Endorsements

"There is no one more experienced and committed to keeping Macon County safe than Jay Scott."

Jim Underwood

Chairman, Macon County Democratic Central Committee


ENDORSEMENTS OF ORGANIZATIONS

Carpenters Local #742

Carpenters Mid-Illinois Region Council

Decatur Building Trades Council
 
Glaziers Local Union #1168

Herald & Review - Editorial Board

IBEW Local #146

I.U.P.A.T. District Council #58

Laborers Local #159

Operation Engineers Local #965

Painters Local Union #288

Roofer Local #92

Teamster Union Local #279


ENDORSEMENTS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

Jack Ahola - Macon County State's Attorney

Thomas Schneider - Macon County Sheriff

Steve Bean - Macon County Clerk
 
Mary Tangney Eaton - Macon County Recorder


ENDORSEMENTS OF CRIME VICTIMS 

My son Brandon Read was shot March 29, 2007, and later died on April 1, 2007. While the state was preparing the case against the individuals that were responsible for his death First Assistant State’s Attorney Jay Scott took my family and me by the hand and helped prepare us for the difficult trials that we were facing, and reassured us that he was going to do everything in his power to get those three young men off the streets. He did just that! He fought hard for us and put the men responsible for his death and my family’s pain behind bars. I am proud of Jay Scott. He represented us well and gave us some closure and TRUE JUSTICE for my son Brandon R. Read.

Tara Read

This is a short letter to show our support for Jay Scott, a candidate for State’s Attorney. He was part of the team that prosecuted the individuals that murdered our daughter, Karyn Hearn. He is one of our good friends from that ordeal and continues to be today. We found Jay to be a tireless, energetic person, but with compassion, for the victim’s family. He, along with the others, worked months on this case, but I never heard him complain about any of the work that was required to get the job done. Any time that we had questions, and there were many, he would devote whatever time it took to find the answers and get back to us in a timely manner. He never acted like it was an imposition to help us with our concerns.

Donna and I have all the confidence that Jay would make a fine State’s Attorney for Macon County. We know, from experience, that he is the best possible candidate available to the voters of Macon County.

Thank you for your support.

Larry and Donna Hearn

Parents of murder victim Karyn Hearn, People v. Michael Slover, Sr., Michael Slover, Jr., and Jeanette Slover, Macon County case 2000-CF-140

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In 2007 my co-workers and I were victims of a violent crime. It was a crime that left us shaken, scared, and angry. Jay Scott helped us through the difficult process of before, during, and after the legal course of the suspects.

Jay Scott treated us with respect, patience, and compassion as we waited through the multiple trial delays and postponements. Jay and his staff were instrumental in helping us understand the process and deal with how it all progressed. Jay was diligent in getting all the facts and determining the appropriate justice for all parties involved.

Jay’s professionalism and respect for the law and the victims came through the entire process. I appreciate how he and his staff conducted this case and how he represented his office and the law.

Sarah Girard

Victim in the Felony Murder trial of People v. Steven Johnson, Macon County case 07-CF-792

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My personal experience with Jay Scott was one of diligence, compassion, and of the utmost integrity. He knows how to organize and lead a team in order to achieve a fair and just outcome of a case. I recommend Jay Scott for State’s Attorney.

Norma Marquis

Mother of murder victim Dawn Marquis, People v. William Richter, Macon County case 08-CF-1474

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I waited 42 years for my brother’s murderer to be brought to justice. Now, thanks to the efforts of Jay Scott, he is in prison where he belongs.

My brother was murdered in 1968 while working at a gas station in Blue Mound. He was shot to death because he witnessed and reported a drive-off theft of gasoline. The State’s Attorney who was in office at the time refused to charge and the case was closed. My family was devastated.

In 2009 Jay Scott re-opened the case, located living witnesses, and charged John J. Joynt III with the murder of my brother. He remained dedicated to the prosecution of the case from beginning to end.

Jay Scott is a great lawyer with the courage to make tough choices. I whole-heartedly support his candidacy for State’s Attorney of Macon County.

