About Us

Sheriff Schultze was elected in 2022.

 When Deputy Francois said he was patrolling the state lake, we figured he meant driving around it… not launching Unit 3 into full aquatic enforcement mode.

Somewhere between “shoreline patrol” and “send it,” things escalated. 

Crappie, catfish, and questionable boating behavior are now officially on notice.

#WashingtonCounty #Sheriff #LakePatrol #BoatPolice

Alright—we’ll come clean… April Fools! 

No aquatic units in the fleet, but our deputies are out patrolling in this weather and working hard to keep everyone safe.

And a quick reminder:
Don’t drive through flooded roadways
Turn around, don’t drown

Slow down, watch for standing water, and stay safe out there, Washington County! 

I-64 TRAFFIC STOP BY DEPUTY J. BLACK LEADS TO ARREST

On Friday, March 13, 2026, at approximately 9:24 PM, Deputy Black was dispatched to Interstate 64 eastbound near mile marker 60 in Richview, Illinois, in response to a report of a reckless driver.

Deputy Black located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. 

During the investigation, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered due to suspicion of impaired driving. The driver, identified as 40-year-old John Blackmon III of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, was subsequently taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or a Combination of Drugs.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a firearm, approximately 87.2 grams of suspected cannabis, a loaded firearm, and a bottle containing a liquid suspected to be a controlled substance weighing approximately 486 grams.

Blackmon was transported to the Washington County Jail, where he was processed and later released with the following Notice to Appear citations:

• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or a Combination of Drugs
• Illegal Transportation of an Open Container of Alcohol
• Possession of 30–100 Grams of Raw Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle
• Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon by a Felon
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Illegal Front Window Tint

Blackmon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize Deputy Howard for his outstanding actions during a recent water rescue.

On March 7, 2026, Deputy Howard and Nashville Fire Department responded to a dangerous situation involving an 86-year-old woman trapped in her vehicle due to rising flood waters. Upon arriving on scene, he quickly assessed the situation and safely approached the vehicle despite hazardous conditions. Thanks to his prompt response and sound judgment, Deputy Howard was able to assist the victim from the vehicle and safely out of the flood waters.

Deputy Howard’s willingness to put the safety of others before his own reflects the highest standards of law enforcement service. His actions directly contributed to the safe rescue of a vulnerable member of our community and demonstrate the professionalism, courage, and dedication to public safety that our office strives to uphold every day.

Please join us in commending Deputy Howard for his exceptional service and commitment to protecting the citizens of Washington County.
#WashingtonCountySheriff #PublicSafety #CommunityFirst 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has been notified of a phone scam involving jury duty.

A former Washington County resident, now living in Texas, reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be a WCSO deputy regarding a failure to appear for jury duty. The caller then transferred him to someone posing as a “Captain,” who advised that he would need to pay a fee.

We contacted the Washington County Circuit Clerk’s Office and County Clerk’s Office, and they confirmed that the individual has no pending issues related to jury duty. They also advised that this is the second report they have received this week involving a similar call.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office wants the public to know:

➡️ There is never a fee or fine for missing jury duty.

If you receive a call like this, do not provide personal information or send money. These callers are attempting to scam you.

If you have received a similar call or believe you may have been targeted, please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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.