Springfield, Illinois – A Grant Middle School security guard, who was arrested and charged with battery, has been placed on Investigative Leave by Springfield School District 186.
The incident occurred on February 26, 2024, at Grant Middle School, located at 1800 W. Monroe St. A Springfield Police Officer reports that Jesse L. Crawford, age 49, was breaking up a fight between two students when a female janitor objected to his actions.
The female janitor confronted Jesse, and he became aggravated and grabbed her by the throat, throwing her to the ground. According to police, the incident was captured on video. The janitor had no visible marks or injuries, but she requested an ambulance and was transported to a local hospital to be checked for non-life-threatening injuries.
Jesse was taken to the Sangamon County Jail and was charged by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office with two counts of battery, a class A misdemeanor. He was granted pre-trial release and released from the Sangamon County Jail.
Springfield School District 186 provided the following statement: “At this time, District 186 is investigating an incident that occurred after school hours at Grant Middle School on February 26, 2024. After a preliminary investigation, a District staff member was immediately placed on investigative leave. We are unable to comment on this situation any further due to the matter involving personnel. We appreciate your understanding regarding the sensitivity of this issue and assure the community that appropriate steps are being taken. As always, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.”
Jesse is expected to return to court on April 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Leland Grove, Illinois – Residents of Leland Grove have new neighbors. The newcomers are called the Oxford House. However, several residents are unhappy about this development and are furious that Mary Jo Bangert, their mayor, did nothing to prevent the Oxford House from moving into the neighborhood or at least alert them about it. Meanwhile, as neighbors were expressing their concerns, the mayor and city council members held a private meeting that may have violated the Open Meetings Act. Such a violation could potentially result in legal fees for the village if a lawsuit is filed against them and could lead to criminal charges against the Mayor and Council Members.
The Oxford House is designed to help individuals recover from drug and alcohol addiction. It consists of people with criminal backgrounds and/or individuals recovering from substance abuse who live together in a shared residence. They are required to follow three rules: (1) each Oxford House must be financially self-supported; (2) each Oxford House must be democratically run; and (3) anyone who relapses into drug or alcohol use must be immediately expelled from their Oxford House.
According to a list provided to us, which identified the individuals in the Oxford House, one resident, who is currently on parole for driving under the influence, had previously received two DUIs within five months and had been sentenced to five years in prison. The resident, who was intoxicated and had no auto insurance, struck a man, seriously injuring him. The judge at the time told him, “I don’t think you’re an evil or a bad person. It’s one thing to drink and drive and kill yourself, but to almost kill other people is unspeakable.”
Another Oxford resident, who is also on parole, had his wife recently call Leland Grove police on February 20, 2024. She told police that he was missing and wasn’t answering her calls while he was in Chicago visiting friends. This resident is on parole for armed robbery and aggravated robbery, indicating that he was armed with a firearm. He also has a history of aggravated fleeing from police, aiding and abetting a stolen vehicle, attempted burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and burglary.
A neighbor, who preferred not to be named, witnessed the police at the Oxford House on February 20. They told us that the criminal history of some of the residents is what concerns them the most, especially with having young children. “I wish the Mayor would have done something. She should have called a special meeting to let us know. She should have fought this.”
The new Oxford House, located at 1809 Noble Ave in Leland Grove, has been the subject of multiple complaints from neighbors in the past few weeks, according to copies of emails we’ve obtained.
The complaints began on January 25, 2024.
One neighbor emailed the mayor, stating, “Over the last few days, we’ve noticed many comings and goings from 1809 Noble. Unfortunately, last summer, the longtime prior owner, Mr. Turner, moved into assisted living. The house has seemingly been in a state of flux since then. Over the weekend, specifically on Sunday around 2 pm, I observed two men walking up and down the street smoking. The scent of cannabis was present.” The neighbor also questioned how the home could be zoned for 8 unrelated men. “Given the many comings and goings of unknown people from the home, many neighbors have been talking and expressing concern. It came to the attention of many neighbors today that a group of 8 men from the “Oxford House” are residing in the home. Allegedly, this company provides a recovery home for men with drug and alcohol addiction. The home is zoned single-family residential. I am not clear how a recovery home for 8 unrelated men fits that zoning requirement.” Mayor Bangert responded that it was unlawful for any jurisdiction to discriminate against congregate living for the disabled. “According to federal law, recovering alcoholics and drug addicts fall within the scope of the term “disabled.” She also told the neighbor that she would have City Attorney Roland Cross look further into the matter and mentioned that she had asked a Sergeant with the Leland Grove Police Department to visit the house to address a few issues.
Another neighbor emailed Alderwoman Diana Hetherington and requested an immediate neighborhood meeting. “Diane – Can I please request an immediate neighborhood meeting with you, LG Village legal counsel, and our concerned neighbors? We all need a better understanding of the recent developments on Noble Ave. We would like to hear directly from the Village how they interpret the residential housing ordinance and what, if anything, can be done to minimize or remove this potentially negative addition to our neighborhood. Clarity on the Federal Government Fair Housing new guidelines – and how this property falls within the protected class – might be helpful. The sooner this is addressed, the better for all involved.”
