Courts

Associate Judge Sarah Duffy has been picked to fill a vacancy in the 11th Judicial Circuit created by Judge Casey Costigan's retirement. Duffy is running unopposed to retain the seat in the November election.

McLean County Circuit Judge Casey Costigan is retiring Oct. 16 after 20 years on the bench. He said court transparency has increased during that time, and so has the ability of judges to divert certain litigants to problem-solving courts.

Kyle W. Myers of Normal admitted he used the nonprofit's money for personal expenses. He's already paid $100,000 back to the organization.

The court dismissed Cassandra and Jadeyn Lacey's claims they were subject to false arrest and mistreatment after being charged with stealing from Blueze medical spa. The couple was acquitted before the criminal case went to trial.

Quvonnay Collins, 26, must serve at least half of a 9-year sentence after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Mark Fellheimer was previously chief judge of Illinois' 11th Judicial Circuit, overseeing judges in five counties, including McLean County. He succeeds Chief Judge Casey Costigan, who retires in October.

Illinois State University leaders say they're "currently consulting with our state officials and legal counsel to determine what this decision means for affected students and the university."

Jerald Sandage was initially charged with official misconduct, accused of abusing his access to police records. That led to a police investigation uncovering evidence he'd used those records to track, drug and sexually assault as many as four women.

A jury found Osman McLaurin guilty of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting of Geoffrey Rowry.

McLean County Judge Don Knapp handed down the sentence for 26-year-old Michael Mitchell, who pleaded guilty in February to four felony counts in connection with the November 2024 crash.