About Us
Ross Schultze, Sheriff
Sheriff Schultze was elected in 2022.
PUBLIC REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE - BURGLARY HOYLETON, IL - PICTURES OF SUSPECTS ATTACHED
Washington County Sheriff’s Office – Incident Report & Public Request for Assistance
Date of Incident: January 26, 2026
Location: Farmers & Merchants Bank, Hoyleton, IL
On January 26, 2026, Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the Farmers & Merchants Bank in Hoyleton in response to an active burglary alarm.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered that the ATM had been forcibly broken into. Preliminary investigation indicates the suspects used a stolen pickup truck—taken from a local residence—to commit the crime. The suspects attached a chain to the ATM and forcibly pulled it from its mount using the truck.
Witness reports and surveillance footage indicate the suspects were operating a white pickup truck. They successfully removed the ATM’s cash boxes and fled the scene.
The suspect vehicle was seen traveling on West St. Louis Street, then turned south onto Park Street shortly after the burglary. A stolen vehicle believed to be involved was later recovered on Park Street, next to an empty lot near a garage.
We are currently seeking surveillance footage from the area between 11:00 PM on January 26 and 1:00 AM on January 27, particularly around West St. Louis Street, Park Street, the bank, and surrounding residential areas.
If you have any relevant footage or information, please contact:
Detective Brent Klingeman
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
(618) 327-8273
Please reference CAD#26-000896 if you have any information.
Additionally, we are reminding all residents to secure their vehicles at night and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Community awareness and cooperation play a vital role in solving and preventing crimes.
Thank you for your assistance and vigilance.
PUBLIC REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE - BURGLARY ASHLEY, IL
On January 28, 2026, at 3:50 AM, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with the Nashville Police Department, responded to a reported burglary at the Ashley Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Upon arrival, officers determined the suspects had fled the scene moments earlier on foot before entering a waiting vehicle and leaving the area. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a black Mazda SUV.
This incident is currently under investigation as a joint, multi-jurisdictional investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, including surveillance footage, dash camera video, or eyewitness observations, is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Any information may be helpful to the investigation.
Detective Brent Klingeman
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
(618) 327-8274 Ext. 4
Please reference CAD#26-000941 if you have any information.
BACK-TO-BACK DEPUTY OF THE YEAR: SGT. STEPHEN LEMONS 🎉
Congratulations to Sergeant Stephen Lemons on being named Deputy of the Year for the second consecutive year!
Sgt. Lemons’ dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving our community continue to set the standard of excellence within our agency.
This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to celebrate his outstanding accomplishments.
CORPORAL TYLER BRIDDICK NAMED CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR
We extend our sincere congratulations to Corporal Tyler Briddick on being named Correctional Officer of the Year.
Corporal Briddick is recognized for his exemplary performance, demonstrated leadership, and consistent dedication to exceeding the expectations of his role. His professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to service reflect the highest standards of the correctional profession.
This recognition is a testament to his positive impact within the facility and his continued dedication to excellence. Corporal Briddick’s contributions are greatly valued, and he is truly deserving of this honor.
SHERIFF ROSS SCHULTZE WILL BE AWARDING (1) SCHOLARSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.
Illinois Sheriffs' Association - College Scholarship Program. Application is now 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 13, 2026.
WELCOMING DEPUTY SAMUEL BIELONG TO HIS NEW ROLE
We are pleased to congratulate Deputy Samuel Bielong on his appointment to full-time Deputy, effective January 2, 2026.
Deputy Bielong began his career with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in September 2020 as a part-time Correctional Officer. He transitioned to a full-time Correctional Officer role in April 2023, demonstrating strong dedication and professionalism throughout his service.
He is currently attending the police academy at Southwestern Illinois College, after which he will begin the field training program.
Please join us in congratulating Deputy Bielong on this achievement and wishing him continued success in his law enforcement career.
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TYLER BRIDDICK PROMOTED TO CORPORAL
We would like to congratulate CO Briddick on his promotion to Corporal.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CORRECTIONAL OFFICER BLAKE GOODIN
Congratulations to Correctional Officer Blake Goodin on completing Southwestern Basic Correctional Academy!
Not only did CO Goodin receive the Illinois Sheriff's Association Award, but he also was presented the Second Place Academic Award.
We couldn't be prouder of CO Goodin and are privileged to have him as a part of our team.
Graduation Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCCF91pHpLY
CONGRAULATIONS TO DPT. KLINGEMAN ON HIS PROMOTION TO DETECTIVE!
OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS: RESPONSE AND INVESITATION 1 DAY TRAINING
Course Topics Include:
• Responsibilities of the responding patrol officer(s)
• Duties of uninvolved officer(s) on scene
• The critical role of the patrol supervisor
• Leadership and decision-making by police management
• The dispatcher’s role in an OIS response
• Managing media relations effectively
• The importance of Peer Support for involved officers
• Civil, criminal, and administrative investigations
• Conducting effective officer interviews
• Evidence identification and collection
• Building partnerships with outside law enforcement agencies
• Developing and applying OIS policy
• Conducting a thorough debrief
DATE: April 2nd, 2026 TIME: 8 AM – 5 PM
LOCATION: Washington County Ambulance Service, 18046 Enterprise Ave Nashville, IL 62263
TUITION: $225.00 (Payment required prior to class. Invoicing available upon request).
REGISTRATION: https://homefrontprotect.com/OIS020426
MEET OUR NEWEST DEPUTY, HONORARY DPT. DJ DANIEL!
What a privilege it was to be a part of yesterday's swearing in of Honorary Deputy DJ Daniel.
DJ Daniel is a 13-year-old courageous and brave young man who is battling brain cancer. DJ's dream has always been to be a police officer, and over the last several months that dream was made a reality.
Yesterday, over 200 law enforcement agencies, including Washington County Sheriff's Office, came together for a ceremony in St. Louis honoring DJ Daniel.
Thank you, DJ, for letting me be a part of your day, and welcome to the Washington County Sheriff's Office team.
Learn more about DJ Daniel Here:
DJ Daniel Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077303753150
DJ Daniel Trump Honorary Secret Service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnfg88dXX_Y
Who is Devarjaye ‘DJ’ Daniel?
https://www.al.com/.../who-is-devarjaye-dj-daniel-cancer...