About Us
Ross Schultze, Sheriff
Sheriff Schultze was elected in 2022.
MISSING ADULT FEMALE - MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington County IL Sheriff's Office
MISSING PERSON ALERT: BRITTANY MOESER
April 24, 2024
The Washington County IL Sheriff's Office is urgently seeking the public's assistance in locating Brittany Moeser, a 36-year-old female who has been missing since April 13, 2024, from Clarmin, Illinois.
Brittany Moeser is described as 5’7” tall, weighing approximately 128 pounds, with light red hair. She was last seen on April 13, 2024, when she left her residence.
Family members reported Brittany missing and indicated that she may be armed, prompting responders to exercise extreme caution during the initial search efforts. Despite extensive search operations involving numerous search and rescue agencies from St. Clair, Washington, and Randolph counties, as well as the Eureka MO Search and Rescue team, Brittany Moeser has not yet been located.
The Illinois State Police (ISP) have conducted two flyovers of the area since Brittany's disappearance. Additionally, two drone teams from Irvington, IL, and Coulterville, IL, have provided assistance in the search efforts. Over the past 12 days efforts have been extensive, covering over 500 acres of land.
It is imperative to note that while Brittany has previously left home, she has always maintained contact with her family members. However, her current disappearance is concerning due to her known medical conditions, which greatly jeopardize her mental and physical well-being.
Sheriff Ross Schultze of the Washington County IL Sheriff's Office implores anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brittany Moeser to come forward. Time is of the essence in situations such as this, and any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to locating Brittany and ensuring her safety.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Brittany Moeser during this time of great uncertainty. The Washington County IL Sheriff's Office remains committed to the search and investigation, and we will continue to pursue all leads until Brittany is located.
If you have any information regarding Brittany Moeser's whereabouts, please use the information listed below.
Contact:
Washington County IL Sheriff's Office
Phone: 618-327-8274 Ext. 4
PART-TIME DEPUTY POSITION OPENINGS
RECKLESS DRIVING COMPLAINT TURNS INTO A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
On January 18th, 2025 at approximately 6:15PM, a reckless driving complaint was broadcasted for a vehicle striking several barricades and concrete barriers and stopping in the middle of the lane. The vehicle was described as a blue 2018 Subaru Outback last seen southbound on US Highway 51 at I64, Irvington.
Dpt. Mathis was just about to go off duty when the call was broadcasted, but due to the nightshift deputy being on a vehicle assist on the west side of the county, Dpt. Mathis responded to the reckless driving call. Dpt. Mathis noticed a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description at the I64/US Highway 51 on ramp, Irvington. Dpt. Mathis observed the driver was slumped over and noticed what appeared to be a beer can in his right hand. Deputy Mathis was unable to gain access to the driver due to the doors being locked. The driver was responsive but not complying with Dpt. Mathis.
Dpt. Mathis called for assistance. Nashville Police Department Officers Cummins and Melton responded to assist. While waiting for assistance from Nashville Police Department, Dpt. Mathis noticed that the driver was excessively sweating and exhibiting odd behaviors. Dpt. Mathis then requested EMS to his location.
Nashville Police Officers arrived on scene. While Dpt. Mathis kept eyes on the driver, Nashville Officers looked through the passenger side window and noticed an insulin pen located in the car. They also noticed a medical pump located on the driver, reading a low glucose level.
What was believed to be a possible DUI quickly turned into a medical situation and immediate access to the driver was crucial. The passenger window was then broken out to gain access to the driver. The driver was put in an upright position while they attempted to find something containing sugar for the driver to consume. Just as EMS personnel arrived, a chocolate bar was found in the vehicle. From there EMS personnel took over giving the driver the chocolate bar.
Dpt. Vincent, arrived on scene as the patient was being transported to the hospital by EMS. As soon as Dpt. Vincent arrived on scene, he then had to go back to the west side of the county due to a fatal car accident.
