Madison County IL State's Attorney's Office

Madison County IL State's Attorney's Office The State's Attorney is the chief law enforcement officer and legal adviser for Madison County.

The primary role of the State's Attorney's Office is to serve as the chief law enforcement officer and legal advisor for Madison County. It is the responsibility of the State's Attorney to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed in order to maintain the rule of law. With its dedicated staff of 57 legal professionals and support staff, the Office has developed divisions and special prosecution

units to help protect children, women, the elderly, animals, consumers and merchants from fraud, abuse and neglect. The Office also works to secure grants for special projects aimed at combating prostitution, methamphetamines, auto theft and other criminal violations as trends appear. In addition, the State's Attorney sets policies and guidelines that impact the administration of justice by more than 25 law enforcement agencies that operate in the County.

HAINE ANNOUNCES GUILTY VERDICT IN TRIAL OF MAN WHO KICKED HIS WAY INTO SLEEPING COUPLE'S HOMEMadison County State's Atto...
08/18/2026

HAINE ANNOUNCES GUILTY VERDICT IN TRIAL OF MAN WHO KICKED HIS WAY INTO SLEEPING COUPLE'S HOME

Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that, following a trial, an East Alton man has been found guilty of felony home invasion for kicking his way into a couple’s home and attacking one of the residents.

Jesse E. Stewart, 42, was found guilty Tuesday of home invasion. Associate Judge Neil Schroeder presided at the bench trial and issued the verdict.

“People deserve to feel safe in their homes,” Haine said. “This was a frightening ordeal for two victims who were asleep in their own home when a stranger invaded that sense of security. This conviction is an important step in holding the perpetrator accountable.”

According to evidence and testimony, the couple awoke when they heard someone inside their East Alton home on July 4, 2025. The male resident grabbed a gun as the intruder entered the bedroom, but did not fire the weapon. The intruder and the male resident fought inside the home until police arrived and took Stewart into custody. The female resident had called 911.

Assistant State’s Attorney Morgan Hudson, in her closing argument, said waking up to an intruder is “everyone’s worst fear.”

Hudson said the resident “had every right to shoot this defendant right then and there,” and Stewart is fortunate he wasn’t shot.

“For that he is incredibly lucky, and that is where his luck should end,” the prosecutor argued.

Stewart will be sentenced later. Home invasion, class X felony, is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Hudson, who is Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant State’s Attorney Cole Bradshaw.

Haine commended the prosecution team and East Alton Police Department.

“This could have ended very differently if not for the quick response by police,” Haine said.

Stewart remains in custody at the Madison County Jail.

HAINE ANNOUNCES GUILTY VERDICT FOR MAN WHO HARASSED WITNESS WITH POSTS TO SOCIAL MEDIAMadison County State's Attorney To...
08/13/2026

HAINE ANNOUNCES GUILTY VERDICT FOR MAN WHO HARASSED WITNESS WITH POSTS TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a jury has found an Alton man guilty of harassment of a witness for directing relatives to make Facebook posts that were intended to influence a witness.

The jury returned the guilty verdict against Steven Foster Jr., 39, after deliberating for about an hour Wednesday.

Earlier this year, while in the Madison County Jail awaiting trial on three counts of attempted murder, Foster instructed relatives to make posts to his Facebook account. The jury found that the posts, mentioning a potential witness in Foster’s upcoming trial, were intended to harass the witness and caused the witness to suffer mental anguish or distress.

“Harassment of a witness is a direct attack on the heart of our justice system,” Haine said. “Our justice system depends on witnesses having the courage to come forward. Anyone who tries to intimidate or harass a witness will be held accountable.”

Investigators from the State’s Attorney’s Office were alerted to the social media posts and conducted an investigation that resulted in the harassment charge. Alton Police Department assisted in the investigation.

“The message from the State’s Attorney’s Office is clear: Attempts to intimidate witnesses into silence will not be tolerated,” Haine said. “We will vigorously prosecute efforts to interfere with witnesses and the judicial process.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Audrey Paulda and Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Stewart.

Circuit Judge Kyle Napp presided at the trial, which began Monday. Foster will be sentenced later. Harassment of a witness, class 2 felony, is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Foster is awaiting trial on the charges of attempted murder, which allege that he shot three individuals in Alton in 2021. The three received treatment at hospitals and survived. A judge presiding in that case has ordered Meta, which owns Facebook, to disable Foster’s Facebook account.

HAINE ANNOUNCES 25-YEAR PRISON TERM FOR MAN CONVICTED OF FELONY S*X OFFENSESMadison County State's Attorney Tom Haine an...
08/03/2026

HAINE ANNOUNCES 25-YEAR PRISON TERM FOR MAN CONVICTED OF FELONY S*X OFFENSES

Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a Granite City man convicted of felony s*x offenses against a girl has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Eli L. Winters, 26, received the sentence after pleading guilty Tuesday to Child Sexual Abuse Material (Class X felony) and Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 4 felony). Winters pleaded guilty to filming himself engaged in a s*x act with a minor girl in December 2024.