Alderwoman Hetherington responded, stating that she was currently in Florida and would contact him upon her return. However, 5 days later, the Mayor responded to this neighbor with a similar message that she provided to every neighbor who had a complaint. She informed this neighbor that it is unlawful for the city to notify neighbors of this group home and that it is unlawful for the city to call a special meeting regarding this matter.
“Another Complaint”
A third neighbor emailed Alderman Stephen Klokkenga. This neighbor wanted to know why they had to go through several stipulations to get a new garage built due to storm damage, but the village did not protest the Oxford House. “I am writing to convey the concern my husband and I feel regarding the recent installation of the group home for recovering drug users and alcoholics. It is our understanding that our street is zoned for single-family dwellings, yet we heard nothing regarding this exception being pushed through, and were given no opportunity to protest the move. Our neighbors, who have young children, are naturally concerned and have seen people smoking joints outside the home. We always felt safe in our neighborhood and feel very much betrayed by this move. When we needed a new garage built due to storm damage, the zoning board made us get permission from all neighbors surrounding our home, and there were still stipulations. Where was our voice in this process?”
Alderman Klokkenga, who received this email, forwarded it to the mayor and said, “Another complaint.” The Mayor responded to this neighbor with a similar message that she provided to every neighbor who had a complaint. She informed this neighbor that it is unlawful for the city to notify neighbors of this group home and that it is unlawful for the city to call a special meeting regarding this matter. However, she did add that Leland Grove Police Chief Dan Ryan is making sure the area is patrolled.
Neighbor demands a special meeting
A fourth neighbor, who identified herself as a mother of 2, emailed the mayor and wanted to know why was it so easy for the Oxford House to “skirt” by, but stated that the Leland Grove pressured its citizens to follow permits. “I have lived in our house for almost 10 years this July. A house that I have spent money and personal labor towards improvements. A house where I filed every permit, paid every fee that Leland Grove has asked of me. Something that apparently didn’t need to be done at all. Why was it so easy for this Oxford house to “skirt” by when Leland Grove has done everything to pressure its citizens to follow permits? Tyler Lanier (Leland Grove’s Administrator)at one point even showed up at my house demanding such for a dilapidated fence. However, you made it simple for a halfway house to “magically” appear in the night. Leland Grove was once a place where people aspired to live, the cleanliness, the character of the homes, and the safety of an active police force dedicated to its citizens. All things that once carried so much pride in my community is now stripped away. You, Mayor Bangert have failed us and most importantly, our children. The lack of communication from you and our elected officials is a disappointment. Your community SHOULD have been notified, providing us a time to be proactive, not reactive. I want to know what you and the council will be doing to fight for our community. I want a special meeting COMMUNICATED to all residents allowing us the time to ask questions and most importantly, receive responses. We have the right as this has not only impacted the value of our homes but the safety of our families. I’m asking you to show up for your community before we too start selling our homes to halfway housing. I look forward to receiving the date of said meeting.
The Mayor responded to this neighbor with a similar message that she provided to every neighbor who had a complaint. She informed this neighbor that it is unlawful for the city to notify neighbors of this group home and that it is unlawful for the city to call a special meeting regarding this matter. However, she did add that Leland Grove Police Chief Dan Ryan is making sure the area is patrolled.
A 5th neighbor questions how the Village could allowed this
A 5th neighbor emailed the mayor inquiring how the Village would allow 5 males to live under the same roof if they aren’t related. “It was just brought to my attention from a neighbor that the old Turner house on the 1700 block of Noble Avenue has been sold to a gentleman with the last name of Gurney. Don’t know his first name. It is my understanding that his intentions are to use this single dwelling home for a group home under the guidance of the Oxford Alcohol/Drug Recovery Home. This is outrageous to say the least. I’m not totally clear on LG’s ordinance, but I know that two families can’t live under the same roof it they aren’t related? Do you understand what this will do to our property values? My neighbor has talked with members of our Police Dept and they are concerned about the frequency of calls that will result in this rehab facility being located in our quiet little village. I can’t imagine what the young families on this block might be thinking as I have not talked with any of them. I am wondering if this issue was brought up during the monthly meetings? This seems like a very bad thing for this neighborhood.”
The Mayor responded to this neighbor with a similar message that she provided to every neighbor who had a complaint. She informed this neighbor that it is unlawful for the city to notify neighbors of this group home and that it is unlawful for the city to call a special meeting regarding this matter. However, she did add that Leland Grove Police Chief Dan Ryan is making sure the area is patrolled.
