Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi M. Hoos

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Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi M. Hoos This is the official page for the Peoria County State’s Attorney's Office. Our social media sites are not monitored 24/7.

DIGITAL POLICY:

Updated and Posted December 12, 2023
Many Peoria County offices have official social media accounts, and all fall under this general Peoria County policy unless otherwise stated. Peoria County endeavors to post this policy on all accounts where applicable. However, for social media platforms where it is difficult to post a full policy, Peoria County will link to this page, which serves as the posting. Please call or text 911 in an emergency. The intent of official Peoria County social media accounts is to serve as a communications tool between Peoria County departments and the public. Peoria County communications department staff and/or specific department personnel associated with the social media account are the sole administrators of our sites. This social media policy includes Terms of Use, Prohibited Content, and Disclaimers. Terms of Use
As a communications tool, Peoria County shall utilize its various social media accounts to raise awareness among Peoria County and neighboring residents and visitors, community partners, and interested fans and followers of the County's offices. These sites may include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Twitter/X. Social media sites grant Peoria County an additional opportunity to share messages with the public. The public is encouraged to share comments, ideas, and concerns. Peoria County's social media sites shall comply with all applicable County of Peoria policies and procedures. Note that information, including personally identifiable information, that public members voluntarily submit to or publish on a Peoria County page of a third-party site may be treated as public information. Peoria County reserves the right to edit or delete its own content for want of clarity, addition of information, correction of typographical fault, correction of scrivener’s error, or other relative circumstances. Peoria County Digital Policy – updated 12-12-2023
Peoria County staff shall be the sole determining party when it comes to the ex*****on of this policy. This policy is not intended to supersede the policies of third-party hosts, however, but is intended to supplement the platforms’ expectations. Prohibited Content
The intended purpose of Peoria County's social media sites is to serve as one of multiple vehicles of communication between Peoria County and the public. Prohibited information, posts, tagged content, messages, photos, videos, graphics, and comments shall not be allowed and may be removed from the site. Subsequent prohibited posts by an individual will lead to that individual being blocked from the site. Such content includes the following:
1. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates illegal discrimination of protected status under the law.
2. Obscene content or links to obscene content
3. Violent content or links to violent content or information that may compromise the safety and security of the public or public systems
4. Solicitations of funds, commercial promotions, or advertising
5. Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party (such as copyrighted materials, art, or other intellectual property)
6. Personal information including but not limited to e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, mailing addresses, medical information, identification numbers, passwords, or other personally identifiable information (PII)
7. Content containing links to malware, viruses, and/or malicious content that affects the normal functioning of a computer system, server, or browser
8. Defaming content or comments that are patently false assertions of facts
Compliance
Peoria County's social media sites are subject to the Local Records Retention Act. Social media content is considered Administrative Files under the County’s records retention schedule and has a 1-year retention policy. Disclaimer
Peoria County is not responsible or liable for any user materials or content posted in violation of this policy. Peoria County shall make reasonable efforts to remove said materials during
Peoria County Digital Policy – updated 12-12-2023
business hours but disclaims liability if circumstances exist that prevent or hinder efforts to remove said materials, including if the amount of discussion becomes an undue burden to monitor or the timeliness of the comments are no longer relevant. Peoria County does not endorse nor otherwise support or sponsor any advertising that may be posted by a social media platform on our pages. Peoria County following another page also does not necessitate support nor endorsement. The views expressed by members of the public on official pages maintained by Peoria County on third-party social media websites and applications do not reflect the official views of the Peoria County government nor does Peoria County guarantee the accuracy of such information posted by members of the public on those websites. Social media platforms are privately operated, and the terms and conditions of individual platforms apply as governed by the platform itself. Peoria County does not guarantee the reliability or accuracy of any third‐party links. Peoria County reserves the right to remove, at its discretion, any comment or conversation that is prohibited by this Digital Policy.