“This predator’s conduct is unconscionable and abhorrent,” Haine said. “Our prayers remain with the victim. Nothing can undo her trauma, but our hope is that this conviction and sentence will provide a measure of justice.”

The case was investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, which in March 2026 reopened an investigation into allegations concerning Winters and the victim after receiving additional information from a social-services agency. Winters eventually admitted to police that he had a “relationship” with the girl, resulting in her giving birth to a child.

Charges against Winters were filed in May 2026, shortly after the investigation was reopened.

In addition to the prison term, the conviction means Winters is subject to lifetime registration as a s*x offender. He also is required to serve three years to life of mandatory supervised release, formerly known as parole.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner.

Haine commended Buettner and Sheriff’s Office investigators.

“Cases involving child victims require exceptional sensitivity, meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication,” Haine said. “Everyone involved demonstrated those qualities throughout this investigation and prosecution. We will continue working alongside law enforcement to identify offenders, support victims and hold those responsible fully accountable.”

He added: “This defendant preyed upon a vulnerable teenager. Anyone who believes they can exploit a child in Madison County without facing severe consequences should take notice of this sentence."

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL S*XUAL ASSAULTMadison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced ...
07/31/2026

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL S*XUAL ASSAULT

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Associate Judge John Hackett has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with three counts of Criminal Sexual Assault (class 1 felony). Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial.

Jeremy D. Yann, D.O.B. 07/29/1983, of Highland, is charged with committing s*xual acts involving a victim who was younger than 18 at the time. The offenses are alleged to have happened between Nov. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2022.

The case was investigated by Highland Police Department.

This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD S*XUAL ABUSE MATERIALMadison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announ...
07/30/2026

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD S*XUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Associate Judge John Hackett has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with six counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material (class X felony). Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial.

Keith Grotefendt, D.O.B. 04/16/1974, of Collinsville, is charged with possessing video reproductions or depictions of children engaged in s*xual acts. The offenses are alleged to have happened between April 13, 2026, and May 12, 2026

The case was investigated by Collinsville Police Department.

This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH ARMED ROBBERY AND BURGLARYMadison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announc...
07/29/2026

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH ARMED ROBBERY AND BURGLARY

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Associate Judge John Hackett has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with two counts of Armed Robbery (class X felony), one count of Attempted Burglary (class 2 felony), and one count of Burglary (class 2 felony). Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial.

Willie L. Carter, D.O.B. 08/16/1972, of Alton, is charged with taking money from two victims while carrying a firearm. The defendant also is charged with throwing a concrete block through a window with intent to commit a burglary. In addition, the defendant is charged with entering a building with intent to commit a theft. The offenses are alleged to have happened between June 8, 2026, and July 7, 2026.

The case was investigated by Alton Police Department.

This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD S*XUAL ABUSE MATERIAL, GROOMINGMadison County State’s Attorney Tom Ha...
07/24/2026

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD S*XUAL ABUSE MATERIAL, GROOMING

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Associate Judge John Hackett has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with Child Sexual Abuse Material (class 1 felony), Grooming (class 4 felony), Sexual Exploitation of a Child (class A misdemeanor), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (class 3 felony). Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial.

Douglas J. Britt, D.O.B. 12/04/1995, of Granite City, is charged with soliciting a photograph of a child, sending a photograph of his s*x organ to a child, exposing his s*x organ in the virtual presence of a child and unlawfully possessing a 12-guage shotgun. The offenses are alleged to have happened between June 4, 2026, and June 8, 2026.

The case was investigated by East Alton Police Department.

This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE MURDERMadison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine anno...
07/20/2026

PRETRIAL RELEASE DENIED FOR MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Associate Judge John Hackett has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with attempted first-degree murder (class X felony), aggravated battery (class 2 felony), aggravated battery (class 3 felony), and one count of fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (class A misdemeanor). Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial.

Tony S. Accardi, D.O.B. 10/17/1961, of Granite City, is charged with striking the victim with a motor vehicle and causing the victim to suffer a broken leg on July 13.

The case was investigated by Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

CROSS-RIVER CRIME TASK FORCE SEIZES NARCOTICS, ILLEGAL FI****MS DURING COUNTYWIDE DEPLOYMENTThe Cross-River Crime Task F...
07/15/2026

CROSS-RIVER CRIME TASK FORCE SEIZES NARCOTICS, ILLEGAL FI****MS DURING COUNTYWIDE DEPLOYMENT

The Cross-River Crime Task Force seized multiple illegally-possessed fi****ms and quantities of narcotics while making numerous arrests during a countywide deployment on Friday, July 10.
The coordinated enforcement effort involved officers and deputies from multiple law enforcement agencies, along with state and federal partners, who serve on the Task Force.

During the deployment, Task Force members arrested several individuals found to be in possession of fi****ms and illegal narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Officers also located and arrested several fugitives with outstanding warrants.