Otis Clark

Brother of murder victim Bruce Clark, People v. John J. Joynt, Macon County case 09-CF-754

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We never would have imagined that our family would ever need a prosecutor for any reason in our lives.  We are good people, we go to church, we pray every day and night, we would never do anything wrong to hurt anyone, and we try to treat people as we want to be treated.  Why would we ever need a prosecutor? 

Some people are put on this earth to do nothing but good.  We believe Jay Scott is one of those people.  He did exactly what he said he would do.  He brought the truth out in the trials and made the people that were guilty of wrongdoing pay for their crime.  He did not stop or give up to do justice in the case in which our grandson Brandon Read was murdered.  He is a true Law Man.  God sent us one of his best when he sent our grandson Brandon to us.  And God also sent his best to get justice for Brandon – Jay Scott.  It is very hard to live without Brandon in our lives but it would be unbearable if those who took his life were not punished.  Jay Scott gave this family consolation.

Who would have thought that little Decatur, Illinois would have such a great prosecutor?  Every man has a purpose and without a doubt this is one of Jay’s purposes.  Jay is a good, kind, very honest man, and an excellent prosecutor who cares about us all and lives to do nothing but good in this world.  One thing we know for sure he is helping keep the bad people off the streets of Macon County.

We thank you Jay Scott.  You are a blessing to this family and to Macon County. May God bless you and keep you all the days of your life!

 
Harvey and Geneal Williams

Grandparents of murder victim Brandon R. Read, People v. Christopher Graves, Thesis Jones,
and Emmanuel Lewis, Macon County case 07-CF-462


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In 2005 I was the victim of an attempted murder in which I was shot multiple times, which I feel lucky to have survived.  Jay Scott handled the prosecution of the shooter, Susan Wooten, from start to finish, and obtained a guilty verdict following a jury trial.  I would like to tell you what a help Jay Scott was and how he took the time to explain everything that was going on with the prosecution of the case.  He kept me very informed and I was quite impressed with how he handled the case and the way he presented the case in court.  I am grateful that he was the prosecutor.  It was nice to get some closure for all of that and to see that she will be serving some time for the crime she committed.

I would highly recommend Jay Scott for Macon County State’s Attorney.

Scott Taylor

Attempt (First Degree Murder) victim, People v. Susan Wooten, Macon County case 05-CF-1657

ENDORSEMENTS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT 

To Macon County Voters: 

I am writing this letter as a resounding display of support for First Assistant State’s Attorney Jay Scott in his quest to become your next Macon County State’s Attorney.  I have worked with Jay for over 22 years and during that time I have developed a great amount of respect for him and his abilities.

As a career prosecutor Jay has handled several major cases that our office has investigated, with a great amount of success.  When I was a young detective on our department, Jay would give us guidance to assist in our investigations.  Today as the First Assistant State’s Attorney he continues to guide us and assist us, so that we can better serve the citizens of Macon County.

Jay has dedicated his life and career to serving others and that is why I have the greatest amount of admiration for him.  He could have chosen to go into private practice, but he chose to be a career prosecutor to serve you.  Jay is familiar with every aspect of the State’s Attorney position, and with his experience Macon County would be a safer place with him leading the office in 2012.

I am proud to serve Macon County and I know that Jay shares that same commitment.  I support Jay Scott for State’s Attorney in 2012.

Sheriff Thomas Schneider

Macon County

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I recently learned that Jay Scott was interested in becoming the Macon County State’s Attorney.  I would highly recommend him for this position, without any reservation.

I recently retired as a Captain with the Illinois State Police, and worked with Jay Scott on several cases throughout my over 32 year career.  Many cases come to mind, but one in particular stands out.

On June 6, 2001, Vermilion County Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Myron G. Deckard was shot and killed on I-72 in Macon County by a prisoner he was transporting to the county jail.  Deputy Deckard had over 30 years of law enforcement experience with the Sheriff’s Department, and was well known and respected by the citizens of Vermilion County.  His death was a shock to the law enforcement community. 