The driver of the blue Subaru was transported to Washington County Hospital where he made a complete recovery. It was later determined the drivers glucose levels were reading low for hours and the beer can was a non-alcoholic beer. We want to thank Dpt. Mathis for remaining on duty after shift and responding to this call. Without Dpt. Mathis responding who knows how long the driver would have gone without medical attention and what the outcome may have been.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On January 31st, 2025 the Washington/Monroe County Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on 1-64, near Mile Marker 44.
Probable cause was established to search the vehicle, approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine was discovered hidden in the vehicle. The male driver and female passenger were both arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail.
The methamphetamine was taken by federal authorities to aid in the future prosecution of the suspects. The suspects were released from the Washington County Jail pending future charges.
Washington County Sheriff Ross Schultze and Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing remain committed to removing drugs and drug traffickers traveling through our counties. Removing 100 pounds of methamphetamine off the streets prevents the drugs from being sold throughout local communities.
The Washington/Monroe County Drug Task Force is a vital part of our law enforcement team and an asset to the people we serve. Sheriff Schultze and Sheriff Rohlfing will continue to work tirelessly to rid drugs and drug traffickers from the counties we serve. We commend the deputies and K9 units working hard to rid the community of criminals and drugs.
Job well done.
DPT. MAYORAL - STRUCTURE FIRE
On January 21st, 2025 at 4:10AM, Dpt. Mayoral was performing routine security details in the towns throughout the county. After finishing a detail in Irvington, he was enroute to Hoyleton when he noticed the glow of a fire behind a residence on State Route 177. Dpt. Mayoral advised dispatch he was out with a shed fire, which had spread to a nearby camper. As dispatch was paging Hoyleton and Nashville Fire Departments, Dpt. Mayoral activated his sirens and knocked on the doors and windows of the house to wake the sleeping occupants. The residents were evacuated and were placed in Dpt. Mayoral’s squad car to stay warm. The shed and camper were a total loss, but the fire departments quick arrival prevented the flames from reaching a nearby propane tank. The propane tank was temporarily plumbed with rubber lines going into the house. The fire had spread three feet of the tank when fire firefighters arrived. Quick actions by Dpt. Mayoral, Hoyleton and Nashville Fire Departments, and Washington County Public Communications prevented the fire from spreading farther and possibly becoming a much more dangerous situation. The homeowners lost a shed and camper but their house was spared any damage.
Dpt. Mayoral has been employed with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since last July, this is the second time that he has saved lives. Dpt. Mayoral is attending the 32nd annual SILEC awards banquet tonight to receive his life saving award from saving a life of a female on his first day of employment.
DPT. MAYORAL DRUG ARREST
On January 11th, 2025 at 8:00PM Dpt. Mayoral was on routine patrol on State Route 177 and Sweetgum Rd. Irvington, when he observed a silver pickup traveling eastbound with no license plate displayed. Dpt. Mayoral initiated a traffic stop on Sweetgum Rd. Washington County K9 Deputy was requested for assistance. Before the K9 arrived on scene, probable cause to search the vehicle was developed. Once a cover car arrived on scene, the vehicle was searched which resulted in the discovery of a large amount of narcotics packaged for delivery. 58 grams of MDMA, 28.5 grams of LSD, 35 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 16.5 grams of suspected DMT, and 28 doses of suspected PCP were all located in the vehicle. 45-year-old Jesse L. Kempfer (Pictured right) of Centralia, IL and 49-year-old Rodney J. Harrington (Pictured left) of Marion, IL were placed under arrest, advised of their rights, and transported to the Washington County Jail. Both subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ILLINOIS SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION - STATEWIDE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Application Process is OPEN! www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2
In 1979, the ISA established a scholarship program for college-bound students. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000 are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding scholastic, extra-curricular and character qualifications.
Each Illinois county that participates in the ISA membership program awards at least one $500 scholarship each school year. The scholarship program is open to Illinois students attending an Illinois higher learning institution. Go online today! Deadline to Apply Friday, March 14, 2025.