Among the significant arrests:

•During a traffic stop in Madison, task force officers stopped a vehicle driven by a Missouriresident who was found to be in possession of illegal narcotics and a loaded AR-stylepistol. Charges being presented to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office includeArmed Violence and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

•During a traffic stop in Alton, one occupant fled on foot but was apprehended following a brief pursuit. Another occupant, an East St. Louis resident, was found to be in possession of a handgun equipped with a fully automatic conversion device. Officers also recovered a Draco-style firearm and illegal narcotics. Charges being presented to the State's Attorney's Office include Armed Violence, Aggravated Unlawful U se of a Weapon and narcotics offenses.

Investigators believe the individuals arrested during the Alton traffic stop may be connected to other fi****ms-related incidents. Those investigations remain ongoing.

The Cross-River Crime Task Force is a collaborative initiative involving municipal, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies that work together to combat crime throughout Madison County.

Task Force Commander Marcos Pulido, who is Chief Deputy at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, praised the continued cooperation among the participating agencies.

“These deployments continue to produce meaningful results because of the outstanding collaboration among law enforcement agencies throughout Madison County,” Pulido said. “I’m grateful for the continued support of our law enforcement leaders, the professionalism and dedication of the deputies and officers who participate in each deployment, and the assistance of our state and federal partners. Combined with the steadfast support of the Madison County State's Attorney's Office, these partnerships allow us to make a measurable impact on violent crime and enhance public safety in communities across our county.”

The Deputy Commanders for the Task Force are Capt. Adam Connor of Granite City Police Department and Capt. Kurtis McCray of Alton Police Department.

HAINE ANNOUNCES 120-YEAR SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO S*XUALLY ASSAULTED WOMAN AFTER ABDUCTION FROM STARBUCKS PARKING LOTMadison...
07/09/2026

HAINE ANNOUNCES 120-YEAR SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO S*XUALLY ASSAULTED WOMAN AFTER ABDUCTION FROM STARBUCKS PARKING LOT

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a man who s*xually assaulted a woman in Troy after abducting her from the parking lot of a Collinsville coffee shop has been sentenced to 120 years in prison.

In May, a jury found Timothy J. Dubois Jr., 42, of Shobonier, guilty of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.

“Today's sentence ensures that a dangerous s*xual predator will spend many years in prison,” Haine said. “While no sentence can erase what the victim endured, it does provide accountability and protects others from becoming victims. We commend the victim for her courageous cooperation in the investigation and prosecution, and we continue to hold her in our prayers.”

Circuit Judge Tim Berkley imposed the sentence Thursday.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner and First Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley. During arguments at Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Buettner said the victim “survived a nightmare.”

The victim was abducted on Nov. 11, 2022, from a Starbucks parking lot in Collinsville. The defendant got into the victim’s car with a large knife and ordered her to drive to a residential area in Troy, where he s*xually assaulted her. The attacker then drove the victim back to the Collinsville business district, put a coat over the victim’s head, ordered her to count to 100, and vanished.

At trial, the victim testified she feared the attacker would kill her.

The victim was not familiar with the Troy location, but investigators were able to track the movement of her Apple watch to a general area. Investigators combed the area and, on a gravel roadway in Troy, found a discarded condom. The condom contained male DNA and the DNA of the victim. The male DNA, however, did not match any profiles in a police database.

Collinsville Police then used Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy to come up with a list of close relatives of the male DNA profile. The information eventually led investigators to Dubois.

The case marked the first time that forensic genealogical DNA was used in a prosecution in Madison County.

“Forensic genealogical DNA proved to be an invaluable tool in this case, but it was effective only because dedicated investigators knew how to use it,” Haine said. “The investigators paired this new technology with determined police work, following every lead. The Collinsville Police Department never stopped searching for answers, and their persistence ultimately brought this predator to justice.”

He added: "This outcome reflects the best of our criminal justice system: investigators who never gave up, prosecutors who thoroughly prepared their case, a jury that carefully evaluated the evidence, and a sentence that fits the crime."

Haine commended the Collinsville Police Department and the multiple agencies that assisted in the investigation:
• Troy Police Department
• Illinois State Police
• Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois
• St. Louis County Police Department
• Jefferson County, MO Sheriff’s Department
• Illinois Attorney General’s Office
• Illinois Secretary of State Police
• Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center
• Vandalia Police Department
• Fayette County Sheriff’s Office
• Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
• Belleville

Dubois was sentenced to 40 years for one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, 40 years for another count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, 30 years for Aggravated Kidnapping, 5 years for one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and 5 years for another count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. Pursuant to statute, he will serve a minimum of 68 years in prison.

Collinsville Police Chief Brett Boerm issued the following statement:

“Today's sentence brings a measure of justice for a victim who endured an unimaginable ordeal. While no sentence can erase the trauma that was inflicted, we hope this outcome provides some sense of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been held accountable.

"This case reflects the unwavering commitment investigators from the Collinsville Police Department displayed in the pursuit of justice for this victim. From the start, investigators worked tirelessly, following every lead, gathering evidence, while displaying outside-the-box thinking that ultimately led to a successful prosecution.

"I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for its partnership throughout this investigation and prosecution. The level of collaboration from start to finish was tremendous and we are thankful for their support that led to today’s outcome."

(Courtroom pool photo by Joshua Carter, BND)

Address

157 North Main Street , Suite 402
Edwardsville, IL
62025

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Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16186926280

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