The Mayor tells all Aldermen not to speak to the media
Springfield Leaks was informed about the Oxford House and the complaints from several neighbors. As a result, we sent the Mayor an email inquiring about any ordinances or agreements passed to allow the Oxford House to be placed in the village. In response to our email, the mayor instructed all Aldermen not to speak to the media and stated that City Attorney Cross would respond to Springfield Leaks. However, Attorney Cross never provided a response, prompting us to submit a Freedom of Information Request.
Two more neighbor complaints received
A 6th neighbor emailed the mayor with their complaint. “Tonight a taxi drove by and picked up several men who were loudly yelling. We noticed this several HOUSES down. I understand based on the email you have provided others, no response to me yet…that you are taking a backseat approach. There are cases out there and available to you should you decide to do the research. I would be happy to provide you with what we have found. Again, I look forward to your response. Please don’t send me the horrible article you have been passing around. It’s unwanted and extremely unhelpful as I’m sure you would feel the same should this have occurred on your side of Chatham road.
And the 7th neighbor emails the mayor with their complaint and said, “I am a resident in Leland Grove. There was a recent home purchased close to me. I was just notified that the residence s being used as a home for recovering drug and alcohol addicts. Several of the neighbors have been raising concerns due to the high foot traffic and vehicle traffic. Can you tell me if this is zoned along with allowed in our city limits? What are our options as this block has several young families that play and walk outside. Thank you for your help and immediate attention to this matter.
Leland Grove Mayor Bangert says they have to be careful as they move forward
In another email that we’ve obtained from Mayor Bangert that was written on January 31, 2024, to all of the Village aldermen, she calls this a difficult matter and discusses how they are unable to have a meeting with the neighbors as they have asked. “You may have received emails regarding the Oxford house on Noble Ave, please continue to send them to me. I have consulted with Attorney Cross and I am responding to each email in a similar manner. This is a difficult matter since the Oxford House is under the Federal Disability Act. A City may not show discrimination to this group, that is the reason we are unable to have a town meeting as the neighbors have requested. Attorney Cross has shared with me that we have to be careful as we move forward. Other cities have been sued or have sued the Oxford House resulting in the cities being responsible for Oxford House’s attorney fees in any litigation. He did share with me the attached article, it may help add additional insight to this matter.”
However, the next day, on February 1, 2024, despite the mayor’s statement about being unable to hold a town meeting as requested by neighbors, she sent an email to two Aldermen stating that she planned to invite two Leland Grove residents to join their meeting. “(Alderwoman) Diana and (Alderman) Steve I plan to invite Julia Wykoff and Mark Birtch to meet with us regarding the Oxford House. I have attached a memo from Attorney Cross, please remember this memo is for council knowledge only, it is not to be shared. We will meet Thursday, February 8th from 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at the City Council room.”
We briefly communicated via text messages with City Attorney Ross, who was also aware of this “meeting” as he was carbon copied on the email. After exchanging a few text messages with Attorney Ross, we asked him who all was in attendance at this meeting on February 8, 2024. However, he stopped responding. According to a source close to Springfield Leaks, we were informed that the following individuals were at that meeting: Alderwoman Diana Hetherington, Alderman Stephen Klokkenga, Mayor Mary Jo Bangert, Attorney Roland Cross, Julia Wykoff, Chad Zoelzer, and Mark Birtch.
According to the Illinois Open Meetings Act, a meeting occurs when the majority of the minimum number of members required to make decisions gather to discuss official business. In Leland Grove, the City Council consists of 7 members, including the mayor. To conduct business officially, at least 4 members must be present; this number is known as the quorum. Therefore, if 3 out of those 4 required members are present, a meeting is taking place in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act. However, no notice was given to the public to inform them of this meeting, which constitutes a violation of the Open Meetings Act.
According to the Open Meetings Act, elected officials found violating it could be subject to a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. Additionally, if a lawsuit is filed against Leland Grove for violating the Open Meetings Act, the village could be held responsible for attorney fees and costs.
Currently, Springfield Leaks is actively consulting with an attorney in Northern Illinois to review this alleged violation.
Neighbors have informed us that they intend to attend tonight’s City Council meeting to voice their concerns and opposition to the Oxford House. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the Instructional Resource Center, located at 2000 Chatham Road, in the City of Leland Grove, Illinois.
(Left) Samantha G. White – Age 43, called police and told them that she wanted to kill Alderman Chuck Redpath, who is pictured to the right.
Springfield, Illinois – On February 16, 2024, around 12:22 p.m., Sangamon County Dispatch received a 911 call from a woman who said she wanted to kill Alderman Chuck Redpath. Springfield Leaks obtained a copy of the 911 call, which is available at the bottom of the article.
The woman, who identified herself as Samantha G. White, age 43, called Sangamon County 911 dispatch, and the conversation went as follows:
“I need to know where Chuck Redpath is,” White said.
“Ok, where do you need the police?” the dispatcher responded.
“Because I’m going to go kill him,” White then said.
