Madison County IL State's Attorney's Office

09/22/2026

WORDEN MAN RECEIVES 25-YEAR SENTENCE FOR FIRING SHOTS AT WOMAN'S VEHICLE

Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a Worden man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for firing shots at a woman’s car in 2025.

Christopher L. Haug, 35, received the sentence Monday after pleading guilty to a charge of attempted first-degree murder (class X felony).

Haug pleaded guilty to firing at least 35 rounds at the victim’s vehicle on Feb. 16, 2025. About 3:20 a.m. on that day, police were called to the area of Adams Avenue and Third Street in Staunton for a report of shots fired. In that area, police met with a woman who reported that her ex-boyfriend, Haug, had fired shots at the vehicle she was driving.

The victim told police that she and Haug were supposed to meet to exchange some property. The victim said Haug attacked her after arriving, then took her phone and purse, and fired shots at her vehicle as he left. Police found bullet holes in the vehicle.

Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies and Illinois State Police troopers went to Haug’s residence and took him into custody.

Haine commended the law enforcement agencies for their quick response and thorough investigation. Madison County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Maricle, chief of the Violent Crimes Division at the State’s Attorney’s Office, and Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Stewart.

“A person who fires dozens of rounds at a vehicle is obviously putting lives at serious risk,” Haine said. “The sentence imposed in this case reflects the gravity of that conduct. I commend the deputies and troopers who responded quickly and the investigators who worked to establish what happened.”

09/11/2026

09/01/2026

HAINE STATEMENT ON GLEN CARBON ANIMAL-CRUELTY CHARGES

"We expect people who take responsibility for an animal to provide appropriate care and treat that animal humanely. Our office will continue working with law enforcement to investigate allegations of animal cruelty and hold offenders accountable when the evidence and the law support prosecution.
I commend the investigators and animal-welfare professionals who brought these allegations forward. Their work is essential to protecting animals. I also commend the agencies, organizations and members of the public who have stepped forward to care for the recovered animals."

08/21/2026

HAINE ANNOUNCES GUILTY VERDICT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER; CONVICTED SHOOTER NOW FACES UP TO LIFE IN PRISON

Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a jury has found an Alton man guilty of attempted murder for shooting another man four times outside a residence.

The jury found Samuel J. Chatman, 31, guilty of attempted murder (class X felony), aggravated battery with a fi***rm (class X), possession of a fi***rm by a repeat felon (class X) and aggravated discharge of a fi***rm (class 1 felony). The jury deliberated about six hours before returning the verdict Thursday night.

The shooting happened April 22, 2026, outside a residence on Locust Street in Alton. Witnesses said the victim, Semaj J. Johnson-Joiner, was shot as he approached a vehicle that pulled in front of his mother’s residence. Shots were fired from the vehicle, which then sped away.

The victim received treatment at a St. Louis hospital and survived. He was shot in the face, chest, shoulder and hip.

Alton Police conducted an investigation, utilizing video footage from businesses and residents, cellular phone records and license plate readers. Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager, in his closing argument, said detectives gathered and reviewed “video after video after video” to build a timeline of the defendant’s presence in the area. The investigation resulted in Chatman being taken into custody a few days after the shooting.

The case was prosecuted by Yager and Assistant State’s Attorney Zac Cato.

Haine commended the prosecution team and Alton Police.

“Yager and Cato took on a complicated case involving a violent shooting, worked quickly to master a tremendous volume of evidence, and effectively presented that evidence to a jury only four months later. That is not an easy task, particularly on a case that moved to trial so quickly,” Haine said.

He added: “Violence in our community will be thoroughly investigated and aggressively prosecuted. This was an act of extreme violence, and we’re grateful that the jury has held the defendant accountable.”

Chatman remains in the Madison County Jail and will be sentenced later. The class X felonies are punishable by up to 60 years in prison. In addition, the jury made a special finding that Chatman personally discharged a fi***rm during the commission of the offense. The fi***rm enhancement means a term of 25 years to life will be added to Chatman’s sentence.

Circuit Judge Tim Berkley presided at the trial, which began Tuesday.

A co-defendant, Anthony L. Shanklin, 34, of Alton, is awaiting trial. Shanklin, who also is charged with attempted murder, is alleged to have been the driver of the vehicle.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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 fi***rm. 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.