ADDITIONAL MURDER CHARGE ADDED IN KILLING OF MOTHER AND SONOctober 13, 2026, Peoria, IL – Peoria County State’s Attorney...
10/13/2026

ADDITIONAL MURDER CHARGE ADDED IN KILLING OF MOTHER AND SON

October 13, 2026, Peoria, IL – Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos announced that a Peoria County Grand Jury has indicted Jeremiah J. Duncan, 24, on an additional count of First-Degree Murder in the killing of his two-year-old son, KJ Duncan-Wood. Duncan was previously charged with first-degree murder in connection with the murder of the child’s mother, 20-year-old Heaven Wood.

On September 25, 2026, at 6:09 a.m., Peoria County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a vehicle fire in the 3500 block of Yorkshire. After extinguishing the fire, first responders found the young child inside the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies determined the vehicle was associated with a home at 3511 Yorkshire and responded for a welfare check. At the home, deputies found Wood with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Deputies arrested Duncan later that day. He is currently hospitalized while in custody.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have information about this incident, please contact the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office at 309-697-8515.
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DEFENDANT PLEADS GUILTY TO BEATING 72-YEAR-OLD MOTHEROctober 13, 2026, Peoria, IL – Prosecutors secured a guilty plea to...
10/13/2026

DEFENDANT PLEADS GUILTY TO BEATING 72-YEAR-OLD MOTHER

October 13, 2026, Peoria, IL – Prosecutors secured a guilty plea today from Matthew J. Howarter, 50, to three counts of Aggravated Domestic Battery for beating his 72-year-old mother earlier this year, resulting in serious injuries. The victim, who has since passed away from natural causes unrelated to the incident, suffered a brain bleed, multiple facial fractures, and broken ribs.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the State agreed to a maximum prison term of 13.5 years, which is six months shy of the maximum allowed under Illinois law. Sentencing is scheduled for December 11.

On April 5, 2026, police responded to the Super 8 Motel, 1816 W. War Memorial Drive, after a hotel employee called police and an ambulance for an elderly female guest.

When officers arrived, they found the victim and Howarter. The victim's eyes were swollen shut, with heavy bruising and blood on her face.

The victim reported that for more than an hour, Howarter punched her in the face and body, grabbed her by the neck, and threw her into her oxygen tank. She said she could not leave or call for help, but she was able to contact the front desk when her son briefly stepped out of the room.

Officers found what appeared to be blood on the bed sheets, pillowcase, and the wall next to the bed. The room was in disarray, and the mattress was off the bed frame. Officers examined Howarter’s hands and found cuts, bruises, and swelling around his knuckles.
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Meet Katie Moushon, Assistant State’s AttorneyKatie has been a domestic violence prosecutor for about a year and a half ...
10/12/2026

Meet Katie Moushon, Assistant State’s Attorney

Katie has been a domestic violence prosecutor for about a year and a half and wants people experiencing domestic violence to know that help is available and that they have more power than they realize.

Outside of work, she is an outdoorsy kinda gal who enjoys hunting and fishing, but if you ask her husband, he’ll say she enjoys online shopping more.

We’re grateful for the work Katie does every day to support those affected by domestic violence.

💜 If you or someone you know needs help, the Family Justice Center, a division of the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office, is available. Contact them at (309) 672-6900.

💚 World Mental Health DayMental health matters, and sometimes having four paws and a wagging tail by your side can make ...
10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day

Mental health matters, and sometimes having four paws and a wagging tail by your side can make a difference.

Our Facility Dogs play an important role in our office, providing comfort and support to individuals at the courthouse and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Their presence can ease anxiety and make difficult situations feel less overwhelming.

We’re thankful for Kiwi and Feta and the comfort they bring to those who may need it most. 🐾

MAN CHARGED FOR HITTING SQUAD CAR, FLEEING POLICEOctober 9, 2026, Peoria, IL – Prosecutors successfully argued for the c...
10/09/2026

MAN CHARGED FOR HITTING SQUAD CAR, FLEEING POLICE

October 9, 2026, Peoria, IL – Prosecutors successfully argued for the continued detention of Jeffrey R. Kingsley, 37, who is accused of fleeing from police and hitting a squad car in South Peoria. Kingsley was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Peace Officer, Aggravated Fleeing or Attempt to Elude a Peace Officer, and Criminal Damage to Government-Supported Property.