“Ok, why is that?” the dispatcher inquired.
“Because he’s out looking for me,” White explained.
“He’s out looking for you?” the dispatcher clarified.
“Oh yeah, because I reported him,” White replied.
When the dispatcher asked her what her name was, she said, “Oh, you know who I am.”
“I do not,” the dispatcher responded.
“Everybody knows who I am,” she answered.
She then told the dispatcher that her name is Samantha White.
Officers were dispatched to her house, but she wasn’t located there. A Springfield Police Sergeant then authorized a ping on her cell phone. According to police, Samantha said that she was looking for Alderman Redpath because he was looking for her, due to her reporting him for sexual harassment on a military base in the past.
Samantha was eventually located around 1:17 p.m., after being stopped at 6th and Bryn Mawr Blvd.
Inside her vehicle, officers say Samantha had a baseball bat sitting on the floorboard of the passenger side of the car, which was easily accessible from the driver’s seat.
When officers spoke with Samantha, she stated that she was having a manic episode due to some medication she wanted to change and that she had not slept due to her hatred of Alderman Redpath. Samantha was transported to Memorial Behavioral Health to be screened and involuntarily admitted due to her mental health in the past and the current incident. However, Samantha was released from the hospital at 10:44 p.m., and transported to the Sangamon County Jail. She was charged by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office with Threatening a Public Official, a class 3 felony.
On February 20, 2024, Samantha, who doesn’t have a criminal record, was granted pre-trial release from the Sangamon County Jail. As part of her release conditions, she was ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device, stay 500 feet away from the municipal building unless for official business, and have no contact with Alderman Redpath.
Samantha is expected to return to court on February 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Springfield, Illinois – On January 25, 2024, Springfield Police went to the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, located at 1124 N. Walnut St., to execute an arrest warrant for one of their employees.
The arrest warrant was for Audrey G. Church, age 56, who is a supervisor with DCFS. She had been charged in Quincy, Illinois, with three counts of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person. According to documents we’ve obtained, the first charge alleges that Audrey, who was in a position of trust, committed Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person over the age of 80 and knowingly and illegally used $5,000 of assets. The second charge alleges that Audrey, who was in a position of trust, committed Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person over the age of 80 and knowingly and illegally used $5,000 of assets. The third and last charge alleges that Audrey, who was in a position of trust, committed Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person over the age of 80 and knowingly and illegally used over $300 but less than $5,000 of assets. The charges allege that she committed these crimes between March 22, 2023, and December 23, 2023.
We reached out to the Quincy Police Department to get a copy of the police report. However, we were denied access to the police report and have since appealed that denial to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
A source tells us that the victim in this case is Audrey’s mother; however, according to the documents we were able to obtain, we couldn’t independently verify if that is correct, but we were able to confirm that the victim is, in fact, a close relative of Audrey.
According to state records, Audrey was originally hired as a Child Protection Specialist and earned $76,296 as a base pay, but as a result of overtime, she earned a total of $119,300 last year. As of January 1, 2024, she was then promoted to a Public Service Administrator and received a $12,684 yearly increase in pay.
We also reached out to Heather Tarczan, the Director of Communications with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, for comment. She informed us that she was looking into it, but as of the time of publishing, we have not heard back from her. Additionally, we have been informed that Audrey is still employed as a supervisor with DCFS.
Audrey is expected to return to court tomorrow, February 21, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Springfield, Illinois – On February 10, 2024, Springfield Officers were dispatched to the area of MacArthur and North Grand for reports of a person flashing a firearm at passing cars.
According to witnesses, the suspect who was flashing the gun was described as a white male wearing a black jacket, white shirt, and jeans. Officers located a suspect matching that description, who was later identified as Dalton C. McDermott, age 29, walking eastbound on North Grand Ave.
Officers report that when they exited their vehicle, Dalton was near the front passenger side of a pickup truck. That’s when they say they saw Dalton place the firearm on the ground behind the front passenger tire. The gun, a .45 Springfield XDS, was loaded with a magazine containing 6 live rounds.
According to records, Dalton has a revoked FOID card in Illinois due to being convicted of a felony.
Dalton was arrested and taken to the Sangamon County Jail and has been charged by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office with Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 3 felony, No valid FOID Card, a class 3 felony, and Aggravated Unlawful use of a weapon, a class 4 felony.
Springfield, Illinois – At approximately 8:12 p.m., on February 3, 2024, Sangamon County Deputies responded to a report of a person down in the roadway at the mobile home park located at 1236 North Oaklane Road. A resident of the mobile home park discovered a person lying in the road. Riverton Fire Department responded to the scene and determined the individual was deceased, and suffered injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. Investigation led Deputies to the identity of the 36 y/ female victim.
Deputies were able to follow a trail of blood back to the roadway in front of Lot 131. Witnesses on scene reported a blue Jeep as possibly being involved. Investigation led Deputies to potential occupants of that trailer, and an associated blue 2019 Jeep. Based on this information, 53 year-old Steven Mehundrew was identified as a suspect.
