Edwards – Charged with burglary without causing damage. Pretrial has now been set for 05/19/2026.

Neil R. Hall – In violation of the sex offender registry by not providing updated residency. 4020Conference is set for 05/14/2026 with a pretrial hearing to follow on the same day.

Matthew W. Koberlein – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). A status hearing is set for counsel only hearing on 05/19/2026. In the meantime, Koberlein will remain detained in the Effingham County Jail.

Phillip W. Law – Charged with meth possession and delivery. Law will remain under an order for detention and stay in custody. Formal arraignment hearing was waived by Law, and a pretrial is now set for 04/30/2026.

Jessie N. McConnell – Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams). McConnell plead guilty under a negotiated plea deal. McConnell is now sentenced to 2 years of court supervised probation, subject to warrantless searches, restrictions from drugs, alcohol, and bars, a restitution payment is required.

The following cases were heard in Christian County Court on Tuesday, April 7th of 2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Hailey J. Collins – Charged with meth possession. Collins was in custody during today’s hearing, ordered to be released on pretrial conditions. Next hearing is set for 05/19/2026.

Shana R. Scribner – Charged with possession of meth. Scribner was in custody during today’s hearing, ordered to be released on pretrial conditions, and a preliminary hearing is set for 5/19/2026.

Sarah R. Bell – Charged with aggravated battery against a peace officer as well as meth possession. Matter was reset for pretrial on 05/19/2026.

Alexis I. Givens – Guilty of meth possession as well as meth delivery. Pretrial set for 05/12/2026

Jessie N. McConnell – Charged with meth possession. McConnell is currently in custody and is ordered to remain in detention. A plea hearing is scheduled for 04/09/2026.

Brandon E. Rhodes – Charged with being in possession of a stolen vehicle. Rhodes went through a psychology evaluation, administered by Dr. Killion, and was deemed by court to be fit to stand trial. Status hearing is set for 04/28/2026.

Angel S. Stout – Charged with meth delivery. Stout was in custody at today’s hearing and an order for detention continues. Next court hearing is a pretrial scheduled for 04/27/2026.

Devin L. Worker – Charged with Domestic Battery. A judgment of conviction was entered and Worker is now sentenced to 24 months of probation. Rules of the probation include, but are not limited to, no drug or alcohol use, and no contact with the victim of this matter. Worker was also sentenced to 2 days in Christian County Jail.

Michael A. Bergland – Charged with meth delivery. The matter was set in court today for a motion to suppress.

The following cases were heard in Christian County Court on April 6th, 2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Jimmy D. Abberley – Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams), theft or displacement of merchandise valuing less than $300. Abberley is currently in custody, appeared in court today and no motions on detention were made. Abberley will remain in custody. Pretrial is set for 04/28/2026.

Joseph M. Besson – Guilty of meth possession (15 to 100 grams). Besson appeared today in court via ZOOM call. The matter has now been reset for 04/17/2026.

Brian K. Bryne – Charged with violating the Sex Offender Registry. Status hearing now set for 04/27/2026.

Benjamin D. Underwood – Charged with domestic battery causing bodily harm. Underwood remains under a continuing order of detention. Matter reset for 04/09/2026.

John L. Hott JR. – Charged with violating the Sex Offender Registry. Hott has a history of criminal offense, Court finds that with history of  probation being revoked for failing to follow court orders, the court does not find Hott likely to comply with an order for probation. Judgment of conviction was entered, and Hott is now sentenced to 2 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections credit time served of 97 days and day for day good time applies. Sentencing to begin immediately.

The following cases were heard in Christian County Court on April, 2nd.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Vance L. Gibson – Charged with possession of meth and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Gibson is currently in custody and will currently remain in custody. A pretrial has been set for 04/23/2026 where a possible plea will be reached.

Matthew G. Beck – Charged with aggravated fleeing (second offense). Case was dismissed by the state.

Jonathan L. Cohan – Guilty of meth possession. By agreement, State agrees to proceed to sentencing without a formal sentencing hearing and waves pre-sentence investigation report. State objects to defendant's admission to treatment court. Over objection of the
State, defendant sentenced to two years treatment court probation.

Vance L. Gibson -  Charged with meth possession and with being a felon in possession of a weapon. Gibson is currently in custody and an order for detention continues. Pretrial hearing is set for 04/23/2026 where a possible plea will be made.

Heaven M. Miller -  Entered an open plea of guilty to unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 extended-term felony. State does not object to proceeding directly to sentencing without a formal sentencing hearing and waives a pre-sentence investigation report. State objects, but over their objection, defendant is sentenced to 2 years of treatment court probation.

Shane P. Hargis – Charged with aggravated battery with a 60+ year old victim. Matter set for petition for sanctions. Parties stipulate that Hargis was under pretrial conditions, was at a protected property, and appeared under the influence. Hargis is sanctioned to 7 days with no day for day good time. Matter reset for pretrial on 05/12/2026.

Kaylee E. McGuire -  Charged with meth possession. Plead not guilty, and demanded trial by jury. McGuire also waives both the preliminary and the formal arraignment. Pretrial set for 04/23/2026.

Timothy L. Roy – Charged with aggravated battery in a public place. Pretrial set for 05/19/2026.

Lavell Wallace – Charged with domestic assault by strangulation. Final pretrial is scheduled for 05/19/2026 with the jury trial set for 06/01/2026. 

The following marriages were submitted in Christian County Court on April 1st for the month of March: