The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/21/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Eric R. Welge – Charged with aggravated DUI while on a suspended or revoked drivers license.  Pretrial is set for 09/08/2026.

Joseph M. Besson – Currently charged with meth possession between 15 and 100 grams as well as two separate meth possession charges of less than 5 grams each. Besson appeared today while in custody and a Judgment of conviction was entered. Besson is now sentenced to 4 years in Illinois Department Of Corrections (IDOC) with a MSR period of 1 year, and credited 4 days served. Financial sentencing was also ordered. 

Larry N. Brummet – Charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon. Brummet is still currently in inpatient treatment and appeared via ZOOM call. Brummet made a motion to modify pretrial detention to allow him to attend sober living. Due to a disclosed exhibit of evidence, court finds that completing treatment does not provide a significant change in circumstance and the motion for sober living was denied. Pretrial is set for 09/04/2026.

Morgan C. Farr – Charged with theft by deception with intent to permanently deprive. The theft value was between $10K and $100K. A hearing on a motion for an accountant on behalf of Farr is set for 09/18/2026.

Jimmy L. Gorsuch – Charged with document forgery and delivery. Gorsuch waives preliminary hearing and a formal arraignment, pleaded not guilty, and demands a trila by jury. Next hearing is a pretrial set for 10/23/2026.

Lorenzo C. Harper – Guilty of receiving, possessing, or selling a stolen vehicle. Harper appeared in court today over ZOOM call, and a pretrial has been set up for 09/29/2026.

Joshua D. Hill – Charged with aggravated battery by strangulation guilty of possession of meth (Less than 5 grams). The matter has been reset on a hearing on a petition to revoke which is scheduled for 09/29/2026. 

James M. Hudlin – Charged with retail theft valued less than or equal to $300. Hudlin waived preliminary hearing and formal arraignment, pleads not guilty and demands trial by jury. Pretrial is set for 10/23/2026.

Allanah J. Jordan – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Jordan waived preliminary hearing and formal arraignment, pleads not guilty and demands trial by jury. Pretrial is set for 10/20/2026. 

Anna E. Wolf – Charged with theft with intent to control stolen property valued between $500 and $ 10K. Pretrial is set for 10/13/2026.

Brian J. Mundhenke – Charged with aggravated battery against a peace officer, aggravated battery against a pregnant or handicapped victim, and possession of meth (Less than 5 grams). Pretrial has been set for 10/16/2026.

Rachel N. Newingham – Guilty of aggravated DUI with no valid driver’s license, and charged with aggravated battery against a peace officer. For the guilty conviction on the DUI, Newingham waived formal arraignment and denies a petition to revoke. For the charge of aggravated battery, Newingham pleaded not guilty, waived formal arraignment and demanded a trial by jury. Pretrial is set for 10/29/2026.

Quadius V. Rush – Charged with theft with intent to control stolen property valued between $500 and $10K. First appearance with counsel is set for 10/19/2026.

Leif D. Torres Jr. – Charged with mob action use of force with a group of two or more. Pretrial is set for 09/25/2026. 

John R. Vanhorn – Charged with retail theft and or displacement of merchandise valued at or below $300. Pretrial is set for 10/20/2026.

Stephen M. Waggoner – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Pretrial set for 10/20/2026.

Devin L. Worker – Guilty of domestic battery with 2 prior convictions. Defendant to report to probation. Pretrial is set for 10/22/2026.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/18/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive. 

Kristi A. Bland – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Negotiated plea hearing is set for 10/06/2026.

David E. Jones – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams), driving on a revoked or suspended license, and obstruction of justice via destruction of evidence. Pretrial is set for 09/22/2026.

Andrew L. Calvert – Guilty of causing a vehicle crash resulting in injury or death. Calvert waived formal arraignment and pretrial has been set for 10/09/2026.

Jacob M. Charles – Charged with retail theft valued at less than or equal to $300. Pretrial is set for 09/21/2026.

Jacob W. Gray – Charged with aggravated domestic battery, and home invasion with a dangerous weapon. Pretrial is set for 09/01/2026 and Gray will remain in custody. 

Rodney L. Green – Charged with meth delivery (Between 5 and 15 grams). Green appeared in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Status hearing is set for 09/15/2026.

Joshua F. Haines – Charged with violation of the sex offender registry and phone harassment in violation of a no contact order. Haines has also been found guilty of aggravated battery against a judge/EMT and was found guilty of indecent solicitation of a minor, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and was given an additional charge of grooming. First appearance with counsel is set for 09/14/2026.

Marcus R. Ivy – Charged with burglary without causing damage. Ivy is currently in IDOC custody. Matter has been reset for pretrial on 09/21/2026.

Royal D. Jackson – Charged with category 1 armed violence, meth possession (Less than 5 grams), and aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm. Jackson is currently detained. Pretrial has been set for 09/25/2026 and Jackson’s order for detention will continue.

Timothy L. McRoy – Charged with aggravated battery in a public place. Matter reset for preliminary hearing on 10/06/2026.

Ryan D. Nance – Charged with manufacturing and delivering a schedule 2 controlled substance. First appearance with counsel is scheduled for 10/01/2026.

Adam M. Passoni – Charged with aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm. Court finds that Passoni was already on pretrial release conditions when committing the new offense. Pretrial release was revoked, and Passoni was ordered detained. Pretrial is now set for 09/24/2026.

Pamlea J. Rozplochowski - Charged with meth delivery (Less than 5 grams). Pretrial is set for 09/21/2026.

Rusty L. Tolly – Charged with violation of an order of protection after a prior violation, meth possession (Less than 5 grams), and being a felon who failed to return from furlough. Tolly remains in custody and pretrial is set for 09/14/2026.

Regina A. Poindexter - Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Poindexter failed to appear in court today. A notice to appear on 09/28/26026 for pretrial has been sent.

The following court cases were heard in Christian Countuy Court on 08/17/2026.

This list is NOT  exclusive.

Braxton D. Williamson - Charged with aggravated battery against a victim younger than 13 resulting in permanent disability. Williamson appeared in custody. The court was advised that the autopsy had been completed, with the defenses expert present. The state is seeking additional examination by a forensic pathologist who specializes in the matter. The court ordered the state to provide the Williamson's defense with at least five business days’ notice of when, where and by whom any further review will be conducted. This will give the defense an opportunity to have its own expert present or confirm that the examination is video recorded. Preliminary hearing is set for 09/01/26. Mored details can be found by clicking HERE.

Timothy W. Snyder - Charged with aggravated DUI without a valid ID. Pretrial set for 10/13/2026.

Jerald Buerk - Charged with theft valued up to $500. Pretrial is set for 10/06/2026. 

Robert E. Gary - Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Pretrial is set for 10/19/2026.

Joshua F. Haines - Charged with violation of the sex offender registry, phone harrasment in violaton of a no communication order, ad violating an order of protectuiopn issued due to prior domestic battery. Haines appeared in custody. Haines was also advised of a petition to revoke pretrial release. Motion to revoke release was granted. Matter has been reset to 08/18/2026, and Haines will remain in custody pending the outcome of the next hearing.

Ashton L. Johnson - Charged with Burglary. Pretrial set for 10/20/2026. 

Jacob C. Johnson - Charged with criminal damage to property valued between $500 and $10K, 2 counts of aggravated battery against a peace officer, and resisting. Johnson failed to appear in court today. Notice to appear was sent for 09/14/2026.

Kenneth L. Kuhn - Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Kuhn is currently undergoing inpatient treatment. Furlough was extended to 08/24/2026.

The Following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/13/26.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Phillip W. Law – Charged with Meth Possession (between 100 and 400 grams) and meth delivery (Between 100 and 400 grams). Law appeared via ZOOM from the Christian County Jail. Matter was reset for 10/01/2026.

Joshua C. Hawthorne – Charged with meth possession between 5 and 15 gram and meth delivery of less than 5 grams. Hawthorne’s public defender was unavailable for court today. Matter was reset for 08/14/2026.

Brandon L. Anthony – Charged with aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm. Anthony appeared in custody today. Court finds that Anthony poses a real and present threat to the surrounding community and is ordered to remain in custody during the process of the case. Next appearance will be a hearing on petition to deny pretrial release on 08/14/2026.

Kerry K. Decker – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Pretrial release was issued. Next appearance is set for 09/22/2026.

Carmen S. Carlock – Charged with violating an order of protection issued due to prior domestic battery. Pretrial is set for 09/24/2026.

Alexandria M. Enzor – Charged with burglary. Pretrial set for 09/24/2026.

Brooke P. Key – Charged with retail theft. Pretrial set for 09/24/2026.

Michael P. McNear – Charged with 3 counts of meth delivery (All less than 5 grams). McNear’s current counsel made a motion to withdraw, and the state had no objection. Court has now appointed Public Defender Farr as new counsel. First appearance with counsel is set for 09/01/2026.

Paul M. Merriman – Charged with burglary. Sentenced to 2 days in county jail credited with one day of time served. Merriman pleaded guilty to his charge of burglary. Merriman was advised of his right to appeal. A status hearing is scheduled for 09/24/2026.

Quentin Prasun-Burnett – Charged with aggravated domestic battery via strangulation. Prasun-Burnett appeared in custody and a new writ has been issued for 09/10/2026.

Hunter T. Snyder – Charged with burglary. Snyder waived preliminary hearing and formal arraignment, pleaded not guilty, and demanded trial by jury. Pretrial is set for 10/01/2026.

Zoe M. Tapp - Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Next appearance is 09/24/2026.

Isaac J. Vargas – Charged with criminal sexual abuse and also for criminal damage to government property. Pana Police Officer Cole was sworn in and testified on his response to the initial crime. Officer Cole stated that on the scene, he noticed observable bruising on one of the victims’ arms, and that he had a complaint filed and signed by a separate victim, complaining of unwanted sexual conduct. In regard to the damaged government property, during an interrogation, Officer Cole stated that he was not in the room but heard a scuffle from the interrogation room, and it was reported that Vargas threw a chair at the wall and damaged both the chair and the wall. Court finds probable cause to detain on the count of criminal sexual assault. Pretrial release was granted under the conditions of no drugs or alcohol; a SCRAM device must be fitted as well before Vargas can be released from custody. Next appearance will be first appearance with counsel scheduled for 10/02/2026.

Ericka L. Zahradka - Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Zahradka is currently in treatment. Pretrial set for 10/01/2026.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/11/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Matthew D. Puccetti – Charged with multiple counts of felon in possession of a weapon. Pretrial is set for 10/08/2026.

Braxton D. Wiliamson – Charged with aggravated battery against a victim younger than 13. Autopsy on the victim has been delayed so that Williamson can be alloted more time so his defense can get their own pathology expert to review the autopsy as well. Williamson appeared in custody today. Matter was reset for 08/17/2026. Williamson remains in custody.  Full details on Williamson's court hearing from today can be found by clicking HERE.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County court on 08/10/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Braxton D. Williamson – Charged with aggravated battery against a victim 13 years of age or younger leading to permanent disability. Williamson appeared in court today while in custody. Pathologist has declined to have autopsy video; however, the defense has now agreed for a doctor to attend and take photos as well as notes if any more should be done. A status hearing is set for 08/17/2026. Hart Media Group spoke with Christian County's Chief Deputy Jim Baker to get more details on the incidents that caused the allegations against Williamson, to view our full story from that conversation, CLICK HERE.

Timothy E. Wiseman – Guilty of meth possession (Between 5 and 15 grams). State has filed a petition to revoke Wiseman’s pre discussed probation, as since December, Wiseman has failed to report to probation as required. The petition filed by the state was granted. Wiseman was advised that his sentencing could be potentially reset. First appearance with counsel is set for 10/02/2026.

Tristan J. McCaslin – Charged with theft with intent to control property valued between $500 and $10K. Court found probable cause to release McCaslin on pretrial conditions. McCaslin has requested tome to hire counsel. First appearance with counsel is set for 10/05/2026.

Danny L. Gates – Guilty of meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Gates appeared today via ZOOM call. Pretrial is set for 08/10/2026.

Tyler L. Stevens – Guilty of criminal damage to property valued between $500 and $10K. First appearance with council is set for 10/20/2026.

Jason D. Lindsey – Guilty of theft valued between $500 and $10K. Matter has been reset for 08/19/2026. Lindsey will remain in custody.

Emileigh K. King – Guilty of meth possession (Between 5 and 15 grams). King made a moment to terminate her probation early. The motion was granted, and King’s probation was terminated as successful.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/07/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Marco A. Anderson – Charged with aggravated DUI while having a suspended or revoked license. Pretrial is set for 09/18/2026.

Gerald A. Brown – Charged with driving on a revoked or suspended license due to a DUI. Pretrial is scheduled for 08/27/2026.

David E. Jones – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams), Charged with driving on a revoked or suspended license due to a DUI, and obstruction of justice by destroying evidence. A possible plea hearing is set for 08/18/2026.

Lisa G. Katcher – Charged with retail theft valued at less than or equal too $300. Matter reset for status on 09/17/2026. 

Robert W. Retzloff – Charged with 8 counts of child porn reproduction. A status hearing is set for 09/17/2026.

Michael A. Bergland – Charged with meth delivery (Less than 5 grams). Next hearing is on 08/12/2026. Bergland appeared in custody and the order for detention will continue.

James M. Biggers – Charged with theft with intent to control valued at less than or equal to $500, receiving, possessing, or selling a stolen vehicle, and meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Pretrial is set for 09/22/2026.

Brooke D. Eakle – Charged with residential burglary. Pretrial is set for 09/25/2026.

Jacob W. Gray – Charged with aggravated domestic battery and home invasion with a dangerous weapon. 
Mackenzie S. Harris Fullerton – Charged with theft with intent to control valued between $500 and $10K. Next appearance is a status hearing set for 10/02/2026.

Joshua C. Hawthorne – Guilty of meth delivery (Less than 5 grams) and charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Pretrial is set for 09/25/2026.

Jason D. Lindsey – Charged with burglary and theft of property valued between $500 and $10K, as well as being a felon who failed to return from furlough. Matter set for pretrial on 08/10/2026.