I was the case agent in charge of investigating Sergeant Deckard’s death. I was very impressed with the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office, and in particular Jay Scott.  Jay took an active role, providing valuable insight and legal assistance, leaving “no stone unturned” and nothing to chance.  He was very professional and diligent in prosecuting Daniel Raines for the murder of Sergeant Deckard.  Because of Jay Scott’s actions, Daniel Raines received the death penalty for his heinous crime.  The entire law enforcement community, citizens of Vermilion County, and myself, are very proud of Jay securing a conviction.        

Jay Scott has been with the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office for a long time and has the skills and abilities to run the office.  He is a prosecutor’s prosecutor and has the utmost respect of law enforcement throughout the area.  The citizens of Macon County should be very proud of Jay Scott.  He is an excellent candidate for Macon County State’s Attorney.  

Captain Jerry Culp (Retired)

Illinois State Police

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I have been fortunate to work for the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office for over 38 years.  In that period of time I have worked with many State’s Attorneys and testified in several different counties, including Macon County.  I was part of the Karyn Hearn Slover Task Force and worked closely with the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office for 6 years.  I was impressed by the dedication and attention to detail that the attorneys in that office provided the citizens of Macon County.

Jack Ahola has set the bar high for the office and Jay Scott has been a member of his prosecution team for many years.  I am confident Jay will continue to vigorously pursue justice for victims of crime.  The Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office deserves nothing but the best and I believe Jay Scott is that person.

 
Sheriff Jeff Thomas

Moultrie County

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To the citizens of Macon County, Illinois:  

I enthusiastically encourage you to vote for Mr. Jay Scott for Macon County State’s Attorney.  I retired from the Illinois State Police in 2010 and was formerly in charge of ISP investigations in a 12 county area encompassing Macon County, and also served as the Statewide Investigations Administrator.

I worked with Mr. Scott for over a decade while he served as a prosecutor in the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office.  In that capacity Mr. Scott prosecuted hundreds of violent/drug crimes investigated by Task Force X, a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement unit based in Macon County.

The men and women in my command worked closely with Mr. Scott on two significant murder cases which happened in Macon County.  Mr. Scott worked countless hours over a period of years to ensure that justice was served on behalf of the people of Macon County.

The first case involved the murder of Karyn Hearn Slover, a young Decatur mother.  Karyn was brutally murdered, dismembered, and her body was thrown away in trash bags.  The successful investigation and prosecution of this case was directly related to Mr. Scott and the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office’s tireless efforts over a period of 6 years.

The second case involved the murder of Vermilion County Deputy Sergeant Myron Deckard as he transported a prisoner, Daniel Raines, through Macon County.  Mr. Scott worked closely with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement officers during the investigation and prosecution of this case.  Raines was convicted of First Degree Murder and sentenced to death by a Macon County jury.

Mr. Jay Scott is an extremely talented prosecutor who has quietly served the citizens of Macon County for over 23 years.  Mr. Scott is an honest, dependable, tenacious, and faithful
servant of the people.  

Respectfully, 

Captain Steven M. Fermon (Retired)

Illinois State Police
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To The Citizens of Macon County,

For over 20 years I have had the distinct honor to work side by side with First Assistant, Jay Scott.  It didn't matter the time of day or night, if law enforcemnt requested his guidance or assistance, he was available.  Some criminal cases need quick response and resolve and some were drawn out and methodical. Whichever way, Jay Scott would act in the best interests of crime victims and their families.

As our careers evolved together, I witnessed firsthand the wonderful dedication and professionalism that First Assistant, Jay Scott has provided to law enforcement and the countless successful convictions which provided a safer Macon County.

As a life-long resident of Macon County I take great pride in the current leadership in the Macon County State's Attorney's Office, as I want a safe and productive community for my family.  Without hesitation, I will be supporting First Assistant, Jay Scott as he has proven over and over he wants what is best for the citizens of Macon County.

Chief Deputy Ed Culp (Retired)

Macon County Sheriffs Office