At approximately 10:18 p.m., Mehundrew’s vehicle was located by a license plate reader camera at Dirksen Parkway and Clearlake Avenue. Deputies and Springfield Police Officers responded to the area and quickly located Mehundrew’s vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of East South Grand Avenue. Mehundrew was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Office. Suspected blood was located on Mehundrew’s 2019 blue Jeep, and it was seized as evidence.
Mehundrew was taken to the Sangamon County Jail after being interviewed by detectives.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon identified the female victim struck by the motor vehicle as Alexandria Estrada, 36, of Springfield. He informed us that she was pronounced deceased at the scene. Coroner Allmon conducted an autopsy, and preliminary findings suggested that Ms. Estrada died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in a pedestrian versus motor vehicle incident.
Mehundrew has since been charged by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office with failure to report a crash that resulted in a death, a Class 1 felony, two counts of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm, also Class 1 felonies, and a crash injury resulting in a death, a Class 4 felony. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office has asked a judge to keep Mehundrew in custody and deny him pre-trial release, but as of the time of this article, it has not yet been determined if the judge will hold Mehundrew.
According to social media accounts, Mehundrew and Estrada were in a relationship. Additionally, Sheriff Campbell has confirmed to us that they lived together.
This matter remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Springfield, Illinois – At approximately 8:12 p.m., on February 3, 2024, Sangamon County Sheriff Deputies responded to a report of a person down in the roadway at the mobile home park located at 1236 North Oaklane Road. A resident of the mobile home park discovered a person lying in the road. Riverton Fire Department responded to the scene and determined the individual was deceased, and suffered injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. Investigation led Deputies to the identity of the 36 y/o female victim.
Deputies were able to follow a trail of blood back to the roadway in front of Lot 131. Witnesses on scene reported a blue Jeep as possibly being involved. The Investigation led Deputies to potential occupants of that trailer, and an associated blue 2019 Jeep. Based on that information, 53 year-old Steven Mehundrew was identified as a suspect.
At approximately 10:18 p.m., Mehundrew’s vehicle was located by a license plate reader camera at Dirksen Parkway and Clearlake Avenue. Deputies and Springfield Police Officers responded to the area and quickly located Mehundrew’s vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of East South Grand Avenue. Mehundrew was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Office. Suspected blood was located on Mehundrew’s 2019 blue Jeep, and it was seized as evidence.
Mehundrew was taken to the Sangamon County Jail after being interviewed by detectives. Mehundrew was charged with 1st Degree Murder, Reckless Homicide, Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving death or injury, and Failure to Report an Accident involving death or injury.
It’s believed that Mehundrew and the victim lived together at 1236 North Oaklane #131.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Riverton and Springfield Police Departments for their prompt response and assistance on this case.
This matter remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Stay tuned to Springfield Leaks for updates on this story.
Third Base Bar, located at 410 W. Maple Ave S., in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois – On February 4th at 2:09 a.m. the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, received a call of an unruly crowd at 3rd Base Bar, 410 W. Maple Ave S., Springfield.
Immediately following, a call of shots fired came in at the bar.
Deputies arrived and located a male victim, 31-year-old Devonte L. Childs. He was transported to Memorial Hospital with originally life-threatening injuries. However, as of yesterday afternoon, his condition was reported to us as stable.
Video showed an altercation, a black male suspect retrieve a weapon from a vehicle, and fire at the victim. The suspect and several other people got into a vehicle and fled the scene.
The suspect was described as a black male, tall and medium build. Dreadlock style haircut, shoulder length.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell informs us that evidence was collected at the scene.
Stay tuned to Springfield Leaks as we gather additional information regarding this shooting.
(Left) Former Menard County Sheriff’s Deputy, Kelsey M. Wooldridge (Right) A bicyclist at a triathlon who was nearly struck due to Wooldridge’s reckless driving
According to internal investigation reports we received, Wooldridge came under investigation after she crashed her squad car while assigned to a traffic control detail for a triathlon that occurred in Menard County on May 6, 2023 (VIDEOS AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE). According to records, at 10:35 a.m., Wooldridge was involved in a single-vehicle crash not far from the location where she was assigned to perform traffic control duties. She lost control of her patrol car when she entered a curve too fast, nearly striking a bicyclist before crashing into the ditch and coming to a rest in a nearby farm field. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance, evaluated for injuries as a result of the crash, and was released.
