About Us

Sheriff Schultze was elected in 2022.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington County IL Sheriff's Office

MISSING PERSON ALERT: BRITTANY MOESER

JULY 3RD, 2025

THERE ARE NUMEROUS INVESTIGATORS FROM THE METRO EAST AREA ASSISTING WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WITH THIS CASE 

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION   

Contact:

Washington County IL Sheriff's Office

Phone: 618-327-8274 Ext. 4

Email: droptip@washingtonco.illinois.gov

 With this heat, Elwood came through in a time of need.  Dpt. Mayoral sure was happy to roll up on Elwood's lemonade and popsicle stand.  Thanks again Elwood! 

   Please welcome our new full-time Correctional Officers Lauren Gentry and Blake Goodin.  Both Correctional Officers bring past Correctional Officer experience with them 

Washington County, IL – July 24 — A routine traffic stop on Interstate 64 nearly turned tragic when a pickup truck failed to slow down or move over for a Washington County deputy conducting the stop near the 47-mile marker.

While preparing to issue a citation to the stopped motorist, the deputy observed a pickup truck approaching at high speed. The driver failed to reduce speed and did not change lanes as required by Illinois law. The truck crossed the fog line and came within inches of striking the deputy’s patrol vehicle.

Recognizing the imminent danger and serious violation, the deputy immediately ended the original traffic stop and pursued the suspect vehicle. The deputy eventually caught up to the truck, which led to a DUI arrest of the driver. Thankfully, neither the deputy nor the motorist from the original stop was injured in the incident.

This close call serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by law enforcement and roadside workers. Illinois’ “Move Over” law, also known as Scott’s Law, requires drivers to reduce speed and, when possible, move over a lane for any emergency or disabled vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

We urge all motorists to stay alert, slow down, and move over. Lives depend on it.

Stay safe and aware – for everyone on the road

On 6/3/2025 Deputies Mathis, Krummrich and Francois responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in rural Dubois, IL. Deputies were advised by Washington County Dispatch that the vehicle was teal in color and was driving around in a field then got stuck in a waterway.

When Deputies arrived on scene, they were advised that a male subject was last seen out in the field next to the location of the vehicle.

Deputies Francois and Mathis drove to the location of the vehicle.  They exited their vehicles and walked along the ditch line near the stranded vehicle.  The deputies observed a trail in the tall grass leading to a wooded area near the location. They then heard someone yelling for help in the wooded area. They ran along the trail and found a male subject laying down in the woods. The male subject advised Deputies that he may have had a stroke and is dehydrated.

Dispatch was notified that the male subject had been located and that he needed medical attention. Deputies Francois and Mathis carried the male subject out of the wooded area.   Deputy Krummrich met the deputies as they exited the woods.  The male subject was provided transportation to an area that was accessible to EMS. The male subject was given water and kept cool in the patrol car until EMS arrived. EMS arrived and successfully transported the male subject to Washington County Hospital.

 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...

 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.