DPT. VINCENT DRUG ARREST
On Dec 26th, 2024, at 11:25 PM Deputy Vincent observed a vehicle on US Highway 51 at State Rt. 177 Irvington, traveling 83 MPH in a posted 65 MPH speed zone. Deputy Vincent made a traffic stop on the vehicle due to the speeding infraction. During the traffic stop Deputy Vincent believed the driver, 45-year-old Kelly Eckhoff of Irvington, IL, was acting in a manner that was suspicious. Deputy Vincent called for a K9 for an open air sniff. K9 Deputy Klingeman responded to assist along with Sgt. Lemons. K9 Deputy Klingeman arrived on scene of the traffic stop and K9 Luna was deployed. K9 Luna indicated the odor of narcotics in the vehicle. K9 Deputy Klingeman and Sgt. Lemons conducted a search of the vehicle due to K9 Luna’s indication. K9 Deputy Klingeman and Sgt. Lemons confiscated 1 gram of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle. Deputy Vincent placed the driver under arrest and transported the driver to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Eckhoff was booked and issued citations for, speeding, no front registration, no seatbelt, uninsured motor vehicle. Eckhoff was also charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamines and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Eckhoff is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
BUSY WEEKEND FOR OUR DEPUTIES
On Saturday, December 20th, Deputy Klingeman made an arrest on US Highway 51. The driver was traveling approximately 115 MPH. When Deputy Klingeman and Sgt. Lemons finally got the vehicle stopped, they found cannabis in the driver's compartment. The driver was arrested for driving 35 mph over the posted speed limit and possession of cannabis. Cannabis is legal in Illinois, but you still need to be of age, and transport it in a sealed odorless container.
On Sunday, December 21, Deputy Vincent made a traffic stop that led to a DUI arrest. The driver was initially stopped for no valid registration. While conducting his investigations Deputy Vincent noticed signs of impairment. Deputy Vincent conducted a field sobriety test on the driver and determined the driver was impaired. The driver submitted to breathe analysis and the driver blew a .181 with .08 being the legal limit. The driver was more than two times the legal limit. The driver was issued citations and a court date. The driver was also charged with driving with no valid registration and DUI.
Later that morning while responding to a call, Deputy Vincent was passed by a vehicle traveling east on I-64. Deputy Vincent’s in-car radar showed the vehicle traveling 106 MPH. Deputy Vincent conducted a traffic stop. The driver stated he wasn’t paying attention to his speed. The driver was arrested for class A misdemeanor speed and issued a court date.
These highlights are just a part of the deputy’s busy weekend. With the New Year just days away we remind you that deputies will continue to be out keeping the public as safe as possible. A DUI is costly and may have serious consequences. Please drive safe and drive sober, your life and those around you are worth more.
MODERNIZATION OF SHERIFF'S SALES!
Effective December 17th 2024, the Washington County Sheriff's Office will conduct its sheriff's sales online via the Roup auction platform. For more details and to view upcoming sales, visit our new online auction site: washingtoncountysheriff-il.roup.com. Once you load the webpage, there will be a blue "Sign Up" button in the upper right corner. This is where you will create an account. There is also a FAQ tab at the top that answers a lot of questions about the process. If you have any questions or need assistance with setup, you can reach out to illinois-auctions@roup.com.
There are two sales currently scheduled, one in January and one in February that will be held in-person as they are sales that were previously set. Payment for properties purchased online will still be made in person here at WCSO. Thank you for working with us through this transition.
SHERIFF SCHULTZE ACTIVATES THE ILLINOIS PREMISE ALERT PROGRAM FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS
The Illinois Premise Alert Program (Public Act 96-0788) provides for public safety agencies in the state of Illinois to allow people with special needs or disabilities to voluntarily provide information regarding an individuals’ special need or disability to police, fire, and EMS personnel. This information can be maintained on a public safety agencies’ Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) and provided to first responders dealing with situations involving the special needs individuals.
Forms can be found with the link below:
https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https://cdn.myocv.com/ocvapps/a90162263/files/WashingtonPremiseAlert.pdf
Forms can also be found on our Sheriff’s App under “Premise Alert”.