Alison R. Miller – Charged with meth delivery (Between 15 and 100 Grams). Miller is in custody at the Illinois Department of Corrections and was not present in court today. An in person writ to issue has been sent for 09/18/2026.

Waylon M. Thompson – Charged with aggravated battery on a victim 60-years-old or older. A motion by the state to nolle the matter was granted.

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/06/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Braxton D. Williamson – Charged with aggravated battery against a child younger than 13. Braxton attacked a very young child by shaking him and causing hemorrhaging and a fracture on the back of the skull, as well as several other injuries. Williamson appeared today in custody, and the court found the proof is evident, and undeniable. Court found the proof to be evident, and the state has proven the case by clear and convincing evidence. Court further found that Williamson is a present and clear danger to the community and no condition or combination of conditions would eliminate that danger. Williamson will remain in custody. Next court appearance is a pretrial on 08/17/2026. More information is available in our online news story findable at taylorvilledailynews.com, or by Clicking HERE.

Ann L. Stafford – Guilty of burglary and charged with theft valued less than or equal to $300. Stafford appeared in person and in custody. Stafford was represented by private counsel in a new, pending matter, but that attorney has not entered her appearance in the treatment court cases. It is unclear whether the private attorney hired by Stafford intends to do so. In the interim, the court will appoint conflict public defender Rahar to represent defendant unless and until the other private counsel enters her appearance in these matters. Hearing on the amended petition to revoke remains scheduled for in-person hearing on 8/13/26.

Vance L. Gibson – Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams) and felon in possession of a weapon. Possible Plea hearing is set for 10/01/2026.

Charity A. Jackson-Whitted - Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams). Jackson-Whitted has requested additional time to hire counsel. First appearance with council is set for 09/10/2026. 

Jacob M. Jones – Charged with possession of a controlled substance. Pretrial is scheduled for 09/25/2026.

Jonathan M. Krouse - Charged with possession of meth (Less than 5 grams) and meth delivery (Less than 5 grams). Krouse appeared in custody today. Court found attending treatment was sufficient to establish a significant change in circumstance. Court also noted that one charge was for delivery, which in turn poses a significant risk to the community. Pretrial release was denied. Matter remains set for 08/20/2026.

Jason D. Lindsey – Charged with a felon failing to return from furlough. Lindsey appeared in custody. Petition for pre-trial release was denied. The state allowed to supplement and request the matter be reheard. Matter is now reset for 08/07/2026.

Hunter T. Snyder – Charged with burglary. Matter reset for preliminary hearing scheduled for 08/13/2026.

Richard A. Wilson – Charged with retail theft, valued less than or equal to $300. Pretrial set for 08/20/2026. 

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/04/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Kirk L. Cochran Jr. – Charged with aggravated fleeing of police at a speed of 21 mph over the limit. Next court date is 09/04/2026.

Mason R. Hunnicut – Charged with meth possession (Less than 5 grams). Treatment court referral was denied and pretrial is set for 09/22/2026. Hunnicut appeared today in court via ZOOM call.

Thomas E. Lawrence – Charged with 2 counts of meth delivery (Between 5 and 15 grams). Lawrence appeared in court today in custody. The matter has been reset for pretrial set to take place on 09/11/2026. The order for detention remains.

Luke H. Lehman – Charged with aggravated battery against a 60+ year old victim. A motion to dismiss was granted, as Lehman has passed away.

The following marriage records were shared with Hart Media Group by the Christian County Clerk’s Office on 08/03/2026.

Diana Leigh Smith of Pana and Travis Larry Nicol also from Pana got married on 06/27/2026.

Ashley Michelle Freeman and Juan Toto Xolo,  from Mt. Auburn, got married to on 07/07/2026.

Aliyah Nicole Richards and Travis Wayne Hill, JR, both from Edinburg, got married on 07/10/2026.

Meghan Debra Murphy and Lilian Yocelin Melgar, both from Pana, got married on 07/18/2026.

Zachary Ryan Wells and Stphanie Kay Dye, both from Taylorville, got married on 07/19/2026.

Dylan John Wood of Moweaqua and Chanice Lynn Manley from Assumption, got married on 07/25/2026.

Steven Keith Allen and Alexandra Michelle Borgic, both from Decatur, got married on 07/25/2026.
 

The following court cases were heard in Christian County Court on 08/03/2026.

This list is NOT exclusive.

Lee J. Morris – Charged with driving on a revoked or suspended license as a result from DUI. A plea hearing is scheduled for 08/21/2026.

Joseph M. Besson – Guilty of meth possession (Less than 5 grams) and charged with possession of meth between 15 and 100 grams. Matter has been set for pretrial on 08/10/2026.

Erica L. Zahradka – Charged with meth delivery (between 5 and 15 grams). Zahradka appeared via ZOOM. A motion to modify pretrial conditions was granted. Pretrial is set for 09/17/2026.