FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/27/20
I hope that everyone in Jasper County is doing well during these unique
and truly unprecedented times. The Jasper County State’s Attorney’s office
continues to focus on mindful prosecution and the safety of our citizens. To that
end, we continue to investigate crime and now are diligently working with the
Jasper County Health Department and local law enforcement to monitor
compliance with COVID-19 safety precautions.
On March 25, 2020, a joint investigation by the Jasper County Health
Department and the Jasper County State’s Attorney’s office began to address
concerns that a non-Jasper County resident had entered Jasper County and
violated medical advice to self-isolate. That investigation concluded that an
individual that does not reside in Jasper County had presented to a medical
professional in his/her home county on March 22, 2020, and was exhibiting
symptoms of COVID-19 and told that he/she should self-isolate until April 5, 2020.
That individual was not tested for COVID-19 but was still ordered to self-isolate as
a continued precaution against the potential spread of COVID-19. On March 25,
2020, that individual entered into a Jasper County business and was clearly not
self-isolating. On March 27, 2020, after the conclusion of the investigation,
charges were filed for Reckless Conduct, a Class A Misdemeanor. The charges
allege that the individual ignored medical advice to self-isolate and therefore
showed a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others. The healthcare
provider that handled the care for the individual has been contacted and local law
enforcement in the individual’s county of residence have been given the
investigative file. Prosecution for the allegations that occurred in Jasper County
will be handled by the Jasper County State’s Attorney’s office.
Statements made herein are based upon probable cause. All individuals
are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
I am not releasing this information in order to cause panic, which is why
names and locations have been excluded, however, I want Jasper County
residents to know that public health is something I take very seriously and blatant
acts of disregard for others safety will not be tolerated. Stay safe, stay healthy,
wash your hands, and lets all continue to pray and care for each other.
Chad M. Miller
Jasper County States Attorney
100 W. Jourdan
Newton, IL 62448
(618) 783-3115