Menard County Sheriff Mark Oller and Deputy Sheriff Benjamin Hollis reviewed Wooldridge’s in-car camera footage and documented their observations. “During the review of the video, it was noted that she left her assigned post and began accelerating rapidly. She drove off the road onto the shoulder multiple times and crossed the centerline into the left lane. She then entered the curve traveling at approximately 74 mph, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed. When the vehicle was out of control, a nearby bicyclist was nearly struck by the vehicle. The bicyclist was observed on video, jumping off the bicycle to attempt to avoid being struck.” The Deputy Sheriff continued in his report and wrote, “Kelsey notified dispatch via radio of the crash, but much of the information she provided to dispatch was confusing and did not make sense.” (CLICK HERE TO READ THE RADIO TRAFFIC)
In a meeting on May 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., Sheriff Oller and Chief Deputy Sheriff Hollis met with Wooldridge at the Sheriff’s Office. According to notes, the meeting was not disciplinary, but it was to determine what had happened to cause the crash and to determine if Wooldridge was medically okay. According to notes from that meeting, Wooldridge said that she had decided to leave her post briefly to check on the oncoming bicyclists. She said that she did not realize she was driving that fast and had no explanation for why she was doing so. When asked why she was driving so poorly before the crash, she said she did not know. She stated, “I was so tired, I just wanted it to get done so I could leave” and restated, “I just needed to get out of there for a minute.” Chief Deputy Sheriff Hollis noted that she stressed how she “needed to get out of there” but had no explanation for why.
At the meeting, Wooldridge was also shown the footage from her in-car video system. She said, “It looks like someone who drives drunk.” However, there were no reports from emergency personnel that responded to the crash indicating she had consumed alcohol. It was noted that Wooldridge was insistent about not being under the influence of alcohol or any other compounds while at work that day. During the meeting, it was also noted that while Wooldridge was speaking, at some point she began to cry and explained that she was suffering from a medical condition that was not disclosed to us. She said that she was “so tired” all the time and experienced a lot of stress. She also mentioned that on the day of her crash, it was her mother’s birthday. She said, “that day is supposed to be a happy day, but it wasn’t.”
Wooldridge was told to go home for the rest of the day and that she could return to work the next day, on May 10, 2023. Chief Deputy Sheriff Hollis reported that as he was making contacts, gathering information, and evaluating her fitness to return to work, at approximately 2:18 p.m., he received a text message from Wooldridge. “I reviewed the text message and saw that it was a photograph with no message. The photograph was of a wall with a hole in it and nearby furniture post with damage. From my training and experience, I believed the hole and damage to have been caused by a bullet.” Chief Deputy Sheriff Hollis said he replied to the message and asked what it was. Wooldridge responded and said, “That was about 2-3 years ago,” “It’s a bullet hole.” Chief Deputy Hollis said he asked how it happened, and Wooldridge responded, “I’d show you the one in my fence, but we took that down. [Name withheld] doesn’t know about the one in the fence.” Chief Deputy Hollis then told Wooldridge that he would be coming to her residence and asked her to meet with him outside.
Chief Deputy Hollis said he immediately went to Wooldridge’s residence in Petersburg and called her outside to sit in his squad car so they could talk. “Kelsey began to cry and said that the bullet holes were from times in the past when she (Information Withheld). She said that both times she didn’t (Information Withheld) but still fired the weapon. We continued to talk, and I asked her if (Information Withheld). She didn’t answer that question right away, and she told me, “I’m not religious, I should be more, but I’m not.” She said that (Name Withheld) is aware of (Information Withheld) but tells her they will continue to work on them. She stated several times how much she loved (Information/Name Withheld). At one point during the conversation, Kelsey said (Information Withheld) but then she immediately stopped what she was saying, as if she wanted to retract what she said. I told her that I had no choice but to (Information Withheld), and she said she understood. I also explained to her that we would be taking her agency-issued weapons and any other firearms in the house, and she said she understood and agreed.
Chief Deputy Hollis also stated that the Wooldridge residence is in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by other houses. He added that there’s a church parking lot to the east of her house. “Discharging a firearm in this area is unsafe and a danger to anyone else in the area,” Chief Deputy Hollis noted. He said he informed Sheriff Oller and asked him to meet at Wooldridge’s house. While they waited, Wooldridge said she had fired her gun at home once after her friend died. Chief Deputy Hollis remembered her taking the day off work when her friend died, which was less than 2-3 years ago. After he made this statement, she agreed.
Chief Deputy Hollis reported that while waiting for Sheriff Oller, an individual whose identity was withheld arrived at the residence. He stated that he spoke with the individual and informed them of the situation, explaining that Wooldridge would be going to a location whose name was also withheld. Chief Deputy Hollis informed the individual that they would need to collect all agency-owned firearms/weapons from the residence, and any other privately owned guns would need to be removed or transferred to a responsible party.
Chief Deputy noted that while transporting Wooldridge to the undisclosed location, he had a conversation with her during which she shared her feelings about certain days, expressing a lack of family support. She mentioned instances of personal struggles and stated that she would never want to harm anyone else.