On October 7, 2026, around 10:45 p.m., Peoria Police officers saw a vehicle driving around 70 mph in a 30-mph zone and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Kingsley, stopped in the middle of the road with the officers directly behind him. As an officer got out of the squad car and approached Kingsley, he put the vehicle in reverse, struck the squad car, and fled. Before officers terminated the brief pursuit, they observed Kingsley disregard multiple traffic lights and drive at a high rate of speed.

Chillicothe Police later located Kingsley and arrested him.

The squad car sustained damage, and one officer sustained minor injuries and soreness from the impact.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have information about this incident, please contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.
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Meet Shelby, Domestic Violence Victim Advocate at the Family Justice Center (FJC), a division of the Peoria County State...
10/08/2026

Meet Shelby, Domestic Violence Victim Advocate at the Family Justice Center (FJC), a division of the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Shelby has worked with victims and survivors for over five years. As a victim advocate, she enjoys working with a team that focuses on survivors and their safety. She is also grateful to assist victims throughout the court process, from beginning to end.

Outside of the courtroom, Shelby’s favorite Peoria County gem is Sweetwater Kitchen, and she recommends the parmesan whitefish.

We’re grateful for the work Shelby does every day to support those affected by domestic violence.

💜 If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Family Justice Center at (309) 672-6900.

📊 Weekly Criminal Justice Snapshot: Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, 2026A total of 151 criminal charges were filed, including felonie...
10/07/2026

📊 Weekly Criminal Justice Snapshot: Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, 2026

A total of 151 criminal charges were filed, including felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile delinquency, and misdemeanor traffic offenses.

Highlights:
90% of detention requests granted, 31 battery offenses were charged, including 14 for domestic battery; 18 DUI offenses were charged; and 9 theft offenses were charged.

Today, our Domestic Violence Division secured a guilty plea from Nicole Keller for Aggravated Domestic Battery.In Septem...
10/06/2026

Today, our Domestic Violence Division secured a guilty plea from Nicole Keller for Aggravated Domestic Battery.

In September 2025, Keller arrived at her ex-boyfriend's house with a baseball bat and began banging on his door. When he tried to get her to leave, she swung the bat at him, striking him in the shoulder. As he tried to stop her, she lunged at him with a knife, stabbing him in the stomach and severely cutting his hand, leaving him without full use of his hand.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this case serves as a reminder that domestic violence doesn’t always look like what people expect. It doesn’t have a specific race, gender, or relationship dynamic.

We are proud of our Domestic Violence team for their work on this case, including Assistant State’s Attorney Michaela Newton, Domestic Violence Investigator Ruth Sandoval, Family Justice Center Victim Advocate Shelby, and Legal Assistant Lucy. Together, they not only hold offenders accountable but also support our victims throughout the court process.

RECKLESS HOMICIDE CHARGE FILED IN FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASHOctober 1, 2026, Peoria, IL – Joshua J. Chiotti, 26, was charged...
10/01/2026

RECKLESS HOMICIDE CHARGE FILED IN FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH

October 1, 2026, Peoria, IL – Joshua J. Chiotti, 26, was charged with Reckless Homicide and Leaving the Scene in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the life of 59-year-old Malcolm Luster earlier this year. At Chiotti’s detention hearing today, prosecutors successfully argued for his continued detention, and he will remain in custody until trial.

On April 5, 2026, at 7:39 p.m., Peoria Police responded to a car-and-motorcycle crash at the intersection of W. War Memorial and Scenic Drive near Northwoods Mall. Luster, the motorcycle driver, had visible injuries. He was taken to the hospital but died from those injuries one month later.

Witnesses reported that the car’s driver, later identified as Chiotti, fled the scene on foot. Officers located Chiotti one mile from the crash, and he admitted to running the red light and fleeing the scene.

Chiotti was originally cited for a misdemeanor traffic charge before Luster died from his injuries. After he died and upon further review of the crash investigation and lab results, prosecutors added additional felony charges and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact the Illinois State Police.
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Address

324 Main Street, Room 111
Peoria, IL
61602

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13096726900

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