Location

1001 Walnut Street
Murpshyboro, IL

Office Hours

Mon – Fri 8:00 – 4:00
Closed Sat & Sun

Call Us

618-687-7200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joseph A. Cervantez, State’s Attorney Thursday, March 4, 2021

STATE’S ATTORNEY AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS REACT TO NEIGHBOR DISPUTE

On the evening of Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Joseph A. Cervantez, Jackson County State’s Attorney, received several complaints from the community about an ongoing neighbor dispute occurring just outside of the Murphysboro city limits. Concerned that it would only worsen, Cervantez, along with representatives from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, met with the concerned parties early Wednesday morning in his office.

The meeting produced a plan that would provide protection to the parties and investigate the allegations to the furthest extent allowable by the law. State’s Attorney Cervantez explained, “neighbor disputes often occur, but threats and racist slurs can quickly lead to violence that we must head off at the earliest possible moment. Every citizen should be able to live, work, and enjoy life in this community without the pain of discrimination, fear, or threat of violence.” He went on to add that “this is not just a neighbor problem. Situations like this affect our families, our children, and the entire community.”

On Wednesday March 3, State’s Attorney Cervantez fielded calls of concern from many community leaders about this dispute. After a follow-up investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Cervantez was able to visit and speak to the neighbor about the racist slurs. The neighbor willingly removed the writing. Additional allegations regarding this dispute are under review by the Jackson County State’s Office.

The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to listening to the concerns of the public and intervening when possible. Cervantez thanks the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Mayor Will Stephens, and State Senator Terri Bryant for their concerns and their support in a very difficult and unfortunate situation.

MURPHYSBORO MAN SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

MURPHYSBORO MAN SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Joseph A. Cervantez, Jackson County State’s Attorney, announced today that Commodore D. Jackson, 42, of Murphysboro, was sentenced to 17 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Jackson was found guilty in 2022 of Aggravated Battery with Use of a Deadly Weapon.

On March 4, 2022, the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office presented evidence that on Friday, November 5, 2021, at around 1:25 A.M., Carbondale Police Officers responded to 511 S. Illinois Avenue, Hanger 9, in Carbondale, regarding a stabbing. Jackson had stabbed the victim four times in the parking lot, following a verbal altercation inside the bar. The survivor was able to make his way back toward the front of Hanger 9 where emergency help was called. The Carbondale Police Department conducted the investigation, and the Murphysboro Police Department located and apprehended Jackson where he was transported to the Jackson County Jail on November 5, 2021.

A sentencing hearing was held on December 15, 2023, where arguments were made by Jackson County Assistant State’s Attorney Sophia M. Allen, as to sentencing recommendations. The court ultimately sentenced Jackson to a total of 17 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The investigation was led by the Carbondale Police Department and assisted by the Murphysboro Police Department and the Illinois State Police.

jackson county state's attorney

1001 Walnut Street
Murphysboro, IL 62966

618-687-7200

Hours of Operation

8am - 4pm
Monday through Friday
Closed on all Federal
and State holidays.

Jackson County State's Attorney's Office