Wooldridge then described past incidents of firing a gun at home, including the picture she sent to Deputy Chief Hollis and a hole in the fence. She shared emotions related to a previous event that was not disclosed in this report. It was also noted that she said she was also having a very difficult time dealing with the fact that she had nearly killed the bicyclist when she crashed her squad car. “She continually apologized to me, and I told her she owed me no apology and I was very glad she had reached out,” Chief Deputy Hollis wrote. “I asked her if there was anything else I need to know about, and she said she thought she had told me everything at this point.”
The next day, on May 11, 2023, a letter was prepared to give to Wooldridge to notify her of her continued leave, but at 3:32 p.m., prior to Deputy Chief Hollis stating he was going to her residence to give her the letter, he and Sheriff Oller were notified of a 911 call at Wooldridge’s residence.
According to a separate report, Sheriff Oller, Chief Deputy Hollis, Sergeant Jason Foulk, Sheriff Deputy Jason Huffman, all from the Menard County Sheriff’s Office, and Petersburg Police Department Assistant Chief Royce Shamhart and Menard County EMS, responded to Wooldridge’s residence after receiving a call regarding a possible overdose from ingestion of an unknown chemical. Sgt. Foulk reported that upon arrival at the residence, he was informed that Wooldridge had consumed some sort of spray and had then vomited, which was probably the chemical. “I was able to get the bottle of chemical,” he reported. “I observed the bottle was Nature’s Miracle just for cats no more spraying. The bottle was completely empty when I picked up the bottle.” Deputy Huffman and Wooldridge walked to the ambulance, and Wooldridge was placed on the cot and transported to the hospital.
Wooldridge was cited as violating several Menard County Sheriff’s policies:
Policy #305:
Wooldridge violated policy #305 (specifically 305.5 and 305.7) by failing to safely handle firearms. This occurred on two separate instances, when Wooldridge self-admitted that she fired a weapon inside her home and through a fence in her backyard. Wooldridge resides in a residential neighborhood, with her residence surround by other residences. Also, to the east of her residence is a parking lot utilized for a church. The two reported discharges are not only unsafe and negligent, but may be criminal in nature as well. Furthermore, secant 305.7 requires members to report the discharge of a firearm unless for recreational use or euthanizing an injured animal.
Policy #307:
Section 307.2(c) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may (625 ILCS 5.11-205) exceed the speed limits so long as he/she does not endanger life or property.
The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle is not relieved from the duty of driving with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor do such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others (625 ILCS 5/11-205(e))
Section 307.4 Deputies/Officers shall exercise sound judgement and care with due regard for life and property when respond to an emergency call. Deputies/Officers shall reduce speed at all street intersection to such a degree that they shall have complete control of the vehicle
Wooldridge violated these sections of the policy and state statue by exceeding the speed limit with reasonable justification and nearly striking a bicyclist, which is evidence by the footage from the in-car video system.
Policy #320:
Section 320.4 Members shall conduct themselves, whether on- or off duty, in accordance with the United States and Illinois constitutions and all applicable laws, ordinances, and rules enacted or established pursuant to legal authority. Members shall familiarize themselves with policies and procedures and are responsible for compliance with each.
Section 320.5 The following are illustrative of causes for disciplinary action. This list is not intended to cover every possible type of misconduct and does not preclude the recommendation of disciplinary action for violation of other rules, standard, ethics and specific action or inaction that is detrimental to efficient agency service. 320.5.1 (c) Violation of federal, state, local or administrative laws, rules or regulations.
Wooldridge’s conduct, as referenced in the internal investigation report, violated multiple state statues and agency policies. The policies and statues are detailed below.
Section 320.5.5 (a) Leaving the job to which the member is assigned during duty hours without a reasonable excuse and proper permission and approval.
Wooldridge left her assignment of traffic control on 05/06/23 without justification or approval from a supervisor. There was not legitimate explanation for why she did this.
Section 320.5.7 (a) Neglect of Duty (b) Unsatisfactory work performance including but not limited to failure, incompetence, inefficiency, or delay in performance and/or carrying out proper orders, work assignments, or the instruction of supervisors without a reasonable and bona fide excuse.
Wooldridge left her assigned post and duties on 05/06/23, without justification or approval from a superior. No reasonable explantation for doing so was provided by Wooldridge.
Section 320.5.8 (a) Failure to disclose or misrepresenting material facts, or making any false or misleading statement on any application, examination form, or other official document, report or form, or during the Cours of any work-related investigation. (b) The falsification of any work-related records, making misleading entries or statement with the intent to deceive. (c) Failure to participate in, or giving false or misleading statements, or misrepresenting or omitting material information to a supervisor or other person in a position of authority, in connection with any investigation or in the reporting of any office-related business.
Wooldridge violated his policy by providing false information to dispatch, other deputies, and supervisors after the crash occurred on 05/06/23. Wooldridge made references to a vehicle that she was allegedly attempting to locate. A review of the in-car video showed no evidence to support Wooldridge’s statement. After a thorough investigation, Wooldridge’s account of incidents prior to and during the traffic crash were proven to be false.
Section 320.5.9 (h) Criminal dishonest, or disgraceful conduct, whether on- or off-duty, that adversely affect the member’s relationship with this office. (m) Any other on- or off-duty conduct which any member knows or reasonably should know is unbecoming a member of this office, in contrary to good order, efficiency or morale, or tends to reflect unfavorable upon this office or its members.
Wooldridge violated this policy by recklessly and unsafely discharging a firearm in and outside her home on two occasions (self-admitted) and by recklessly and unsafely operating her agency-owned squad car.
Section 320.5.10 (a) Failure to observe or violation agency safety standards or safe working practices. (d) Unsafe firearm or other dangerous weapon handling to include loading or unloading firearms in an unsafe manner, either on- or off-duty. (f) Unsafe or improper driving habits or actions in the course of employment or appointment. (g) Any personal action contributing to a preventable traffic crash.
Wooldridge violated this policy by recklessly and unsafely discharging a firearm in and outside her home on two occasions (self-admitted) and by recklessly and unsafely operating her agency-owned squad car. Discharged rounds from a firearm could have very easily struck another person in the area of Wooldridge’s home. Wooldridge failed to safely operate her agency-owned squad, exceeding the speed limit, driving off the roadway and into the oncoming lane, and nearly striking a bicyclist. She was involved in a preventable traffic crash that was caused by her own actions without any justification.
Wooldridge violated state statutes, including but not limited to:
625 ILCS 5/11-205: Public officers and employees to obey Act-Exceptions
625 ILCS 5/11-502: Reckless Driving
625 ILCS 5/11-601(a): Failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident
625 ILCS 5/11-601(b): Speeding – Over Statutory Limit
625 ILCS 5/11-701: Driving in the wrong lane
625 ILCS 5/11-709: Improper lane usage
720 ILCS 5/24-1.5: Reckless discharge of a Firearm
720 ILCS 5/12-5: Reckless conduct
It was also noted that Policy 320.5.1 (c) states that members shall not violate federal, state, local or administrative laws, rules or regulations.
Editor’s Note: Upon Springfield Leaks’ review of the policies Wooldridge violated, it appears that a specific policy she violated is cited but redacted from the report. However, we are considering appealing this redaction with the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor or filing a lawsuit to challenge it.
Springfield, Illinois – On January 20, 2024, around 9:38 p.m., Sgt. Michael Raynolds, Officers Eric Wise, David Craven, and Corey Cortes, who are officers of the Springfield Police Department Street Crimes Unit, were on patrol traveling eastbound in the 700 block of E. Laurel Street. They reported that they observed a silver Chevrolet sedan at the stop sign at 8th and Laurel Street and the sedan was facing south bound.
They report that the vehicle then turned eastbound on Laurel Street and appeared to accelerate quickly. Officer Cortes noted, “It appeared the driver of this vehicle was attempting to gain distance between their vehicle and our squad for an unknown reason.” The vehicle reportedly also had a broken rear taillight on the passenger side, showing a white light.
As the Street Crimes Unit officers continued to follow the vehicle, they stated that it continued eastbound on Laurel Street and then turned northbound into the alleyway located in the 1000 block of E. Laurel Street towards Spruce Street. The officers say they turned northbound on 11th Street and observed the same silver Chevrolet sedan now traveling eastbound on Spruce Street and coming up to the stop sign on Spruce and Laurel Street. “The driving pattern of this vehicle did not make any sense, and it appeared they were only trying to distance themselves from our police presence,” Officer Cortes reported.
A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle while it was stopped at the stop sign at Spruce and Laurel. As officers approached the vehicle, they detected a mixed odor of raw and burnt cannabis coming from inside the vehicle. They also observed a cannabis-filled cigarillo with a burnt end and smoke still coming from it, which they said was visibly clear that they were smoking cannabis.
Officer Cortes said he knocked on the passenger side window for the passenger to open the door since it appeared that the window would not be able to be rolled down due to it having tape on it. The passenger, who was identified as Jordan T. Durbin, age 19, was asked to step out of the vehicle so a search of the vehicle could be performed. Durbin was searched, and officers found a black gun holster containing a black Smith&Wesson M&P 9 Shield 9mm semi-automatic pistol inside the front of his pants waistline. The gun was loaded, and a round was in the chamber. Officers checked records and it showed that Jordan did not have a valid FOID card nor a Conceal Carry License.
Jordan was taken to the Springfield Police Department for questioning. He was read his Miranda Rights and questioned about the pistol. Jordan told officers that the pistol belonged to him and that he found the pistol in the alleyway near 8th and Black Street a couple of weeks ago.
Jordan was taken to the Sangamon County Jail and has been charged by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office with two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Firearm, a class 4 felony, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a class A misdemeanor. He was granted pre-trial release and released from the Sangamon County Jail.
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